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Newborn Must-Haves
Congrats! You’re pregnant and can’t wait for your little bundle of joy to arrive!
You start thinking of names, and all the stuff you want to do when the baby arrives.
Then it hits you of all the stuff you’ll need and a tiny bit of panic sets in! Wow, so much stuff for such a teenie little human.
But is all that stuff you see for newborns needed? Well, I’m happy to tell you that it is not! Companies know the vulnerable, soft hearts, and flooding new emotions of new mothers, and play on that!
Don’t get me wrong, you’ll definitely start seeing baby stuff all around your house, but you just don’t need every new gadget they come out with.
See the newborn must-haves below!
Newborn Must-Haves
In the Nursery:
Crib/ Bassinet – We never used a bassinet; they grow so fast that we just skipped them. Once we had our twins, we knew space would be limited, so we decided on this 4-in-1 mini crib. It grows with your child and converts from a newborn crib to a toddler bed, a daybed, and a twin bed!
They are the best! Safe, (meets all safety requirements) comfortable, and spacious. Great space saver if you’re looking to save some space!
Crib mattress – This Dream On Me Holly 3” Lightweight Mini Crib Mattress is perfect! You’ll need a nice firm mattress for your baby to sleep on. Very important you make sure you get a firm mattress that fits the regulations. Important for preventing SIDS and other health concerns. Make sure you pay attention to the size. Most are standard crib size, but if you get a mini crib, make sure you get a mini crib mattress as well.
Fitted Crib Sheet – Don’t forget the fitted crib sheets. You want them fitted, so they stay nicely tucked under the mattress. These are the 100% Cotton soft-fitted mini-crib sheets I ordered.
Swaddle blankets – There are different options for swaddle blankets. I have the Muslin Swaddle Blankets where you get 4 in a pack and are multi-functional. You can lay your baby down on them when taking a nap, or drape over you when needed. It’s just nice to have extra blankets around due to spitup, blowouts, etc.
You may want to check out the HALO Sleep Sack, people love them and feel their newborns sleep better when wrapped in them!
Rocking chair– This Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider works great in the nursery! I didn’t have one for my first but received one for my twins and it’s a game changer.
Changing table – I found this to be a lifesaver when in the nursery. It’s nice to have a firm and designated area to change the baby. Mine was attached to the baby’s dresser so it was a very convenient 2-in-1.
I can’t find the exact one, but this Baby Changing Table with Laundry Hamper, 3 Storage Baskets, and Pad is pretty similar. It’s all about saving space and having things that do more than 1 thing!
Changing pad/ changing pad covers– This Summer Contoured Changing Pad holds up well, and still looks new almost 4 years later! It has raised sides which is great for when your little one starts to roll…and they will! As my daughter grew into toddlerhood, she would use this as a sleeping cot and take a nap on the floor! It’s definitely a big size, so as they grow, they will still fit on it.
Jersey Knit Ultra Soft Unisex Diaper Change Table Sheets are super soft even after years of washing! (I now use it for my twins) Two is all you need. 1 on the pad and 1 as an extra for accidents.
Dresser – To store their clothes. I can’t remember the exact one I purchased, but it was a vertical 5 drawer dresser (to save space). Similar to this 5-drawer dresser chest.
Baby Monitor- This HelloBaby Monitor with a Camera is a newborn must-have for sure! There are lots of different options from high-priced to low-priced. Just check and see what’s best for you! This is a great option that works well for only $69.
Black-out curtains – Some might see these as optional too but trust me they are needed! Anything that helps the baby stay asleep even 10 more minutes is a necessity! These Nursery Essential Blackout Curtains are a great option!
Baby Gear- Newborn Must-Haves:
Car seat – A staple necessity item and newborn must-have! This Safety 1st® Onboard 35 LT Infant Car Seat, is a great option. After all, you’ll need this to leave the hospital. We had premature twins so they had to pass a car seat test before we could leave the hospital. I would recommend one that also clicks into your stroller, which makes life way easier!
Stroller– This Baby Trendz Stroller also contains a car seat! This is the best way to go because the car seat can easily click into the stroller! Convenient!
This Graco Double Stroller also contains a bench set and standing option and fits the standard click-it car seat!
Car seat cover– This Breathable Canopy Cover is a great option. They make winter and lightweight covers for spring and summer. They’re perfect for keeping germs and of course the elements of the weather from your baby.
Baby car mirror – Great to watch your little one in the back while you’re driving.
Baby lounger- This Baby Lounger for newborns where my babies slept the first few months, (DockATot knock-off for a fraction of the price) does the same thing and babies sleep just as well! A newborn must have! Also great for taking with you if you are traveling and easy to carry around the house for naps!
Baby Swing – I would consider this a necessary item! I love this Ingenuity 6-Speed Baby Swing. A great newborn must have and safe place to put your baby when you need to put them down. This is the one that I used and still use almost 4 years later, so it holds up well!
Activity Mat- Good for new babies to lay on and give them a little activity since they’re not doing much else! Eners Baby Gym is a good option and will still entertain your baby as they grow!
Baby Bouncer – This Ingenuity baby bouncer is very comfortable and is great for newborns to 6 months! (Mine used them longer than 6 months)
Baby Carrier – Love this Infantino 4-in-1 convertible carrier for newborns! Great for when you want your baby close, but also need to be hands-free!
Boppy Pillow/ Twin Z Pillow – Boppy Original Support Nursing Pillow & Twin Z The Pillow – 6 uses in 1 Twin Pillow. These are great for feedings, bottles, or breasts. Practicing tummy time, and also act as a lounge spot for your baby. Great even if no twins but other children.
Related Article: Twin Z Pillow-8 Reasons You Need One
Bath Time Newborn Must Haves:
Baby bath – This First Years’ Bathtub is easy to use and grows with baby from infant until toddler.
Brush/comb set – Safety 1st Easy Grip Brush and Comb
Hooded towel – Bamboo baby bath towel is soft and perfect for after bath time.
Baby soap/ shampoo/ lotion – This Aveeno Bath time Gift Set is a great gift to add to your registry and has everything in one pack. I preferred the two- in – 1’s, shampoo and bath wash. They work well for newborns!
I also use coconut oil to moisturize my babies. Works great for cradle cap and flaky skin.
Happy Belly Organic Unrefined Virgin Coconut Oil is great for baby and mommy’s stomach.
Newborn Clothing Must Haves:
Tip: *Make sure all clothing is weather-appropriate for the age. You don’t want newborn-sized summer outfits if your baby was born in January.
Onesies/ sleepers – These standard 8-pack onesies will do the trick!
Newborn Mittens – These Burt’s Bees Baby Mittens are great and have elastic around the wrist that keeps them from falling off! My babies were always scratching their little faces, so I always put the mittens on them!
Hats – Nursery Hats– You’ll get these at the hospital, but if you’re not in the hospital or want your own these mimic the hospital hats!
Socks– A newborn must have to keep their feet warm! – Newborn Socks
Baby hangers – I used these 60 pack baby hangers for my babies’ clothes. You’ll need little hangers to hang up those tiny clothes.
Baby Detergent– Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent. Love the smell of this stuff!
Laundry Hamper – Collapsible Round Laundry Hamper
Diapering Newborn Must Haves:
Diapers– Obviously an absolute newborn must have! Make sure you put down different sizes on your registry, they grow so fast. You don’t want all newborn diapers and then have zero that fit when they outgrow them.
Wipes – You’ll need lots of these! I preferred Pampers Aqua Pure Sensitive Baby Wipes. They are natural, unscented, and water-based. They make all kinds with different scents, but I wanted something fresh for their little tooshie.
Diaper rash cream – The best diaper rash cream I have found is Boudreaux’s Butt Paste! It works like a charm and within the first use, you’ll see a difference. It’s also good for prevention to rub on at night if you choose! Trust me, you’ll want some creme!
Medicine Cabinet Must Haves:
Baby Tylenol – Infants Tylenol
Gripe water– Mommy’s Bliss Gripe Water was a lifesaver for me in the middle of the night when my babies were gassy and fussy!
Thermometer – Forehead Thermometer – Very important on newborn must-haves list! Baby fevers can spike quickly! Have one in your medicine kit! You can also use a rectal thermometer if comfortable, this Rectal Oral and underarm Thermometer will work well. Rectal thermometers are said to have a more accurate read!
Nose Frida– NoseFrida the Snotsucker is the best! Absolutely a newborn must-have! Buy one of these and thank me later!
Baby nail clippers – Safety 1stSteady Fold-Up Nail Clippers were my favorite! Very easy to hold and use due to its slender shape!
Feedings:
Pacifier/ Bottles/ Bottles Cleaners – Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow® Anti-Colic Baby Bottle and Bottle Brush, 2 Pack.
Philips AVENT Soothie Pacifier
Bibs – Cute Organic Baby Bandana Bibs for spitting up, drooling, and teething. These were a must for me.
Silicone Baby Bibs are great for when they start solids a little later on. All the food catches in the bib for easy cleanup!
Breastfeeding Essentials: *A lot of insurance companies offer a free breast pump (of your choosing) to expecting mothers! Check to see if your insurance offers this! That’s how I got mine!
- Breast pump and parts – Make sure you get the right pump for you and don’t forget to get extra parts if something stops working. It’s also important to get the right size flanges (cups that go over your boobs.) The incorrect suction size can affect your letdown.
- Breastmilk storage bags – You will need plenty of these. Especially when your milk starts to come in. I have used both the Lansinoh bags and Parents Choice. Both work well, just don’t overfill your bags.
- Nursing Bra -Hands-free pumping bra. These are great and allow you to do other things while pumping. I ordered this 2-pack nursing bra almost 4 years ago and they are both still holding up.
- This Momcozy hands-free pumping bra is another popular choice! But as long as it fits well and holds your pumps in place, I don’t think which one you choose matters much.
- Nipple cream – This stuff is a lifesaver. With all the pumping and feedings, you will need this cream for your nips! it works wonders and heals them quickly! I swear by this Lanolin nipple creme, it will heal your nips quickly!!
- Nipple covers (aka nursing pads) –These are the nipple covers I use, and they work great! You will need these to place inside your bra so that when leaking happens (and it will) you will have something to catch it.
This might seem a little overwhelming, but it will all come together! There will always be things that you don’t get now, but you might decide you want later. And some things you’ll get now and then decide you don’t need it Afterall.
It’s all a learning experience in the new motherhood game! Don’t stress, follow your intuition, and relax.
You got this!
What are some newborn must-haves that are on your list? Please share in the comments below!
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