If you have a baby on the way, you probably started thinking about the baby essentials you’ll need in the upcoming months. Some things are obvious like clothing, bottles, and diapers, but other baby essentials are easier to overlook. That’s why I’ve put together a baby essentials list so you can put your mind as ease and focus on other upcoming adventures like deciding on your baby’s name.
Baby Essentials List
Clothing
Onesies
This is the one piece of clothing you’ll use the most during your child’s first year. Onesies that snap between the legs are easy to put on and take off your baby, especially when they have a “blowout”. You should have at least four onesies for each different size group.
Pants
Keep your baby’s legs warm with a pair of pants over their onesie. Footies can be a great option in pants to avoid wearing socks.
Miracle Baby makes an array of pants, onesies, and other baby clothes basics to keep your baby warm and cozy.
Socks
You’ll definitely want to make sure your baby’s feet are warm. Newborn babies don’t necessarily need to wear shoes, but socks are a necessity.
Hats
Babies lose a lot of heat through their heads so keep your baby’s head cozy with a hat, especially when they are newborns.
Sweaters and Coats
A good coat or sweater is definitely a baby essential. You don’t want your precious little one getting cold.
Sleepers or Swaddles
To help your baby sleep soundly and comfortably, dress them in soft pajamas or sleepers. Additionally, you can opt for a onesie and wrap them in a swaddle. Babies love the warmth and comfort of being swaddled. Good swaddle clothes are an important item on your baby essentials list.
My favorite swaddle choices include:
Woombie
This 22-award winning baby swaddle mimics the feeling and security of the womb. The best part of Woombie is the ease of use. No more wrapping and re-wrapping swaddle blankets. Woombie’s unique design keeps baby comfortable. Simply put baby in, snap, and zip.
Miracle Baby
The number-one Pediatrician-recommended alternative to traditional swaddling in the world, the Miracle Blanket makes it easy to get the perfect swaddle every time. Your baby will sleep better, longer, and will be less fussy. The fabric is a super soft cotton knit selected because it’s breathable so that it can be used in warm climates while still being luxurious enough to keep your baby warm in cooler places. It has just enough stretch to absorb your baby’s movements without coming undone but it’s not so stretchy that it won’t stay tight. Most importantly, it stands up to constant use and washing.
Nursery Room Essentials
Crib and/or Bassinet
A place for your baby to sleep is essential. Some parents prefer a crib, but other folks like to use a bassinet, which allows your baby to sleep in the same room as you.
Bassinets or mini cribs are also great for tiny nurseries, but your baby will outgrow them sooner than later. If you have the room, a standard crib will last longer.
I’d suggest having a versatile bassinet so your baby can sleep next to you at birth, but go with one that converts into something else for further use. The Joovy Coo is an excellent option. Starting from birth, the bassinet will hold babies until they reach 15 pounds. When you want to use it as a playpen, simply unzip the divider and transfer the mattress to the bottom. It can be used as a playpen until your child is 35”.
Hibinate Bassinet Bouncer is another multi-functional bassinet option. It functions as a bassinet, rocker bouncer with two modes of use, and newborn portable baby bassinet.
Crib Sheets
Choose soft sheets that fit snugly on your baby’s mattress pad.
Mattress Pad
A firm mattress pad that fits your baby’s crib is essential.
Baby Monitor
A baby monitor is essential if your baby won’t be sleeping in the same room as you. Video monitors are an effective way to keep on eye on your baby at night.
You’ll want to consider the VAVA Video Baby Monitor. From anywhere in the house or the yard, you can see your baby with the VAVA Video Baby Monitor. It even monitors the room temperature and comes with night vision.
Changing Supplies
Diapers
Both cloth diapers and disposable diapers have their advantages. No matter which you choose, diapers are definitely essential and you’ll need to keep plenty of them on hand.
I’ve tried various diaper brands and always found LUVS work best for overnight diapers.
Wipes
You’ll need to properly clean your baby’s bottom every time you change their diaper so wipes are essential. They also come in hand for spills or dirty hands.
Kirkland Signature Baby Wipes have been my go-to wipes for the last eight years.
Feeding
Bottles And Nipples
Whether for breastmilk or formula, bottles and nipples need to be on your baby essentials list.
Minbie is the closest nipple to breastfeeding so it’s on the top of my baby essentials list. Minbie offers exceptional support for the mother-baby breastfeeding bond, because babies “milk” the Minbie nipple like the breast. As babies work for the feed from the Minbie, they are practicing a proper, more comfortable breastfeeding latch. Minbie nipples also offer a superior anti-colic and anti-reflux system.
Formula
It’s best to breastfeed exclusively for at least the first 6 months, but if you can’t or you choose to formula feed, be sure to keep plenty of formula on hand.
Enfamil baby formula was given to us at the hospital and it remained our brand for as long as we used formula.
Baby food
You won’t need solid baby food at first, but you can start mixing baby food into your baby’s diet around six months old.
High Chair
Although you’re a few months away from needing a high chair, it will eventually make it to your baby essentials list. You’ll want one that grows with your child and enables quick adjustments of the seat and footrest.
The Beyond Junior Y high chair by Abiie is ultra-modern and designed to grow with your child. It’s sturdy, easily adjustable, offers a 3 or 5 point harness, water resistant, and super easy to clean. Plus, it looks good in your house.
Bath Supplies
Baby Bathtub
Having a baby bathtub makes bath time a breeze.
The Puj Tub is made from a soft foam that folds and conforms to almost any sink. It cradles and protects the baby during bath time so you can feel confident about your baby being comfy while you focus on bathing and bonding. Durable magnets keep the tub’s shape while in use, for a custom fit in standard size sinks. When not in use, the tub can hang flat for easy drying.
Towels
Via Puj
You’ll need soft towels to dry your baby after bath time. Hooded towels are both cute and a great way to keep your baby warm after coming out of the bath.
The Puj hug baby hooded towel allows you to safely and comfortably dry your baby with both hands free. The towel stays secure around your neck using interlocking silicone tabs. It’s ideal for newborn babies when you want to have your hand on the baby rather than the towel.
Washcloths
Use gentle, baby-specific washcloths for your baby’s extra soft skin.
Travel Items
Car Seat
Car seats are a newborn baby essential. Make sure to have a car seat installed well before your baby’s due date. You can’t take your baby home without a properly installed car seat.
Check out the B-Free Sport & Endeavours Travel System that comes with the the Britax Endeavours Infant Car Seat. The car seat is made with 2 layers of side impact protection, SafeCell technology, a steel frame, and an anti-rebound bar. It’s perfect for protecting your precious cargo.
Stroller
No one wants to carry their baby everywhere they go so a stroller makes the baby essentials list. There are so many things to consider when choosing a stroller. These are three of my favorites:
The Joovy Qool Stroller
The Joovy Qool Stroller is as versatile as your family and a great stroller option, especially for newborns since you can order it with a bassinet and families with multiple, younger children. It grows from a single to double to triple in one stroller. It has a ton of optional accessories and add-ons to make your stroller exactly what you need it to be. With over 50 different configurations, it can fill so many of your stroller needs.
Via Britax
B-Free Sport & Endeavours Travel System
Additionally, the B-Free Sport & Endeavours Travel System is an amazing full travel system option. The B-Free Travel System combines the safety of the Britax Endeavours Infant Car Seat with the flexibility of the B-Free stroller. The stroller has seven pockets and an extra-large storage basket. The expandable canopy protects your baby from the sun, and 3-wheel configuration provides ultimate maneuverability. The Endeavours Infant Car Seat has the next-level Britax safety technologies that protect your baby beyond standards, plus an easy and secure installation with or without the base. It’s the ultimate travel option.
Zoe Traveler XLC Stroller
For travel lovers and parents on the go, the Zoe Traveler XLC Stroller is going to be their new bestie. The lightweight, durable aluminum frame weights in at only 11 pounds. The Traveler XLC is a well-built stroller that features the easiest one-hand fold, fits in a backpack, and can be stored in nearly every overhead bin on airplanes. It can even be carried as a backpack itself. Even if parents already have a stroller or travel system or they hardly travel at all, this would make the perfect addition for any expecting family. It weights about the same as a bag of groceries. Who wouldn’t want that?
First-Aid Supplies
Baby Thermometer
There are several different types of baby thermometers on the market. It’s helpful to have one handy for when you think your little one might be sick or the pediatrician asks you to take their temperature before going in for an appointment.
Baby Medicine
Ask your pediatrician about what baby medicine you should keep on hand. And don’t forget to check expiration dates every so often and restock as needed!
Other Essentials
Pacifier
Pacifiers are especially helpful when your baby begins teething.
Nice to Have
Changing Station
A sturdy changing station may not be 100% essential, but it will definitely make life much easier. Opt for one with a high edge to keep your baby safely inside while changing.
Diaper Pail
When you have a stinky diaper on your hands, it helps to have a diaper pail within reach.
The Ubbi diaper pail is made of steel to achieve maximum odor control. It is equipped with rubber seals that are strategically designed to lock in odors as well as a sliding lid that minimizes air disruption, keeping the smell inside the pail.
Rocking Chair
Between story time, feeding your baby, and late-night rocking, you’ll spend a lot of time in a rocking chair or glider. Pick a comfy one!
Munchoo by Astoot
No more chomping on painted wood – let your baby alleviate teething pain with this soft, fun, and perfectly safe toy. The ASTOOT Crib Rail Cover Protector for chewing is a safe teething guard wrap for standard cribs. It protects baby from paint chips, splinters, and chemicals from biting at the crib. It’s colorful, washable, and easy to use.
Additionally, if you’re using a second-hand crib, it’s ideal for covering up any previous bite marks or other imperfections in the crib rails.
Swimsuit
Once again, depending on the season, where you live, and your family’s favorite pastimes, you may want to have a baby swimsuit on hand.
Playpen
It’s important for your baby to have a special little place to play.
Rather than purchasing a playpen that is just a playpen, I opted for the Joovy Coo that functions as a playpen and a bassinet.
Swing, Walker, Or Baby Bouncer
Babies love to play in a baby bouncer, swing gently, or wander around the house with support from a baby walker.
Baby Carrier
A baby carrier or baby sling makes travel and daily outings easy. Plus, babies love being held close.
Diaper Bag
Use a diaper bag to hold all the things you might need when you’re out and about.
Nail Clippers
You’ll need something to keep your baby’s tiny fingernails in check so they don’t scratch their face or sensitive skin.
Breast pump
Breast pumps are extremely convenient and allow you to always have a bottle of milk on hand.
Bibs
No matter how careful you are, milk, spit-up, and baby food will get everywhere. Put a bib on your baby to avoid an outfit change every time they eat.
Burp Cloths
Avoid staining your clothes by always having a burp cloth handy.
Sound Machine
Sound and white noise machines help babies get to sleep by providing soothing sounds. There are plenty of options but here are my three favorites:
Rohm Travel Sound Machine
Via Marpac
The Rohm Travel Sound Machine effectively cancels out noises that may disturb or distract for improved sleep and concentration and it comes in a portable design making it perfect for at home or during travel. You can choose from bright white noise, deep white noise, or gentle surf, then set your volume – anywhere from whisper-quiet to impressively robust. At just 3.5″ in diameter and 3.8 ounces, Rohm fits easily in a carry-on bag or backpack and comes with a lanyard for easy handling or hanging.
Baby Shusher
Baby Shusher breaks a baby’s crying spell by engaging his or her natural calming reflex. The rhythmic shush is like inside the womb, where there is a constant inundation of loud sounds from Mom’s body. These in utero noises can be up to 95 dBs, just like to the sound of a very loud vacuum cleaner. While the noises are loud inside Mom, Baby Shusher is well within the recommended sounds levels, specifically to protect baby’s delicate ears.
Hatch Baby
Via Hatch.co
Hatch Baby’s Rest+ is a sound machine, night light, time-to-rise, and audio monitor. You can select from a library of snooze-inducing sounds and white noise, choose from a rainbow of colors to make it your own, and set programs to cue your child for tricky transitions like naps, bedtime, and morning. Additionally, you can listen and talk to your child through your phone. It’safe and secure to ensure your privacy and no extra gadgets are necessary.
Waterproof Crib Pad
A waterproof crib pad will prevent the mattress from getting dirty if your baby’s diaper leaks or if they spit up during the night. (I like to double make the bed with a fitted sheet and crib pad and then another sheet and crib pad underneath. That way, when the first set gets wet or dirty in the middle of the night, I don’t need to spend quality sleep time making the bed.)
Diaper Rash Cream
Diaper Rash Cream will keep your baby’s bottom just as soft as it should be while also helping to protect against diaper rash.
Toys, Toys, and More Toys
Every baby loves to be entertained by baby toys, rattles, and play gyms. Toys also help with developmental skills like head control, social emotional skills, self-awareness, hand-eye coordination, and oral exploration. For a great list of toys for your child’s first year, check out 15 TOYS FOR BABY’S FIRST YEAR.
