Essential Items Every Parent Should Get For Their Newborn Baby

Welcoming a newborn baby is both thrilling and challenging. As you prepare for your little one's arrival, gathering essential items might feel overwhelming. This guide covers must-have items every parent should consider, making your transition into parenthood smoother and more enjoyable.

Sleep Essentials

One of the top priorities for any new parent is creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment for their baby.

Crib or Bassinet

A safe sleep environment is essential. Investing in a crib or bassinet gives your newborn a secure space to rest. Look for options certified by safety standards, such as those meeting ASTM F1169 for cribs or CPSC regulations for bassinets. For example, a compact crib like the DaVinci Kalani Crib is highly rated for safety and space-saving, making it ideal for smaller rooms. I have heard mixed reviews on the Halo Luxe Swivel Sleeper Bassinet which comes with all the bells and whistles like vibration and soothing sounds, but it comes at a high cost and some babies still aren't able to sleep well. A simple bassinet like the Baby Delight Dreamer Bassinet might be a great option in the beginning before switching over to a crib in a few months.

Sound Machine

A sound machine can be a valuable tool for helping newborns settle and sleep more soundly. The gentle, consistent background noise mimics the soothing sounds of the womb, creating a calming environment that can ease fussiness and reduce startle reflexes. It also helps block out household or environmental noises, making it easier for babies to stay asleep longer and develop more consistent sleep patterns. The Hatch sound machine also doubles as a night light where you can control the brightness. This dim lighting feature is super helpful during late night diaper changes.

Swaddles and Sleep Sacks

Swaddling keeps babies snug, mimicking the womb's comfort. Grab a few swaddles made from breathable cotton or bamboo. Brands like Halo offer swaddles with adjustable fasteners. Sleep sacks are also excellent, providing warmth while allowing movement. Statistics show that babies sleep 1.5 hours longer at night on average when swaddled correctly.

A snug infant sleep sack ideal for a newborn.

Diapering Necessities

Diapers are essential and will quickly become part of your daily routine.

Diapers & Wipes

Newborns typically use 10 to 12 diapers a day. If you opt for disposable diapers, stocking up is wise; consider purchasing an economy box from brands like The Honest Brand, Pampers or Huggies. For cloth diapers, a supply of 20-24 cloth diapers will usually meet your needs. Typically, your baby will outgrown newborn clothes and diapers in a couple of months. Therefore, a good estimation of newborn diapers needed would be 12 diapers x 62 days (31 days x 2) = 744 newborn diapers total (or 620 diapers if 10 diapers used a day). In addition, you'll need plenty of baby wipes to get the job done. Once you have found the baby wipes you prefer, you could bulk order them as well. Water Wipes or The Honest Brand work well on sensitive skin.

Pro-tip: Automate your life by setting up an Amazon Subscribe & Save for the convenience.

Diaper Changing Station

Setting up a designated area for diaper changes is crucial for organization. A changing table like Delta Children’s Changing Table, which features built-in storage, can make a significant difference. Alternatively, a portable changing pad can be very handy for on-the-go changes.

A well-stocked diaper changing station can make diaper duty smoother, faster, and more comfortable for both you and your baby. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand: diapers, wipes, diaper cream, changing pad, and a disposal system like the Ubbi steel diaper pail or the Munchkin diaper pail. If you go with the Munchkin or Diaper Genie, go ahead and bulk order the bag refills to have them on hand when you need it.

Feeding Supplies

Feeding plays a vital and constant role in your newborn’s daily life, supporting their growth and development—whether you choose breastfeeding, formula, or a combination of both.

Bottles and Nipples

If you're bottle-feeding, choose a variety of bottles and nipples. Babies often have preferences; having bottles from brands like Dr. Brown's or Tommee Tippee can help you find the right match for your baby’s needs.

Cleaning Supplies

A baby bottle cleaning set is an essential purchase for maintaining your baby’s health and hygiene. Bottles, nipples, and pump parts need thorough, frequent cleaning to prevent the buildup of milk residue and harmful bacteria. A dedicated set—typically including brushes, nipple cleaners, and drying racks—is specially designed to reach all the tiny crevices that standard dish tools often miss. By ensuring every feeding item is properly sanitized, a bottle cleaning set helps you keep your baby’s feeding routine safe, efficient, and stress-free.

Breastfeeding Gear

For breastfeeding mothers, a good quality breast pump such as the Spectra S1, the Willow 360, or the Momcozy wearable pump can help maintain your milk supply. Additionally, nursing pads and a comfy breastfeeding pillow can make feeding sessions easier and more enjoyable. If privacy is important to you, consider a breathable nursing cover up.

Formula

Choosing the right baby formula is an important decision, as every baby has unique nutritional needs and sensitivities. With so many options available—ranging from cow’s milk-based to hypoallergenic or plant-based formulas—it’s essential to research and consult with your pediatrician to find the best fit. Some babies may thrive on standard formulas, while others may need a specialized version due to issues like reflux, gas, or allergies. Understanding ingredients, preparation guidelines, and how your baby responds to a formula can help ensure they’re getting the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.

For new mothers it might take some time for your body to start producing milk. I found it very comforting to have a small amount of ready to feed formula on hand.

Clothing Essentials

Your newborn requires a simple yet functional wardrobe.

Onesies and Sleepers

Opt for soft, comfortable onesies (or bodysuits) for daytime wear. Brands like Gerber offer affordable options made from gentle cotton. Pair them with sleep sacks at night to keep your baby warm. A range of sizes, especially from newborn to 3 months, is advisable as babies grow quickly. Speaking from experience, the Gerber brand runs slightly smaller than Carter's clothing which is beneficial at the newborn age but not so much afterwards.

Hats and Mittens

Hats are crucial for keeping your baby's head warm, particularly in cooler weather. Lightweight cotton or fleece options are ideal. Additionally, baby mittens can prevent your little one from scratching their face during those early weeks, as newborns have sharp nails.

Bath Time Gear

Bathing a newborn can be overwhelming, but the right tools can simplify the process.

Baby Bathtub

A baby bathtub makes bath time safer and more manageable. Look for an option like the Napei Collapsible Bathtub, which has a soft mesh sling for newborns, a thermometer and can pack up to take on the go. Another popular option is the Angelcare Baby Bath Support. With either option you can ensure the baby is well-supported and comfortable.

Gentle Bath Products

Select hypoallergenic, baby-friendly products that are free from harsh chemicals. A mild shampoo and body wash, such as Aveeno Baby Wash & Shampoo, will keep your baby's sensitive skin clean without causing irritation.

Health and Safety Items

Ensuring the health and safety of your newborn is critically important.

Thermometer

A digital thermometer is crucial for monitoring your baby’s temperature, especially when they seem unwell. A reliable option, like the Braun Ear Thermometer, can give accurate readings in seconds.

Baby Nail Clippers

Newborns grow at an exponential rate and so do their finger nails. Investing in a couple pairs of baby nail clippers is highly suggested because these things tend to disappear quickly. The Frida Baby Snipper Clipper make the task easier with a nick-free design.

Pro-tip: These always seem to get lost when you need them. I would buy at least two pairs to have around.

Baby Monitor

Investing in a baby monitor allows you to keep an eye (and ear) on your sleeping baby from another room. There are so many different options to choose from that come with various features. A video monitor, like the Nanit Smart Baby Monitor, provides additional peace of mind, allowing you to check on your baby's breathing, track sleep patterns and will even send notifications to your phone when crying is detected via the app.

A baby monitor ensuring safety during sleep time.

Essential Travel Gear

Getting out with a newborn requires preparation, even for simple errands.

Infant Car Seat

An infant car seat is non-negotiable for any parent. Options like the Chicco KeyFit 30 meet safety standards and are user-friendly. Ensure it fits properly in your vehicle; many manufacturers offer car seat fit guides. The Graco 4Ever DLX Slim 4-in-1 is a car seat that grows with your baby from an infant to toddler. Around the one year old mark, we constantly traveled with the Graco DLX Slim car seat inside of the Chicco Car Seat Travel Bag.

On the other hand, some car seats are built and designed to fit into a stroller like the UPPAbaby Mesa v3 infant car seat that clips into the UPPAbaby strollers. This feature is ideal for when your baby falls asleep while you're out—you won’t have to wake them for a transfer. With the push of a button, you can lift the carrier and click it directly into the car seat base, making the transition smooth and effortless.

Stroller

A stroller provides mobility for you and your baby, whether it’s a simple umbrella stroller or a travel system. The Baby Jogger City Mini combines ease of use and comfort, making it a favorite among parents for outings. Two standout stroller brands you can confidently choose from are the UPPAbaby Vista V3 and the Mockingbird Single-to-Double. The Vista V3 is known for its exceptional durability, smooth handling, and impressive undercarriage storage—perfect for packing everything you might need on your newborn’s first outing. The Mockingbird offers a similar design and functionality, with the added benefit of an easy one-hand folding function. Both options are smart investments that can grow with your family if you plan to have more children.

Navigating the Journey Ahead

Preparing for a newborn can feel overwhelming. However, having the necessary items can significantly improve your experience as a new parent. Focus on the essentials, ensuring your baby's safety and comfort without stressing over every detail.

As you gather these items, remember every baby is unique, and adapting along the way is perfectly natural. With the right preparation, patience, and love, parenting can be a rewarding and joyous journey.

Acknowledging individual preferences is key; choose what best fits your lifestyle and your baby's needs. Happy parenting!