Found out you or someone you love is pregnant? Then congratulations are in order. Yet, it’s known that with pregnancy comes a lot of baggage! Getting used to the hormonal changes, body changes, and new needs for you and your baby take up a huge amount of your thoughts. So, because pregnancy and preparing for your new family member can be a little overwhelming, Mom, Baby and More has decided to put together a baby essentials list to make your journey easier and more enjoyable.
The below suggestions are based on my personal experience as a mom of 3 and tons of research that made my life with a newborn much more bearable. To be clear, when saying baby essentials, I speak of all the important things that will facilitate your life as a new mom and will help you and your partner throughout this journey, because what a baby truly needs is food, sleep, diapers, and a whole lot of love!
To make it easier to navigate and keep track, the baby essentials will be divided into categories covering the areas of feeding, clothing, diapering, travel gear, bathing, health, nursery, and entertainment. The items listed below are most suitable for moms of newborns up to 6 months as when the baby grows older, their needs and lifestyles develop. Don’t forget to download the FREE PRINTABLE BABY ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST for easy access.
Feeding:
As I mentioned before, one of the basic needs for your baby is eating. Thus, feeding them is an essential part of motherhood. Consider the below items for baby feeding time to make the process smoother.
- Nursing Cover: Having a nursing cover, which comes with a strap you can tie around your neck to keep it in place, helps shelter you and your little one while breastfeeding.
- Nursing Pillow: Because breastfeeding might require some time, a U-shaped nursing pillow offers extra comfort for both of you and your baby giving them somewhere to rest other than your arms.
- Burp Cloths: These small cloths are designed to protect your clothing from any spit up when you burp your little ones. You can also lay one under your baby’s head while sleeping, preventing any drool from transferring to the bed sheets.
- Bibs: If burp cloths are to protect your clothing, bibs do the same with your baby’s clothing making them an essential.
- Breast Pump: Using a manual or electric breast pump can help you express breast milk whenever needed, especially when you might be away from your newborn for long periods of time.
- Milk Storage Bags: They compactly store the breast milk you pumped in the fridge or freezer for later use. The upside is you can pump directly into these sealed bags and easily transfer milk without spilling.
- Bottles and nipples: Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, baby bottles are must-haves. You can choose from glass and plastic options of different sizes. Keep in mind that you may need to try a few different ones before finding what your newborn likes.
- Bottle Brush: This is essential to help you clean the insides of your bottles and nipples thoroughly.
- Bottle Sterilizer: The convenience of keeping your bottles, nipples, and pacifiers totally hygienic makes sterilizers essential to any mom.
- Bottle Drying Rack: Although some might view this as optional, it gives your bottles a designated place to dry, away from your crowded dish-drying rack.
- Formula (if needed): Your healthcare provider will help you choose the best formula that meets your baby’s daily nutritional needs.
- Pacifiers: Newborns may want to suck on a pacifier to soothe themselves, so this may be an essential item for you. Make sure to grab the appropriate size based on your baby’s age.
Clothing:
Clothing is definitely a must-have on your checklist aside from the fact that buying and receiving these mini-sized outfits brings a lot of joy. Generally speaking, it’s better to dress your baby in one extra layer than you do. The below are perfect to build your baby’s wardrobe:
- Receiving Blankets: These are thin blankets used to wrap the baby, lay them on, or cover them while they sleep or rest and can be used for various purposes, such as swaddling, burping, and cleaning messes.
- Onesies and undershirts: A basic layer for your little one. Depending on what the weather will be, choose ones with short or long sleeves with snaps between the legs that offer easy diaper changing.
- Pajamas or Sleepers: Your baby will spend much of their time sleeping, making sleepwear an essential. You’ll probably want a style that covers your baby’s feet and comes with 2-way zippers for easy diaper changes.
- Slip-up Pants or Leggings: Comfy pants are essential and can offer extra warmth for your little one. You can match them with onesies or even t-shirts and jackets.
- T-shirts: If you plan to dress your newborn in pants or leggings, you’ll need tops such as T-shirts to go with them.
- Socks/Booties: Your newborn doesn’t need real shoes yet, so socks and soft booties are the way to go to give them a layer of warmth.
- Hats: If it’s cold when your baby is born, having one or two of these on hand to ensure their head is kept nice and warm is essential.
- No-Scratch Mittens: We don’t want your little cutie to scratch their face while sleeping. Not to forget, cute little mittens are great for the cooler months.
- Special Outfits: Although optional, you might like to dress your baby in a coming home outfit, something for a holiday, or even a special occasion.
- Wearable Blankets: These are an extra layer of warmth wrapped around your baby ensuring an easy transition when it’s time to stop swaddling.
Diapering:
A lot of diaper changes are ahead of you! Although it might not be the most glamorous aspect of motherhood, your baby needs to go through this process.
- Changing Pad/Table: Having a dedicated changing space is essential as it allows you to keep everything you need within reach like diapers, wipes, creams, and fresh clothes. A changing pad keeps everything clean as they can be wiped clean or have removable covers you can machine wash.
- Diapers: You’ll definitely need lots of diapers because your baby will be frequently peeing and pooping! It’s worth buying small packs of different sizes because it’s impossible to know ahead of time what size diaper your baby will need.
- Wipes: You need to keep your baby’s diaper area clean with gentle water wipes between each change.
- Diaper rash cream: Babies frequently get diaper rashes so it’s best to keep one at hand.
- Diaper pail and liners: Although not a necessity, it became essential because it can help contain the smells of dirty diapers.
Travel Gear:
Don’t be shocked, but your baby’s needs when going out and about can make up a huge list. To make it easier, the below items are some of what you’ll need to have within reach:
- Car Seat: It’s of the most important essentials because your baby needs one the moment you ride home from the hospital and for every car ride thereafter. Make sure to choose one suitable for your baby’s size and weight and that it is properly fitted & installed in your car.
- Stroller/Travel System: There are many styles out there that offer a full travel system for your baby that can work from the newborn stage.
- Baby Carrier: It can keep your baby close to you leaving your hands free and allow you to travel with your baby easily.
- Diaper Bag: Make sure to grab one that fits all your baby’s needs while away from home.
- Car Mirror: This can allow you to keep an eye on your baby with rear-facing car seats.
- Extra Car Seat Head and Body Support: Rather than being essential, some car seats require extra support for your baby to be comfortable.
- Car Window Shade: This keeps your newborn out of direct sunlight to protect their delicate skin.
- Stroller net and rain cover: You may like to keep these accessories in mind when selecting a stroller to keep your little one safe from mosquitos and rain.
- Pack’n’play/Portable Crib: It may be an essential item for your lifestyle if you plan on traveling. They are multifunctional and can be used for sleeping or playing.
- Portable Changing Mat: With its compact design that fits in most diaper bags, it allows you to always have somewhere clean to change your little one’s diapers.
Bathing:
Although your little one might need only 3 baths per week during their first year, you’ll need to stock up on some necessary items that you’ll need for your baby’s bath during the first few months.
- Bathtub/Baby Bath Seat: Your newborn will have sponge baths at first, but, eventually, you need a bathing seat or tub to give them the required head and body support.
- Grooming Kit (soft bristled brush): It usually includes everything a parent needs to take care of their baby’s hair, nails, and skin and is suitable for their delicate nature.
- Shampoo: A lot of options exist that are suitable for your little one’s hair.
- Body Wash: Make sure to choose a mild soap to keep your baby’s body clean.
- Cup/Scoop: It helps you gently pour water over your baby’s hair or skin to rinse out the soap or shampoo.
- Hooded Towels: You need those to wrap and dry your baby after the shower, preferably soft ones.
- Washcloths: Washcloths help gently wipe your baby after bathing.
- Baby Moisturizer/Lotion: Keep that baby skin hydrated and smooth with a non-perfumed moisturizer.
Health:
Keeping our babies healthy is one of the most important roles we have as parents. That’s why having a bunch of basic health supplies is a priority. These can include:
- First-aid Kit: Fill it with basic items like a baby thermometer, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, some infant pain medication, adhesive bandages, and petroleum jelly.
- Bulb Syringe: It can be used to remove mucus from your baby’s mouth or nose.
- Nail clippers/Trimmer: Your little one’s nails will need trimming from time to time to help prevent accidental scratching.
- Digital Thermometer: A digital one will help you measure your baby’s temperature more accurately faster than a normal thermometer.
- Teething Toys: These provide a safe and clean chewable item that offers comfort and relief.
- Gentle Detergent: Grab one to clean your baby’s clothing and bedding to prevent irritation and rashes.
- Nasal Aspirator: Unlike the bulb syringe, nasal aspirators offer strong but gentle suction to clear up your baby’s congested nasal passages without any additional discomfort.
Nursery:
Parents-to-be are always excited when nesting, if they have the space, as it becomes one of the most important rooms in the house! Below are what you’ll need to make your baby’s nursery complete.
- Crib & Mattress: Because your baby will be snoozing the majority of the time, a safe crib and comfortable mattress top our nursery checklist and is used for a long period of time.
- Bassinet/Cradle: Some parents prefer to use a bassinet in the first few weeks due to their portability and compact sizes. Of course, your little one will eventually need a crib, too.
- Bedding: All you need is a waterproof mattress cover and several fitted sheets that fit perfectly.
- Rocking Chair/Glider: Having a comfy chair in the nursery is perfect for breastfeeding, a bedtime story or lullaby, and a last cuddle before sleep. It can also make nighttime nursing less disruptive as the rocking motion can help keep the baby calm.
- Clothes storage: You’ll need a place to put your newborn’s clothing such as drawers, baskets, or even a wardrobe.
- Night Light/Sound Machine: A true newborn necessity as it allows you to see what you’re doing without having to turn on any bright lights that disrupt the baby’s sleep.
- Storage Baskets: These can offer you a place to pack your baby essentials or toys without being scattered.
- Baby Monitor: A baby monitor can help you listen or look out for your baby from a distance or if you’re occupied with another task while they nap.
- Hangers: You need those little hangers to keep your baby’s outfits wrinkle free.
- Cool Mist Humidifier: Although not a necessity, it can help prevent nasal congestion and dry skin.
- Hamper: Having a hamper to put those dirty clothes in and setting it close to your changing table makes those diaper changes more convenient.
Entertainment:
Your baby essentials are never complete without some entertainment essentials to keep your baby occupied. These include:
- Baby Swing: Swings sway or vibrate to help soothe your little one and give you a place to sit your baby while you complete your daily tasks.
- Bouncer: A bouncer makes your baby move their feet while being safe and entertained.
- Toys and Books: Things like simple rattles or books with high contrast patterns can help your baby develop their sensory skills.
- Play Mat/Gym: Perfect for tummy time and skill development, these soft playmats can be laid on the floor keeping your little one entertained.
