Newborn Baby Essentials
Bringing home baby is a major life event. We are here to help you celebrate this beautiful time in your life whether you are looking for the perfect gift or buying for yourself. This guide will go over the ultimate baby essentials to ensure bringing home baby is worry-free.
Bringing Home Baby
Congratulations, you are having your first baby! It's no secret that the arrival of your new little one can feel a bit daunting, especially when it comes to knowing which items you'll need to purchase. Take comfort — we've created the ultimate baby essentials guide just for you. In this guide we will go over basic must-have items such as baby bedroom essentials, clothing, feeding necessities and traveling gear to be sure bringing home baby is worry-free.
Baby Nursery
Parents of newborns will find they are spending most of their time in the nursery to feed the baby, rock the baby to sleep, change diapers and dress their little one. It's important to make the room cozy not only for baby, but for the caretaker, too! Late night feedings and diaper changes can be rough. Below you will find our top "must have" items for your nursery.
It's important to make the room cozy not only for baby, but for the caretaker too!
Baby Nursery Essentials
Crib
Your newborn will need a safe place to sleep. You can choose a baby crib, cradle or bassinet for the newborn stage. Choose a high quality crib mattress and make sure that your crib meets certified safety standards.
Changing Table
A changing table can perform double duty as both changing station and storage. You will want items such as diapers, wipes and freshly-cleaned clothes within arm's reach.
Glider
Rocking chairs have been a nursery necessity for decades because babies and parents find the back and forth motion to be soothing and sleep-inducing. Choose a chair that will provide a comfortable place to feed and cuddle your child.
Baby Monitor
A baby monitor puts your mind at ease when you have to be out of range and can't hear your baby's cries. There is a wide variety of monitors, from a basic audio handset, to monitors with live video feeds and wi-fi connectivity. No matter what solution you choose, it will bring you a sense of comfort to know you can always keep your baby within range.
Baby Bedding
Newborns sleep about 16-20 hours a day. You will want to make sure their sleeping environnment is safe and comfortable.
Newborns sleep about 16-20 hours a day. You will want to make sure their sleeping environnment is safe and comfortable. While some newborn bedding sets come with a cute comforter and pillow, they should only be used as decorative items when your baby isn't occupying the crib. The only things your baby really needs are listed below.
Baby Bedding Essentials
Fitted Crib Sheets
A fitted crib sheet has elastic around the corner edges to secure the sheet to the crib mattress. Keep a minimum of two fitted crib sheets so you always have a clean spare ready to go. Use cotton fiber in the warmer months and flannel in the cooler months.
Waterproof Sheets
Using a protective waterproof sheet under your fitted crib sheet will extend the life of your mattress. Between spit up and diaper accidents this is a must-have newborn bedding essential.
Sleep Sack
Keep your little one safe and snug in a sleep sack. Sleep sacks are wearable blankets that replace loose blankets in the crib. Unlike a blanket, the sleep sack can't be kicked off which helps to keep your baby warm throughout the night.
Receiving Blanket
Receiving blankets are the perfect size for swaddling your newborn. They also come in handy when you are in a pinch and need a temporary changing mat, burp cloth, or nursing cover.
Baby Clothing
The first few weeks require a lot of clothing, so make sure you have enough on hand. For a quick cozy outfit, dress baby in a onesie, pants, and socks. We recommend buying clothing in similar colors so that outfits are easy to mix and match.
We recommend buying clothing in similar colors so that outfits are easy to mix and match.
Baby Clothing Essentials
Baby Pants
Separates allow you to change one piece of dirty clothing without putting together a whole new outfit. Depending on the weather, you will want a handful of baby pants, shorts, or leggings. Look for stretchy waistbands and items made from breathable materials, like cotton.
Baby Onesies
Onesies are a must-have wardrobe staple. When buying onesies, look for brands that offer a wide neck opening, slits or buttons around the neck. This will make dressing your baby much easier.
Baby Sleepwear
When picking pajamas for a newborn, you want to think about comfort, safety, and accessibility for changing diapers in the middle of the night. We recommend a layette gown that has mitten cuffs to keep baby's fingernails tucked away and a gown-like bottom for easy diaper changing.
Baby Accessories
Newborn hats, booties, socks, and mittens are all great accessories to have on hand. A baby can lose large amounts of heat through her head and feet. Keep your little one warm with a hat, booties, or socks. Keep scratches off baby's face with newborn hand mittens.
Bottle Feeding
Be prepped and ready for mealtime with these must-have items for bottle feeding your baby.
Congratulations! You now have a hungry newborn in your arms. Not sure what gear will come in handy? Be prepared and ready for mealtime with these four must-have items for feeding your baby. Even if you decide to breastfeed, it’s a good idea to keep bottles and a pump on hand, to enable you you to take a break if necessary.
Bottle Feeding Essentials
Baby Bottles
Whether you decide to bottle feed with breast milk or use formula, baby bottles are a must-have item. It's a good idea to purchase small four-ounce bottles for a newborn and transition to larger nine-ounce bottles when baby's appetite grows.
Burp Cloths
Burp cloths may be small, but they are a big help. Not only do these tiny absorbent cloths keep spit-up off your shoulder, they also work well at cleaning up all kinds of messes from baby. You'll want at least a dozen.
Nursing Pillow
Believe it or not, feeding a baby can be strenuous. Using a nursing pillow to prop up your baby while feeding can help ease the strain on your muscles. Holding your baby at a 45-degree angle during feedings will also help her swallow less air, minimizing uncomfortable air bubbles and gas.
Breast Pump
Even if your plan is to breastfeed exclusively, you may find that letting other family members feed your baby a bottle of pumped breast milk is a win-win. An electric pump is a popular choice for moms who are frequently away from their babies and can't nurse regularly. A manual pump is best for short-term separations.
On The Go
Once life settles with baby, you'll soon be itching to get out of the house, even if it's just for a stroll around the block. Prepping for your first outing with baby can feel a bit daunting, but if you are prepared with the right equipment you'll be strolling around town like a pro. Keep baby safe by using a car seat, stroller, or baby carrier. Dress baby in a comfortable outfit. Don't forget to pack essentials in your diaper bag!
...if you are prepared with the right equipment you'll be strolling around town like a pro.
On The Go Essentials
Infant Car Seat
If you plan to put your baby in any kind of motorized vehicle, you will need to purchase an infant car seat. These car seats are a smart choice because they have detachable bases that stay in the car, allowing them to be clicked in or out as needed. This gives you the freedom to remove the carrier to keep baby safely restrained or to keep baby fast asleep.
Diaper Bag
Diaper changes away from home can be tricky. A great bag will make things easier by assuring you have everything you need in one place. When searching for a diaper bag, consider a bag with organization compartments; this makes items easy to find and access.
Stroller
A baby stroller is a must-have item for most parents. You'll need this piece of gear for the first few years of your child's life. A stroller travel system allows you to attach the infant car seat to the stroller. Even when baby outgrows the car seat, you can still use the stroller.
Baby Carrier
As life gets busy and your "to do" list grows, you won't have to give up the bliss of keeping baby close. Accomplish tasks and enjoy baby's companionship by "wearing" her in a carrier or wrap. Wearing your baby can help strengthen the parent-child bond.
Katie is a mother of three and vividly remembers those blissful yet sleepless newborn days. She now gets a full eight hours of sleep at night and spends her days shuffling kids to and from lessons, games, and play dates.
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