Must-Haves for Your First Baby

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Wondering what the true newborn and infant essentials are and what should really be on your first baby registry list as a first-time mom?

There’s nothing quite like walking through a baby store when you’re pregnant. Your feet hurt and you have to pee again, but dang it — those cribs, the stuffed animals, the baby booties, and the cute nursery signs are all so cute — you just can’t look away. Even I had a hard time not getting entranced by it all, and I usually pride myself in my ability to stay focused and to not get suckered into shiny object syndrome. Pregnancy goggles make everything seem like a good idea though, which is why I had to guard myself against the sly baby-marketing-geniuses with a baby checklist — and why you should, too.

The Newborn Essentials (aka non-negotiables)

This list may surprise (and delight) you because I don’t believe that you actually need half of the things people either give you or insist that you have.
Starting a family is already stressful enough, not to mention costly. There are ways to reduce those costs however, and one of those ways is by simply sticking to the true baby must-haves.

Are the diaper pails awesome to have so your house doesn’t smell like baby poop or so that you don’t have to take dirty diapers outside to the garbage can at every change? YES! But does baby need it to grow and be healthy and happy? NOPE!

You really can get by with the basics, and it’s perfectly fine to do so.

Here is my list of what I believe to be the newborn essentials.

Clothing

Onesies/bodysuits (short sleeve and long sleeve) with shoulder envelope folds

Babies are infamous for blowouts, and it doesn’t seem to matter what kind of diaper they’re wearing. To help with the clean-up, I highly suggest that the majority of your baby’s wardrobe is made up of onesies with the shoulder envelope folds.
Instead of taking a poopy outfit off by going over the head (EW) or cutting it off (I’ve thought about it myself but baby’s really just don’t need to be around scissors and well — what a waste of an outfit) you just pull the sucker off by getting the arms and shoulders out and pulling the onesie down and off. Still not fun — but a whole lot less mess.

What I personally love is:
The simple white onesies and bodysuits from Gerber. I also really liked the onesie from Moon and Back that Amazon included in my Free Welcome Box for completing my baby registry through them.

I love them because:
Sometimes simple is best! I love having basic white onesies around because they go with everything. The ones from Gerber seemed to hold up well to the crazy amount of washing I put them through.
As for the Moon and Back onesie — it was so soft and thick, but not so thick that it made my son hot. It seemed to be very well made and it’s made from organically grown cotton.

Notes and tips:
After a blowout, immediately rinse your baby’s clothes out with cold water to prevent staining.

Footed pajamas

Obviously your baby needs some pajamas! Footed pajamas/sleepers are great because it’s the only thing you need — no socks or separate pajama pants — just zip or snap and it’s sleepy time!
I recommend getting a couple with snaps and a couple with zippers, just to see which kind you prefer.

Also, depending on where you live, a couple of different types of material may be nice to have. For example, I live in Indiana where it can (and has) been 30 or 40 degrees one night, and in the negatives the next night. So I had a couple of lighter cotton sleepers on hand as well as one or two fleece sleepers.

What I personally love is:
Simple Joy’s by Carter’s

I love it because:
This brand of baby clothes is durable, high quality, and cute! Most of my son’s clothes have been hand-me-downs from family members and many of the outfits are Carter’s, and are still standing strong.

Notes and tips:
Zip-up sleepers are great for getting your baby dressed fast, but snap-ups are good for diaper changes in the middle of the night because you don’t have to completely undress baby — just the bottom!
Side note: make sure that you don’t overdress your little bundle of joy as overheating can increase a baby’s risk of SID’s.

Socks

Everyone needs socks — including your tiny human!

What I personally love is:
Carters and Flanhiri Non Skid Socks

I love them because:
Both brands are well-made and haven’t frayed — unlike the ones we had from Gerber. These kind also didn’t seem to be too tight on my son, which is awesome because he has pretty chubby feet. 🙂

Notes and tips:
Anti-slip and wiggle-proof socks are a godsend!

Mittens

Babies love to move their hands about and all over their faces, which would be fine if it wasn’t for their notoriously sharp nails. You’d be surprised how sharp they still are even after trimming and filing.
To keep your little one from scratching themselves, get some baby no-scratch mittens!

What I personally love is:
Gerber’s baby mittens

I love it because:
They seemed to hold up to washing better than the ones from Carter’s and they also stayed on better.

Notes and tips:
Don’t stock up on a certain brand because some will be looser or tighter, and fit differently. Your baby may surprise you with how skinny or chunky they turn out to be and you want to avoid two things: 1) Wasting your money, and 2) Having to fight the mittens to stay on.
With that being said, I wish we would’ve tried the RATIVE brand in addition to the ones from Gerber, just because of the good reviews and because the elastic looks tighter than most so they stay on better without being too tight.

Hats

This was one of the baby must-haves that I was most excited about because there are honestly so many adorable options! You should get at least one from the hospital, but will probably want at least a couple more.

What I personally love is:
The 0-6 month Gerber hats. My son turnedout to have a pretty big cone head and was already on the bigger side so the typical newborn caps were pretty much a hit or miss, especially since they were all pre-loved. However, we did get lucky with a couple of Gerber ones!
I do wish we had bought something like the Baby Beanie by Copper Pearl, though.

I love it because:
The Gerber caps we got were soft, washed well, and fit good.
Going back to the baby beanie from Copper Pearl, it has a top knot that is adjustable and grows with baby! No more piles of baby caps that baby will outgrow?! Yes, please!
Plus, it’s breathable and so darn cute!

Notes and tips:
No matter what kind of baby hat or cap you end up getting, I suggest getting at least three. One to stay on baby, one in the diaper bag, and a spare so that you’re always prepared to keep that baby head warm.

Gentle laundry soap

You don’t necessarily need laundry soap that is marketed as “baby soap.” Just be sure that what you get is fragrance-free, dye-free, and hypoallergenic.

What I personally love is: Tide Free & Gentle

I love it because:
It really is fragrance-free, we have never had a problem as far as skin irritations (but keep in mind that every baby is different) and it cleans so well that I use it for all the laundry in the house — including my spouse’s who is constantly covered in grease and grime from his fabrication job.

Notes and tips:
Whatever brand you decide on, get a smaller bottle in case it doesn’t work well for your family.

Sleeping

Swaddlers or swaddle blankets

Babies are born with a startle reflex — called the Moro reflex — and it is present until 3 to 6 months. It is why babies suddenly jerk or spring their arms out (called abduction), pull their arms in tight (called adduction), and one (of many) reasons why they cry.
The Moro reflex makes babies feel like they are falling, and it’s kicked into high-gear when they are on their backs. Swaddling keeps baby from waking up from the falling sensation that causes them to jerk about.

Swaddling also eases the transition from womb-to-world for baby, and gives them a sense of security during the “fourth trimester” (birth to 3 months).

Since babies must be placed on their backs t sleep, and on their back is when the Moro reflex is most prevalent, swaddling just makes sense and was a true newborn necessity for us.

What I personally love is:
The Zen Swaddle by Nested Bean

I love it because:
It has velcro to make swaddling easy — so no wrapping baby like a burrito with a square blanket! It’s also lightly weighted to mimic the touch of your hand. This probably sounds dangerous and scary, but they are safe — and well researched and safety-tested. However, if you just aren’t sure about it or if your baby has special needs, call the pediatrician to get their opinion.

Notes and tips:
Be sure that the swaddle isn’t too tight or too loose and discontinue use when your baby shows signs of rolling over, or otherwise suggested by your baby’s pediatrician.
This article has some great safe-swaddling tips!

Sleep Sacks/Wearable Blanket

You can’t swaddle forever, but your baby will still need a wearable blanket to keep warm — and because loose blankets are a big no-no — this is where sleep sacs/sleepers come in.

What I personally love is:
Zen Sack by Nested Bean

I love it because:
It has a zipper on top and on the bottom, which makes for easy diaper changes, and two different snaps for the shoulder straps that allow for a tighter or a looser fit. Also, it has the lightly weighted chick on the chest like the Zen Swaddle that mimics your touch.

Notes and Tips:
The Zen Sac is a great way to transition from swaddling and according to Nested Bean themselves, it can be worn backwards if your baby turns out to be a belly sleeper and can roll over on their own.

Bassinet or Co-sleeper

This is more of a personal preference. You could start with a crib from day one, or use a Pack and Play, but your baby needs somewhere safe to sleep!

What I personally love is:
Arms Reach 3-in-1 Bassinet, Co-Sleeper, and Play-Yard

I love it because:
Everything! I love everything about this thing!
It can be a freestanding bassinet or a co-sleeper that attaches to your bed and eventually to a play-yard.
The mesh sides and pockets was a must-have because obviously I wanted my son to be able to breathe if he scooted his face up to the sides…which he did…multiple times.
It has two front wheels for easy moving, but couldn’t be moved if something just bumped it…like my dog has done.
The sheet and mattress that goes with it have velcro straps to make sure the fitted sheet stays put.
It was fairly simple to set up and to take down, it has a carrying case, and it folds away like a Pack and Play.
Overall, it’s very well-made and sturdy and was a life saver for the first four months of my sons life.

Notes and tips:
This is one of the most important purchases you will make for your baby — so do some research and find the one bassinet, co-sleeper, or crib that’s right for you and your family!

Crib

Even if you start off with a bassinet, you will need a crib sooner or later. Your baby will outgrow the bassinet space and weight limit, so you should have at least an idea of the crib and mattress that you want.

What I personally love is:
I’ll be completely honest here — I don’t have a product recommendation for a crib or mattress. Both were gifted to us (the crib was gently used but the mattress was new) and though I love the crib, I don’t know the brand. As for the mattress? Well, I’m looking for a different one! So if you have any suggestions, leave a comment on this post!

I love it because:
The crib has slats all the way around, so there is no solid sides or backs to it, which is nice for being able to quickly check in on baby or just admire his cuteness from a distance. 🙂

Notes and tips:
Do your research on current recommendations for crib safety and recalls.
Here is an article of safe sleep from the AAP, and also this one on crib safety by HealthyChildren.org.

Extra sheets

You never know what surprises are lurking around the corner — which is why you should just make sure that you have a couple of sheets on hand. Besides, you will need one while the other is in the laundry!

What I personally love is:
Trend Lab Flannel Fitted Sheet

I love it because:
Theses sheets are incredibly soft and well-made and keep my son warm without waking him up from being cold to the touch.

Notes and Tips:
Of course you don’t want to use flannel if it’s hot inside so get some nice lightweight and breathable sheets if you live in a warmer climate or your baby tends to run hot.

Waterproof cover/mattress pad

If your crib mattress isn’t already waterproof, get a waterproof cover or mattress pad to protect the mattress from any leaks and spills.

What I personally love is:
Our crib mattress is already made with a waterproof material, but when we change mattresses, I plan to buy the Organic Waterproof and Breathable Bamboo Baby Mattress Pad by Baby and Brooke.

I love it because:
-It’s not plastic, so no more crinkle sounds.
-Lifetime guarantee
-Made with organic bamboo
-Anti-bacterial and hypoallergenic
-and of course because it’s waterproof

Notes and tips:
I will come back to this post when I find a mattress and waterproof cover that I would love to tell you about!

Bathing/Grooming

Baby Wash and Shampoo (tear-free)

You won’t be giving baby a full-out “real” bath until the umbilical cord has fallen off and everything is healed, but you’ll still need a nice, gente, and fragrance-free baby wash and shampoo.

What I personally love is:
Cetaphil Baby with Organic Calendula and Burt’s Bees Original

I love them because:
Both are gentle and worked for our son, though the Cetaphil does have some scent to it. I liked Burt’s Bees when he was a newborn because it is completely scent-free. We switched to Cetaphil when my son turn 6 months because I wanted to try something that had a bit of a calming scent to see if he would sleep better. He also seemed to get some dry skin after a while with the Burts Bees, but nothing major.

Notes and tips:
Get a couple different kinds of soaps and in trial sizes in case your baby’s skin doesn’t like a certain kind.

Safety Swabs

Don’t forget to get some safety swabs for drying your little one’s ears after bath time!

What I love is:The classic Johnson’s, though any brand will work!

I love it because:
The cotton doesn’t fall off like some safety swabs tend to do!

Notes and Tips:
Get the ones made for baby’s with the bulb so that you can’t go too far into the ear! Don’t use the normal Q-tips/safety swabs.

Towels

You don’t have to get special baby towels, but it’s fine if you want to!

What I personally love is:
Cloth-eez Double Weave Muslin Swaddle Blanket -XLarge Diaper by Green Mountain Diapers

I love it because:
It’s technically a cloth diaper, so it’s incredibly absorbent and soft! It is made from organic cotton and can be a cloth diaper, swaddling blanket, receiving blanket, or a towel. It works great as a towel in my opinion!

Notes and Tips:
Because of the nature of the material, it will shrink after washing. According to Green Mountain Diapers, it is about 39 x 39 inches before washing and approximately 36 x 36 inches after.

Washcloths

You don’t need any special baby washcloths. As long as they aren’t scratchy or falling apart, they’ll be fine.

What I personally love is:
Flannel cloth wipes. I bought some from an online cloth diaper auction and loved the material, however they frayed pretty badly, so I’d suggest purchasing a name-brand.
If I had to buy more, I would buy the Cloth-eez Two-Sided Wipes from Green Mountain Diapers

Why I love it:
They are super soft for baby’s sensitive and delicate skin!

Notes and Tips:
Grab a couple extra for reusable face wipes!

Brush and comb

If your baby has hair, it’s going to get crazy from time-to-time after all the hat wearing and sleeping! Get a good quality baby brush and comb to survive the baby bed head and take care of the sweet baby hair!

What I personally love is:
The soft bristle brush and comb that came in my Summer Infant Nursery Care Kit

I love it because:
The brush bristles are so soft I want one for myself! I haven’t used the comb yet, but both the comb and brush are good quality.

Notes and Tips:
Make sure the comb teeth aren’t pokey like a lot of cheaply made ones can be, and that the brush has bristles that are soft and flexible.

Nail clippers, trimming scissors, and nail files

Most nursery care kits will come with these, but I always like to have at least an extra nail file in the diaper bag. I seem to discover a sharp nail whenever I don’t have the clippers with me!

What I personally love is:
The nail clippers that come in the Summer Infant Nursery Care Kit and the included emery boards.

I love them because:
They are so comfortable to hold, they have grips so your fingers don’t slip and they are good quality. I don’t feel so afraid to trim my sons nails with these because they work so well and are so easy to use.
The emery boards are the perfect size for those small baby nails, too!

Notes and Tips:
There are electric nail filers for babies if you are just not comfortable enough to use trimming scissors or clippers.

Lotion

Your baby’s skin is very delicate and will need a good lotion, especially after baths!

What I personally love is:
Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion with Organic Calendula, Sweet Almond Oil and Sunflower Oil

I love it because:
It is so moisturizing and makes their skin so smooth, even I use it on my face. Personally, I find the smell calming as well.

Notes and Tips:
It does have a scent, so I would try on a small area of skin first or go with a completely fragrance-free option for newborns.

Baby bathtub

There a ton of baby bathtubs on the market. Some go in your sink, some are bathtub dividers for your actual bathtub, some are just mesh supports and seats, and some are a complete tub in and of themselves.

What I personally love is:
Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub

I love it because:
It has everything I need! We don’t have a bathtub (enter sad face here) so I needed a stand-alone tub for my son. Everything about it is durable and convenient.

Notes and Tips:
If you plan to use a support/seat or tub in the sink, make sure to measure both before buying! Such a simple thing, but easy to forget. Ask me how I know…

Healthcare

Digital thermometer

You need at least one thermometer. Depending on your baby’s pediatricians preferences, you’ll probably be taking your baby’s temperature by axillary (armpit). Some doctors ask for rectal readings, though (like my son’s pediatrician) so in that case, definitely get a spare.

What I personally love is:
The Digital Medical Thermometer by iProven

I love it because:
It has large numbers on the digital display, a large and easy-to-press button, flexible, waterproof and soft tip, fast readings and a fever indicator.

Notes and Tips:
You won’t realize how great it is to have a flexible tip on the thermometer until you try to take your very wiggly and fussy baby’s temperature. 🙂

Saline spray/drops

Sometimes the air is too dry, sometimes baby gets sick, and sometimes those boogers just like to stick! Enter baby saline drops!

What I personally love is:
Little Remedies Saline Spray and Dropper

I love it because:
It can be used as a spray or as a dropper and I find the price to be fair.

Notes and Tips:
Be careful that you don’t use saline spray or drops too often as this will eventually dry out your baby’s nose.

Gas drops

Check with your baby’s pediatrician before administering anything, but when my son started solids, his gas seemed to intensify by a thousand. We got him some gas drops, and they work wonders for him! If your baby is having trouble passing gas, you may want to talk to his doctor about using gas drops.

What I personally love is:
Mylicon Infant Gas Relief Drops (Dye-free)

I love it because:
It works wonders and is recommended by pediatricians.

Notes and Tips:
As stated above, always check with your baby’s doctor beforehand, especially with a newborn.

Infant Tylenol

Sometimes desperate times call for desperate measures…like teething. Much to my dismay, my son started teething as early as three months! When I completely exhausted all other options, Infant Tylenol saved us all. (After talking to the doctor first, of course.)

What I personally love is:
We have only used the CVS brand so far, but always be sure to stay up to date on current recalls or recommendations.

I love it because:
Well, for obvious reasons.

Notes and Tips:
Again, always check with your baby’s doctor before administering any medication. Also, there are syringes included with most medicines, and should be the only measuring device used for that specific medicine — Tylenol included.

Nasal aspirator

The hospital should send you home with a bulb syringe nasal aspirator, but since you can’t take those apart to clean or dry, I would highly recommend getting either a bulb syringe one that can be taken apart or one where you use your mouth to create suction (I promise it’s not as horrible as it sounds, but works so much better!).

What I personally love is:
Baby Nasal Aspirator by KeaWorld and the BoogieBulb Bulb Syringe Nasal Aspirator

I love them because:
The one by KeaWorld works so well! I had a hard time getting the bulb syringe types to work just right to actually create suction, and I had no problems with the KeaWorld one — after I got over the fact that I’d have to use my mouth, that is. But it isn’t as gross as it sounds because it has a hygienic protective barrier.

I liked the BoogieBulb simply because it could be taken apart to clean, but I personally found it hard to create a good suction without it falling apart…but I think that was just use error! (Oops!)

Notes and Tips:
There is too much of a good thing! Make sure you’re not using any nasal aspirators too much as they can lead to dry noses which could then lead to cracked and bleeding nostrils — which can be pretty easy to do with a baby’s very delicate skin.

Hand Sanitizer

Don’t risk your newborn getting sick…it’s okay to insist visitors wash their hands, or at the very least, use hand sanitizer.

What I personally love is:
The big bottles of Germ-x!

I love it because:
There’s plenty to go around!

Notes and Tips:
I also have travel size hand sanitizers that hooked to the diaper bag, so I always have some on me.

Diapering

Diapers

You can use disposables or cloth, but you’ll want to stock up on some diapers.

What I personally love is:
Pampers Swaddlers and The Honest Company

I love them because:
Pampers Swaddlers are incredibly soft and unlike most other brands I’ve tried, they aren’t stiff or scratchy. The inside gussets have prevented so many leaks, they have flexible and stretchy sides, the Absorb Away Liner works wonderfully and has never dried out my son’s skin, and their Air-Dry Channels really do seem to keep my son comfortable by being breathable. They also have a wetness indicator, which can be pretty helpful!

The Honest Company diapers are my second go-to diapers. I love that they are made with the absolute most adorable prints and eco-friendly materials, but without latex, fragrances or lotions, and without chlorine processing. They did a great job as far as absorbency, fit, and comfortability.

Notes and Tips:
You never know what will give your baby a reaction or hold in messes better, so get a couple different brands and sizes in the trial packs! I also recommend getting diapers with the umbilical cord cutout/drop-down.

Wipes

As with the diapers, you can use cloth or disposables with wipes, as well. I know it sounds gross, but for the first couple of months cloth wipes with nothing but water was the only way I could wipe my son without his bum drying out. I just sprayed them out in the toilet with the diaper sprayer, put in the wet-bag, and washed on hot.

What I personally love is:
Very soft flannel cloth wipes and Pampers Aqua Pure Wipes

I love them because:
The flannel cloth wipes with just water was gentle enough for my son’s skin the first couple of months when everything seemed to dry out his skin. (I bought some handmade ones from an online auction site but because they ended up fraying pretty badly, I wish I would’ve just gone with the Cloth-eez Two-Sided Flannel and Cotton Terry Cloth Wipes instead.)
Pampers Aqua Pure wipes are gentle, fragrance-free, soft, and durable and my son has never had a single issue with them!

Notes and Tips:
Like diapers, I would recommend getting a couple different brands in small packs. That way, if your baby’s skin doesn’t like one, you will have something else on hand.

Diaper rash cream

Prevention is better than a cure, but diaper rash is bound to happen at some point. There are tons of options available and the choices can get overwhelming.

What I personally love is:
Bag Balm, Organic and Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil, and Four Butter Balm by Rickety Bridge Soap Emporium

I love them because:
These products worked better than any diaper rash cream or paste or powder did.

I started with coconut oil, and it worked okay but seemed to be better suited for preventing diaper rash than clearing it up. Bag Balm worked surprisingly well, especially when I put cornstarch on top. But the real winner and one I keep coming back to is the Four Butter Balm by Rickety Bridge Soap Emporium. It has cleared every rash my son developed and I use it nightly to prevent rashes. It makes his skin so silky smooth and I love that it’s all natural!

Notes and Tips:
Always test on a small area before applying to larger areas on baby’s body. Sometimes diaper rashes are only taken care of with prescriptions from your baby’s doctor and require a visit. If the rash is just too stubborn or continues to spread, or you are otherwise concerned, give the doctor a call!

Vaseline

If you are having a boy and plan to have him circumcised, you will need vaseline.

What I personally love is:
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly Original (but there’s one formulated for babies)

I love it because:
It’s great for so many things — protecting the bum from diaper rash, circumcisions, protecting lips from dry air — you name it! Though I would suggest buying one tub just for baby’s circumcision. 😉

Notes and Tips:
This stuff goes a long way and is super affordable.

Baby powder (or cornstarch)

This is more of a personal choice as some people prefer not to use baby powder because it could easily be inhaled by your baby. I only got a medicated baby powder when my son got a stubborn diaper rash and cornstarch for overnight and long car rides.

What I personally love is:
Gold Bond Medicated Baby Powder (Corn Starch Plus and Triple Action Relief) and Argo Corn Starch

I love them because:
The Gold Bond Medicated Baby Powder worked well for clearing up the rash, but regular corn starch works beautifully in place of normal baby powder (like overnight or long car rides).

Notes and tips:
Any medicated ointments and powders easily dry out babies skin, so apply in moderation!

Feeding

Bottles and nipples

If you plan to pump for breastmilk or formula feed, you’ll obviously need some bottles and nipples. There are an overwhelming amount to choose from, and out of several that my son tried, he only took to one. Because babies can be picky (especially if they’re breastfed) I recommend waiting to buy any until after you get your free welcome boxes (from Amazon, Target, ect. if you choose to do that) so that you can have some to start with but without spending a fortune first.

What I personally love is:
Mimijumi Bottle

I love it because:
It looks like a breast and has natural flow nipples. My son is incredibly picky about bottles and has never taken a pacifier, so I was really happy to see him take to this bottle if only for a couple of times.

Notes and Tips:
Sometimes it takes a couple of tries (or days of consistently trying) for babies to feed from a bottle, so be patient and keep working on it.

Bottle brush

Sure, you could use the regular dish cloth or sponge to clean baby’s bottles, but do you really want to try squeezing your hand in it to wash it, or would you rather let a good ole trusty bottle brush do (most of) the work for you?

What I personally love is:
Munchkin 2 Count Sponge Bottle Brush with Nipple Brush, Pink/Green

I love it because:
The scratch-free bristles are strong but soft and durable (which is a huge plus for me), the rubber nipple brush is soft and screws to the bottle of the brush, the sponge on top make it easy to wash every crevice of the bottle (and is great for standard or angled bottles), you can stand them up, and they’re safe to go in the top rack of the dishwasher!

Notes and Tips:
It’s tempting to get cheap bottle brushes at the dollar store but your money is better spent on good quality ones (ask me how I know). The cheap bottle brushes tend to have stiff bristles that fall out and scratch the bottles, usually don’t have sponges on top or they just fall apart, and generally don’t clean the crevices and angled bottles very well.

Gear

Carseat

A good car seat is probably the most important purchase for your baby for obvious reasons. Expensive doesn’t always equal safest or highest quality, and cheap isn’t always such a good idea either, so do your own research before buying one.

What I personally love is:
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

I love them because:
According to Safety.com, the Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat is the second best and safest car seat of 2019, behind the Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat. However, it states that it is the #1 for infant car seats in America.
There are many reasons why I love this car seat, but here are the ultimate winning factors: It is easy to install, has level indicators for quickly checking the correct angle when installing, Super Cinch LATCH, as well as a spring-loaded levelling foot for even more accurate and safe installation.

As for the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat, it is placed as the 4th best and safest car seat on Safety.com, behind the Britax Convertible Car Seat.
I originally planned on buying the Chicco NextFit Convertible Car Seat, but my Mother-In-Law loaned us her Graco SlimFit and we were really happy with the small amount of space it took up. Space is not something we can lose in our Toyota Corolla so that was one of the main deciding factors.
We really liked the reclining positions and how easy it was to install, as well as the level indicator for accuracy. Adjusting the seat belt and headrest are very simple, too! And good news for our wallet — it’s half the price as the Chicco NextFit!

Notes and Tips:
Each family has different needs and concerns, so do your own research and decide what it best for your family!

Car Seat Cover

Even if your infant car seat has a canopy/cover, it’s nice to have one that covers the entire car seat in the case of unfavorable weather.

What I personally love is:
This Multi-Use Car Seat Canopy/Cover in Woodland print by BabySnugg

I love it because:
It’s incredibly soft and breathable, and can be used for a nursing cover, car seat cover, infinity scarf, shopping cart or high chair cover and (apparently) a changing pad! Bonus: it comes with a matching pouch bag and baby beanie. All of this is made very well and I was impressed with the quality.

Notes and Tips:
The included beanie is pretty much the only hat that fits my sons head perfectly. I LOVE it!

Diaper bag

This can be literally anything — your purse, a backpack, an overnight bag — you can use whatever you want for a diaper bag. It is on the newborn essentials list for a reason though, and that’s because you need something to hold those diapers, wipes, extra outfits, bottles, toys, and whatever other baby stuff you gotta lug around.

What I personally love is:
This backpack diaper bag from IHoney

I love it because:
It has insulated side pockets for bottles, a zipper in the back to easily get to anything, it stands on its own, is waterproof and surprisingly comfortable to carry!

Notes and Tips:
If you don’t want to spend a ton of money or thought on this purchase — don’t! You don’t need a fancy diaper bag with all the bells and whistles unless you plan to travel A LOT. In that case, it may be worth it to splurge on something that fits your every single need instead of the pretty basic and typical diaper bags.

Baby Monitor

Having a monitor can add some peace of mind, and I would highly suggest it if you plan to leave your baby alone (when they’re sleeping in the crib, for example) in a different room for any period of time.
Personally, I have never needed ours because my son contact naps and when he’s awake he is literally always right beside me or I am babywearing him. I know that’s not ideal or possible for every parent, which is why I included a baby monitor as a baby necessity.

What I personally love is:
VTech DM111 Audio Baby Monitor

I love it because:
Even though I haven’t used it yet, I appreciate that it’s simple doesn’t take up a ton of space, isn’t fancy or connects to WiFi, has 1000 feet of range, a 5-level sound indicator, with digitized transmision, and belt clip.

Notes and Tips:
Do your research! There are SO MANY options but with all the hacking into baby monitors (via WiFi) you really w ant to stay up-to-date if you choose to go with one that uses WiFi.

Other

Pacifier

Most babies love pacifiers, but ultimately it’s your choice to use one or not. Like everything in life, there are pros and cons. Keep in mind that not every baby will take a pacifier and it’s okay either way!

What I personally love is:
Avent Soothie Pacifier

I love it because:
It has great reviews, it’s orthopedic and used by doctors nationwide, and it’s one piece of durable and strong silicone.

Notes and Tips:
If you get a welcome box from your baby registry, it will likely have a pacifier or two included. Also, since pacifiers are a hit or miss with babies, try to have one of whatever kind and brand you plan to try. Don’t stock up on something because you don’t know how baby will like or dislike.

Teething toys and gum massagers

Some babies start teething at six months. Some at nine. And some are born with teeth. No matter when teething strikes, make no mistake — you will need teething toys and a gum massager. This is a baby necessity, so have at least one teething toy on hand.

What I personally love is:
The MunchMitt and Nuby Wacky Teething Ring

I love it because:
The MunchMitt can be worn on the hand and since babies are always shoving their hands in the mouth, it’s perfect! It’s textured and makes that crinkle sound that babies love and comes with a storage pouch.
The Nuby Wacky Teething Ring instantly caught my sons attention and he LOVES to chew on the fabric part (the part that look like bunny ears). It’s probably his favorite teething toy so far!

Notes and Tips:
Teething toys seem to be one of the things people buy as gifts (mostly add-ons) so you may want to wait until you have received your welcome boxes and gifts before buying any.

What You Should Add to Your Baby Registry (aka the Nice-to-Haves)

Sure, you can get by with the basic baby and newborn essentials, but if you want to make life significantly easier and simpler, consider this list of baby items that are just really nice to have on hand.

Clothing

Cute outfits

I wouldn’t go overboard with this, but a couple of nice “dressy” outfits are nice for special events or pictures.

What I personally love is:
Pretty much anything from Carter’s and even though I don’t have this particular one, I love this adorable newborn outfit.
If I had a girl, you can bet your bottom dollar I would’ve ordered this insanely adorable outfit for her.

I love it because:
Look at them! They’re adorable!

Notes and Tips:
Because it’s really hard to predict the size of your and since they grow so fast, I recommend getting a couple of different sizes when clothes shopping.

Sleeping

White noise machine

Some babies sleep better with white noise or lullabies and soft music, while others couldn’t care less. If your baby has a hard time staying asleep or is just a light sleeper, I definitely recommend trying a white noise machine to block out sleep disruptive noises and sounds.

What I personally love is:
Marpac Dohm White Noise Machine

I love it because:
It sounds just like a fan which is exactly what my son falls and stays asleep to the best (just like me!). Even better is the option to adjust the speed and sound along with the volume.

Notes and Tips:
If your’re not ready to invest in a sound machine, there are a ton of free white noise apps for your phone to test it out first!

Bathing/Grooming

Hooded Towels

Even though a hooded towel isn’t a baby necessity, they are really nice to have so you can wrap your freshly bathed baby all up and keep them super warm! And honestly, the cuteness factor when your baby is cuddled up in one is off the charts!

What I personally love is:
We have one that was gifted to use but it’s pretty thin and not the softest, so I’ve had my eyes on this Organic Bamboo Terry and Muslin one from Bambi Bamboo.

Why I love it:
The design is beautiful (I’m biased because of my obsession with all things lemon!), it’s reversible, has great reviews, is made with one layer of bamboo terry and one layer of bamboo muslin.

Notes and Tips:
Pop baby’s towel in the dryer a few minutes before bath time so it’s nice and warm for them! (Just make sure it’s not too hot, and do yourself a favor and warm your own towels, too. A toasty warm towel after a shower is a magical feeling, I swear.)

Diapering

Changing table and pad

A changing table and changing pad isn’t technically a baby necessity, but if you have room in your budget and home for one, I highly recommend getting one! It will save your back as opposed to changing diapers wherever you are at the moment (floor, couch, bed, etc…)

What I personally love is:
My spouse’s Grandfather gave us a family dresser that was the perfect height for a changing table, so we used that and just screwed the Summer Infant Contoured Changing Table on top and the setup has worked beautifully.
If we didn’t have that though, I would be leaning towards the Delta Children Sutton 3 Drawer Dresser with Changing Top.

I love them because:
Having a dresser with the changing table on top is great because everything can be hidden in the drawers so nothing looks cluttered. It’s also a lot more sturdy than most stand-alone changing tables.

I like the Delta Dresser for the fact that it meets the ASTM F2057 standards, which is the “voluntary industry tip over standard for dressers” according to Delta.
The changing top comes off, too so the dresser can last until teenhood if needed. Anything that grows with baby and looks pretty is a win for me!

The Summer Infant Contoured Changing Pad is great because it keeps baby in place with the contoured walls and safety belt. It also has security straps underneath for attaching to furniture and also has a non-skid bottom. The waterproof and easy-to-clean vinyl surface is really nice, too!

Notes and Tips:
Even though the Summer Infant Changing Pad is waterproof and easy to clean, it has quilted grooves that aren’t waterproof. For that reason, I suggest always having a cover on. Despite that one flaw, I still think it’s a great choice!

Wipe warmer

Ice-cold butt wipes aren’t fun for anyone, which is where the wipes warmer saves the day. Some babies really don’t mind cold wipes and some despite it. A wipe warmer would be nice to have on hand in either case!

What I personally love is:
Honestly, we never ended up using the wipes warmer that my sister-in-law gave us due to Mommy Brain. After moving, it was out of sight and out of mind, unfortunately.
If we had to buy one though, it would be the hiccapop.

I love it because:
It’s a sleek design and look overall. I really like the fact that it has a nightlight and see-through window to see how low the wipes are getting. The silicone lid looks like it would really hold up to the claims of keeping the wipes moist and warm with its tight seal, as well.

Notes and Tips:
Because mildew is often a common problem with wipes warmers, be sure you follow the manufacturer’s directions to avoid mold and mildew problems.

Diaper Pail

If you don’t like the lingering smell of baby poop, you may want to invest in a diaper pail. Though they aren’t a baby necessity, some parents do consider them definite must-have for baby.
I admit that it was nice to not have a trash can of smelly diapers right next to the changing table after being gifted the Munchkin Diaper Pail by my mother-in-law.

What I personally love is:
The Munchkin Diaper Pail

I love it because:
Smelly diapers really are a thing of the past with this diaper pail because it contains all the odors, it’s incredibly easy to use, all while having an overall sleek design.

Notes and Tips:
Due to the need for the continous purchase of bags, this isn’t the most economical choice if you’re on a strict budget, no matter how convenient and well-priced they are!

Diaper sprayer

A diaper sprayer is typically used for cloth diapers, but I can tell you from personal experience that it is incredibly useful for spraying out poopy outfits after a blowout!

What I personally love is:
BabyMojos Two Spray Mode Cloth Diaper Sprayer

I love it because:
It has two spray stream options (jet or soft spray), easy to control the water pressure, can be hung on the toilet or the wall, off and on valve, and has a 5 foot long hose.
Overall, this sprayer is amazing and well made!

Notes and Tips:
After turning off the valve and before hanging up the sprayer, let out the rest of the water still in the hose.
Sometimes it can leak right after use, so I just keep it over the toilet for a couple of seconds and then hang it back up with no further issues.

Diaper spray shield

If you want to avoid splattering your feet (or face — EW!) while spraying out messy laundry or diapers, then a diaper spray shield is a must-have!

What I personally love is:
The Spray Pal – Original Cloth Diaper Sprayer Splatter Shield

I love it because:
Other than protecting my body from flying poop, it is easy to set up and use and then fold up to put away.
The heavy-duty clip allows you to keep the messy outfit or diaper in one place (yay for not having to hold a dripping wet and messy diaper or outfit!) and the doors are easy to use to squeeze out the excess water in the diaper or outfits before throwing them in the laundry or wet bag.

Notes and Tips:
None — this thing is awesome!

Feeding

Bibs

If you’re thinking that your baby won’t need bibs until they start solids — think again! You know all that baby drool everyone talks about? Well they’re not lying! Drooling will be an every day occurrence, so it’s a good idea to be prepared with some type of bib!

What I personally love or want is:
Teething bibs with silicone corners! Seriously — what an awesome idea! I can’t remember what brand my son used before outgrowing it, but if I were to buy more I’d go with the Nuby Reversible 100% Natural Cotton Muslin 3 Piece Teething Bib.

I haven’t personally used the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Comfi-Neck Reversible Soft Baby Bib with Padded Collar bibs but you can bet your bottom dollar that I would’ve if I knew they even existed when my son was a newborn!

And lastly, because I’m not the biggest fan of the generic terry-cloth bibs (no matter how cute they may be) and because I love all things muslin — I have the Green Sprouts Muslin Bibs made from Organic Cotton ones in my Amazon wish list.

I love them because:
The teething bibs are some of the cutest bibs I’ve ever seen, they are made from cotton muslin, and are so convenient for teething babies to chew on.

I wished I had the Tommee Tippee collared bibs when my son was a newborn and still spit up constantly because thanks to the catch-all padded collar, I probably wouldn’t have had to constantly wipe his neck free of dribble or spit up. Not to mention, it looks much more comfortable than traditional bibs.

I’m contemplating giving away every other bib sitting in my son’s dresser and replacing them with the Green Sprouts Muslin ones because of their simple but colorful look and because of the soft and absorbent 4-layer cotton muslin material.

Notes and Tips:
Adjustable sized bibs will be your best friends if you have a chunky baby. 🙂

Baby spoons

For something as simple as baby spoons, there sure are a ton of options to choose from! They are a must-have when your little one is ready to eat solids, but having them on your baby registry will be one less thing for you to worry about.

What I personally love is:
Munchkin 12 Piece Soft-Tip Infant Spoons

I love them because:
They are comfortable to hold, brightly colored, and are very soft and gentle on baby’s gums.

Notes and Tips:
These make excellent teething toys because they’re so soft and flexible (just be sure to supervise baby).

Bottle warmer

I used to think bottle warmers were a waste of money — that is until I actually needed to reheat breast milk and didn’t have one. If you plan to bottle feed, you might want to consider a bottle warmer!

What I personally want or love is:
If I were to buy a bottle warmer, I would go with the Philips Avent Fast Baby Bottle Warmer, SCF355/00 

I want or love it because:
It seems simple and straightforward to use and is smaller than most warmers I’ve seen.

Notes and Tips:
The only drawback there seems to be is the fact that it doesn’t have a timer.

Bottle Sterilizer

Once again, I assumed a bottle sterilizer was a waste of money, and while it may not be a true newborn necessity, I would probably end up buying one if my son took a bottle on a regular basis.

What I personally want or love is:
The Gourmia Jr. Digital Baby Bottle Sterilizer and Dryer would be my pick if I ever decide to stop boiling my bottles in a pot of water — you know, the good old fashioned way!

I want or love it because:
It’s a sterilizer and a dryer — so no more waiting for wet bottles to dry! I love that it’s round and has a large capacity, as well as having a HEPA filter and a digital display with a timer.

Notes and Tips:
If you don’t have the budget or room for a bottle warmer and a bottle sterilizer, there are many options that combine both functions.

Gear

Stroller

I’m putting a stroller under this section instead of the baby essentials aka non-negotiable list because even though they are so incredibly helpful, they aren’t completely necessary, especially if you baby-wear.
However, I do suggest that you have one if possible, especially if your baby is born in a season where it’s actually nice outside.

What I personally love is:
The Chicco Bravo Stroller

I love it because:
The seat can be removed so that it’s just a frame for the Chicco Keyfit Car Seat, or if you would rather leave it intact the car seat snaps in place into the stroller with the seat on.
Folding up this stroller is a breeze with the one-hand fold design, as well as being self-standing when in the compact folded position. The autot-positioning wheels are easy to maneuver and lock or unlock with its simple toe-touch design. There is a little window in the canopy to peek in on your baby and the canopy can unzipped to moved where you need it.

Notes and Tips:
Oftentimes it’s cheaper to buy the travel system together instead of piece by piece, so even though it’s a bigger purchase upfront you may find that it’s well worth it in the long run.

Car Window Shade

Sometimes not even those canopy shades on the infant car seat block all the sun, while convertible car seats don’t have any canopy, so it’s nice to have a window shade to keep the sunshine out of your baby’s eyes and keep them from getting too hot.

What I personally want or love is:
You’d think I would be prepared enough to have one already and I’m surprised at myself that I don’t, but I guess it’s just one of those things I never got around to buying and nobody gifted us.
However, I currently have this one by Barucci in my Amazon shopping cart.

I love it because:
It can clip onto the top of the window and suction to it and it also appears to be really easy and simple to use and roll up when it’s not needed.

Notes and Tips:
I say this from experience: just get some kind of a shade for your baby to avoid an uncomfortable drive for everyone!

Swing or bouncer

Chances are that you are eventually going to want to put your baby down to shower or eat or go to the bathroom. It’s really helpful to have a baby swing or bouncer to soothe your little one when you need a break (it happens) or need to get some stuff done. A swing or bouncer isn’t a newborn must-have but it sure is nice to have!
My sister-in-law loaned us her baby swing and my mom bought us a used bouncer (it was outdated but very similar to this one), and both came in handy plenty of times!

What I personally love is:
Fisher-Price My Little Lamb Platinum Edition Cradle ‘n Swing

I love it because:
It is adorable! But since that doesn’t matter all that much, the more important features are the two swinging motions (side-to-side or head-to-toe), six swing speeds, soothing music and nature sounds, the surprisingly relaxing starry light show, motorized mobile, and three adjustable seat positions.

Notes and Tips:
Because baby products can become recalled, always do your research before finally deciding on a product — no matter what it is, but especially the baby gear.

Baby carrier or wrap

Baby carrying can be a wonderful gift but only if you have a high quality and body supporting carrier or wrap. You can get so much done while carrying baby, and it’s incredibly beneficial to their development and the overall bond between you two (and Dad if he carries baby as well!).
It’s a personal choice, but I think it’s a baby essential to many parents (myself included) and could prove to be helpful — but then again, baby doesn’t technically need it to grow and be happy and healthy.

What I personally love is:
The Moby Wrap

I love it because:
It’s thick and durable! The Moby Wrap is high quality and can be used in so many ways. This thing and the bouncer was often the only way I got things done during the newborn stage!

Notes and Tips:
Be sure that you know the best ways to support your back and neck while babywearing! Even if you consider your baby to be light, babywearing can take a toll on your body!

Other

Burp Cloths

I know everyone makes it seem like burp cloths are some baby necessity that you can’t live without, but keep in mind that literally anything can be a burp cloth (old shirts or wash cloths, for example).

What I personally want or love is:
green sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths made from Organic Cotton

I want or love them because:
Though I haven’t personally used these, I wish I had them when my son was a newborn! They are made with 4 layers of organic cotton muslin and their shape is perfect for putting over your neck. Their enormous size beats out any other burp cloth that I’ve tried!

Notes and Tips:
It may not be as convenient but you can use the baby’s washcloths or cloth wipes as burp cloths, too.

Baby Toys

Typically babies will be happy and entertained by almost anything — like staring a ceiling fan. But, that doesn’t mean they can’t have some fun toys for themselves!

What I personally want or love is:
The Fisher-Price Rattle ‘n Rock Maracas 

I want or love them because:
My son LOVES these rattles! They are by far his favorite toys despite having so many from Christmas. They are easy for him to hold and shake, are really bright and colorful, and he loves to munch on the soft pom-poms (even more than he likes any kind teething toys).

Notes and Tips:
There are so many choices for baby toys, so remember two things: 1) simple is best, and 2) less is more.

I have found with most, if not all babies that they prefer the more simple toys like rattles over the “fancy” light-up and musical ones. This mainly applies to younger babies (less than six months old) and I would guess it has to do with how easily overstimulated they can get.

Also, unless you want a bunch of toys laying around, babies typically don’t care what or how many toys they have. Because they are easily overstimulated, less really can be more in this case.
So if you don’t have a big budget for toys or much room to store them, seriously — don’t worry about it.

There you have it — the ultimate list of must-haves for your first baby.

Did this list surprise you? Is there anything you’d add to it?

To the moms who have done this before, what were your sanity saving baby essentials?

Leave a comment below!

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