I have seen A LOT of newborn essential/must-have lists and I feel like there are so many items on there you actually DO NOT need. So after recently having my fourth baby here are the absolute essential baby items to add to your registry as you prepare for a newborn baby.
Hospital
Hospital Gown I’ll be honest, I never purchased my own hospital gown, but I added it to my Newborn Essentials list because I so wish I would have. Sure you can use the hospital’s, but they are scratchy and not the most flattering.
Velcro Swaddle We tried swaddling our our first baby with a blanket when we were new parents and let me just tell you, this swaddle is sooo much easier! Plus it holds baby in better. Win for you and baby. I also like to use this in the hospitals to avoid the itchy blankets there.
Infant Car Seat and Stroller System We have used Britax B-Agile stroller and carseat system for all of our four girls! We also have the double stroller and love that the infant carseat can attach to the single or double stroller as we need. This stroller is super easy to maneuver, collapse, and bonus; it meats Disney stroller regulations! (Add on drink/storage compartment)
Carseat Cover (doubles as a nursing cover)
Saranonli Bamboni Blanket This blanket is the softest and the perfect size for your newborn to have in their carseat.
Going home outfit Not linking, because that’s one of the best things to pick out in person in stores.
Sleep
Portable Bassinet This portable bassinet is our favorite! We have used this one with three of our four girls and it’s the best. It’s easy to take down and travel with so that your baby feels right at home no matter where you travel.
Swaddle Me Velcro Swaddles Linked in the hospital section as well. They’re our favorite!
Bamboo Swaddle Blankets Discount code: PURPOSEFULTOYS15
Onesie Pajamas with Zipper and Hand Covers My newborns live in pajamas! Don’t bother with snaps. zippers are so much easier! Also make sure your pajamas have hand covers to protect your little one from scratching their face.
Feeding
Burp Cloths Little Unicorn large burp cloths Discount code: PURPOSEFULTOYS15
Nursing Pads As soon as your milk comes in you’re going to want nursing pads to keep you from getting soaked.
Breast Pump Check with your insurance on this one because you should be able to get a free breast pump each year! We like this motif pump because it’s portable and doesn’t need to be plugged in.
Nursing Bras Honestly don’t bother spending money on a nice nursing bra to start out. They get gross when you’re feeding a newborn constantly and they are still figuring out how to latch. Instead get this pack of 5 for cheap so you don’t feel guilty throwing them away when you’re done. If you are still nursing a month or two later, then you can invest in a nicer one.
Storage Bags After collecting your milk in your milk saver (linked below) these bags are the perfect storage bags for the freezer! Don’t forget to write the ounces and date on your bags.
Lanolin Nipple Cream Nursing hurts! Especially when it’s your first, but frankly for every child. You’re going to want some nipple cream on hand to sooth the sore nips! I also recommend putting some on before you get in the shower.
Boppy Nursing Pillow don’t forget to add a washable cover! My first baby I used this boppy pillow for nursing all the time in the beginning, however with my others I honestly used it more for a safe place for baby to lounge on the couch or when her sister’s were holding her for additional support.
Milk Saver I’ve used this one with each of my four babies and everyone is always shocked how much milk I collect without even pumping! You simply place the milk saver on the opposite side when you’re baby is nursing to collect the let down. Many others recommended Haakaa Milk Collector and you can keep these in your bra all day long to collect milk if you want! I personally don’t like the feel of having something in my bra at all times, so I only used mine during nursing, but you can do it either way and you’ll have so much milk saved up for baby.
Bottles Our favorite are these natural flow ones from Philips AVENT that help your baby transition from bottle and nipple.
Bottle Warmer If you’re formula feeding, we have loved this bottle warmer! No need to spend a million dollars, this one is great!
Formula DispenserThis formula dispenser has been a life saver for us on the go as well as during night feedings.
Bath
Infant Hooded Towel + Washcloths These infant towels are our absolute favorite! The quality is so good, my grandchildren will be able to use ours. We use the toddler size hooded towels for my big girls as well. Use discount code: PURPOSEFULTOYS15
Other
Baby Carrier I have used a variety of baby carriers in the past, but I love how this one fits so many different carrying positions while remaining affordable!
Bouncer It’s nice to have a bouncer to prop baby up near you while you’re getting ready, cooking food, taking a bath etc.
Photo Blanket We love these photo blankets! It helps us to capture the milestones and even comes with the cards to help you document your baby’s growth. Use discount code: PURPOSEFULTOYS15
Baby Gym A baby gym is more than just a safe clean space for your baby. It’s the perfect place to enhance your baby’s development through tummy time while also stimulating their eyes and brains with the colors, toys and sounds above them.
Snuggle Me Organics Infant Lounger + Removable Cover I never had this with my three previous babies, but I wish I did! We love our snuggle me infant lounger. I feel like baby is safe and protected while she’s in there and I can even cuddle close without the fear of smothering her.
Binky These ones are super cute, and make it easier to find with the added stuffy on the end. My baby also loves holding and cuddling with her little duck binky.
Binky Clips For your other binkies you’re going to want a binky clip so your binky can be attached to baby to protect it from getting lost.
Humidifier Babies get sick and it’s so dang sad. A humidifier is a must have for those little stuffy noses.
Thermometer It can be really scary if your newborn gets a high temp. Having a thermometer on hand for those times will save your sanity when you’re constantly worried.
Gripe Water So many babies get gas in their bellies. Gripe water is a great natural way to help soothe them when their tummies are hurting.
Nose Picker seriously even one little booger can clog those tiny noses. You’re also going to want a Nose Sucker to help keep their airways clear. We have loved this one! It seems gross, I know, but it works really well! (don’t forget to add on the saline solution!)
Diaper Caddy Having a diaper caddy on hand to quickly grab when you need it makes things a lot easier, especially in the middle of the night. And of course you’ll need some diapers and wipes. You’re going to want to start with newborn diapers. Those new babies really are so tiny.
Onesies with hand covering I always liked having onesies on hand to add an extra layer underneath my newborn’s pajamas if they needed it. Plus if you have the ones with hand coverings you can add them under the pajamas that don’t have hand covers to protect them from scratching their face.
Stroller drink/storage compartment add-on We love this little add on. It’s flexible yet super durable and the perfect storage add on to your stroller.
Did I miss any of your newborn must-haves? Let me know in the comments below!
