Every current and new parent needs to make sure that they have the right items for a family’s first child. Newborns come with a lot of things, some of which are better left for the hospital staff to provide. Here is a list of essentials every newborn should have!
Newborn Baby Wardrobe Essentials
Bibs: The first six months is a time of extreme drooling, spit-up, and even vomiting. It’s important to get quality bibs that are made of cotton because they are soft to the baby’s skin. They also won’t cause any friction between your baby’s lips and teeth.
Burp cloths: It may seem silly, but burp cloths can be a lifesaver. When the baby starts to feed, it can result in excess spit-up or a messy chin, or even your clothes. You will want to get a few to use for yourself as well.
Burp rags: Burp rags are just as important as burp cloths because they help clean up the excessive spit-up off of your skin. If you are breastfeeding, there is also the chance that you will leak milk onto yourself. You will want to get a few burp rags per infant to ensure that you have enough for him or her to use.
Chew toys: A newborn loves to chew on things (such as your hair), so it is important to have something for the little one to chew on!
Cribsheet: Babies are not very good at self-soothing, and if you put them on a cold, hard mattress, it will make them uncomfortable (and most likely cry). Make sure you get a crib sheet that is soft and comfortable enough for your baby.
Crib toys: I like to buy some toys for the baby’s crib. When the child is older, the toys that you bought for him or her will be used for a time before they are discarded and replaced.
Newborn Baby Nursery Essentials
A baby’s room calls for some items other than the ones mentioned above. I recommend that you get these items if you are planning on giving your newborn a nursery:
A bassinet: This can be used when the baby is small and before he or she outgrows it. The infant will most likely grow out of it after six months, but there’s nothing wrong with having a bassinet in their room.
A crib: When the child is able to move around more freely, they will need something to sleep in, and a crib is a perfect choice for this. Make sure that you get a crib made of sturdy wood because even newborns can be strong enough to flip over some cribs.
Rocking chair: The baby may never need this item, but it makes a great little toy.
Books: There are so many books made for babies that you can find at the store. It can be a fun time for parents to read their child the book in bed or get it read to them by someone else. My little one’s love books, especially “Goodnight Moon” and “Green Eggs and Ham.”
A changing table: When the baby is too big to use a bassinet, you will have to get something else. A changing table will make diaper changes much more convenient than on top of a bed or floor.
Baby monitor: It will be useful to have a baby monitor in the nursery in case the baby wakes up at night or if you have to leave the room. This way, you won’t have to listen for crying and can figure out what it is that the baby wants.
A crib mobile: This is one of my favorite items because it keeps my babies entertained even when they are not asleep. Some of them even play music for you!
Vibration pad: Babies like being caressed, and this vibration pad will send vibrations through some of your child’s limbs to give him or her a nice sensation.
Toy basket: A toy basket is nice for organizing your baby’s toys, but you will have to keep it out of their reach and make sure that anything that goes into the basket is one hundred percent safe for them.
Nursing pillow: Not having a nursing pillow is like having a screw loose in my book. The pillow should be large enough that you don’t have to get up and lean over your baby, but small enough to accommodate the width of their neck. This way, it doesn’t put any pressure on their spine while they are nursing.
Nursing bras: These bras come in so handy for breastfeeding because they can easily be removed and washed.
Blankets: When the baby is cold or just needs something to cuddle, blankets can come in handy. A blanket that keeps the child warm will be much better than one made of cotton because it will cover more of the body and not just their arms and legs.
Newborn Baby Diapering Essentials
Changing a diaper can be a nightmare if you don’t have the right tools. There are so many special things that make diapering newborns easier, but here is a list of some of the absolute necessities:
Diaper bag: To put all your baby’s diapers, wipes, and other essentials in, you will need a diaper bag. This way, you won’t have to carry everything around with your hands or in your pockets.
Wipes: Baby wipes are almost essential to diapering an infant because they are much better than using plain toilet paper. They are also more sanitary and safer for the infant (the chemicals don’t sting their bottoms).
Diaper cream: Even with all the added precautions, babies will still get diaper rash. This can easily be treated with diaper cream and doesn’t have to be too frequently used.
Changing pad: A changing pad is essential because it allows you to clean up after the dirty deed without having to worry about getting anything on your clothes or body. The changing pad should be cleaned every time you change a diaper as well (which should be after every single use).
Newborn Baby Bath Essentials
Bath time can be tons of fun, but it can be frustrating when you don’t have everything that you need. Here are some of the essentials for giving your child a bath:
Shampoo and body wash: These are both essential for cleaning baby hair and making sure that the skin is clean. It is best to get organic products that are safe for a baby’s sensitive skin. You will want to shampoo your child before their first bath, but you don’t have to use body wash until after their first few baths.
Hooded towels: Getting a hooded towel may seem over-the-top, but they are nice because they keep the baby warm after they come out of the bathtub or while they dry off.
Baby bathtub: Most people start bathing their newborns in the sink and then move them to a baby bathtub after about three months. There are still some that bathe their baby in the sink until they are much older, but I don’t recommend this because it is harder to clean up.
Bath toys: Bath time can be very entertaining for babies and parents, but sometimes it can get boring so you may have to have some toys on hand in case your child gets bored! You can even get toys that suds up or lights up while they bathe.
Baby lotion: Baby lotion is just as important as shampoo and body wash because it will keep their skin soft and moisturized.
Bath seat: This may seem like an unnecessary item, but I would highly recommend getting one of these because they are great for giving your child food while they are in the bathtub (you can use a small pillow or towel to support it).
Newborn Baby Feeding Essentials
Be prepared to feed your newborn a lot (and have a lot of patience) because they will be eating almost every hour! These are the essentials that you will need to get your newborn fed.
Bottles: There are so many different types of bottles for babies, but I generally recommend wide-necked bottles that you can pump directly into. These bottles are easier to clean and don’t spill as easily. You will want to get a few different sizes in case your baby needs a different size for when he or she is older.
Breast pump: It may seem like an odd thing to include on this list, but it is very essential if you plan on breastfeeding your infant.
Bottlebrush: Cleaning bottles with a brush can be messy and time-consuming if you don’t have one. It is nice to have a bottle brush that allows you to get in between the cracks of the nipple and vacuum effectively or one that has little brushes on it so that you can easily clean away stuck-on milk.
Baby food: There are lots of different baby foods out there today, but I would recommend sticking with the same brand that your child was eating when they were born. For instance, most babies eat Gerber Good Start formula, so stick to that for baby food for your infant. Another good brand for baby food is Earth’s Best Organic.
Formula: Some mothers choose to breastfeed, but some choose to use formula. If you go this route, then you will need some formula, but make sure that the brand that you buy is one that was recommended by your pediatrician!
Milk storage bags: These bags are a must because they make storing breast milk in the freezer much easier.
Powdered formula: Many parents choose to buy powdered formula to save money and have more control over the ingredients. If you take this route, then you will need a baby bottle doser (this is an attachment for your faucet that allows you to add powdered formula without pouring directly into the bottle).
Bibs: Babies drool a lot and it is essential to use bibs to catch the mess! There are so many types of bibs out there, but I recommend getting ones with a high neckline because they prevent baby spit-up from getting on clothes or their necks.
Nipple cream: Nipple cream can come in handy for breastfeeding mothers because it will soothe their sore breasts and make the whole experience more comfortable. If you can’t afford real nipple cream, then you can use Vaseline as a substitute.
Burp cloths: Babies spit up a lot and it’s nice to have burp cloths nearby in case they start to spit their food up.
Newborn Baby Health Essentials
Babies need the occasional grooming, and it is important to be prepared with some essentials to do the job.
Baby wash: Baby wash is essential because it helps keep newborns’ skin clean and prevents diaper rash. There are many options when it comes to baby wash, but I recommend just using any existing liquid that you already have around in your kitchen (such as dishwashing liquid or hand soap) if you don’t want to buy any new types.
Baby nail clippers: Not only are baby nails a pain to clip, but they can be dangerous because they tend to wrap around fingers and toes.
Nail polish: Nail polish is an optional item for newborns, but it can be helpful in the long run if you choose to put it on. Baby nail polish comes in several different and beautiful colors (such as Gerber’s Little Bear nail polish), but I recommend sticking with neutral baby nail polish until your baby’s nails grow in more.
Baby thermometer: You will want to keep a baby thermometer around in case your infant gets sick. If your baby is sick, you need to know what the temperature is so that you can take them to the doctor.
Digital thermometer: This is an optional item, but I recommend having one of these around in case the regular thermometer breaks or doesn’t work well.
First aid kit: Baby first aid kits are available in stores and online, but I recommend making your own first aid kit with things from home. Here are some helpful items to include in your own first aid kit: gauze, tape, clean rags, scissors, scissors for safely cutting the umbilical cord (don’t use a knife because it could hurt the baby), and gel.
Newborn Baby Gear Essentials
Whether you’re on the move or staying put, babies need quite a bit of stuff to make life easier. Aside from the big things, like a crib and stroller, babies need lots of little things to make their stay comfortable.
Bouncer: As a new parent, you will want to have plenty of bouncers around the house in case your infant wants to nap somewhere or if there is an emergency (such as your baby becoming fussy).
Infant car seat: You will need to have an infant car seat in order to take your baby with you on car rides.
Halo Sleep Sack: This is a wonderful product because it keeps babies from getting tangled up in their blankets and helps them sleep more comfortably (by preventing loose blankets, which can also pose a risk of suffocation).
Baby carrier: Having a baby carrier can reduce stress when taking your baby around in public. I recommend checking into getting an infant insert for a baby carrier if you have an infant because it will increase the age level to at least three months.
Playmat: While many parents use play mats to keep their babies entertained, I don’t recommend them because they can cause injury. Some parents use a playmat to protect the baby from getting cold in the winter, but these mats also pose a risk of asphyxiation.
Newborn Clothing Checklist
Infants need some nice things to wear, and it can be a real pain to go out and buy most of the clothes that you will need.
Sleepers: Sleepers are perfect for a newborn because they allow babies to move around easily without the risk of suffocation.
Swaddles: Swaddles are great because they keep the baby warm without having to use blankets and the risk of suffocation.
White onesies: These are essential because they keep babies warm without having to wear a full-blown sleeper.
Footed pants: These pants are great because they cover the baby’s little feet and toes and prevent them from getting cold in the winter or summer.
Undershirts and one-piece outfits: These are essential because they keep the baby warm without having to use a whole blanket.
Baby Rompers: These are perfect for newborns because they allow babies to move around and feel comfortable. They also keep them from getting cold when it’s cold outside.
Hats: Hats can be used for a newborn all year long and look cute on them, but I recommend buying hats that come with a small tag because it will make the hat size easier to determine.
Sweater or jacket: These are perfect for the winter months because it keeps the baby warm without having to wear a lot of clothes.
Headbands/hair accessories: These are great for newborns because they keep newborns’ hair from getting tangled up and hold their heads up at just the right angle. They also keep their head secured in place, which prevents falls that can cause injuries.
Mittens: These are great because they keep the baby’s hands warm without having to use a blanket. They also keep their hands free of tangled cuticles.
Newborn Tips
Newborns can be a handful, but they aren’t nearly as bad as they are portrayed in the media. It is important to know that new parents have the same feelings of stress and frustration as any other new parent. While you may be feeling overwhelmed, overworked, and tired right now, you need to remember that you are doing the best you can under the circumstances; there is nothing wrong with having realistic expectations for yourself as a parent. Here are some tips to help you cope with newborn babies:
Give yourself a break. As a new parent, your body is going through a lot of changes, so you may want to take it easy on yourself and give yourself more rest than usual. If you take some time for yourself, whether it be an hour or two out of the day, in order to just sit back, relax, and do nothing, you will find that your stress level will decrease and you will feel much better.
Check up on other people’s newborn babies. It can be easy to feel lonely and a little left out while you’re living with your newborn baby, but you will realize that you are in good company when others are staying at home with their newborn children during the same time that you need to be working. You can visit a friend or relative who is also caring for their baby, or find a babysitter on Facebook and have her watch your kids while you go out. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Engage in positive self-talk. You are going through an incredible journey that is new to you and your baby, but the only way to get through it and feel positive about things is to talk yourself up. Try saying things like “I can do this,” or “We can get through this.” These phrases can really make all the difference in your attitude.
Go out and have some fun with friends. It is easy to feel lonely and isolated when you’re living with your newborn baby, but it is important to treat yourself and go out every once in a while so that you feel more secure in your new role as a parent. Your time just hanging around the house with your newborn baby will be limited, so it is good to take advantage of these valuable moments.
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