Having a new baby is an adventure, and there are a million decisions for new parents to make. It’s almost impossible to know what’s essential. In addition to the basics, there are a million cute and tiny things you’ll convince yourself you need, but the reality is that you don’t. And every baby is different. I had my third baby in my 40s and it’s been a wonderful experience. I really figured out how to weed out the “stuff” – I know what works now. And with 3 kids, you have to go for easy. Here are the baby essentials you actually need (and the ones you don’t) the first year.
Newborn Baby Essentials: What You Need For Baby’s First Year
When you become a parent, the most important thing to remember is that there’s no perfect product or solution for whatever you’re facing. All experiences are unique, and we are all doing our best. It’s always a good idea to consult friends who have been through it, but what worked for them might not work for you. There are so many baby items to choose from and you don’t need that much, but there are some items that are really nice to have. When you bring baby home, it’s the beginning of a whole new world, and you won’t really know everything you’ll need until you experience life with a baby. I always loved hearing about other mom’s experiences, so I’d like to share what worked for me.
Baby Essentials for Sleep
This is about as basic as it gets. You “need” a safe place for baby to sleep, mattress, and bedding. And don’t forget blackout shades and mattress pad.
Newton
This is soft, breathable, and eco-friendly crib mattress.
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NANIT
You could use any monitor, but this one is amazing. Wave one in my girls' room and another in my son's nursery. It always gave me peace of mind, and was so easy to use with my cell phone.
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I wrote a whole blog post on how amazing these are. They are very affordable, easy to install (just need scissors) and make the girls' rooms pitch black for naps.
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Ollie
You'll only use these for the first few months but they are a must-have. I had 2 (one to wash and one to hang dry) and we loved them. Worth every penny.
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Mori
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a firm mattress free of and blankets (even a small lovey) or toys. So wearable blankets or sleep sacks are best.
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Babelio
I have traveled with the white noise machines we use at home but with 3 kids, it's easier to bring 2 smaller ones.
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Baby Sleep (nice to have)
Baby Bjorn
This is great to have but you could survive without one and just use a crib. I rented the SNOO for my first two and really liked that it wasn't another big item we had to store or sell once we were done with it. That said, I did not rent it for our third, and used the Bjorn bassinet. It was wonderful and he's my best sleeper.
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Amazon
I love this because it's just under $17, the charge lasts for months, and it's easy to use. Great for middle-of-the-night feeds and changes.
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Baby Sleep (what you don’t need)
Pillows, bumpers, and a baby quilt. Baby needs a flat place to sleep without anything that might put them at risk.
Baby Essentials: Feeding
Dr. Browns
Sure, these have more parts, but they work well and are the number one bottle for a reason. We're really happy with them.
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Breville
I've tried those formula dispensers and pitchers and this was by far the easiest way to prep bottles. Bottle warmers take 5-6 minutes which is way too long. I'd just boil water and put it in a thermos for the day, or warm it up for a little bit, add formula, and shake. So easy.
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Stanley
The perfect way to keep water for bottles warm at home and on the go.
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Amazon
This is cheap, easy to use, and does the trick. We are never out for more than 3 bottles so it's the perfect size for us.
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Bobbie
We used Kendamil organic which doesn't seem to be available but I've heard great things about Bobbie.
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Comfy Cubs
These are simple, affordable, and absorb liquid well.
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Grosmimi
I skipped sippy cups since straw cups are better for baby's muscles. We started practicing with this (with water) when Kate was maybe 6 months old (or so?) and both girls love them.
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Mushie
I love these bibs - they're easy to use and clean, and catch spills and messes.
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Stokke
I had the Stokke Tripp Trapp and switched it for the Steps – it's so much better! This seat is easy to adjust and clean. I love the look, too.
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Munchkin
I did not have great experiences with those large steamers, and they're big and bulky. While I don't love that these are disposable, you get a lot of use out of each one and at the end of the day, it's less trash than a giant steamer/sterilizer that no longer works.
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OXO
This thing is awesome. No more bottles piled all over the counter, and no large, wide drying rack. The boon one was very large and got so gross. This takes up so little space and is easy to wipe down too.
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Morepeas
This silicone cup is a snack cup, vegetable steamer, suction bowl, and storage container. We have two and use them all the time.
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Breast Pump:
If you’re going to breastfeed, you’ll need a breast pump. I used the Elvie for a few months and really liked how convenient it was. You can’t really bend over while wearing it, but are hands-free and don’t have tubes sticking out, so you can actually move around, or even pump while driving.
Why this was the best thing I could have done for my entire family.
Baby Feeding Essentials (nice to have)
Bumkins
I have two packs of these and use them to wipe baby's face after eating. We rarely use paper towels - maybe one roll every few months? And these are better than using a few baby wipes after each meal.
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Haakaa
You definitely don't have to have this, but I did like using it for my son when he was teething and starting solids.
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Baby Must Haves for Bath Time and Diapering
Bath: When Margot was born, I started with a sink bath, then transitioned to this, and then needed a larger tub once she outgrew that. I would recommend a sling tub since it will last until baby starts to sit up. I love the Eurobath but it’s sold out, so that’s why I’m recommending the sling.
Skip Hop
You could argue this isn't a must-have but we used a baby bath for the whole first year - it's an essential.
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Tubby Todd
The best products for bath and skin. The all over ointment is a life-saver and saved my friend's daughter's sensitive skin.
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Coterie
These diapers aren't cheap but I love them. I've tried every eco-friendly option and they all feel like paper, while these are almost as soft as fabric. Great for sensitive skin, too and worth the splurge. You could also consider cloth diapers for an eco-friendly option.
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Millie Moon
I recently made the switch to Millie Moon and love their diapers. They are just as soft as Coterie and so much more affordable.
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Ubbi
You could technically get by without this but I wouldn't want to. But just try getting wipes out of anything else while holding a squirmy baby down. So...it's pretty essential.
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Frida
We have 2 of these – one in the nursery and another in our bathroom. It's the best!
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Frida
This works! I did find a better option that I like even more, but this one is budget friendly and does the trick.
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Design Dua
You could get by without these but it wouldn't be pretty. I kept one of these in our diaper caddy and one on top of Kate's changing mat at all times.
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These are great for diaper changes – I always keep one on the changing pad, and when it gets wet or dirty, switch it out for a new one. It makes keeping the changing pad clean much easier.
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Bath and diapering (nice to have)
Dr. Noze Best
Sure, this seems like a nice to have but I'm calling it a must-have. It's amazing! We still use it all the time and my son is 18 months old.
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Ubbi
This is nice to have if you want to keep it in the bathroom, but I am not really a diaper pail fan. There's no good way to deal with poop, but I've found it's best to just toss diapers in the sealed kitchen trash since it gets emptied daily.
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Bath and diapering (what you don’t need)
Baby bath robe: Is your baby lounging around in a robe? No.
Baby towels: They’re nice to have but you can definitely use a a normal-sized, soft towel.
Newborn bath: You don’t need a sink bath that you’ll use for just a few months. Invest in one tub that works until baby is sitting up.
Baby Equipment: The Must haves
Bugaboo
I loved our VISTA as a single but not a double, so I sold it. Then I had another baby, and found myself needing a single stroller. The Fox is amazing.
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Bugaboo
Our travel stroller is amazing! It opens and closes with one hand, so it's really easy to set up or put away while holding baby. Just keep in mind that babies can't use this stroller until they're 6 months old.
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Clek
This was recommended by the Car Seat Lady and I have really liked it. And the load leg means it's extra safe in the car.
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Baby Bjorn
The only seat we used longer than 3 months. At almost 10 months, my son still loves it. It's the perfect place to place baby when you need to get things done.
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Pehr
This play mat is great for tummy time and play time, and I love the sweet and simple design.
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Comfy Cubs
I needed a safe place for Jack to play while we get things done. This looks nice, comes fully assembled, is easy to move around, and it's huge! I love it.
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Puracy
I love all things Puracy – have been using it since before I had kids.
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The Baby Gear that’s nice to have
Parker
This was been one of my most-used items the first six months. I use it to store burp cloths, bibs, disposable diapers, an extra change of clothes, changing pad, and pacifiers. We keep it by our bed at night and downstairs during the day. Makes having all the essentials on-hand which is a must when you have two.
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Keep toys and sippy cups attached to baby's car seat, stroller, or high chair with these easy to clean straps.
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Doona
I have a few things to say about the Doona, so a review is in order. It's great when you have two other kids and want less stuff, so that's a plus. There's no clicking a car seat into a stroller, no adapters, etc. So I do like it and recommend it, but having a car seat was fine, too. It's just one less thing to deal with, and with 3, that's really nice. I can see how it would be very essential for travel, and it's nice to have, but you will be fine without it.
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Artipoppe
Given the price, I can't call this an essential but it really was for me. I used it all the time for the first 6 months and still use it when we go out. It's comfortable and so easy to put on and take off.
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Gooselings
By the time I had my third, I'd head out with whatever bag I wanted, and tossed a few bottles in my bag along with one of these pouches with diapers, wipes, and an extra outfit.
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Baby Essentials: Gear that you don’t need
Moses basket:
You can definitely get by without a Moses basket.
Multiple seats:
A friend told me I’d want a few baby seats throughout the house but I found that unnecessary. I splurged on a beautiful wooden seat for Kate and it was such a waste. Get the baby bjorn and call it a day. We used it all the time – it works for the first year and folds flat when not in use.
Diaper bag:
You do not need a diaper bag. Sure, they can be nice to have but a backpack or tote will do. I prefer to throw baby’s diapers and essentials in one of these pouches. Pouches are a great option for storing things by type, and work so well in a tote.
Baby Essentials: Toys and Books
If you hand your baby a cup, they’ll play with it. Crumpled up piece of paper? Yes, they’ll play with that too. I wasn’t the minimalist I thought I’d be when it came to toys, but if you’re looking to keep things simple, here’s what you need.
These won't last more than a few months each but they're well made, beautiful, and simple.
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Baby Einstein
I wasn't big on light-up toys for younger babies but this is a must-have. All 3 of my kids loved it as babies, and it was the key to a quiet car ride.
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Baby Toys (nice to have)
Skip Hop
All 3 of my kids have loved this toy.
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Skip Hop
A safe spot for baby that will keep baby busy and safe is necessary, especially when you have multiple kids and pets, too. I don't use it for long periods of time, but it's great for 5-10 minutes when you need to get something done.
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Manhattan Toy
All of my babies have loved this. It has a velcro strap and magnets that makes it easy to attach to the car, stroller, or anything, really.
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Manhattan Toy
My babies loved this, too. Bonus: it attaches to the silicone straps and is a great stroller toy.
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Baby Essentials: Clothes and Layette
Clothes are so cute, and it took having my third to realize that babies don’t need much. Your baby “needs” a few cute outfits per stage at most. I would invest in maybe 8-10 cozy basics, depending on how often you do laundry. I would get a few hats, some fleece booties, and lots of socks.
Kissy KIssy
These are so sweet but run small, so size up.
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Kissy Kissy
These footies are a favorite - they are so sweet.
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Lou Lou and Co
These sets are so stretchy and last for months and months!
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Little Sleepies
The fabric is so so soft and stretchy and their pajamas last months longer than any other brand.
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Clothes (what you don’t need)
Babies don’t need shoes (beyond a pair of booties) or dozens of nice outfits. They need cozy layette, socks, and some booties.
I wrote this post with a sleep coach and after following these tips, my third slept through the night at 3.5 months!
Babyproofing Essentials
Safety 1st
Install these at the top and bottom of the stairs, and in any hallways or doorways to keep baby safe.
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