20+ Essentials for Baby I Can’t Live Without
Over the years I’ve had the chance to try out a lot of baby items and to decide what things are really baby essentials, which are nice to have, and others that no one really needs. With so many different things being marketed to parents it can be hard to know what you need.
If you’re building your baby registry, shopping for a loved one, or just on the hunt to find items for your upcoming new arrival this list will help. I’ve put together all of my must-have items.
Feeding Essentials for Newborns and Babies
No matter how you’re choosing to feed your newborn you will need some basic supplies. These are some of my favorites.
Nursing Cover – Breastfeeding moms, you’ll want this cover! Blankets are always an option but this cover-up (available in several colors) gives you full range of motion with both hands and no worries about the blanket falling down. It also has a very stretchable hole over the head so hijabi moms can easily slip this on without having to readjust everything. Toss it in the washing machine when needed.
Bottles for Newborns – Mimijumi bottles are designed to mimic the shape of the breast and can help you when breast and bottle feeding. While regular bottles have some degree of free flow depending on the baby’s age, these are no flow. Baby sucks in the same way they would at the breast. Comotomo bottles are another option to help with bottle feeding. They’re soft, made with food grade silicone and easy to clean.
Silicone Feeding Bibs – When baby hits the self feeding stage, have these on hand! They help catch spills down the front and can easily be wiped down.
Health and Bath Essentials for Baby
No two babies are the same, so there will be different needs when it comes to their health. For example some bath soaps are great for one child but may cause another to have dry skin. It’s always best to talk to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
These suggestions are great for all babies. I suggest having these on hand once you bring your newborn home so you have the basics covered.
Muslin Washcloths – These super soft washcloths can be used in the bath but can do double duty when baby spits up. They wash easily either in a machine or by hand and dry fast. They also get softer the more they are used.
Hair Brushes – While not all babies need a hair brush it’s good to have on hand, because eventually it will grow in! This three piece wooden set is nice for regular brushing, dealing with cradle cap, and giving a light massage. You can also pick up just the single brush from cradle cap, a 2-piece comb and brush, or this smaller handled 3-piece wooden set.
Nasal Aspirator – This may look strange but the first time you have a baby with a stuffy nose you’ll be glad this is in your arsenal. Get that little one breathing easy in a flash.
Nail Trimmers – There’s nothing worse than a little one with sharp nails. It can be nerve wracking to trim the nails of a baby, but with this nail file you don’t have to worry about accidentally cutting the baby’s skin. I like this one because they work for babies but also have attachments for adults – it’s a single solution for the whole family.
Medicine Dispenser – Trying to get a newborn to take medication when needed can be a nightmare. This dispenser is shaped like a pacifier so medication can be delivered easier and with less (or no!) mess.
Windi – Gas and colic in babies is painful for parents and the little one. This tool has been designed by a pediatric gastroenterologist and is a safe way to help your baby pass gas that is trapped and painful.
Diaper Genie – Having a separate trash disposal for dirty diapers is a great idea, especially in the early days when you might have 12-15 diapers a day! This gift set has all the diaper disposal essentials you’ll need to get started. Diaper genie not only is a garbage but helps mask dirty odors and antimicrobials to keep germs away.
Humidifier – Make your nursery extra cozy and comfortable with a humidifier. I like this one because it can run for up to 12 hours and you can add essential oil drops for added purification. This one also doubles as a nightlight and can be used well into toddler-hood.
Changing Pad– Instead of buying a standing changing table, this pad is far more practical. It’s heavy enough not to move around but can be put on any solid surface and easily moved around. No extra sheets needed and it’s wiped down easily to clean.
Swaddling and Carrying Baby
Baby swaddles, slings, and carriers are so important especially when babies aren’t yet mobile. Whether for comfort or for function these three tools are a must for me.
Baby Sling – Some baby slings look like they require an advanced degree to get on. This one however is easy to use and made with breathable bamboo and linen fabric. It’s ideal for carrying a baby around without overheating mom or baby!
Baby Carrier – My two favorite carriers work for newborns and older kids. The Infantino 4-in-1 carrier has 4 different positions that you can adjust to. If you’re not sure or have never used a carrier it’s an affordable option to test out. A slightly more robust option is the MiaMily carrier that also has built in storage. This is a little better for older babies and has a hip seat with support to make carrying easier on the parent.
Muslin Blankets/Swaddles – You can never have too many of these! Muslin swaddles are great for wrapping baby up tight, and can easily be used to clean spit-up messes. They wash great and dry quickly. The slightly thicker muslin towels do double duty as baby bath towels but also receiving blankets that offer a little more warmth than the swaddled.
Comfort and Sleep Essentials
Bouncy Chair – Grab a few hands free moments! The BabyBjorn bouncy seat is lightweight and portable. You can adjust it to 4 different positions and it folds completely flat for storage! This bouncer has no batteries or cords and can be used for babies up to 2 years old.
Pacifier Holder – Ask most moms and they’ll tell you keep track of and/or losing pacifiers takes far more time than you’d ever imagine. This holder keeps pacifiers in one spot and clean!
Pacifier Clip – Keeping with the theme of not losing pacifiers this clip is cute and functional. It also doubles as a bit of a distraction as the baby can play with the balls.
Pacifiers – My favorite pacifiers are these natural rubber paci’s from Frigg. They’re designed to reduce contact with babies face and are suitable for babies up to 6 months.
Rocking Moses Basket Stand – If you’re a fan of the Moses basket then this additional basket stand is a must. Rock your little one to settle or to sleep. Make sure to check the dimensions of your Moses basket.
Sound Spa -I love this sound machine because it’s versatile by offering white noise, lullabies, and an on-off timer (plus even more features!). The small, compact size makes it easy to travel with as well.
Hatch sound machine – Nightlight, sound machine, and wake up alarm this machine is fully programmable and can be controlled remotely from your phone. It also grows with your child offering different functions and even has a toddler lock function for when your little one starts exploring.
Baby swing – My three favorite swings have one thing in common – they’ll save you when you need a little downtime or to get things done. This Graco rocker has a removable body support cushion for smaller babies. It has 16 different ways to soothe baby. The Ingenuity DreamComfort is foldable and uses a USB cord instead of batteries. Six different speeds as well as a light up mobile keep the baby entertained. Finally the Fisher Price Moonlight Meadow Swing is a good basic option with two swing settings, 6 speeds and motorized mobile.
Items like diapers, wipes, and clothes for baby will also all be essentials. These options will help get you ready for your newborn and provide comfort and safety in their first year.
