Getting ready for your first baby can be a swirl of information overload. First baby checklists abound, and it’s easy to become overwhelmed, wondering, “How many onesies can one baby wear? Do I really need to buy baby shoes? What’s up with those baby bedding sets?”
We get it. And we hear you. We want to help you simplify your to-do list by breaking down some of the must-haves for first-time parents.
Baby Furniture
New Crib & Mattress
There are plenty of first baby necessities you can buy second-hand, but we recommend buying a new crib to ensure you are getting the latest safety innovations.
Changing Table
All you really need is a safe and organized place to change diapers, so it can be a store-bought or second-hand changing table -- or you can DIY a changing table from a credenza or other low, study dresser.
Rocking Chair or Glider
Not a necessity, but it’s certainly going to be convenient to have a place to rock your newborn baby to sleep after those middle-of-the-night feedings. You’ll probably doze off, too, so get a comfy rocking chair or glider for your nursery.
Baby Linens
There are a lot of baby bedding sets out there that are absolutely adorable, but you might not need all of the pieces -- and some may even pose a SIDS risk. When it comes to newborn baby essentials, this is what makes our list:
- Fitted sheets
- Receiving blankets
- Waterproof mattress protectors
All the bumpers and pillows and padding and sleep positioners can be dangerous. So save yourself the time, money, and worry and stick with the newborn essentials.
Baby Feeding Gear
Formula
If you’re starting out with formula, you’ll need to add these to your newborn checklist:
- Bottles with newborn nipples (8+)
- Bottle-cleaning brush
- Bottle-drying rack
- Cotton bibs (6+)
- Burp cloths (or cotton diapers)
- Cooler for feeding on-the-run
Breastfeeding
When you’re breastfeeding, you can technically get away with very few newborn baby supplies. But in time, you may find life a bit easier if you have these items on hand:
- Nursing pillow
- Nursing bras (2+)
- Nursing pads (2+ boxes)
- Cotton bibs (6+)
- Burp cloths (or cotton diapers)
- Breast pump
- Milk storage containers
- Bottles and nipples
- Nipple cream
Diapering Essentials
When you’re stocking up on supplies for your newborn baby, be sure to add these diapering necessities:
- Newborn diapers. Start with two packs, in case baby grows out of them quickly.
- Fasteners, if you’re using cloth diapers
- Disposable wipes or plenty of washcloths
- Ointment to prevent diaper rash
- Changing table pad covers
- Pail or trash can with lid for diapers
Baby Bathtime
Photo by amazon.com
Bathtime with baby might seem a little tricky at first (soapy, squirmy baby), but you’ll get the hang of it, especially when you have all the right newborn baby essentials close by.
- Baby tub - this can be a plastic dishpan in the sink. At first, it may actually be easiest to take the baby in the bathtub with you. (Bonus: you’ll get at least a partial bath for yourself, which is a huge win for any new parent!)
- Washcloths
- Baby soap
- Soft baby brush
- Hooded baby towels
Newborn Baby Clothes
Photo by amazon.com
Many new parents find themselves overloaded with gifted baby clothes or stocking up on too many outfits and not enough newborn essentials. The truth is you’re going to be changing baby a lot, and doing a lot of laundry. Be sure to have at least these items on hand when you bring your baby home:
- Onesies with a snap crotch (8+)
- T-shirts with side snaps (3+)
- Pants (3+)
- Nightgowns or pajamas (7)
- Newborn hats (2)
- Socks or booties (6)
- Scratch mittens (2)
- Sweaters or jackets
- Outfits (several, for dressing up, showing off, and update photos)
Note: you will not see shoes on this list because you don’t need them until baby starts walking. Yes, they’re cute and will really help pull baby’s most adorable outfit together for your IG updates. But don’t feel bad if you don’t have them.
Other Newborn Baby Must-haves
- Pacifiers
- Nail clippers
- Bulb syringe
- Medicine dropper
- Baby monitor
- Baby thermometer
- Car seat
- Stroller
- Diaper bag
- Baby carrier or sling
- Baby toys
Baby Playtime
Don’t worry about having too many toys for your newborn baby. This is what we suggest for the first few months:
- Soft baby books
- Plush toys that make noise
- Rattles
- Soft baby play mat
Comfort Design Mats™ create gorgeous shared spaces for play, work, and better living. Our large foam play mats are designed with colors and patterns that actually complement your home decor while giving your children a spacious, padded place to crawl, walk, and play. They're waterproof, easy to clean, durable, and made with half-inch thick, cushy-soft, non-toxic foam.
