Get ready for the real deal, MUST HAVE, what we actually used list of newborn baby essentials. This is everything we needed for the first 3 months (and of course all used beyond too). Everything to cover that newborn stage! So you’ll be prepared and won’t be frantically shopping Amazon or sending your spouse out to the store at 10 PM. I got you!

(PS: of course this is just what worked for us, after buying too much stuff the first time around – and missing out on some of the basics we really did need, and then refining that list with baby #2. if you have tried & true must haves, I would LOVE to hear about them! leave a comment!)

Going to underline the items that were 100% must haves, but the other ones are mostly must haves too haha.

Some other posts you might love:

And to find links to all of the pretty pieces in the non-essential nursery (we do use it more now haha): go here!

DIAPERING

  • Diapers
    • we started with a few packs of size 0 (newborn) and 1, then waited to buy more – both boys went up in size really fast! THESE are our hands-down favorite
  • Wipes
    • these are unscented, very gentle, great for face/hands too
  • Fractionated Coconut Oil in a small glass dropper bottle
    • for early days as a gentle diaper cream alternative, also helps early dirty diapers from “sticking” to their skin if you apply a light layer at each change
  • Disposable Cloth Wipes
    • for a gentle wipe in the early days, and for layering in diapers for bedtime for more leakproof absorption as they start to sleep longer stretches
    • of course you can use re-usable ones if you’re into that!
  • Diaper Caddy
    • if you want a second changing setup – downstairs for us
  • Leather Changing Mat
    • easy to clean, doesn’t get too cold, looks pretty!
  • Nook Mat if you’re on hardwood & want a spot for changing/playing (more on this in the “play” section)
  • Disposable “Puppy Pads”
    • lay under baby for easy cleanup when you have a messy diaper situation

FEEDING

we have done formula/bottle feeding for both boys, and this is what has worked for us for that route!

  • Bottles
    • I bought two of these sets to have small ones for first few months, then larger ones to use as they start doing more at a feeding
  • Nipples in each size up to size 4
    • so you have the next size up when they’re ready for it! And don’t have to go searching in-store/online when they’re fussing for a change
  • Holle Formula
    • post all about why we chose this one, where we buy, and other great options HERE – use code JUSTJESSIEB for a discount on your first order
  • Formula Machine
    • total essential if you’re doing formula; thank me later!
  • Drying Rack
  • Dish Soap
    • we use this on all dishes, including bottles!
  • Probiotic Powder
    • helps a ton with tummy troubles and just keeping baby comfortable/regular! we started around 2 weeks or so
  • Pacifiers
  • Bandana Bibs
    • for drool!
  • Burp Cloths
    • these are old school but the absolute BEST and only ones that work in my opinion. we have a zillion and use them as bibs too, just tucked into baby’s shirt/under chin; also great for under them during tummy time when they spit up here & there

SLEEP / LOUNGING

we didn’t swaddle either boy so I don’t have anything linked in that category! neither of them were into it or needed it to sleep long stretches so we just skipped over it!

  • Newborn Sleep Guide
    • there are so many great courses/resources out there but honestly – buy this, download/save it straight to your laptop and phone, and keep it on hand… it’s all you need!
    • goes over sleep/wake times by age to keep baby on a good routine, and all the basics you need to set them up for good sleep. we followed everything but the swaddling and both of our boys have slept through the night (minus the occasional feeding here & there) by just a couple of weeks old with these habits in place!
    • Heidi is a friend of mine – and gave us some discount codes!
      • JESSIEBABY for 50% off the instant download Newborn Guide
      • JESSIESLEEP for $50 off Mini or Regular Sleep Coaching Packages – in case you need more support!
  • Dock A Tot
    • much prefer this to all other similar ones I’ve tried – good size that grows with them for longer than others, easy to wash
  • Blanket
    • lightweight, still cozy – this is our favorite!!
  • Thicker Blanket
    • this one is so soft & cozy – both boys have one as their “special blanket”
  • 2 Swaddle Blankets
    • favorite brand HERE, cheaper super similar version HERE
  • Sound Machine
    • love the light feature on this one you can also use later for teaching toddlers to stay in bed – we have 3 of these in our house!
  • Boppy Lounger
    • for supervised daytime naps when they’re really small, and just for hanging in when needed! Ford was in this a ton the first couple of months, during wake-time and for little catnaps
    • 2 year old Hudson still uses this as a seat cushion for play, in the garage, etc
  • Play Pen (either this AND a bassinet or one or the other for us!)
    • we love THIS ONE, but also have THIS LARGE ONE that’s great as they get older/bigger.
    • great for naps in the living area, enclosed play as they get older/on the move; also great for travel crib into the toddler years
    • could also double as a bassinet in your room for nighttime sleep, OR you could grab a separate bassinet (we didn’t end up using ours, opted for co-sleeping instead)
  • Baby Bjorn bouncer
    • we used this in lieu of a swing – love the minimal, lightweight design for moving room-to-room, and the add-on TOY BAR when they’re ready for something more engaging
    • also SO easy to clean – the whole fabric portion slips right off & goes in the wash. lays flat for storage/travel… the best!
    • I’m not big on “baby containers” for development reasons (our babies just get tons of free floor time!) but this is great when we do need something – so mama can finish cooking, get in a workout, brush teeth, etc. haha

CLOTHING

  • Zip-up jammies
    • love this brand the most for really silky soft material, lightweight so they don’t overheat – can always layer with a onesie, and flexible sizing that both babies could fit into a lot longer than other brands!
    • so many brands out there though – so just find some good “sleepers” that work for you! my babies lived in pjs in the early months they’re just easy & cute
    • I grabbed around 5 per size and that worked out perfect so we had enough on hand
  • Long Sleeve onesies in each size
    • our babies wore these as their shirt with a pair of simple pants, but could also use for layering if you’re in a colder area or don’t keep the heat going as high!
  • Short Sleeve onesies in each size
    • can wear as a shirt if your house is warm (or live in a warm climate) but also great for layering under jammies or other outfits!
  • Pants
    • love basic ones like this in each size
    • Dathan said the boys looked like little grandpas when they wore their onesie/pant outfits but I loved the simplicity, and who doesn’t love grandpas!?
  • Socks
    • this brand has been our favorite for staying on in the early days – but of course you only need them if they’re not wearing the footed sleeper jammies!
  • Hats
    • these ones for a budget option, these ones we preferred since they don’t have a seam (big headed baby problems haha, the others everyone loves left a dent in their heads for awhile after taking off & that bothered me)
  • “Big Hands” Mittens
    • we tried to go off the mittens as early as possible since babies need their fingers for exploring, chewing, all those things.
    • these “big hand” ones are great for protecting them from scratches while still leaving them enough room to wiggle their little fingers around!

BATHING/HYGIENE

  • Baby bathtub
    • or go real minimalist like us & have them just take a bath/shower with you haha
  • Washcloths
    • these are so soft I always steal them for myself!
  • Hooded Towels
    • this one is our favorite & washes up really well – stays soft!
  • Hair & Body Soap
    • we have loved this one for both boys, still use it on our 2 year old. has a great, light sweet scent but all natural and free of any synthetic fragrances
  • Nail Clippers
    • these are our fav of all we have tried!
  • Cradle Cap Brush
    • this is amazing for gently massaging/exfoliating their scalp to prevent/treat cradle cap!
  • Soft Goat Hair Brush
    • this is great for brushing if they have longer hair – so soft!
  • Baby Massage Oil
    • this is organic, super simple ingredients but has that great lavender smell perfect for calming – we use it every night before jammies as part of our bedtime routine
    • like aromatherapy and moisture in one
  • All Over Ointment
    • this one is completely non-greasy for under clothes yet gives this great protective layer to their skin
    • perfect for dry patches, eczema, chapped cheeks from cold weather/drool rash – everything!
    • completely unscented/fragrance free so it doesn’t irritate their skin

WAKE TIME/PLAY

  • Padded floor mat
    • this is a great one for practicing crawling as it has more of a slippery surface they can move on! also completely non toxic materials, and easy to wipe down clean with a spray or baby wipe
    • this one is great for multi-purpose in smaller areas (we use it for play / changing area / travel since it folds up so easy) – also goes right in the washer/dryer!
  • Activity Mat
    • this one has held up great, goes in the wash, and grows with them as they learn & develop (even 2 year old still loves it)
    • love the simplicity of it – but honestly, you could go without if you wanted! we do love it, but it’s an “extra” I’d say!
  • Black & White Books
    • so great for those early days when their vision is still developing! They can of course read them later too, but they’re especially eye catching early on & are great to prop up for tummy time
  • Classic, Simple Books You Love
    • I attribute both of our boys’ love of books to the hundreds (probably thousands) of story time sessions we had with them in those early days!
    • reading books is an amazing way to teach joint attention (one of the earliest pre-speech language skills) and is so soothing for them to hear your voice! such a great bonding time!
    • pick some board book versions of books YOU love so you won’t get bored of reading the same ones over & over & over. the repetition is so good for them!
  • Chew Toys
    • for when that early teething starts, but also just for learning to explore with their mouths! helps develop early chewing/feeding skills too!
    • a few of our favorites in the early months:
      • these maracas that double as rattles
      • this one has great texture that feels good on their gums & comes with a case for storing/on-the-go
      • these for reaching back to their “back teeth” where they will eventually chew (great for feeding skill development and learning their own gag reflex)
      • this giraffe is a classic both of our boys have loved! lots of different spots to chew on & easy to grip

GEAR

  • Infant car seat with pull-down cover
    • we love this one! the pull down cover is so handy, zips into itself when not using, or magnets down into place when you are (and don’t want anyone touching/sneezing on your baby or if you’re keeping sun/cold off of them!)
    • we later switched to this one for our “convertible car seat” when he was outgrowing the infant one, and was easier to put in/out of the car seat and didn’t want to stay in when we got places (didn’t need the “carrier” function as much anymore) – love that it’s made with safer materials & flame retardant free
  • Car mirror
    • we have two of this one! one for each boy. a must to safely keep an eye on baby while you’re driving
  • Stroller that can also hold infant seat
    • this one has been good to us! folds up easy, simple to use, good storage. worked well for jogging in a pinch too!
    • you can also find the infant carseat + stroller in a set for a great deal which is what we did!
  • Baby carrier
    • this is one of my most-used baby items of all time, especially in those first 6 months
    • both babies napped in this, spent wake time in this, allowed me to cook dinner in this, went for walks in this… you need this.
    • the wraps/more structured ones are cool but complicated – this is the easiest one ever to put on, comfy (like a yoga pant material), and goes in the washer/dryer. THE BEST (I wish they were paying me to say this)

NOW I NEED YOUR HELP:

I wasn’t able to breastfeed either of my boys, and we didn’t swaddle. Two things I know MANY do! So I’d love your two cents on best *must have essential* products there! Many of you so far have said:

BREASTFEEDING

  • Nursing pillow (I hear “my brest friend” is great)
  • Earth Mama nipple butter
  • Haaka for collecting milk

SWADDLING

  • Ollie swaddle
  • Velcro swaddles

(are those the same? lol we need help here! both of my boys were “free range babies” haha didn’t like the swaddle and slept through the night by just a couple of weeks old without it so I never felt the need – but I know we are the exception there!)

I so hope this is helpful!! Comment below if you have more ESSENTIAL products to share, and if this helped you let us know! Share it with a friend! Happy baby shopping xoxo

Filed   baby, lifestyle, pregnancy