15 Newborn Baby ‘Must-Haves’!
Not sure what to put on your baby shower registry? Or maybe you’re not sure what to get someone who doesn’t have a baby shower registry, or not a lot on it? Here are 15 of my favorite must have baby items! These are items I’ve used or have had to purchase shortly after having baby. Your closest family and friends will likely chip in or splurge on you for the pricier items, so go ahead, don’t be afraid to add those bigger items! I loved adding stuff to my cart, be sure to keep in mind the season of when baby will be born, and select outfits accordingly. One regret I had was not selecting more baby jammies at the 3 – 6 months mark! Okay on to the baby stuff that will actually be much needed. The links to all the products I am sharing below are my affiliate links on Amazon! Happy Shopping!
*** It’s important to be mindful of products that may have been recalled due to safety concerns. SafeKidsWorldwide has a list of products recently recalled: https://www.safekids.org/product-recalls. ***
1. Crib
Depending on how big your space is, the best investment is going to be a crib that converts to a Toddler bed and then a Day bed. This one on Amazon, is a popular pick for its quality and natural tone. Also, many baby’s as they learn to stand up begin chewing on the upper ridge of the crib, so if you have a cheap quality crib, it could be toxic to baby and start to peel. So just keep that in mind!
2. Rocking Chair or Glider
With my first baby, I chose to go with style over comfort and man did I regret that. So with my second baby I went with a glider that looked comfy, however the padding was non existent so I had add a pillow when sitting on it. Here are some picks that are rated for comfort, style, and quality.
- Comfortable, Extra Cushion, Stylish Glider. Yaheetech Upholstered Rocking Chair, Boucle Glider Chair Nursery Chair with High Back and Side Pocket
- Another Stylish and Comfy Option. NIOIIKIT Nursery Rocking Chair Teddy Upholstered Glider Rocker Rocking Accent Chair Padded Seat with High Backrest Armchair
- If you want the Ultimate Luxury & Most premium option, I would go for one of these:
- Nurture& The Glider Premium Power Recliner Nursery Glider Chair with Adjustable Head Support | Designed with a Thoughtful Combination of Function and Comfort
- Nurture& The Glider Plus – Premium Nursery Power Recliner | Swivel Chair with Adjustable Head Support and Adjustable Lumbar Support | Built-in USB – The Ultimate Comfort for Nursing, Relaxing
3. Stroller & Car Seat Travel System
Okay so there are A LOT of strollers on the market. Though I only have two kids of my own, I’ve been through a handful of different strollers and so have many of my close friends and family. So the topic of which stroller is the best has come up a time or two. One thing to keep in mind is that your stroller is going to be the first thing you use for your baby (that drive home from the hospital is oh so nerve racking!), and if you get a good quality one, it could last you a long time. So, I am just going to share one, and it’s the one I am using now, and LOVE. It has not failed me yet, I will edit this post if I find another stroller that changes my mind.
Uppa Baby Travel System I am currently using this for my 2nd baby and I LOVE it. It rides super smoothly, like you can maneuver it through some tricky spots, (with one hand if needed) on a walk without jerking the stroller around like a crazy person. It’s got super nice suspension. I used the bassinet attachment all around my house when baby was just born, and when traveling it’s great to have baby sleep in close to you. Uppa Baby also has a great “piggy back” extension roller step that you can add if you have a toddler like I do. He LOVES it, and it saved me in the airport when I flew by myself with them. You can check that out here. I also love how big and sturdy the lower storage area is, I never need a card when grocery shopping, and sometimes my toddler will hop in for a bit if he is tired of walking. As much as we travel, and throw it around from trunk to trunk, I am surprised at how sturdy it is. The ONLY negative I would say is the car seat seems heavier than others. Not by a lot. Oh, Also, we took this bad boy to the beach in Florida so often, and when rolled on the back tires, it does great.
4. Bedside Bassinet
Newton Baby Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper with Mattress & Sheet – 100% Breathable & Washable.
I really love the neutral colors of this one, and how its not super bulky. Everything else out there is very tacky and bulky.
5. Baby Swing
When it comes to Baby Swing there are so many to choose from. You’ve got to ask yourself if you want a portable basic one that you can take from one room to another, or if you want a stationary one. Both my kids didn’t really like the baby swing after like 3 months old. For infants, baby swings are great, but so are baby loungers. Other moms I talk to say their kids LOVED their swings. Here is a great article that reviews a number of swings. Here is a good stationary one! Maxi-Cosi Cassia Swing
6. Baby Bouncer
My kids preferred the bouncer. I also love how most bouncers like this one below, you can pick up and take into any room, or roll to any room. They are light, and easily portable. When we stayed in Florida for 2 weeks for a work trip, this was great to have. CuddoBaby Baby Bouncer 4-in-1 with Wheels, Detachable Piano, Feeding Tray, Play Bar, Thick Base.
7. Baby Carrier
Okay, so let me tell you, I went through probably 5 different baby carriers with my first kid, and I just couldn’t find one that felt right. And maybe that’s just how it goes with baby carriers. You have to find something that works for you so unfortunately lots of trial and error. I could never get the long ‘wrap’ type ones to work for me, too complicated and didn’t feel like baby was supported. Here are two that actually worked very well. The first one below is a more affordable option, very easy to put baby in, and very sturdy. My husband even liked wearing it.
This second one by BabyBjorn is what I am currently using with my second baby, it was gifted to me. I LOVE it. Its mesh, so its breathable and perfect for the hot summers that we get here in Texas.
8. High Chair
When I was pregnant with my first child, a friend gave us their old high chair. It was a really nice Graco high chair with wheels on it, and the padding is very comfy looking. I still use it now with my second. I like that baby looks very comfy in it (she actually falls asleep in it on occasion!) AND I really like that I can easily wheel her around in it. Here it is below, along with some nice foldable options.
Cosco Simple Fold Deluxe High Chair, Black Arrows
9. Baby Play Mat
There are so many baby play mats to choose from, and this is one baby item you absolutely want. For myself, I wanted one that wasn’t overly colorful with in your face bright colors that will just make the house more cluttered. So here are some of my FAVS:
10. Baby Bath Tub
There are seriously so many baby bath tub options out there. It can feel overwhelming, these two below are nice options. Since we travel so much, I like to think about how compact it is. I do like the ones that come with a built in thermometer. This first one below I like for the small 0- 4 months stage because of the shower head.
11. Baby Laundry Detergent
Before baby is born, be sure to wash all your newborns clothes with baby specific laundry detergent. Here are some of my favorites. (I actually love the smell of these and I like washing my clothes with these too 🙂 )
- Dreft Newborn Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent, Gentle on Sensitive Skin, HE Compatible, 2 pack
- MRS. MEYER’S CLEAN DAY Baby Laundry Detergent Liquid, Infused with Essential Oils, Baby Blossom, 64oz – Pack of 2
12. Onesies Galore & Swaddles
I wish I had more 3 – 6 month old size onesies and clothing items in general. They grow so quickly, and before you know it you are headed to the store for more baby clothes. As for swaddles, both my kids HATED being swaddled unless they could easily take their hands out. When it comes to onesies, the two way zippers are the way to go for quick diaper changes. Here are some of my favorite essentials.
Soft Baby Bamboo Viscose Footie Pajamas, Zipper Closure, 0-24 Months
13. Good Quality Diapers
WIth my first baby, we found out quickly that his skin was very sensitive to many of the usual diapers. Once we switched to the Honest Brand Diapers, we didn’t have to worry about diaper rash again. Though I am NOT sponsored by them, I’ve been getting the Honest Diapers for over 3 years now and would highly recommend.
14. Gripe Water
When my son was born everyone would ask me “is he colicky?” Colic is basically general fussiness, or upset tummy and gassiness. And maybe its just an old wives tale, but my parents and in-laws said boys are always more colic than girls. My mom gave me a tip that usually it’s just their tummies and they need some “dill water”. Thats when I found all natural Gripe Water. I am telling you what a difference it makes. You really don’t even need a lot of it and you’ll notice a huge difference! Gripe Water was very much a lifesaver for my son in the newborn phase and up. There are lots of brands out there, just be sure to grab an organic one with few ingredients. You can grab some of the ones below:
15. Back Seat Mirror For Baby!
I didn’t think of this before I had my first kid, but what a great thing to have for peace of mind. When you are driving by yourself this is a must have. I like this one because it comes with a little remote that you keep up front and can turn on sleepy or upbeat music, and there are little lights that light up to entertain baby. Both my kids LOVE this and it keeps the drive that much more peaceful.
