Having a newborn baby is overwhelming and being a first-time mom can really feel so daunting. Often times, new moms have no idea where to begin when stocking up for their baby, which results in registering for everything under the sun. And with September being newborn safety month, Daily Mom wanted to ensure that you have all the newborn essentials for you and your little one as soon as they arrive. Being prepared well in advance can certainly save a lot of anxiety, stress, and time…not to mention, allow a new mother to truly enjoy the first moments with her new baby.
This also means being prepared with all the things that are TRULY needed as a new mom and not just those items that the other moms at the coffee shop mentioned you “need.” Putting together a newborn essentials list is going to be key for all those first-time mamas out there; better yet, here is one containing items not necessarily thought of by new mamas.
The Newborn Essentials List
Nested Bean
Parents will to anything to get their little ones to sleep, but some babies love the weight of mom or dad’s hands to help them fall asleep. With the Nested Bean Zen Sack, your child will feel the gentle weight of the Cuddle Pad on their chest which mimics mom and dad’s touch. Your little one will fall asleep easier, calm down faster, and even help your baby to self-soothe. The sleep-sack design keeps your baby warm with the use of loose blankets, and the two-way zipper makes it easy to do a middle-of-the-night diaper change. They come in sizes 0-6 months, 6-15 months, and 15-24 months so your baby can have the comfort of a weighted sleep-sack for as long as they need it.
DockATot
The best baby lounger on the market is a must for the newborn essentials list! Newborns sleep a lot and they want to feel snug and cozy, just as they were in mama’s tummy. Nothing else can compare to the mommy hotel that babies have lived in for nine months. The DockATot lounger is a sleep cocoon that is super portable and can be moved from room-to-room, allowing a baby to sleep anywhere. It is also very travel-friendly as it can be packed in one half of a suitcase; who said travelling with a baby is hard?
The DockATot lounger comes with a child-safe zipper cover that is machine washable and made with 100% organic cotton. It is also non-heat harboring and OEKO-TEX certified, which ensures it poses no risk to human health and provides a skin-friendly pH level to prevent irritation to the skin.
For those who prefer co-sleeping, the DockATot lounger feels safe and comforting for parents in their bed. It is also handy for those who delivered via c-section as it lays right next to mom for easy check-ups in the middle of the night. Whether baby is a boy or girl, there are countless designs to choose from; varying from “pristine white” to the absolute colorful and bright “desert palm.” The design of DockATot is so modern and chic, making it a very pleasant addition to anyone’s home. It isn’t the #1 registered baby item on BabyList for nothing!
BBLuv Trimo Electric Nail Clipper
Any seasoned mom will tell you that one of the most terrifying things about taking care of a new baby is clipping their nails. Those tiny fingers next to a sharp clipper are panic inducing, especially since newborns and little babies never sit still. The Trimo Electric Nail Clippers by BBLuv are a safe, painless way to clips baby’s and toddler’s nails. You can easily trim and polish their nails without fear of clipping their skin. The Trimo is also quiet- so there is no need to worry about the noise scaring your little one (or waking them, if you clip their nails while they sleep).
The anti-slop edge helps you hold onto the nail clipper so it doesn’t accidentally slip out of your hand. There are also two speeds to choose from so you can make the process go a little faster when baby is a little more squirmy. The Trimo comes with four filing discs an a handy carrying case for when you travel.
BBLuv Sonik Electric Toothbrush
Baby’s gums and teeth need to be cleaned every day, even before they start eating solid foods, to help prevent diseases and infections like thrush. The BBLuv Sonik Electric Toothbrush is an easy way to keep your baby’s gums and teeth healthy and clean. A traditional infant toothbrush that sits on your finger hurts, especially once they start getting teeth. And manual toothbrushes don’t clean as effectively. But with the Sonik, you get the power action of a electric toothbrush while being gentle and soothing for your little one.
The Sonik runs on a two-minute timer, flashing every 30 seconds so you know to switch to another section of your baby’s mouth. The gentle vibrations are soothing to sore, teething gums and the LED light is engaging to your little one. The Sonik grows with your baby, too- The interchangeable heads for infants and toddler are included.
BBLuv Termo Infared Digital Thermometer
It is inevitable- at some point your baby will get a fever and you will need to active monitor it. Long gone are the days where thermometers are invasive, though. The BBLuv Termo Infared Thermometer is a tympanic thermometer that takes your baby’s temperature quickly and easily over their forehead. The reading will give you a numeric read in Fahrenheit or Celsius as well as a color notification of normal (green), slight fever (orange), or high fever (red).
If you are monitoring your baby’s temperature in the middle of the night, you can easily turn off the sound notification so that they aren’t woken up. The BBLuv Termo Infared Thermometer gives an accurate read every single time, no matter the ambient temperature outside. It is a must-have for your newborn essentials list.
Ollie the Owl
This white noise machine is unlike many others…it’s a stuffy! Ollie the Owl is a night light and sleep aid all in one cozy little stuffed animal. It comes with a 3-setting adjustable brightness light and four comforting sounds (Rainfall, Heartbeat, Brahms Lullaby, and Static White Noise) to help baby fall asleep and stay asleep. The soft, glowing warm light creates a comforting and soothing environment for night time slumber and auto-shuts off after thirty minutes. Ollie the Owl plays sounds for twenty minutes and then auto-shuts to save battery.
The unique built-in CrySensor technology reactivates Ollie when it hears baby cry; this feature alone is such a comfort for new mamas. It comes with a convenient secure velcro strap that easily attaches to a crib, bassinet, car seat…you name it! Remember not to place items directly in baby’s crib/bassinet as it is a risk for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
This sleep companion is also very neutral in color scheme so it works for both genders from birth. Ollie the owl is certainly a must have on the newborn essentials list!
Read More: 10 items that make life with a newborn easier
The Honest Company: All-Purpose Balm
The holy grail! Ok, new mothers, add this to the diaper bag, nightstand, and the changing table! Heck, leave one at grandma’s house too! This affordable and organic balm is convenient for literally all concerns ranging from baby eczema to diaper rash (but if you use it religiously, you won’t experience diaper rash!)
This balm is phthalate, paraben, dye, aluminum, and cruelty free. It is plant and botanical-based with no added fragrance and USDA certified organic. Organic sunflower, coconut, olive, and tamanu oils work together with shea butter to restore, nourish and moisturize all types of skin. The blend of calendula and chamomile further helps calm and soothe skin. This item is gentle enough for daily use and because it is so versatile, it will literally replace all moisturizers and diaper creams. Pop this onto your newborn essentials list!
Receiving blankets
One may think, “well duh we need receiving blankets.” These are a baby must-have, but not exactly for the reason many may think. Receiving blankets usually are a square piece of cloth that often are too small to use as a blanket. So, are they a total waste in the market? Nope. Receiving blankets are so great to use as burp cloths!
A lot of mamas find burp cloths to be too small for their purpose, that’s where receiving blankets are beneficial. They are also usually made out of 100% cotton, leaving them very gentle on baby’s skin and easily machine-washable.
Zipper Sleepers
If there is one thing that can help a mama in the middle of those waking night time hours, it’s this: zipper sleepers; a no-brainer to have them on the newborn essentials list! Who really wants to be snapping buttons in a dark room, half asleep? Let’s make life easier and put babies in zipper sleepers for easy diaper changes.
It is no surprise that zip sleepers are harder to find than snap-button sleepers. Primary.com has quality, simplicity, and the price. They make all their clothing with OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabric, which means their fabrics are tested for over 300 chemicals in accordance with legal regulations. Essentially, their clothing is better for baby’s skin, for the environment, and parents will feel comfortable putting their babies in them.
Sleep gowns
Another sleeper that is ideal for those diaper changes in the middle of the night are sleep gowns. This one has no zip, no snap buttons…just free and open bottom. Sleep gowns are the most convenient to put your baby in during the night as there is minimal sleep disruption during diaper changes. Primary.com also carries sleep gowns, so why not add it to the newborn essentials list!
Diaper Caddy
Definitely a nightstand must-have for newborns. Babies come with a lot of small necessities such as diapers, creams, D-drops, nose sprays, nail file, etc. A diaper caddy is a great way to organize all of these small items into one carrier that is portable throughout the home.
Tip: If living in a two-story home, keeping a diaper caddy upstairs and downstairs will save a lot of time and hassle! Mamas could certainly benefit from some saved time!
Read More: Must have for millennial moms baby shower registry
Sleep swaddles
New mamas, put these on your newborn essentials list. Not only are sleep swaddles practical for a newborn as they minimize startling, but they are a safety reassurance for when baby is asleep. Loose blankets pose a suffocation threat to babies, which could lead to SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Sleep swaddles stay intact and allow the little one to stay warm while creating a snug environment that he/she is used to.
The Halo SleepSack Swaddle is one of the popular convertible swaddles out there that comes with an option to keep arms in or out with the velcro wings and a 2-way zipper for easy night-time diaper changes. It also comes in a variety of colors and patterns as well as fabrics such as micro-fleece and 100% cotton muslin.
Bebe Au Lait Nursing Cover
For the mamas who are breastfeeding, this is a must-have! There are several nursing covers out there, however, this one is unique. The Bebe Au Lait nursing covers resemble the look of an apron, but have a patented Rig flex open neckline that helps the cover stay propped up, ensuring proper air flow and allowing mom and baby to make eye contact while nursing.
A lot of nursing covers fall flat which, 1) is annoying for baby as he/she doesn’t get breathing room, and 2) annoying for mom as she can’t view her baby without having to lift the cover every few seconds. The neck strap also holds the cover in place so mamas can feed in public, confidently. They come in several modern and timeless prints and colors and are made with 100% cotton material that is machine washable. Breastfeeding mamas need this item on their newborn essentials list.
3-in-1 Baby Bath Tub
When investing in a baby bath tub, make sure it will last awhile! A great option is the Skip Hop Moby Baby Bath Tub 3-in-1 Smart Sling. It is the only bath tub you will need as it grows with baby through three stages: newborn (0-3 months), infant (3-6 months), sitters (6+ months). The mesh sling provides comfort-edge support for baby and locks into two ergonomic tub positions: upper position offers full cradling support and lower position supports sitting.
The sling can be removed once baby has mastered sitting, allowing baby to bathe in a spacious tub. Furthermore, it is BPA-free, PVC-free, and Phthalate-free…how is that for a win!
Backseat Car Mirror
A necessary baby items that is not usually thought of until mama can’t see baby in the back seat while driving is a car seat mirror. A car seat mirror is fairly inexpensive and offers peace of mind for mom. Skip Hop Style Driven Backseat Mirror is an excellent choice.
Its fashionable faux, padded leather frame is a compliment to any car interior and the multi-angle pivot feature makes it easy for adjusting. This shatterproof mirror is one to add to the newborn essentials list!
NoseFrida SnotSucker
Throw away that nose bulb given at the hospital, which can harbor mold and bacteria with each use and check out the NoseFrida. The NoseFrida SnotSucker is the new nasal aspirator that uses mom’s own mouth suction to safely and naturally clear away stuffy noses. Don’t worry, it comes with disposable filters so no baby boogers will be reaching mommy’s mouth! Plus, it is dishwasher safe!
Como Tomo Baby Bottle
These bottles are great on their own or to use together while also breastfeeding as they reduce nipple confusion. Como Tomo bottles are designed to mimic mother’s breast with their soft, skin-line silicone material, allowing baby to have a calming grip.
They are wide enough for easy cleaning without the need of a bottle brush. Also very heat-resistant so they are safe in boiling water, sterilizers, and dishwashers. They feature dual anti-colic vents that let air go in, but only milk out, reducing colic, gas, and spit-ups.
Nursing Pillow with Back Support
Back support is a good idea, no matter what, but especially after child birth and while breastfeeding. Nursing pillows such as the Boppy Best Latch pillow or My Brest Friend pillow both offer great posture support for mom, while providing a comfortable “pod” for baby to lay on during meal time.
Posture support while nursing is crucial to prevent strain on the back, neck, and arms.
Scalp Scrubbie
This is great for those newborns with cradle cap, but can be used with all babies during baths. These foam scrubbers are gentle, soft, sterile and latex-free. Dual-sided with foam on one side and a soft bristle brush on the other. A bath time must-have!
Read More: 5 baby items I wish I had with my first baby
Baby Carrier
It is no surprise that newborns are attached to their moms, and quite often, moms are very attached to their new baby, too. However, this means there is very little freedom to get other things done around the house. That’s why a baby carrier is must-have on the newborn essentials list! It helps maintain a powerful bond between mother and baby which leads to a calm and happy baby.
For a more hands-free life with the little one, try the Moby Wrap Baby Carrier. Made with soft, stretchy and durable 100% machine-washable cotton fabric, it will evenly distribute baby’s weight across mom’s shoulders, hips, and back.
The Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier is another excellent and more affordable option as well. Newborns can face mom in the narrow seat option, older babies can face mom in the wide seat option, and babies with head control can face outwards in the narrow seat option and even be carried on mom’s back in the wide seat.
Crane Humidifier
Crane humidifiers are both stylish to add to any room in the home, but they are practical for newborns. The cool air helps increase moisture in the air for easier breathing and a restful sleep; especially helpful during the dry winter nights.
They also help relieve cough, cold and flu symptoms, nasal congestion, nose bleeds, and dry skin. Its whisper-quiet feature never disrupts a sleeping baby and it humidifies up to 500 square feet. It has an auto-shut off feature so mamas never have to “forget” to switch it off.
Aleva Naturals Bamboo Baby Pacifier and Toy Wipes
An absolute must-have for the diaper bag! Babies are forever dropping pacifiers and toys on the floor and sterilizing isn’t always an option at that moment. Moms love that these wipes are made with the perfect blend of natural and organic ingredients. They are made with organic aloe vera and chamomile oils and are hypoallergenic and biodegradable. Also, chlorine-free and unbleached, there is no reason not to include these on your newborn essentials list!
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Having this newborn essentials list handy during your newborn preparation will surely reduce much of the anxiety that new mothers face. New mamas, do yourselves a favor and stock up on the above items well in advance so you can enjoy those precious first months with your bundle of joy.
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Photo Credits: Amazon.com, Primary.com
