Many Newborn Essentials can be found on baby registry checklists from sites like Amazon or Target. They are helpful for new parents in giving them ideas on what those companies think they need. However, as I went through them during my second pregnancy, I found many of the products I use all the time are not shown! So I want to share my list of 15 newborn essentials I absolutely recommend for new parents.
Everyday Newborn Essentials
As a second-time parent, I wanted to ensure I had everything right this time around. Hence, digging deeper into my newborns’ cleaning regime. This includes bath, lotions, and detergents.
Lovevery Play Gym
This newborn essential has been a game-changer for my baby. The bottom is padded, there are interchangeable pictures to focus on, and it comes with all the bells and whistles (literally). My only regret is I wish I had it for my daughter.
cacoon swaddle
Newborns sleep longer and without disruption if they are swaddled. Unfortunately, there are so many swaddles with those loud velcros and complicated instructions. This cacoon fits around your baby so snug and it’s perfect for on the go. See my 30 Essential baby travel items
newborn brush set
I love using this small brush set. The rubber brush gently exfoliate my baby’s skin and scalp which helps with cradle cap if you have that issue. The soft bristle brush is perfect to shape his hair after the bath.
Woven Baskets
You will use these every day, in any room of your house. Your baby will take over and to have a catch-all for only baby-related items will be a game-changer! I have so many baskets, for laundry, toys, and just to quickly pick up anything from the day to go through later.
Going Out
Leaving the house can feel stressful and daunting to new parents. I have found that these newborn essentials help ease the anxiety knowing my baby will be cozy out of the home.
baby wrap
This wrap is incredible! It’s like a backpack. You don’t need to watch youtube videos to learn how it works like the other wraps with tons of fabric you tie around yourself and it’s a whole ordeal. This one slips on you and you put the baby in. DONE!
baby carrier
After trying a few different baby carriers, this one is by far our favorite. The key is to forgo the clasp connectors. Its almost impossible to connect when you cant see them. This carrier has clips that slide in and it’s so much easier to handle. My husband likes this over the baby wrap because it seems more masculine.
stroller clips
Stroller clips double the amount of storage you can carry on your stroller. We like to hang our reusable bags and beach items. See my full list of Baby Beach Day Essentails.
Waterproof blanket
These blankets are so nice to just throw on the ground and know your baby can safely explore the floor outdoors. Just throw it in your car whenever the time calls for it. This blanket is extra cozy.
Feeding
With newborns, you have a lot of downtime. I mean they should be down, on the floor, on their tummy building their little neck muscles. They should also have objects they can focus on.
Haaka
I’m sure you have seen this newborn essential in your research for baby items to add to your registry. I’m going to double down and confirm if you are breastfeeding, you will use this every time you feed your newborn.
baby tracker
For our firstborn, it was important we kept a journal of all her feedings and secretions. We also had other people helping us feed her, so this book is essential as it has prompts and notes at the bottom. We enjoy the simplicity of using it.
probiotics
Helps with gassiness and constipation. Just a few drops a day will make a world of difference for your newborn if they seem extra fussy. I still give it to my daughter every day as part of her daily dose of vitamins.
cotton breast pads
These cotton, reusable breast pads are life savers! They do not leak through, which saves me a ton of laundry and embarrassment. If I ever forget to wear them, when my breasts leak, the bra gets so cold and it is uncomfortable. These don’t get cold, which I love.
Memory Keepsakes
The items you don’t think about because you have a million other things on your mind. You will be happy you got them early, and make sure to set reminders for yourself to get these completed as soon as possible!
prompted baby book
Get a baby book with prompts. This will help you fill it out faster and not have to come up with things to fill it in. Believe me, I started a scrap book for my now 2 year old, and I’m still not done with it! There are questions for you to fill in while you’re still pregnant.
footprint ornaments
It takes 5 minutes of your time to get these done as soon as you get home from the hospital. It doesn’t matter if you bring your baby home in June, make the ornament in their first week. Every year you get to see how little your baby was.
external hard drive
I have a 2 TB hard drive for each child. This is a safe place for all my thousands of photos and videos. I want to have a safe, small item in my safe to keep every cherished memory of my kids. I add more photos/videos every few months so I can remove them for my phone to make room for even more memories!
In Conclusion
As a new parent, you don’t really know what newborn essentials you will really need. All of the items I list above are not what you would normally see on a baby registry. Feel free to ask other new moms what their number one product is, and their answer might surprise you!