preparing for a new baby: what do I need?
When I first got pregnant with Murphy in 2016, one of my dearest friends immediately sent me a list of what I would need for the baby. I wasn’t aware at the time, how important this particular list would become. As I write this, almost five years (and another baby) later, I have updated and shared this list with countless friends and family members.
As a first time mom, I was forever grateful for this list. I wanted pay this act of kindness forward and share this list with any parents out there, wondering “what the heck does my baby need?” In all reality, babies don’t really need much. But I do have recommendations on products that will make your life easier and more pleasant while trying to navigate a newborn.
Bassinet
HALO BasiNest Swivel Sleeper - we used this with Mac and I highly recommend for c-section mamas. One of the sides drops down, for easier access to the baby.
Note: The AAP recommends that babies sleep in the same room as thier caregivers for at least six months, preferably a year.
If you have some extra $, check out the Snoo! I believe there are ways to rent this basinet, if it’s something that interests you. I have heard wonderful reviews about this fancy gadget.
Travel Crib
Baby Bjorn Light - This is probably one of the lightest, if not the lightest travel cribs out there. It is super easy to setup and take down, taking no more than a few minutes. This has gotten so much use in our household! We travel with this crib wherever we go … it has even made it with us to Hawaii (super easy to check, and carry).
If you are looking at pack and plays, I would recommend finding a light travel crib instead. You can use it at home, as well as use for travel. Pack and plays are heavy and not easily mobile.
It’s nice to be able to put the baby down sometimes, and this makes for a perfect spot for them.
Can be easily moved with you, room-to-room, couch-to-bed (unlike swings, etc).
We used ours for sleep until the baby showed signs of rolling over (note: this is NOT approved for sleep, so do your own research).
Travel System (this link will give you comparisons of current travel systems)
You will need an infant carseat and a stroller, so why not get a system that works together? This is a must have for me! We decided to go with the UppaBaby Cruz stroller, with the UppaBaby Mesa infant carseat. If you plan to have more than once child, I would recommend the UppaBaby Vista stroller, as it is designed for multiple children. When we had Mac, we got a board for the back of the stroller for Murphy to rider on and she loves it (she was also three when Mac was born).
As far as infant car seats go, the Nuna Pipa Lite is one of the lightest out there. If you end up having a bigger baby, this might be worth the price tag. Nuna also has a nice travel system, which is also worth looking into.
BOB Stroller (single & double)
If you desire to take your baby on outdoor adventures (hikes, runs, etc.), this stroller is nice to have! I prefer the BOB when doing any outdoor activities.
It’s not recommended to run with babies until they are around six months of age, so keep that in mind when purchasing this stroller.
You can usually find these on marketplace (various conditions). I would recommend the latest models, as the backs are easier to get up. Also, get the snack tray!
Bobby Pillow - this makes feeding so much easier!
Boppy Newborn Lounger - for Baby to hang, we put ours on the couch, so we weren't holding them all the time.
Breast Pump - this link will help you decide which one to try. We had feeding issues, so I was issued a hospital grade Medela Symphony from the hospital.
You might not need right away, or at all. Also, check with your insurance, as it should cover the cost of the breast pump.
Glass Bottles - we used the Advent brand for Mac, to cut down on our plastic use. Dr. Brown also has a glass option.
Diapers - only buy one pack of the newborn size. You don’t want to stock up on this size, as your baby might be too big for these when they’re born. Pampers Swaddlers are my favorite for newborn, and then Huggies Little Swaddlers, Huggies Little Movers, or Kirkland brand (from Costco) for size 1/2+. If trying to purchase a cleaner brand, I’ve heard great things of Hello Bello.
Wipes - we use Honest brand wipes because they are a cleaner option and have a structured opening at the top. It makes it easier to have in various rooms of the house (because trust me, wipes are needed everywhere). Some wipes have a flap that comes off, and doesn’t stick back on well.
Triple Paste Diaper Cream - I haven’t researched a cleaner option for diaper cream yet. But this is seriously the only thing that has worked for my kids. We’ve tried quite a few popular brands too.
We get a big tub (make sure to get the flip top, not the screen on lid) and use it with the baby bum brush, which is definitely on my must have list!
Tubby Todd for safer bath products - we use the bath + body wash (recommend starting with the fragrance free version at first). After baths, we use the dream cream lotion. It’s a little bit thicker than their everyday lotion. Also, the all over ointment is good to have on hand - this works wonders on dry skin and eczema. The bubble bath is fun and non-irritating, once they get older.
For circumcision - small vaseline tub
Free and clear detergent. Babies have sensitive skin. And with the skin being the largest organ, it’s important to pick a safer alternative for the baby. Personally, I use branch basics for our household laundry, which is a safe detergent for the whole family.
Thermometer - we have all different types of thermometers, but the ear one seems to be the most accurate (although, the most accurate would be the rectal thermometers).
Nail scissors - I swear by these! Clipping baby nails can be intimating. But these are so easy!
Luxe Chamois Crib Sheet from PBK - The softest ever sheet, we won’t buy any other fabric for the kids now.
Zutano Booties - these stay on the feet the best. Cotton for summer, fleece for winter, and grippy soles for after 6m.
Swaddles - babies do their best sleeping if swaddled tightly for sleep when they first come out of the womb. There are quite a few ways to swaddle your baby. Here are the swaddles I found the most useful for my babies:
Swaddle Me - the velcro makes these swaddles super easy to use,
Love to Dream Swaddle Up - if your baby likes to sleep with their arms up. Sometimes helpful during the transition period, before a sleep sack.
Nested Bean Swaddle - utilizes a little egg shaped sack to mimic a parents hand. Can be good for babies needing a little more help to sleep. Check out their return policy - it can be returned within a specific timeframe if it doesn't work out.
Zipadee Zip - for the transition period to a sleep sack (once your baby has shown signs of being ready to roll, you will need to stop using a swaddle).
Woolino Sleep Sack - make sure to put this on your registry, as it’s epensive. However, so worth it! My babies have been in this sleep sack the longest. It’s made for babies 2-24m and since it’s wool, it's made for all seasons (so you are not constantly buying a new sleep sack each season, and growth spurt).
High Chair
Inglesina Dining Table Chair - intended for traveling, but we use ours as a high chair at the counter.
Crane Humidifier - we run humidifiers during sickness
Oogiebear - to help get out boogers.
Baby Bath Tub - This is one of my favorites. There are so many options, so make sure to find right one for your space.
Nursing tanks! Buy a a couple in your last few weeks during pregnancy, and probably a size up.
If you end up using formula, the Baby Breeza formula dispenser can be worth the convenience.
Kickee Pants! This is a splurge, but put these on your registry. The softest bamboo, and great for all seasons, especially summer. Gowns are easier at the newborn stage. They also have zipper footies (vs snaps).
Mamaroo Swing - IMO, this is a nice to have. Not all babies love it either. We did not have one with Murphy, but Mac seemed to like this swing just fine. It was nice to be able to put him somewhere safe, if needing to get stuff done around the house.
Activity Mat for tummy time
Activity Center - love this activity center. They don’t use it until about 4 months, but it’s great to keep them busy. When they outgrow it, the activity center becomes a table — which is great for all those toddler crafts!
Enjoy your new bundle of joy! Best wishes in your new journey. And remember, all the baby really needs is lots of LOVE.
