A cheat sheet of all newborn must haves to help you stock up before your baby’s arrival!!
Baby Must Haves - Table of Contents
Welcoming a baby into your world requires a lot of preparation from your end. Looking at the endless shelves in the baby stores and the long list of registry items for baby must haves may seem like you need everything the store has to offer. But off course your baby will need a lot of things, but surely not everything.
To help you through this dilemma of what all you need, we have complied the ultimate comprehensive list of baby must haves. Consider this as the cheat sheet you never knew you needed.
We know that you have a lot of work to be done before your baby’s arrival, and with this list, we hope to lessen that strain. We know you will still be overworked, but we hope with this list of baby must haves you will not be underprepared. Have a look at the must have baby items that you should not miss out getting home before your newborn arrives.
To make your shopping easier, we have divided the ultimate list of baby must haves into separate categories. This way you can tackle the shopping one category at a time without getting completely exhausted and overwhelmed with all the baby must haves.
If you spread your shopping of baby must haves across several months, this can help in budgeting right as well. Registering for newborn must haves will also become easier with this list.
Just to let you know, ParentingNmore may earn commission from product links in this post. Why trust us?
Feeding – baby must haves
1. Burp cloths (6 or more)
If you have seen a parent with a baby at feeding time, then you surely must have seen a burp cloth on their shoulders. Burp cloths are a baby must have for sure. While shopping for burp cloths, look for cloths that are absorbent and retain their absorbency even after washing.
Buy Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths made from Organic Cotton
Buy Copper Pearl Large Burp Cloths – 100% Cotton
2. Breast milk storage bags
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that you exclusively breastfeed your baby for at least 6 months. So when you start breastfeeding, at some point you may need to pump the breast milk for future use. Storing the breast milk in storage bags (you can use containers as well) keeps it fresh longer and is safe for the baby. To know more in detain about breast milk storage bags check out The Ultimate Guide to Breast Milk Storage Bags | 12 Best Breast Milk Storage Bags of 2021
Buy Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags
Buy Kiinde Twist Pouch Breast Milk Storage Bags
3. Baby bottles (8 or more)
Whether you are planning on breastfeeding, using formula, or a combination of both, you will need baby bottles. Having a stash of baby bottles ready helps avoid the need to wash and clean the bottles constantly.
While bringing up my Triplets had kept 12-14 bottles as there was a rotation and time gap between sterilizing and washing bottles. Always good to have a few spare bottles.
Buy Philips Avent Natural 4 Ounce Bottle
Buy MAM (Anti-Colic) Newborn Gift Set
4. Bottle cleaning brush or a dishwasher basket
It is best to wash the used baby bottles as quickly as possible, but if that is not possible, rinsing the bottle to remove any milk or formula residue helps avoid the buildup of bacteria. A bottle cleaning brush makes your job easier, and if your bottles are dishwasher safe, all you will need is a dishwasher basket.
Buy Munchkin Baby Bottle & Small Parts Dishwasher Cleaning Set
Buy Munchkin Baby Bottle and Sippy Cup Cleaning Set
5. Formula (for a month)
You may have planned to exclusively breastfeed your baby, but having a back-up supply of formula can be a lifesaver. Many mothers experience a dip in their milk supply occasionally (reasons can be anything from illness to hormonal changes), the stock of formula can come in handy on such occasions. Keep it as emergency basis only and use when you feel your breasts do not feel full
Buy Enfamil Gentlease Infant Formula
*Both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months of life. Always speak to your caregiver or pediatrician before starting any formula milk for your child. Breast milk is the ideal food for babies.
6. Cotton bibs (6 or more)
Babies are not the best at keeping things in their mouth. They do spit up milk often, and a bib can make your job easier. Rather than changing the shirt, you will just have to remove the bib once your little one is done feeding.
Buy Green Sprouts Stay Dry Bibs
Buy Tommee Tippee Closer
7. Bottle Sterilizer
You may like the traditional method of using hot water to sterilize the bottles, but investing in a bottle sterilizer has its own perks. With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading like wildfire, a bottle sterilizer can be a good investment for your baby’s health and safety. To know more on this topic you can also checkout our posts Bottle Sterilizer: 12 Best Baby Bottle Sterilizers of 2021 | How to Sterilize Baby Bottles: 8 stupid-simple hacks to make your life easy
Buy Papablic Baby Bottle Electric Steam Sterilizer and Dryer
Buy Philips Avent 3-in-1 Electric Steam Sterilizer
8. Bottle Warmer
Having a bottle warmer to warm formula or thawed breast milk is a very easy way to get the milk at the right temperature every time without any hassle. The traditional methods of warming breast milk are also effective; therefore, investing in a bottle warmer is completely optional. But yes, it saves a lot of stress. You can check out our list of 12 Best Bottle Warmers of 2021
Buy Philips Avent Fast Bottle Warmer
Buy Kiinde Kozii Baby Bottle Warmer
9. Pacifier (3-4)
Pacifiers can work like magic in soothing a fussy baby and are recommended by the AAP when you put your little one to bed, as they may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Buy Philips Avent Soothie
Buy Chicco Physio Forma
Download handy PDF Checklist
Nursery – baby must haves
1.Crib or bassinet
Babies tend to sleep a lot and they will need a comfortable place to doze off. Getting a crib from the start itself is an option many parents take, but a bassinet is more portable for newborns. The AAP recommends that you share your room with your little one for 6 months to a year. So keeping a bassinet in the initial period will be a space saving option compared to keeping a crib in your room.
You could also invest into portable crib options which you can move out later and carry it on a holiday as well. You can check out our article on 10 Best Portable Cribs.
Buy HALO BassiNest Swivel Sleeper Bassinet Essential Series
Buy Chicco LullaGo Nest Portable Bassinet
2. Baby monitor
We know you love your precious little one, and you never want to leave them. But there will be times, even on a day-to-day basis, when you have to be away from your child. You might just be in the other room, shopping for groceries, working, etc., and having a video monitor will let you check on your baby without stressing about them and their wellbeing when you are not around. Buying a monitor that has two-way audio, a high-resolution camera, a secure Wi-Fi connection, and noise alerts will make your life much easier.
Buy Motorola Video Baby Monitor
Buy Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor
3. Crib mattress & crib sheets (2)
Buying a good firm mattress that fits in your crib perfectly is a baby must have for your baby’s beauty sleep. Don’t you have bed sheets to cover your bed, then even the baby needs their crib sheets. Buying both together will help you avoid the mistake of badly fitted sheets. Our post 12 Best Crib Sheets of 2021 explains different sizes and materials available in the market along with the list of best ones to choose from. Please do check it out.
Buy Burt’s Bees Baby Fitted Organic Cotton Crib Sheets
Buy Rookie Humans 100% Cotton Sateen Crib Sheets
4. Rocking chair or glider (Optional)
Many parents prefer to get a rocking chair for feeding time. It just helps you and your baby relax. But this is completely optional, as you can feed your baby on any comfortable chair, couch, or bed (but make sure it is comfortable for you because you don’t want body ache; supermoms don’t have time for body aches).
Buy Baby Relax Mikayla Swivel Gliding Recliner, Gray Microfiber
Storkcraft Premium Hoop Glider and Ottoman
5. Humidifier or vaporizer
It is recommended that you buy a humidifier, especially you live in colder regions. A humidifier will add moisture into the air when it is too dry. This will especially help if your baby has a cold.
Buy Hupro – Humidifier for Bedroom
Buy Honeywell Cool Moisture Humidifer
6. Dresser/chest
A small dresser or chest is a baby must have to store all their little clothes, diapers, wipes, socks, etc. Buying a dresser can also have the dual purpose of being a changing table. Just add a changing pad on the dresser and you are ready for some diaper changing.
Babyletto Lolly 3-Drawer Changer Dresser with Removable Changing Tray
Storkcraft Avalon 6 Drawer Universal Dresser
7. Thin cotton blankets
Buying a few thin cotton blankets can help keep your baby snug and warm while feeding, sleeping, strolling, etc.
Buy Touched by Nature Unisex Baby Organic Cotton Flannel Blankets
Buy Aden by Aden + Anais Boutique Muslin Baby Blanket
8. Mattress protectors (2)
Even though you have diapered your baby, there can be occasional blowouts. Having a mattress protector can make your cleaning job easier.
Buy American Baby Company Mattress Pad Cover
Buy Ely’s & co waterproof basinet sheet
9. Activity center
Your baby is tiny and needs to exercise their muscles to help them crawl, grab things, stand, walk, etc. One of the best way to incorporate this exercise is to give your baby ample of tummy time. Adding an activity center, baby gym, play pen, or anything else that can help in strengthening these muscles will help the baby develop faster.
Buy Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo
Buy Baby Einstein Neptune’s Ocean Discovery Jumper
10. Heavy blankets/quilts
Heavy blankets and quilts can come in handy in the winters when you want to protect your child from the harsh cold. Using it when the baby is on a stroller is also a good idea to keep your baby warm and snug on your outings.
JJ Cole – Urban Bundleme, Canopy Style Bunting Bag can be used in Car Seats and Strollers
Buy Boritar Baby Blanket
11. Toys & books
Which nursery is complete without baby toys and books!! These are a baby must haves to stimulate their brain and muscles. But don’t go overboard and buy everything just because it is soooooooo cute (we know you will feel like that). Buy a few toys and books that will help in your child’s overall development. Squeaky toys, rattles, colorful books, building blocks, soft toys, etc. are some of the favorite newborn must haves.
Buy Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym & Maracas
Buy Teytoy My First Soft Book/Cloth book
Things to avoid: Pillows, mattress padding, and sleep positions paddings should be avoided because they all pose a high risk of SIDS.
Download handy PDF Checklist
Diaper changing – baby must haves
1. Diapers (2 packs) or cloth diapers (7 or more)
A newborn must haves list is incomplete without newborn diapers. Keeping a stock of diapers that can last you at least one month is a good idea, as diapers will be used multiple times a day and you don’t want to go rushing to the store every couple of days for diapers. If you are planning on using cloth diapers, keep in mind how often you will do the laundry and buy the appropriate amount of cloth diapers accordingly. We have written extensively on diapers and below are few posts which can help you take informed decission
- Buying Diapers in Bulk? Here are 12 Best Budget Diapers you need to keep an eye out for.
- How Many Newborn Diapers Do I Need – Insightful Calculations from the Mother of Triplets
- 12 Best Diapers for Sensitive Skin
- 11 Best Overnight Diapers – 2021
- 12 Best Biodegradable Diapers
- Diaper Buying Guide: 10 Tips to Choose the Right Diaper
2. Healing/diaper rash ointment
With the baby wearing diapers 24 × 7, diaper rash is unavoidable. So keep diaper rash cream handy to help keep your baby away from those pesky diaper rashes. Other than diaper rash creams there are also a lot of tried and trusted home remedies for diaper rash which are passed-on from generations.
I have personally found virgin pure coconut oil very beneficial in keeping diaper rash at bay. Just apply generously on the tushy and all the areas covered by the diaper along with sides of the thighs and bikini areas every time you change your child’s diaper.
Buy Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
Buy Babo Botanicals Soothing Baby Diaper Cream
3. Changing pad/changing table
With a newborn baby, diaper changes is a parenting skill you will master soon enough. Having a changing pad or changing table makes your diaper changes just a tad bit easier. Ensure that your changing pad or table comes with straps to hold your baby in position.
Buy ECR4Kids-ELR-029 Ultra-Soft Daycare Baby Changing Pad
Buy Suite Bebe – Connelly Changing Table
4. Wipes and washcloths (10)
You will soon realize that having a stack of wipes in every room is a life saver for quick clean ups. We know that all parents want to keep their baby’s skin protected and healthy, and using wipes that are alcohol and perfume free will be gentler on your babies super soft skin. But if you want to avoid wipes, keeping cotton washcloths is also a good option and is also environmental friendly.
Buy Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes
Buy WaterWipes Textured Sensitive Baby Diaper Wipes
5. Diaper pail
You will need some place to throw those diaper stink bombs, and a handy diaper pail can be your savior.
Buy Playtex Diaper Genie Complete Pail
Buy Munchkin Step Diaper Pail
Bathing – baby must haves
1. Baby lotion and baby powder
Some babies tend to have dry skin especially in winters, using baby lotion can help replenish that lost moisture. Using a baby powder can also help absorb that excess moisture, especially in the diaper region, that can cause rashes.
Buy The Honest Company Organic All-Purpose Balm
Nature’s Baby Organics Baby Powder Talc Free Dusting Powder
2. Hooded towels (2–3)
You can always use a regular grown up towel for your baby as well. But using baby towels is just a little easier, as they are small enough to wrap around them, and the hood comes in handy to dry their hair. If you are planning on doing the baby’s laundry separately with milder detergents, then keeping baby towels will be a better option.
Buy Hudson Baby Animal Face Hooded Towel
Buy Luvable Friends Animal Face Hooded Towel
3. Washcloths (4–10)
You cannot use a loofah or a bath sponge on your little one’s delicate skin. Using a washcloth instead can be a better and efficient option. You will soon see that you are using washcloths not just at bath time but also post feeding, during diaper changes, as a makeshift burp cloth, and even as a bid. Look for washcloths that are super absorbent, gentle on your baby’s skin, and will stand frequent washing.
Buy Brooklyn Bamboo Baby Washcloth
Buy Aden + Anais washcloth
4. Infant tub
When bathing your little one, it is makes it easier for you if they have a cushy spot to rest on while you scrub them down.
Buy Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling ‘n Seat Tub
Buy Summer Right Height Bath Tub
5. Baby soap & shampoo
Newborn babies don’t require soap or shampoo, just water is more than enough to give them a bath. But as your baby grows, you will soon incorporate baby soap/wash and shampoo into their bath time routines. Buying a soap and shampoo that have good hydrating and moisturizing properties that does not dry out your baby’s skin and irritate their eyes is ideal.
Buy Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Gentle Bath Wash & Shampoo
Buy Mustela Baby Cleansing Water
6. Baby comb & brush set:
Even though your baby does not have a full set of hair just yet, but they soon will. Combing them with a baby comb helps keep those baby locks healthy and manageable. You will also need baby toothbrush soon, as those pearly whites will start appearing sooner than you realize. Using a soft bristle gentle toothbrush will help keep those teeth and gums healthy.
Buy Safety 1st Cradle Cap Brush and Comb
Buy Natemia Wooden Baby Hair Brush and Comb Set
7. Nail scissors/nail clippers/nail filer:
Your baby’s nails start growing from 12 weeks of pregnancy itself. So you will have to start clipping or filing them soon after birth as they can start scratching themselves.
The First Years American Red Cross Deluxe Nail Clipper with Magnifier
Buy Cherish Baby Nail File Electric Nail Trimmer
Download handy PDF Checklist
Clothing – baby must haves
1. Scratch-proof mittens (2)
As mentioned earlier, your peanut’s nails will need to be clipped or filed soon after birth to avoid accidental scratches. But many parents find trimming or filing those miniscule baby nails tricky. Using a scratch-proof mitten to cover those nails can be a good option till you master the art of baby nail clipping and filing.
Buy BabyBliss Anti-Scratch Baby Mittens
Darlyng & Co Soft Anti-scratch Newborn Baby Mittens
2. Onesies (7 or more)
Looking at those adorable baby clothes can be extremely tempting for you to just go and buy everything for your sweet little munchkin. But those baby clothes can be expensive. Opting for onesies instead can be the best clothing option for your little one. Onesies are easy to put on and remove, they are comfortable, and most importantly, they are downright adorable. Newborn onesies is a baby must have in every baby closet.
Buy Burt’s Bees Baby Unisex Baby Bodysuits
3. T-shirts/side snap shirts (3–4)
Many parents like to dress their babies up in just a T-shirt or snap on shirts with diapers during the summers. During the heat, this is a much more convenient option to help keep your baby well ventilated.
Buy Moon and Back Baby Set of 3 Organic Long
4. Rompers (2–4)
Rompers are nothing but onesies with legs and arms to keep them more snug and warm during those harsh winter months.
Buy Lamaze Organic Baby Organic Baby Girl
Buy Royal Tots Newborn Baby Girl Rompers
5. Shirt & pants/shorts sets
You will go out with your baby to the park, mall, grandma’s house, etc. Making them wear simple shirt and pant/short sets can be ideal for such outings. You can also buy some cute little frocks as well.
Buy Baby Boys Warm Hoodie T-Shirt Top + Striped Pants Outfits
Newborn Boy Outfit
6. Pjamas/sleeping gowns (7 or more)
Keeping a different set of clothing for your baby to sleep is a good idea, as they will start understanding that it is time to sleep when they put these clothes on. These are sleeping clothes and not play time clothes.
Buy Burt’s Bees Baby Baby Boys’ Sleep and Play Pjs
Buy Simple Joys by Carter’s Girls’ 3-Pack Cotton Sleeper Gown
7. Sun hat (2) & cold-weather hat (2)
If you stay in colder regions, having a cold-weather hat is one of the most important baby must haves. These hats will help them in keeping their heads warm and regulate their body temperature. If you stay in warmer and sunnier regions, using a sun hat to protect their head from the heat can help them in maintaining their body temperatures.
Buy i play by Green sprouts Baby Girls’ Brim Hat
Buy Zutano Unisex Baby Fleece Hat
8. Cardigan/sweater (2)
Colder climates require this baby must haves in the closet. But even if you stay in warmer regions, it is good to have a sweater or jacket to keep them warm if they fall sick.
Buy Newborn Baby Knitted Sweater
Buy Hadetoto Newborn Baby Romper Knitted Sweater with Warm Hat
9. Bunting/snow suit (1–2)
If you are planning to go out with your baby in colder regions where it snows often, a bunting bag or baby snow suit is a baby must have.
Buy Columbia Kids’ Snuggly Bunny Bunting
Buy The North Face Infant Thermoball Eco Bunting
10. Booties/socks (6 or more pairs):
Newborn babies don’t require shoes (no matter how cute they are), as they cannot walk yet. You can use socks and booties to keep their toes toasty and protected.
Buy Hudson Baby Unisex-Baby Cozy Fleece Booties Slipper Sock
Buy LAFEGEN Baby Booties for Boys and Girls
11. Baby clothe hangers (as needed)
If you are planning on using the baby closet to hang clothes, you will need this essential baby must have, as the normal hangers will be too huge for those tiny baby clothes.
Buy Amazon Basics Velvet Non-Slip Suit Clothes Hangers
Buy Topia Hangars – Pants Skirt for Kids Baby Toddler Children
12. Baby laundry detergent
Your baby’s skin is extremely delicate at this stage, and harsh detergent on clothes can cause skin irritations. Using mild laundry detergents that have been specifically formulated for baby clothes will help clean the clothes and also keep your baby’s skin away from the harsh chemicals in regular detergents.
Buy Seventh Generation Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Buy Dreft Baby Laundry Detergent
Download handy PDF Checklist
Travel – baby must haves
1. Baby car seat
You will need a baby car seat when you bring your baby home from the hospital. You can either go for an infant car seat that can be used for a year or a convertible car seat that is more adaptable to grow with your growing baby even through the toddler years.
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 XT Infant Car Seat | Baby Car Seat, Gotham
Buy Chicco Fit2 Infant Toddler Car Seat, Venture, Easy-Extend Headrest System
2. Stroller
If you are planning on taking your baby on strolls, a stroller can be a better option for you. Your baby can sit in it snugly with a nice canopy to protect them from the sun. You can go for the traditional stroller, umbrella stroller, or the travel stroller (the perfect compact combination of the other two types). If you are interested in buying one do check out our ultimate guide to buy right travel strollers which explains different variants in detail , air-travel tips with a travel stroller along with the list of 12 best travel strollers available in the market.
Buy Babyzen YOYO2 6+ Color Travel Stroller
Buy Bugaboo Ant Ultra Compact Travel Stroller
3. Baby carier/sling
If you want to keep your baby with you and also keep your hands free, baby carriers and slings are the perfect option. Buy a front carrier that has plenty of support, a comfortable base strap that distributes your baby’s weight to protect your back, and a wide comfy seat for your baby to nestle into.
Buy Ergobaby 360 All-Position Baby Carrier with Lumbar Support
Buy Moby Fit Baby Carrier Wrap for Mothers, Fathers, and Caregivers
4. Insulated carrier for milk/formula bottles
Feeding your baby while travelling becomes easier if you have stored breast milk or formula in one of these insulated carriers or bottles.
Buy Medela Breast Milk Cooler and Transport Set, 5 ounce Bottles with Lids, Contoured Ice Pack, Cooler Carrier Bag
Buy Momcozy Insulated Baby Bottle Bag, Multi-Function Breastmilk Cooler Bag & Lunch Bag, Fit as Wine Carrier
5. Diaper bag
One of the important baby must haves is a diaper bag. The diaper bag is your travel companion that contains all necessary items for your baby like diapers, clothes, rash cream, wipes, etc. Buying a backpack style diaper bag is better, as it will leave your hands free to push the stroller, carry your baby, carry the baby car seat, or other gazillion things that you may do that require the use of your hands.
Buy Carter’s Ready to Go Diaper bag
Buy Ruvalino Multifunction Travel Diaper Bag Backpack
6. Biodegradable Diaper disposal bags
This is definitely one of the most important items in the ‘Travel – must have baby items list’. While travelling with with my daughter and the triplets later these disposable bags really come in handy for not only disposing the diapers but other things as well. These bags offer cconvenience and are safe for the environment too. Some of them come with baby powder scent to help control odor of the disposed diapers.
I was actually so happy with these bags that’s I started using them in the nursery too.
Buy Baby Disposable Diaper Bags (100% biodegradable), scented
Buy OXO-Biodegradable Waste Bags with Dispenser, unscented
Download handy PDF Checklist
Baby care must haves
1. Baby thermometer
No matter how much precautions you take, infants tend to fall sick due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Having a baby thermometer at hand can help you monitor your baby’s temperature. You may think that why do you need a different thermometer for the baby, when you already have one for the family. But the best way to know the baby’s temperature accurately is through the rectal reading. So using the same thermometer for your family is not the most hygienic option.
Buy FridaBaby Quick-Read Digital Rectal Thermometer
Buy American Red Cross 10 Second Digital Thermometer
2. Baby first-aid kit (basic meds and essentials)
You can either create a first-aid kit yourself or buy one that is readily available in the market. To make a first-aid kit, you will need the following items:
- Bandages and ointments in case your baby gets hurt
- Some basic baby medicines (like baby pain relief, fever medicine, anti-gas medicine, constipation medicine, diarrhea medicine, etc.)
- Petroleum jelly
- Nasal aspirator
- Electrolyte drink
- Teething ointment
- Vapor cream
- Saline nose drops
- Bulb syringe for suctioning out the mucous
- Eye dropper for giving medicines to newborns
Mommy must haves
1. Nursing pillow
Even mommy has some must haves as well. Using a nursing pillow makes feeding time more comfortable. It is comfy to position your newborn at the breasts. A nursing pillow also reduces the strain on your neck, arms, and back. Check out our related post: 12 Best Nursing Pillows of 2022. I am sure it will help you select the right one.
Buy My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow
Buy Boppy Original Feeding & Infant Support Pillow
2. Nursing bras (2–3)
Your baby will need to be fed multiple times a day. So removing the bra every time your little one needs to be breastfed can be exhausting. Nursing while travelling can also become a nightmare with regular bras. Using a nursing bra is ideal during the breastfeeding years as they have flaps that can be pulled down to give your baby access to the breast without removing the bra.
Buy Bravado Designs Women’s Wireless Buttercup Maternity and Nursing Bra
Buy Essential Pump&Nurse Bra
3. Nursing pads (2–3 boxes)
Nursing pads are placed inside bra cups to absorb any milk that gets leaked from the breast. This helps in keeping your clothes clean in case of leakages. You get disposable or reusable nursing pads in all shapes, sizes, and styles to suit your requirements.
Buy Bamboobies Women’s Nursing Pads
Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads for Breastfeeding
4. Breast pump
Breast pumps are used to remove breast milk so that you can collect it and store it for future use. This stored breast milk comes in handy when you are not around to feed your baby personally. You can buy manual or electric breast pumps.
Buy Medela New Pump in Style with MaxFlow
Buy Philips AVENT Double Electric Breast Pump
5. Nipple cream
Breastfeeding can cause your nipples to become sore, cracked, dry, painful, or even bleed during those initial breastfeeding months. Using a nipple cream can help soothe the pain and heal the cracks to prevent bleeding.
Buy Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding
Buy Motherlove Nipple Cream
6. Nursing Clothing (Nightwear & day wear – optional)
Most women are comfortable in wearing the same clothing as they did before their delivery. However, I have personally felt and many of my friends agree too, that nursing wear definitely adds ‘CONVIENCE’ while feeding the baby. It provides quick and easy access for the baby to latch on to the breasts without much delay.
Buy Smallshow Women’s Maternity Nursing Tank Tops
Buy Kindred Bravely Davy Ultra Soft Maternity & Nursing Pajamas Sleepwear
Download handy PDF Checklist
Other nice-to-have items
There are other baby products that are optional, or you may require them at a later stage in your child’s development. We are listing those items to help you keep a track of things your baby will need in the future and also some other things that you may like to have.
1. Swaddle blanket or sleep sack
Swaddling is just the way of wrapping a cloth around your baby. Think of those super cute baby burrito pictures. They not only look cute but wrapping them in this way makes the baby feel more comfortable and safe.
Buy Aden + Anais Essentials Easy Wrap Swaddle
Buy Amazing Baby Transitional Swaddle Sack with Arms Up Half-Length Sleeves
2. Nursery Hamper/ Baby Laundry Hampers:
You can have a hamper in the nursery for all the soiled baby clothes. According to me nursery hamper should be in the newborn must haves list cause most of the time you would be with the baby in this room apart from your own. Its good to have it placed adjacent to the changing area too. It’s about convenience in while handling a newborn and coping up with your own health.
Buy Cosyland XL Cotton Rope Basket
Buy Hiyagon Large Sized Storage Baskets with Handle
3. Baby proofing gear
You don’t need to start baby proofing things as soon as your baby is born. You can wait till they start crawling and getting into mischief to baby proof your house to ensure that they are safe on their tiny adventures. The gear that you may require is as follows:
- Gates for the top and bottom of all stairways
- Cabinet & drawer latches
- Outlet covers
- If you have a fireplace, then you will need a fireplace bumper
- Furniture anchors, especially for the heavier furniture
- Toilet locks
- Guards for the corners of tables and other furniture with sharp edges
4. Feeding gear
Other than the ‘feeding – baby must haves’ already mentioned, you can also have the following feeding gear ready in advance as their age advances:
- Dry formula dispenser
- Baby food mill (if you plan on making your own baby food)
- High chair (you can wait to buy this till your baby starts eating solid food)
- Infant feeding spoons and bowls
- Mess mat to place under the high chair
5 . Sound machine & night light
Your womb is a noisy place! The enclosed space amplifies the sounds inside your body. No wonder babies can sleep even in the noisiest of places. But to help them sleep better and (hopefully) faster, you can use a sound machine and night light to recreate the feeling of the womb. Many parents swear that this can clam even the fussiest of babies.
Buy Yogasleep Dohm Classic (White) The Original White Noise Machine
Buy Marpac Dohm Classic The Original White Noise Machine
6. Rain cover for the stroller
Rains can dampen your strolling plans. But with a stroller rain cover, you can still go out and enjoy a good stroll with your peanut without worrying about the baby getting wet. According to me this is an important baby must have item, as you do not want to keep your child inside during those pour downs. You could enjoy the rain as well as your baby could have a small rain day stroll with you.
Buy Manito Elegance Plus Stroller Weather Shield/Rain Cover
Buy Hrzeem Universal Rain Cover for Stroller with Mosquito Net
Download handy PDF Checklist
Final thoughts
If you go to a baby store and ask what are the must have baby items, they will probably pack the whole store for you. But understanding your requirements and your budget is very important.
Buying things in stages or when they are required will help you spread your expenses rather than buying everything at one go. Buying secondhand products or getting baby must haves from friends and relatives can also help you reduce your expenses.
To help you on your endeavor to be prepared with the newborn must haves, we have created a downloadable checklist that you can take along with you and cross off items one by one while shopping. This checklist will help you keep a track of things that you have already purchased and know how many more things are remaining.
If you are expecting twins, triplets, or more, make sure you are done with all the shopping in advance, as multiples tend to be born prematurely. You will also have to stock up more, as there are more babies who will need the baby must haves.
We hope that our baby must haves checklist reduces your shopping stress. We want you to be prepared and stress free with all must have baby items ready at home for you to utilize when your baby arrives home.
Happy shopping!!
Khushboo Kirale
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Thanks for the downloadable list of baby must haves.
Appreciate your efforts.
Cheers:)