Disclosure: The below article features affiliate links and I may receive payment for purchases made through links in this article. For more information see our privacy policy.
Preparing for a new baby can be exciting. Numerous brands and products compete for consumer attention in a market with numerous options. The number of options are great for parents and parents-to-be, but if you’re like me, then it can leave a new parent feeling overwhelmed.
Although companies that sell baby products will try to convince you otherwise, a newborn has simple needs. The various products available on the market can often make life at home a little easier, but new parents don’t need it all, especially those that don’t want to cough up the cash to have every fancy baby item on the market. So what does a newborn actually need?
Top 10 Must-Have Baby Products
-
A place for baby to sleep
Medical professionals strongly discourage allowing babies to sleep with their parents as it can increase the risk of SIDS. Assuming you’re following doctor’s orders, you’ll need a place for baby to sleep.
Many parents opt for the traditional crib. Any new crib should meet current safety standards and there are plenty of good options like the Delta Canton 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib. Used cribs can be a more affordable option but do your homework and make sure it meets current safety specifications.
When deciding on a mattress, make sure it is firm as plush mattresses can be unsafe. I prefer the Milliard mattress because it is safe, affordable and comes with a waterproof cover.
If you have a standard crib, standard sheets will fit easily. I love the My Little North Star sheets because they are cute, soft and come in a pack of 2 (great for those middle of the night accidents).
Pack ‘n plays are another great alternative to a crib and are conveniently portable. They can easily be moved from one room to the next or can be hauled for an on-the-go family adventure. Some higher end products include changing pads and bouncers. The changing pad is especially convenient for late night diaper changes, but this is not a must-have feature, just a nice-to-have. Pack ‘n plays are easy to place beside Mom’s side of the bed and make late-night feedings more bearable.
-
Car seat
It is a legal requirement to have a car seat for transporting a baby. If you’re opting for a traditional birth in the hospital, then you won’t be able to leave the hospital without one. This is one product with many options and the most important factor to consider before purchasing (other than safety) is your lifestyle.
I personally prefer a travel system because it is an all-in-one system complete with car seat and stroller. After doing some extensive research on various brands, my husband and I opted for the Baby Trend Travel System because it had good reviews, was convenient to use and met our lifestyle needs. It sports large bike-style tires perfect for jogging or hiking. The largest argument against using these type of stroller/car seat combos is that they are large and heavy. While I’ll admit that the stroller takes up a good amount of space in the car, my 5’4” 115 pound self has no problems hauling this alone.
Grow with me car seats are perfect for the parent that wants to buy one car seat and never have to worry about getting another. These car seats can be used from the infant stage up through the child booster seat stage (around age 4 or 40 pounds).
-
Diapers
Babies go through a lot of diapers so it’s important to have a healthy supply. I prefer Huggies (as do most of my family and friends) as we seemed to experience fewer diaper blow-outs, but there really isn’t a bad choice here.
-
Wipes
Along with diapers, baby will need something to clean up after those messy diapers. Again, there really isn’t a bad option here, but for price and convenience sake, I find it easiest to order these directly from Amazon. You can find the Amazon Elements Baby Wipes here.
-
Blanket/jacket hat or anything needed to keep baby warm and protected from the elements
Chances are, you will likely get several clothes, blankets and similar items at your baby shower as these are favorites from gift-givers (and who can resist?). Unless you enjoy shopping for these items, there may be very little you need to purchase.
-
Baby wash and lotion:
Babies need few baths early on in life but will still need something to be cleaned with eventually. There are lots of options here- from the well established Johnson’s Baby Shampoo to Shea Moisture and Burt’s Bees. Babies tend to get dry skin, especially after baths, so chances are you will need lotion as well.
-
Basic infant care: Thermometer and bulb syringe
You’ll want a thermometer in case baby gets sick. I found a comprehensive and affordable Nursery Care Kit that comes complete with goodies like a thermometer and medicine syringe, bulb, clippers, brush among other infant care items. At a minimum, you’ll want to at least get a thermometer and bulb syringe, but the other items are definitely helpful to have on hand.
A bulb syringe is important for clearing out baby’s nose or mouth. If you want to go with the basic unit, then you can purchase it just about anywhere (or just get it with the kit). The NoseFrida is more effective and highly recommended by parents.
-
Diaper rash cream
Diapers can take a toll on baby’s poor behind so it’s good to be prepared with diaper rash cream. Desitin is effective and can be found in most stores.
-
Stroller
If you opt to purchase a travel system like the Baby Trend Travel System then it really is the only stroller you need, but you may also decide to choose something that is more light weight like the Summer Infant Stroller.
-
High chair
Granted, this is one product that won’t be needed until baby gets older and is starting to eat food other than breast milk or formula. Regardless, you will likely want a high chair eventually. I love models that can be customized for multiple purposes like the Graco Convertible High Chair.
Closing
In summary, you should plan on purchasing the following items at a minimum:
- Something for baby to sleep in (Crib, Pack ‘n Play or otherwise)
- Car seat (for instance a Travel System or Grow With Me car seat)
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Protection from the elements (clothes, blankets or otherwise)
- Baby wash and lotion
- Basic infant care supplies
- Diaper rash cream
- Stroller (like a Travel System or Light-weight Stroller)
- High chair