My Must-Have Newborn Products

This post contains affiliate links for which I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

A lot of trial and error has taken place over the last four months of my baby’s life. I have learned a lot of things. Specifically, I have learned what products are necessary, which are nice to have, and what are not needed. 

As you read my list, remember that every single baby is different and enjoys different things. These are simply my recommendations.

Please note that I am excluding the obvious things like clothes, diapers, car seats, etc.

Must-Haves

Baby Wrap

I think the #1 must-have item for a newborn is a baby carrier. That baby does not want to be put down. They want to be held close to you, all snuggly warm, but you want to be able to do things with two hands.

I really enjoy my wrap carrier. However, as my baby is getting bigger, I think I am going to need to find something structured to hold him more securely, and that will permit him to face forward. Depending on preference and budget, it might be beneficial to start off with something that is better for a bigger baby.

Book Light

Probably not an item in most people’s baby registry, but I found a book light to be incredibly helpful. We have a baby nightlight, and it is a great soft light for big things, but in the beginning stages of nursing, I needed something brighter to see what I was doing. A little book light was easier to manipulate to shine where I wish and less harsh than a full lamp.

Bed Pad

If you are planning to do any nursing in bed, I would recommend having a bed pad. The reason I say this instead of a towel is because of the plastic backing. I tried towels at first and kept leaking through them.

Nice To Have

Blankets and Burp Cloths 

Some of you probably think I am crazy for putting blankets and burp cloths as a nice-to-have, but I will explain. The number of times that I have used the shirt or onesie that he has already spat up on to continue to clean him and myself up after changing is high. 

If you are going to get only one, I would go for a muslin blanket because it can also be used as a burp cloth. People love to gift thicker fleece and crochet blankets.

Sound Machine 

I tried to fight it, but sound machines are really nice to have. It is nice to be able to cover up some of the grunts and moans that babies (and husbands) make during the night so you can sleep better. 

A portable sound machine is the best gift I never asked for. My baby hated the car for a while, and it would help calm him down so he didn’t scream the whole time. 

Nursing Pillow

I really enjoyed having a nursing pillow. It was particularly helpful in the beginning when we were learning how to nurse, and I felt like I needed more hands. Early on, the pillow helped my baby to focus on eating as well. As we got more practiced, it was nice to be able to lay him on something and have two hands to type or crochet while he ate.

Holding Contraption 

Having something to put the baby in, like a swing or chair, is helpful when you need to do something with two hands and no baby strapped to your chest. My son preferred a chair to the swing. I think he enjoyed being on the same level as us, so he could see.

Cushion Mat

As he has started to roll and sit, it has been nice to have a play mat to keep my baby from banging his head on the floor. This is not necessary, especially early. A similar effect can be achieved by layering blankets on the floor to create padding.

Baby Monitor 

It will depend on the size of your house and room layout if a baby monitor is necessary or simply nice to have. I live in a small house with our rooms right next to each other. It is not necessary to have a monitor. I have one so that I can go outside if he is napping and know if he wakes. 

Manual Milk Collector 

Having a manual way to collect milk is very nice, especially when your milk first comes in, and you need to relieve a little pressure or collect a letdown from the other side while your baby is nursing. If you don’t plan on pumping a lot, a hand pump is a great option as opposed to the expensive electric pumps.

Don’t Need

If you are largely responsible for purchasing everything for your baby, there are many things to forgo or wait on. Baby feeding supplies can be waited on until you begin solid foods. You can read my full list of what you don’t really need here. For more money-saving strategies, you can read my post on having a baby on a budget and the easiest things to find second-hand.

I hope this was helpful to you as you begin to navigate your parenting journey. I would love to know your baby must-haves and go with outs in a comment!