Newborn Baby Essentials: What to Buy and What to Skip

There is a six-year gap between my last baby and this one that’s on the way, so getting pregnant again has definitely made me feel like a new mom. I literally forgot about all the things we needed to buy!

But, one thing about me is that I am a minimalist, so I don’t like to overcrowd our home with stuff we don’t use or need. I only buy what’s absolutely essential most of the time.

However, shopping for a newborn is so fun and it’s easy to get carried away. Still, you can be intentional about it! In today’s post, I’m sharing newborn baby essentials to buy (and what to skip) to save you time, storage space, and money! 

We’ll start with all the items you need before your newborn baby arrives.

Related: 10 Things to Do For Yourself Before Baby Arrives

What to Buy 

• Car Seat — This newborn car seat is perfect for moms on-the-go because it easily converts into a stroller! Whether you’re going to the doctor office, grocery store, or traveling on an airplane, it truly is a great investment. But, if you’re looking for a travel system (car seat & stroller combo), this is the one we’re currently eyeing.
• Bassinet — A postpartum must-have every mom needs. With this one, you won’t even have to get out of bed to grab your baby, and it’s portable too!
• Sleeper Gowns — These make diaper changes so much easier, especially at night when you’re the most sleep-deprived. 
• Zip-Up Onesies — During the day, when friends and family members stop by to visit, put your baby in these onesies with the hands and foot covers to keep them protected from outside germs. 
• Diapers — I only recommend stocking up on a supply of size newborn, size 1 and size 2 diapers for now. Huggies are our favorite, but they are kind of pricey. If you want to save a little money, give Parent’s Choice from Walmart a try! I used them on my last three kiddos and never had any issues. 
• Diaper Pail — Speaking of diapers, you’ll be changing a lot in those early days. Using a diaper pail, like this one, will save you trips to the trash can. And, you can keep it in your bedroom until you’re ready to move it into the nursery! 
• Silicone Pacifiers — You can never have too many! In case your newborn gets picky (like a few of mine were), check out this pacifier starter kit. 
• Bottles — I’ve tried several over the years and I always go back to the Dr. Brown’s Anti-Colic Bottles every time. Especially as a nursing mom who pumps. But whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or doing a little bit of both, these are a lifesaver. 
• Formula Dispenser — If you plan to feed your newborn infant formula, then you need this machine! It automatically mixes, heats, and dispenses formula in seconds! 
• Baby Grooming Kit — Make sure you get one that includes a soft brush, comb, nail clipper, and a thermometer. 
• Swaddles & Blankets — A swaddled baby is a calm baby! 
• Burp Cloths — Newborns have a tendency for spitting up a lot, so make sure you have plenty of these on hand. 
• Gentle Laundry Detergent — This brand is the only one I trust! 
• Skin Care — You’ll need a good body wash and shampoo that’s gentle enough for the baby’s skin. We love this brand! You’ll also need some washcloths, bath towels, foaming bubble bath, baby ointment for treating and soothing diaper rashes, and this sponge to loosen and lift flakes off baby’s scalp.
• Convertible Baby Tub — When shopping for an infant bath tub, you want something that can grow with your baby from newborn to toddler. This one comes with a removable swing that you’ll use right away, from 0-4 months. 
• Infant Swing — A good baby swing is necessary for keeping your little one calm and entertained while you’re cooking, cleaning, or sneaking away to take a quick shower. 
• Nursing Pillow — This is highly recommended for breastfeeding moms. But even if you plan to bottle feed, the Boppy Nursing Pillow is still a newborn baby essential worth having since it makes a great armrest! 
• Baby Carrier — You’ll be able to get more things done around the house with a baby wrap carrier that swaddles your baby while allowing you to be hands free! 
• Changing Table — As it turns out, there is such a thing as being too minimalist. I learned the hard way that using your bed for diaper changes is a sure fire way to stain your sheets and mattress. Won’t be making that mistake again! 
• Wipes Warmer — This product is an absolute game changer! With it, you no longer have to worry about irritating your baby with cold wet wipes during diaper changes. Genius! 
• Diaper Bag — Choosing the right diaper bag is so important. I put together a list of some options that are stylish AND functional! Check it out. 

These newborn must-haves are guaranteed to get you through the newborn baby stage (up to 3 months), and then some!

Related: The Car Seat & Stroller We Chose + Why

Next, let’s talk about all the items you can skip…for now. 

What to skip (and why!) 

• Newborn Clothes — After my first baby 13 years ago, I learned not to buy too many newborn-size clothing because they outgrow them so fast! Now, I only purchase baby clothes in sizes 0-3 and 3-6 months.   
• Teething Toys — Teething can begin as early as 3 months, but most babies don’t start teething until they’re between 5-6 months of age. 
• Bibs — comes in handy once your baby starts teething and eating. 
• Bath Robes — It’s more of a cute accessory for newborn babies than it is a necessity. 
• Baby Crib — Newborns will spend the first 3 months or so sleeping in your bedroom, so you don’t have to rush to finish their nursery before they’re born. Unless, of course, you want to!
• Baby Monitor — You won’t need this either until your baby starts sleeping in their crib. 
• Pack’n Play — This is a portable baby crib that you probably won’t need unless you have some travel plans coming up or for when you’ve arranged a babysitter. 
• Baby Play Mat — It will come in handy once your baby becomes a bit more active and isn’t just sleeping their days away. 
• Baby Gate — A must-have for sure, but only when your baby starts crawling and you need to keep them contained in a specific area of your home. 
• High Chair — You won’t be needing this until you start introducing your baby to solid foods, which is at about 6 months of age. 

Feel free to come back to this post once your baby has graduated from the newborn stage, so you’ll know what to purchase next!

I hope this list of newborn baby must-haves was helpful! If there’s a product you recommend, share it with me in the comments below. 

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