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Whether you are a first-time mom, or a second or third+ time mom, preparing for a newborn baby’s arrival can be a little overwhelming.
The key to enjoying time with your newborn and feeling a little less anxious is to first: make sure you are prepared for your baby’s arrival with everything (or mostly everything) they may need. And second: get in the right mindset.
I promise you, you aren’t going to be happy if you have to run out to the store at 9pm- still healing from childbirth- with a crying baby- to purchase something they need right NOW just because you weren’t prepared.
Here you’ll find everything you need to have set up for your newborn baby at home before they arrive.
All links I have included are products I researched about and used for my baby.
When To Start Buying Baby Products
Start buying baby products when it feels right to you!
I would however try to have everything bought and set up at least one month before your due date. That date is only a prediction- the baby could come earlier.
If you plan to have a baby shower, I recommend holding off on purchasing too many things at first.
Instead, add them to your baby registry.
See the baby registry checklist here.
Baby Stores I Recommend
Amazon is my favorite place to purchase baby products. Mostly because they have the fastest shipping, a wide variety of options to choose from, and thousands of reviews to help you decide on the best product for your standards.
Amazon is now offering a family membership program offering special benefits including:
- Save up to 20% on diapers subscriptions, baby food, and more
- Exclusive Coupons and Deals from Amazon Family
- Exclusive Baby Registry benefits (such as a free welcome package and 15% off total order)
- Email newsletters with parenting tips and product recommendations catered to your child’s age
- FREE Two-Day Shipping on millions of items
- Unlimited instant streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows
- Unlimited, ad-free streaming of over a million songs and more Prime benefits
Travel
Car Seat: Being that a car seat is the very first thing you will need to bring your baby home, it is the number one thing to have! I love this Graco Car Seat because it will carry babies from 4 pounds all the way up to toddlers of 65 pounds.
Travel System: You will also want a “travel system” which includes a newborn car seat, making it easier to carry a newborn without disturbing them if they are sleeping. I have this one, you can take the newborn car seat from the car and snap it into the stroller and go!
I was so excited to receive this at my baby shower and it has been a blessing to have when going to the store, to doctor visits or anywhere else.
Car Mirror: Car mirrors that strap onto the headrest of the back seat are a must have. It will keep you at ease while driving by knowing what your baby is doing at all times.
Feeding
Breast Pump: Breastfeeding or breast pumping are the cheapest and most beneficial forms of feeding a baby (It’s also the best method for feeding a baby on a budget). Beneficial for both baby and mom in so many ways.
The new recommendations for breastfeeding from the American Academy of Pediatrics state: “The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond. These recommendations are consistent with those of the World Health Organization (WHO).”
Starting from birth, you have a free, nutrient-dense, source of food for your baby in the form of breastmilk! I exclusively breastfeed, but it’s always good to have a breast pump on hand if you need to be away from your baby for any reason (like appointments that run longer than expected, work, or emergencies).
If you haven’t gotten a breast pump yet, you can get a FREE BREAST PUMP through your insurance using AEROFLOW! I went through Aeroflow to get a Medela breast pump and the experience was very easy. All I had to do was enter the info it asked for, choose my breast pump and other pumping supplies and wait for them to send it to me (which didn’t take long at all)! Breast pumps can run you hundreds of dollars. Why spend that on your own when you don’t have to!? Let your insurance cover that!
Formula is expensive and adds up quickly. It also doesn’t provide the lifelong immune and digestive system support for your baby that breastfeeding does. Check out all my breastfeeding tips and information here.
Milk storage bags: These help you keep milk longer! You can put the date on the bag and keep them in the freezer or refrigerator until you are ready to warm them up and feed!
Boppy nursing pillow: There are many uses for the nursing pillow, but what it was originally made for was to elevate your baby and keep them comfortable while nursing. Also keeping you comfortable because you don’t have to hold the weight of your baby up to your breast.
I ended up using this Boppy pillow for over a year with my breastfed baby. So it is well worth getting one if you plan to breastfeed.
Bottles: We use Avent Bottles. We have the Avent bottles because they can attach to my breast pump (Medela), they come with natural shaped nipples making it easier for babies to take to. They also have vents to help air not get into babies belly, preventing colic.
Burp cloths: Muslin burp cloths are my favorite, and they clean up good too. Cloth diapers actually work wonderfully as burp cloths.
Formula if needed: You can go on the Similac website and sign up for their rewards program. Their website has tons of helpful information finding the right formula for your baby.
Gear
Pack n’ Play: I used this playard as a bassinet for keeping baby next to my bed at night with its infant inserts. When your baby grows out of the infant inserts, you can use it as a regular playard.
I would recommend this over a regular bassinet because your baby will only fit in the bassinet for about three months. With how expensive they are, why not just get a playard that will be functional for so much longer?
Baby items that have multiple uses are the best! They save money and you get more use out of them.
Swing or Glider: I ended up getting a 2-in-1 Glider/Rocker that can play soothing music for the baby. It’s really easy to set up and doesn’t take up much space in my house (which is a plus with all the extra baby things laying around).
Newborn lounger: It is so fluffy and comfortable for your baby to lay on anywhere in the house, giving you some hands free time.
Activity mat: By far, my favorite activity mat is this one by Skip Hop. It’s very entertaining for baby and includes areas to clip toys to the mat for tummy time!
Nursery
Crib: I suggest getting a crib that can transition into a toddler bed. Some are even able to transition into a small double bed! But as I mentioned earlier, multi-functional items are the best way to go!
Crib Mattress: We use a two-sided crib mattress. One side is firmer for infants, the other side is softer for toddlers.
Glider Chair: A glider will mostly be used for soothing the baby and while feeding. I would choose one that will look nice in any room of the house so it can last long after you need it in the nursery.
Dresser: We use an upright 6-drawer dresser to save space. If you have large rooms, a long dresser would be a great place to put your changing table and changing supplies.
Changing Table: In my opinion, an actual changing table isn’t really needed. It takes up space and you can easily change your baby’s diaper anywhere else.
Bedding: There is absolutely no need for “bedding sets” that include a thick comforter and all the things.
All you need are fitted sheets and waterproof protective sheets.
Fitted sheets: You’ll want thinner bed sheets to help keep baby cool. Overheating can cause SIDS. My favorite brand sheets are by Aden + Anais they’re thin and stretchy (yet durable), made out of 100% cotton.
Protective Waterproof Sheets: Get at least two protective waterproof sheets so when you are washing one, there can be another one on the mattress in case the baby is needing to sleep.
Muslin swaddle blankets: Muslin blankets can be used for so many things. They are first a swaddle blanket that is breathable, they are also great for laying the baby on to change diapers, using as a cover for breastfeeding, wiping up spit up, using as a burp cloth, covering a newborn car seat or stroller, and more.
Sound soother/Night light: Sound soothers are a must for babies. If you can find one that also has a night light, that would be perfect! This is what we have in our nursery. It’s so cute and gender neutral. It plays songs, nature sounds, and has a night light.
Diaper pale: A regular trash can is sufficient. A diaper pale really isn’t a necessity. And to me, doesnt hold enough diapers in it. You have to change the bag out every other day anyway, so I just use a regular trash can (that doesnt require expencive refill bags).
Baby monitor: We actually have two baby monitors.
One is a video monitor that I absolutely love.
The other is an Owlet Smart Sock that monitors heart rate and oxygen levels. It will alert you by an alarm if your baby is having problems breathing and needs your help. Read my full review on the Owlet Smart Sock here.
Cool mist humidifier: This helps especially when your baby gets a cold or allergies. Helping to soothe coughs with the moist air so your baby can breathe better.
This is a lot safer than a warm mist humidifier that could cause burns from steam. For that reason, cool mist humidifiers are the way to go and a must have for babies.
Click here to find out what newborn babies use EVERY SINGLE DAY.
Bath
Bathtub: The Angelcare tub support is ergonomic for your baby and keeps them comfortable. It dries fast and can be hung on the shower wall when not being used.
Grooming kit: It usually includes a brush, comb, nail clippers, a thermometer, a “snot sucker” as I call them, and something to help administer medicine.
Shampoo, body wash, and lotion: I recommend Aveeno baby products. We have used their body wash/shampoo for over a year and still love it.
I’ve tried other brands but Aveeno has come out on top every time in my opinion. It smells great (but not too strong) and keeps baby’s skin soft.
Washcloths: Baby washcloths are made to be a lot softer for babies fragile skin. When you touch these baby washcloths compaired to your regular towels, there is a huge difference in softness.
Hooded towels: I love hooded towels. They’re cute and keep your baby warmer as they cover the top of babies heads (where most heat escapes).
Diapering
Diapers: We used Pampers Pure diapers for our newborn. They don’t have the chemicals in them that most diapers have that cause diaper rash. See the top 3 diapers for babies here.
Wipes: We used both Pampers Pure Wipes and Water Wipes. They both contain 99% water and 1% cleansers. This also cuts down on the chance your baby will develope a diaper rash.
Diaper bag: Look for a backpack style diaper bag (hands free is best) that has an area in it that is made to keep things warm or cold for storing bottles.
Imagine yourself walking into the doctors office or into Target holding the baby in the carseat, along with a diaper bag, cell phone, keys, ect.
A hands free backpack style diaper bag will be so much less stressful.
Portable changing pad: Some diaper bags come with a portable changing pad. But if yours doesn’t, you will want one.
Especially when you go to change your baby’s diaper in public and realize how dirty public bathrooms are!
Or if you need to change them in the car, you can lay down the changing pad, keeping your car clean and baby comfortable.
Safety and Health
Thermometer: Thermometers can be a life saver. If your baby keeps a high temperature for an extended period of time, it could cause SIDS. This thermometer makes it easy for you to keep track of their temperature. It doesn‘t require you to stick it in any holes!
Teethers: Babies teethe at different times. Some earlier than others. It’s good to go ahead and have some teethers on hand for when it begins.
See a list of my baby’s favorite teethers here.
Nasal Aspirator: I know the NoseFrieda aspirator is popular, but I can’t bring myself to use it. This aspirator bulb works great and can be taken apart to be cleaned.
Nasal Saline: Babies boogies are sticky and nostrils- tiny. I use nasal saline drops to help clear my baby’s nostrils.
Remember, babies only breathe from their nose the first few months of life. Nose cleaning supplies are extremely important to have on hand.
Baby Clothes
Clothing items you’ll need are:
- Long and short sleeved onesies of all sizes. I suggest getting a variety from newborn to 3m.
- Pants to match
- Swaddles My baby’s favorite is the Love To Dream swaddles.
- Booties (NOT shoes. Socks or booties are best not to mess up the growth of their feet.)
- Footed Onesies (They come in cotton or fleece for warmer or cooler times of the year)
- Mitts (to try to prevent your baby from scratching their face with those razor sharp finger nails on that fragile skin)
- Socks
- Hats/Sunhats
- Detergent (We use Dreft baby detergent).
Books for Mom
These books were extremely helpful to me because before having a baby, I hadn’t spent much time at all, around babies. Therefore, I was a little nervous. These books helped comfort me by teaching me the basics of what I needed to know.
