Newborn Must-Haves You'll Need in the First Weeks

If you already have the basics (diapers, wipes, onesies and burp cloths), then focus your to-buy list on these essentials that will get you through those first weeks. High chairs, toys and even the crib can wait.

photo: Skip Hop

Diaper Changing Pad

A changing table is handy if you have the room, but for outings and travel, a portable diaper changing pad is all you'll need. And as your child gets older, you may prefer the simplicity of changing them on the floor, couch or bed. This one, from Skip Hop, has a wipe-clean, zip-off changing pad and roomy pockets for diapers, wipes, bum cream and hand sanitizer. It also features a zippered front pocket for your phone, keys and wallet. Best of all, it folds up into a sleek clutch you can wear on your wrist, clip to your stroller or toss in a diaper bag.

We love: the Pronto Signature Changing Station, available at skiphop.com.

photo: MORI

Infant Hat

Hats on babies are not only adorable, they're necessary in certain conditions. A hat will keep baby warm and comfortable in cooler temps and keep the sun off their sensitive scalp. As a general rule, put a hat on your baby if you feel the weather is cold. And if your baby looks or feels flushed or appears uncomfortable while wearing a hat, take it off.

We love: MORI hat, available at minimori.com.

photo: kaboompics via Pixabay

Baby Tracking App

Keep tracking of baby's feeding, sleep and diaper schedule, as well as developmental milestones, immunizations and illnesses, with one of the many awesome apps out there. You'll be able to pick up patterns to help you establish a baby routine that maximizes comfort (yours and baby's), and you can more easily answer any of your pediatrician's questions.

We love: these apps that track baby's naps, feedings, health history and more.

photo: picsea via unsplash

Books!

You can start reading to babies the day they're born, and you should! Babies love your voice and find it soothing, and bonding with your babe over a book is a great way for you to get some relaxation amid the stressful, sleepless early days of motherhood. Studies show that regularly reading to your baby builds language comprehension and reading skills too. So visit your library for board books; stock your shelves with classics; or sign up for Literati's baby book club and have age-appropriate books sent to your door.

We love: this list of classic books all babies should have.

photo: Truce

Baby-Safe Cleaning Products

Tiny babies can make big messes. And when you're a new mom, you want your cleaning products to be safe and toxin-free, but you also want them to be super effective. Truce cleaning products have you covered. We especially love the peppermint-scented all-purpose cleaner, which cuts grease, leaves a streak-free finish and contains only five ingredients (water, isopropyl alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, organic castile soap and essential oils). The line also contains laundry powder, hand cleanser, odor remover spray and lots more for new moms.

We love: Truce cleaning products, available at truceclean.com.

photo: Abby & Finn

Diapers

A stockpile of diapers and wipes is essential for any new parent. Take the guesswork out of when to reorder with a diaper subscription service that brings the goods to you. Perks of ABBY&FINN include a convenient "set it and forget it" approach, mix and match with multiple sizes and designs in the same box, and the ability to select from a range of frequencies. All of their diapers are eco-friendly and toxin-free, and are comparable in price to Pampers subscribe and save.

We love: Abby & Finn, available at ABBY&FINN.com, $55/month for diapers and wipes and $45/month for just diapers.

Baby Wrap

Wraps are a helpful carrier option in the early months as the fabric keeps babies close and is soft on their skin. Some look tricky to fasten, but if you ask a sales associate or watch a YouTube video, you'll catch on quicker than you think. You can also pick a style (like this one) that makes it as easy as putting on a t-shirt.

We Love: Baby K'tan PRINT baby carrier, available at babyktan.com, $59.95.

Swaddle Blankets

Loose blankets are a safety hazard for the first year, but swaddling blankets are a life-saver. Wrap baby like a burrito to keep restless arms and legs from jolting them awake. These are also great as stroller covers, nursing covers, park blankets, and more.

We Love: aden + anais Silky Soft Swaddles, available at adenandanais.com, $45 for 3-pack.

Infant Car Seat

Top priority: the car seat. You'll need one installed in your car before you leave the hospital with your newborn, so this is one purchase that can't wait. Look for one with a high safety rating. If you plan to buy a stroller from a different brand, check that there's an adaptor for your brand of car seat.

We Love: Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat featuring Safety Surround, available at gracobaby.com, $219.99.

Diaper Rash Cream

Diaper changes can leave sensitive baby bums irritated, and rashes from wet diapers, certain soaps or baby wipes, or even food intolerances are common. Keep a diaper cream like Triple Paste (a mom favorite!) at the ready to smooth on at the first signs of redness, and you can stop discomfort in its tracks. This ointment is fragrance free, hypoallergenic, and thick to create a protective barrier on baby's skin. Buy a set of smaller tubes so you can keep one in your diaper bag, another at your changing station and a third at the grandparents' house.

We love: Triple Paste, available at amazon.com, $28.06 for a 3-pack of 2 oz. tubes.

Bassinet

With multiple nightly wakeup calls, you'll want to keep baby within reach. A bassinet by your bedside keeps baby close enough for you to soothe them quickly, and to peer over to watch them sleep. Find other rooming-in sleep solutions in our round-up of the Best Baby Bassinets and Nappers.

We Love: Chicco LullaGo Deluxe Portable Bassinet, available at walmart.com, $119.99.

Baby Care Tools

This handy kit includes a pair of nail clippers to keep those tiny (yet razor sharp!) nails short, a quick-read thermometer, a nasal aspirator, medicine spoon, cradle cap brush and silicone toothbrush. You'll need many of these the first few months, and you'll be glad to have them in this convenient kit that's also great for travel.

We Love: Boon Health & Grooming Kit, available at booninc.com, $29.99.

Nursing Pillow

Give your arms a rest during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding with a fit-to-your-body pillow. In later months, baby can use it to practice tummy time and sitting up.

We Love: Ergo Baby's Natural Curve Nursing Pillow + Sheep Cover, available at ergobaby.com, $55.

One Pieces

Your newborn doesn't need a fancy wardrobe at first, as newborns spend most of their time sleeping or snuggling at home. An arsenal of onesies makes dressing your baby quick and easy, and soft cotton in solid colors will match your other baby clothes.

We Love: Primary The Babysuit 7 Gift Set, available at primary.com, $48.

Infant Tub

A tub that's designed for newborns makes bathing baby easier in those early months. Choose one that converts to a toddler tub to get maximum use out of it.

We Love: Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling N Seat Tub, available at amazon.com, $39.99.

Bibs

Bibs aren't just for babies who eat solids. They're handy for bottle-feeding and catching spit-up and drool. Buy them in bulk. You'll be swapping and washing them often!

We Love: Bumkins Super, available at target.com, $14.99.

Diaper Bag

Getting out of the house with your baby is a must in the first weeks, not just for your sanity, but also for the little one's doctor's appointments. Arm yourself will a well-organized diaper bag so you're prepared with everything from a fresh onesie to a burp cloth and warm blanket.

We Love: 7 a.m. Enfant Soho Diaper Bag, available at 7amenfant.com, $72.

Baby Monitor

You may think video is an unnecessary luxury in a baby monitor, but you'll thank us later when you want to check in on your baby without disturbing them. Some monitors, like this one, work with an app so you can monitor from your phone when you're away from home. Even grandparents can tune in to watch baby sleep.

We Love: Nanit Camera, available at nanit.com, $279 - $379, depending on accessories.

Slow-Flow Baby Bottles

Whether you're feeding your baby formula or pumped milk, look for bottles that mimic the shape of the breast and slow down the flow of liquid to reduce colic, spitting up, burping and gas.

We Love: LUX Baby Bottle, available at luxbabybottle.com, $16.95.

Nighttime Soother

Middle-of-the-night feedings and diaper changes go a lot smoother with a soft light that doesn't wake up baby or your partner. Better yet, choose an illuminated gadget that doubles as a sound machine. The repetitive sounds of white (static) or pink (rainfall) noise can help soothe your newborn throughout the night.

We Love: Hatch Baby Rest, available at amazon.com, $59.99.

No-Brainer Swaddle

Swaddling from scratch isn't for every parent (especially in the middle of the night), and some infants can wiggle out of a swaddle blanket like a mini Houdini. These sacks make it easy on both of you with simple zippers and Velcro. Baby will feel snug, and you'll feel like a superstar swaddler!

We Love: HALO SleepSack Swaddle, available at halosleep.com, $22.99.

Natural Pacifier

When your baby is crying and you've tried everything from shushing and milk or formula to a diaper change, a pacifier might give baby some comfort. Sticking to orthodontic designs may protect your baby's future teeth, and a one-piece design isn't only safer but also easier to clean.

We Love: Natursutten Orthodontic Rubber Pacifier, available at amazon.com, $11.99.

–Julie Seguss & Theresa Gonzalez

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