Today I’m rounding up my favorite and most used newborn essentials. After having 2 babies in the last 2 years, we’ve tried so many products from a variety of brands. Out of everything we’ve tried, there were a few newborn essentials that really stood out above all the rest. Keep reading to learn more about our favorites!
1. NEWBORN PACIFIER
There are so many different types of pacifiers – I know because we bought them ALL when Emilia was a newborn! We cycled through many different brands and styles and this was by far her favorite. It was also one of the most highly recommended newborn pacifiers by all of YOU! These are designed smaller than your average pacifier and are the perfect shape and size for your newborn baby.
2. LOUNGER
You’ll definitely want to have a lounger for your newborn! During the first few months it’s so important to have a comfy place to lay the baby down when you need to be hands-free. When my girls were little, this lounger would travel all around the house with me. It’s made with 100% organic cotton and comes with a removable, machine washable cover. This cozy lounger is designed to hug your baby’s entire body to help calm and comfort them when needed.
3. SWING
If you ask James and I what our most used and most essential newborn item is, we would both say a swing! We used a Graco swing and loved it. It was the only thing that Emilia was content being in at such a small age. She also took all her naps in a swing the first few months – until we transitioned her to the crib at 4 months. We found the traditional style swings/gliders to work the best (rather than newer ‘fancier’ infant seats). I linked 4 options below that have the best reviews.
4. BABY CARRIER
After becoming a Mom you soon realize the importance of baby wearing (if you want to get anything done!) Having a comfortable and easy to wear baby carrier is a must. This is another item we tried several of – different brands and different styles. This carrier was by far our favorite in terms of comfort and ease of use. It’s soft, comfortable and supportive for when the baby is a newborn and can be used up to 25lbs. Baby can be facing in or out.
5. THERMOMETER
Adding this to the list because as a first time parent, you often find yourself questioning how your baby is feeling. Whether they’re fussy, feel warm or just don’t seem to be acting themselves, the first thing you’ll want to do is check their temperature. It’s also typically the first thing your pediatrician will ask for when you call reporting any issues. We purchased both of these thermometers – first is a rectal thermometer (more affordable) and the second is an ear + forehead thermometer. I found that the ear + forehead thermometer was slightly easier and more convenient to use (no need to take baby’s diaper off!)
6. SWADDLE
If you’ve had a baby you know how important swaddling is. We tried our fair share of swaddles with our first born and these ended up being one of our favorites. Unlike a simple blanket, this swaddle is designed with a lateral belly wrap and pocket for their legs. The modified design makes it much easier to swaddle your baby and keep them snug. Material is 100% high quality cotton.
7. NURSING PILLOW
If you choose to nurse, a nursing pillow will make things much more comfortable for both you and baby. This is my favorite nursing pillow due to comfort and ease of use. It’s easy to throw around your mid-section when ready to breastfeed your baby – no fumbling with trying to get it in the right position or fussing with straps or clips. I also recommend getting the WATERPROOF COVER to protect from inevitable spills. You can purchase a FASHION COVER as well, if you wish.
8. INFLATABLE BATHER
This is a new purchase for us this time around. We weren’t thrilled with the newborn bath we purchased for Emilia, so I figured we would give this one a try for baby #2. It’s looks super comfortable and is designed with wings to keep your baby snug and warm. I also love that it’s inflatable, making it easy to store and travel with. It has a removable fabric cover that is machine washable and dryer safe. This bather can be used in the sink or tub, but thinking this will be convenient to throw in the tub while also bathing Emila!
9. BOTTLES
These silicone bottles came highly recommended and they did not disappoint! They’re designed with the nursing mother in mind – featuring a soft silicone nipple to mimic a mother’s breast. Emilia loves them and had no trouble transitioning from bottle to breast at all. I also love the wide design which makes them super easy to clean. This set includes 2 different sized bottles (5 oz and 8 oz) and 3 different flow nipples. They come in green too!
10. BOUNCER
A portable bouncer is extremely helpful to have when your baby is young. If you’re looking for a safe seat for them to hang out in that can be easily moved from room to room, this one is the best! This bouncer came highly recommended and always has the best reviews. It’s a simple design that rocks in response to baby’s movements. It also folds completely flat making it easy to travel with. We brought this seat everywhere with us during the first 6 months!
11. SHUSHER SOUND MACHINE
Any sound machine is great for babies, but there’s just something about the Shusher when they’re young! We started using this with Emila day one in the hospital. The realistic “shushhhhhing” noise is so soothing, especially to a newborn baby. We used this in her bassinet at the hospital just days after she was born. We continued to use it at home for naps and walks. It’s also great to throw in your diaper bag – we brought it with us anytime we were on the go. It’s not quite as intense as a typical sound machine but works great those first few months.
12. BABY BASICS KIT
We are big FRIDABABY fans in this family! I was gifted this Baby Basics Kit and ended up loving all the tools included. The SnotSucker and Windi GasPasser really came in handy those first few months and both worked extremely well. We also loved the SkinSoother brush for baths. I recommend all their products but this kit is a great start!
LOOKING FOR MORE BABY RECOMMENDATIONS?
Click to read more about our favorite baby products…
Breastfeeding Must Haves
Best Baby Toys 0 – 6 Months
Baby Feeding Essentials
Top Winter Must-Haves for Baby
Baby Bath Time Essentials
Must Have Baby Sleep Products
Baby Diapering Essentials
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