Newborns. They don’t need a lot of stuff. You’ll spend most of the first six weeks holding, feeding, and changing your baby. It is my hope that this list of my top 5 baby essentials will make first-time momming much easier and, dare I say, enjoyable for you! I don’t think I would have made it to month two without these five life (and sanity) savers!
Please bear in mind that there are multitudes of parenting styles and yours may not perfectly align with mine. I am definitely a fan of attachment parenting, and this list will reflect that.
1. Newborn safe baby carrier
I LOVE carrying my babies. I cannot tell you the number of times I have used a carrier in the last 7+ years. I’ve worn my kids from their earliest days on into toddlerhood and consider myself a bit of a carrier connoisseur. For my newborn, I’ve enjoyed using a wrap carrier or ring sling. A wrap carrier is a long strip of fabric, usually stretchy, that you wind around your body a million times and then somehow you’re able to tuck your baby down in the folds and tote him around. A ring sling is a strip of fabric that you pull through a set of metal rings worn at the shoulder to create a little pouch. Either way, your arms are free to do whatever you want. Newborns love to be snuggled up close to mom’s chest and wrap carriers or ring slings make them feel just as secure as they were in the womb.
Wraps have a bit of a learning curve, so I recommend having some backup carriers available. My husband swears by the Ergobaby 360 (can be worn chest to chest, forward facing, or on his back) but it doesn’t work for my petite frame. My favorite carrier is a Happy Baby onbuhimo because it doesn’t have a waistband! After four kids my belly doesn’t want to be squished out over a carrier buckle!Whatever carriers you decide to try, please be sure baby is high on your chest and close enough to kiss. Baby’s legs should be in an “M” with knees above their bum and fabric from knee to knee. Avoid carriers that leave baby’s legs dangling in the wind!
2. Muslin swaddle blankets
Only one of my four children enjoyed being swaddled but but they have all been pros at spitting up on everything, especially on me, and all those cutesy glorified maxi-pads called “burp cloths” aren’t nearly large enough to collect the incredible amount of partially digested milk my kids could spew. Every day was a blood…er, milk bath. We received a few muslin swaddle blankets as gifts and these became my burp cloths. They’re large enough to protect my entire torso from being drenched after every feeding, and the gauzy material is easy to clean, too. This newborn essential serves multiple purposes as a changing pad, nursing cover, stroller blanket, towel, and even a diaper in a pinch. I still keep one in the diaper bag for emergencies!
3. Baby docking station
One of my favorite things to tell a new mom is this – the number one safest place for your baby is the FLOOR. There are going to be times when you just have to set your baby down. You’re going to need to shower, or use the bathroom, or just give your arms a break! But newborns love to be cuddled and they crave a cozy space! After four kids, my favorite baby holder is the Dock-a-Tot. The Dock-a-Tot cradles baby on all sides and keeps him content while you have to use your arms for something else. There is a firm bottom that keeps baby off the floor, but on the floor. Plus, its super portable and machine washable! I’ve tried the SnuggleMe and was not really a fan, but I think the Dock-a-Tot has been discontinued in the USA. You don’t HAVE to get one. But I do recommend something to hold baby when you can’t. I’ve also enjoyed using a Moses basket (no rocking base – too high off the ground!) and a basic non-electric bouncer.
4. Kimono style onesies
Getting a newborn into a onesie is tricky at first. It can be hard to gauge how gentle to be! I decided to eliminate the need to put anything over my newborn’s head by using kimono style onesies that open and snap closed like a jacket! Seriously, they are so easy to use and super cute! Highly recommend keeping it simple with white.
5. Earth Mama Nipple Butter
You don’t have to be breastfeeding for this to be helpful! This balm is the best thing for your baby’s scaly cradle cap, dry skin, and even as a moisture barrier during diaper changes. I especially liked using this to keep meconium from sticking to my babies. It’s all natural and doesn’t have any fragrances or irritating ingredients. Go ahead and purchase an industrial size tub!
Every magazine and baby blog out there will give you a giant list of products you need for a new baby, but [if you’re nursing] you really don’t need more than a few onesies, some blankets, diapers, and a place for baby to sleep. Talk to your partner about what you value most when it comes to the material things for baby. How much laundry do you want to do? Would you rather put baby in a swing or bouncer while you get stuff done around the house, or would you prefer to keep baby close in a carrier? Will baby really need a giant crib, or would you prefer a bassinet? It’s your baby, you can buy what you want!
October 5, 2025
