If you are searching for essentials for a newborn baby and you feel slightly overwhelmed, I am here to help you! I know how stressful it can be trying to figure out what you need to buy, what brand to go with, if your baby will actually use the product, etc. That’s why I put together a newborn baby essentials kit based on products I bought and actually used for both of my newborns!
The most important lesson I learned when shopping for products and trying to prepare for my newborn is that less is more, especially when it comes to essentials baby clothes. You might feel the urge to buy a lot because you want to feel prepared, but you don’t want to feel overwhelmed by how much you have. Amazon and Target rapid pickup were my best friends during the newborn phase!
1. The Sleep Set Up: Basic Essentials for a Newborn Baby
One of the first things you’ll need to think about is where your newborn will sleep as that will impact what you need to buy right away. The key to creating a safe sleep environment is simplicity. The essentials for a newborn baby in the sleep department are a bassinet or crib along with a breathable mattress.
- Bassinet or Crib: A bassinet for the first few months is great for keeping your baby close by during those nighttime feedings. After that, a crib is essential for a safe sleep space. I went with this crib from Pottery Barn Kids and it was perfect for Jameson to grow into!
- Along with a crib, a newborn-safe mattress is a top priority as it will give you peace of mind when your baby is napping. I went with this Newton Crib Mattress that is 100% breathable.
2. Breastfeeding Newborn Baby Essentials Kit
If you’re breastfeeding, here are a few essentials for a newborn baby that you might not have thought of yet:
- Breastmilk Storage Bags: I ordered these to be delivered at my house before I had my baby because I’d rather have them and be prepared instead of not having them when I needed them. These storage bags come in a pack of 200 and are $25!
- Nursing Pillow: This nursing pillow was a lifesaver and easily one of the best gifts I received at my baby shower. It made feedings way more comfortable and was only $59.99.
- A Manual Breast Pump: Breastfeeding is tough and takes a little bit to figure out and get used to. I loved having this manual silicone breast pump on hand.
3. Diapering Must-Have Essentials for a Newborn Baby
Having a well-stacked changing area is going to be key when it comes to those late-night changes when you are exhausted! I also recommend these products when you are creating your newborn baby essentials kit as these products are small but very needed. 
- Changing Pad: Cute changing pads and nice changing tables are all the rage, but the truth is changing can get messy so having one that cleans easily is super important. I loved this wipe-clean one from Babylist that was $80.
- Odor Locking Diaper Pail: Another item that should be on top of your essentials for a newborn baby is this diaper pail! This will make your late-night changes easier when you don’t have to go far to dispose of the dirty diaper.
- Diaper Cream and Baby Bum Brush: Other diapering items you may be thinking it’s okay to wait to order until later are diaper cream and a baby bum brush! But trust me, you’ll want to have these at your changing station and in your newborn baby essentials kit. I love Boudreaux’s Butt Paste and BumCo’s Baby Bum Diaper Cream Brush, both are under $10.
4. Wearable Essentials and Baby Clothes
The truth is you will be changing your newborn’s clothes so often that you will want simple, easy-to-put-on clothing. Here are my top essentials for baby clothes: 
- Zipper Footie: My newborns lived in footies that had zippers because you would not want to be pairing up snaps during nighttime changings. I loved these from Kyte Baby for $36 because they were really good quality and came in lots of color options!
- If you’re planning to have more than one baby, you might want to buy gender-neutral onesies so you can pass them down. I love this bee themed onesie from Saks Fifth Avenue for $11.99.
Essentials for a Newborn Baby
When it comes to choosing products for your newborn, it’s easy to get caught up in the marketing hype or feel pressure to buy every cute gadget. But the truth is, the essentials for a newborn baby are simple, practical items that make everyday life easier for both you and your little one. Focus on the basics—sleep, feeding and diapering—and you’ll be all set for the arrival of your newborn.
For more blogs about newborn product recommendations and advice, check out my blog.
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