What Do You Really Need For a Newborn?

Written By Ali Alfano

When I became a mom for the first time almost 19 years ago some friends threw me a giant baby shower. It was a lot of fun and really beautiful and I was gifted SO. MUCH. STUFF. Some of it was used until it died and others…well…not so much. Five babies in and I think I’ve narrowed down what is really a need and what is just a luxury or really just not necessary at all. The market for everything baby has exploded and there is an overwhelming amount of options out there and parents are made to feel like the need it all! But the truth is, newborns are pretty basic and not everyone has the same budget or space to store all the extras. So, you won’t see a bottle warmer or a diaper pail on my list, but if you really want something that’s not on this list, go right ahead!

My most used items in the first couple months with baby:

  • Infant Car Seat

  • Stroller (that the carseat can click into easily)

  • Baby Carrier (invest in a high quality one with a large weight range)

  • Crib or other safe sleep area

  • Water proof crib sheet

  • Sound machine

  • Crib sheets

  • Swaddlers (3-5)

  • 2-3 types of pacifiers, if using (one of each)

  • 2-3 types of bottles if pumping or formula feeding (one of each to start out)

  • Formula if using (only buy one container to start out with as you may need to change the kind)

  • Vitamin D infant drops (if supplementing; look for one with clean ingredients, preferably just a carrier oil and Vitamin D as the only ingredients)

  • Sleep sacks (3-4)

  • Receiving blankets (double as burp cloths)

  • Diaper bag (I love backpack styles)

  • Newborn size diapers (10-12/day in the first month)

  • Diaper rash cream/preventative barrier cream ( I like Weleda, Honest Co., Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, and Babo Botanicals fragrance free)

  • Diaper changing pad (1-2)

  • Unscented Wipes (1-2 packs/week)

  • One vibrating chair/baby swing to soothe baby during the day

  • Newborn and 0-3 size clothes (about 10-12 onesies, 10 zipper sleepers, 1 or two cute outfits for photos or special occasions)

  • Infant hats (3-5)

  • Infant nail clippers or file

  • Infant thermometer

    For mom to use with baby I recommend:

  • A pump and/or Haakaa

  • Milk storage containers

  • Nursing pillow

  • A night light for feedings and diaper changes

  • Nursing bras

  • Breast pads

  • A memory book/journal for keepsakes

Ali Alfano