Newborn to 3 Months MUST Have's?

FriendlySoutherner · June 2015

So I am one for doing things on the cheap. This is my first child and I dont want to overspend on uneccessary or useless items that I may never really use or only use once. It would be noce to adjust or update a little every 3 months or so but Im trying to avoid newborn hauling ("wasting cash). I know I definately need an infant car seat but id like something that can be used as a carrier and in a stroller AND maybe use for toddler age. Any suggestions? What would you consider neborn to 3 month MUST haves?

kayjay44 · June 2015

These were our favorite swaddle sacks with our first. I bought two this morning.

https://baby.steals.com/daily/deal/id/3012284/nuroo-swaddler

We bought a Britax B-Safe travel set (infant seat, stroller, older child seat). We still love it (even though DD is now in a convertible seat).

BabyHope2013 · June 2015

The things that I found to be most useful when's son was a newborn was his swing (that plugged in the wall so you didn't run out of batteries in the middle of the night), pacifier clip (we never lost a pacifier with it) and a pack and play (we could move it around the house for naps and take it with us to grandparents for him to sleep).

Things that I did not get and did not miss at all: bottle warmer, wipe warmer and changing table (we just put a changing pad on top of the dresser).

MrsJG3 · June 2015

I would say my must haves are: car seat, some kind of a snap and go stroller, diapers, wipes and rock and play. Bonus items would be ergo with insert and a&a blankets.

kayjay44 · June 2015

Just to show you how different people/babies are, DD hated her swing (we still have it stored), didn't use pacifiers and to this day hates her pack and play (its useful for when other kids come over, though).

We do have a changing table (it's a dresser with a pad on top) and we still use it most of the time at almost 13 months.

I'd say pajamas are a big one. Especially with a winter baby. The ones with the mitts were a must have for us (DD scratched the shit out of everything).

Bohemama22 · June 2015

Hey

I know literally nothing (FTM!) but i found this list online (Emma's Diary Website) which I've used to make a bit of a budget... Hope it helps a bit

I plan on getting a fair few hand me downs and then just buying things that need to be new for safety. Also helpful to pick out a few useful items that family members could perhaps get as gifts instead of receiving hundreds of newborn outfits (as lovely as that is!!) x

Things you definitely need

Cot (plus mattress, sheets and blankets)
Car seat
Pram/buggy/travel system*
Six sleepsuits/ long sleeved suits
Six vests/ short sleeved suits
Two cardigans/ jackets
Shawl or snow suit
Hat, mittens and bootees
Changing mat
Nappies
Nursing bra and breast pads
Bottles/teats/bottle brush (only needed if not breastfeeding)
Loads of bibs
Plenty of towels/ flannels/ muslin squares (for bathing and dribbles!)
Loads of kitchen roll and cotton wool pads
Brush and comb

* only one of these

Things that are handy

Moses basket/ crib (plus mattress, sheets and blankets)
Baby bath
Baby box or bag
Sling
Bouncy chair
Baby monitor
Changing bag
Breast pump
Steam steriliser
Baby lotion
Baby wipes
Bath thermometer
Nail scissors
Nappy wrapper

jordans_wife · June 2015

A bouncer!!! Preferably with lights and shit for them to look at. Baby in bouncer=a shower for mom.
Also a carrier of some kind.

nikki_rose7 · June 2015

My number 1 must have is a baby video monitor. EmJay had slept in her own room since week 6, I love the Camera because any time with a click of a button I can see her. I can always hear her because the audio is always on, but the video part is a must have. Already looking for another camera to add for baby's room.

momPDX · June 2015

1) craigslist - buy things used!!! You won't use half of the things you buy because every baby is different.
2) people who are done having kids - free stuff! Take it all, donate what you don't use!
3) someone who knows how to explain how to breastfeed (seriously, I thought it was just something that came naturally) If you're not planning on breastfeeding then some form of formula and bottles.
4) long sleeved onesies - with the built in mittens
5) someone to come over every three days for two hours to hold your LO while you shower and nap. (This is only necessary if you want to try and keep your sanity. If you're okay going slightly insane, skip this one.)
6) diapers and wipes

Don't buy a used car seat unless you KNOW (and I mean really know) it was never in an accident. Not even dropped. There are some that last until your baby is 35lbs, but unless you have an incredibly short and hefty baby, they'll grow out of it before then.

We wore her everywhere and didn't need a stroller till 9 months.

MrsJG3 · June 2015

Oh a nose frida! Those things are genius!

Edit: punctuation

twinmom1121 · June 2015

Our must haves were obviously a car seat and some kind of stroller than the car seats click into (was really nice to transfer them in and out if they were sleeping), my boys loved the swing, Aden and Anais bamboo swaddle blankets were a gift but we love love them! Still used them every day (my boys are 18 months). We also really loved having some kind of seat like a rock and play type thing to put the boys in during the day that we could move from room to room. The ones we had vibrated too so it was really soothing to them. There's a lot of things you don't NEED but find you may like to have.
Edit: oh and a monitor, but we didn't start using it until about 4 months when we moved them to their own room. We had them in a pack and play bassinet next to our bed.

Sprinkles07 · June 2015

The graco snug ride click connect 40 is a newborn to 2 year seat. (Depending on your child's size it could last longer or less long) it would click onto a graco stroller as well. I recommend a rock n play or some form of chair you can keep them in and move easily around the house. It made showering a breeze for me! If your using a crib I recommend a breathable bumper at least when they start moving around during sleep so limbs dont get stuck.

camusoh2011 · June 2015

I'd say car seat (we went with a convertible on this past time because I chose to wear him and LOVED it!). Either a pack n play or something portable for naps through the day (i'm thinking of going with a rock n sleeper this time). Diapers and wipes of course. If nursing I preferred a cover-up, nipple cream, and a pump (I had a double electric, but could never get used to pumping both sides at once. I'm going single this time. Just a few outfits (seriously, they grow so fast don't waste your $$ stocking up on too much. Plus people like to gift clothes). A bottle or two if you're going to mix feed. A few swaddle blankets (we used sacks, but our first hated being swaddled, so don't stock up too much in case baby doesn't like it). And we always had one super soft blanket for ours. Now we have two blanket boys and that is their comfort item for bed.

ETA- if you chose to baby wear, see if there might be some other mamas who will let you try out their carrier first. They can be pricey and we had a few but only liked two of them. I sold the others, but wished I had saved the cash before.

snarky14jd · June 2015

Sleep sacks, swaddle blankets (a&a)
Rock and play, wubba nub (paci)
Boppy was okay but pillow works as well

FriendlySoutherner · June 2015

Thanks for all of your replies ladies! I will pick out a few of these things. I also dont want to be buried in clothes expecially newborn clothes lol. I think I will start with about 5 sleepers and 2 weeks worth of long sleeved onsie dresses (for girl) or onsies and pants (for a boy) for 0 to 3 months then box those up when there outgrown and repeat the same in 3 months to 6 months then maybe afterwards dive into other things if neccessary. When ever we have something nice to go to I think ill splurge on a cute dress or little suit but nothing too expensive. Are any of you big on having matching shoes with every outfit? Im thinking maybe just some thick booties until 3 months and up then 1 pair of little neutral colored sneaks or girly shoes. Am I missing anything important?

camusoh2011 · June 2015

FriendlySoutherner said:

Thanks for all of your replies ladies! I will pick out a few of these things. I also dont want to be buried in clothes expecially newborn clothes lol. I think I will start with about 5 sleepers and 2 weeks worth of long sleeved onsie dresses (for girl) or onsies and pants (for a boy) for 0 to 3 months then box those up when there outgrown and repeat the same in 3 months to 6 months then maybe afterwards dive into other things if neccessary. When ever we have something nice to go to I think ill splurge on a cute dress or little suit but nothing too expensive. Are any of you big on having matching shoes with every outfit? Im thinking maybe just some thick booties until 3 months and up then 1 pair of little neutral colored sneaks or girly shoes. Am I missing anything important?

Just go with socks at first. They will kick shoes right off anyway.

MississippiCatfish · June 2015

DS1: White noise machine (still use at 2.5yrs), glider rocker, the swing, halo sleep swaddle sacks. I really liked the mirror for the car because I was so paranoid at first that something would happen and I wouldn't be able to see him. (Wouldn't take a pacifier, hated the pack n play, didn't really care either way about being in a baby carrier.)

DS2: White noise machine, glider rocker, halo sleep swaddle sacks, vibrating bouncer, A&A Muslin swaddled (used a lot to cover up when nursing in the hot summer), LOVED the baby carrier - that's how I got him to sleep every night for weeks (I have the lillebaby, but there are so many great options). (He didn't really care for the swing, wouldn't nap in the P&P either).

We almost skipped the changing table, but I'm glad we didn't, mainly because it's a great place to store diapers, wipes and other supplies. It makes the room feel more organized for me, even though I don't use it much after my babies start really squirming.

MississippiCatfish · June 2015

camusoh2011 said:

FriendlySoutherner said:

Thanks for all of your replies ladies! I will pick out a few of these things. I also dont want to be buried in clothes expecially newborn clothes lol. I think I will start with about 5 sleepers and 2 weeks worth of long sleeved onsie dresses (for girl) or onsies and pants (for a boy) for 0 to 3 months then box those up when there outgrown and repeat the same in 3 months to 6 months then maybe afterwards dive into other things if neccessary. When ever we have something nice to go to I think ill splurge on a cute dress or little suit but nothing too expensive. Are any of you big on having matching shoes with every outfit? Im thinking maybe just some thick booties until 3 months and up then 1 pair of little neutral colored sneaks or girly shoes. Am I missing anything important?

Just go with socks at first. They will kick shoes right off anyway.

---------------------------
My 11 month old's feet are still too chubby for shoes. My DS1 was the same way. I was glad I hadn't spent a fortune on the adorable baby shoes I wanted so badly!

twinmom1121 · June 2015

I never could get shoes on my boys feet until they were walking! I'd just go with socks and maybe like one pair of shoes if you are really wanting some.

cassey910 · June 2015

The rock n play was a life saver for us!
Swaddle blankets
Lots of footed sleepers
Mittens
Hats to keep head warm
Burp clothes
Loved my ergo
Video monitor is amazing
Sound machine
Humidifier for winter months is good

NoelBird · June 2015

Saddle me sacks were my go to sleep sack. A white nose machine was an absolute must, get a second one for your room. You can crack it up and your hubby could be in the next room with the crying baby and you can sleep away. While not a must I also love the a & a swaddle blankets. I use them as burp cloths, car seat covers, floor blankets a million uses. They hold up well and stains come out easy.

rspalding001 · June 2015

White noise machine, swing, monitor... Just some basic clothes for 0-3 since they grow so fast ( but honestly you will prob get all the clothes you need and more as gifts so don't waste money on clothes). Stroller with click connect to infant car seat ( we like Graco). Some kind of baby wearing item like the ergo or a sling or wrap.

Fullerj21 · June 2015

Pajamas or sleep n plays with zippers.. The snaps are too hard in the middle of the night.

minivanmafia · June 2015

I havnt read through all these yet however, a wrap/sling/carrier! Must have! Life saver! I can totally recommend plenty shall you need it!

Wurrkingurrl · June 2015

My son was a kicker..... He hated to be swaddled.... he would kick and kick until he managed to get out of it. And those little nightgown things that seemed so much easier for diaper changes? Yeah, he would kick and kick and get his little legs caught in them and then scream! So for us for clothes it was feetie pajamas.

And yeah, flea markets, yard sales, craig's list consignment shops.... anywhere you can get used stuff helps.

Also, if you aren't picky about a crib, go to babies are us and ask what they have on clearence in the back that isn't on display. I got a crib for $50. If they don't have anything, check back in a month or so. They are constantly marking stuff down on clearance.

Kiek · June 2015

Every kid is so different. With Victoria my must haves included those little rectangle cloth diapers you can get at Walmart. I had tons of them all over the house because they make the perfect burp cloths. I had a swing the plugged into the wall and it was a lifesaver. Also I had a little baby wearing thing that was given to me and it was so nice to be able to wear her everywhere. She was happy and whenever she needed to eat I could discretely nurse no matter where we were. I just had a regular old baby monitor that worked just fine. Lots of fitted sheets. Skip the pretty bedding unless you like doing tons of laundry lol. I loved having a changing table. It kept all her stuff in one place which is good for my sanity. Two boppies! One for the baby and one for you to sit on. Trust me lol, you body will thank you.

lilqt3929 · June 2015

PP's have given a lot of great ideas! For us the changing table pad liners (so when baby pees or poops while changing them you can just slide out the liner underneath them and still have a clean cover underneath them), very thick burp clothes (ie cloth diapers-the cute little terry(?) Cloth ones they sell everywhere did nothing for our reflux baby), cotton sleep bras (in a bigger size) and nursing pads (if you are BFing-your boobs are sore/hurt while your adjusting) and a small little bottle that you stick in your purse or the diaper bag (think travel size) that you can use to squirt water on your lady bits everytime you go to the bathroom (I had stitches and had to use this for a few weeks but didn't like having to take along the full size hospital one or would forget it at home).

ETA : I know you may have been asking for suggestions for things for baby but I know I forgot to get things for me for after delivery so I added a few of those in. Luckily, with Amazon it's easy to get things to your door quickly if you think of anything you need after baby is born. One other thing that was wonderful for our cold NY winters was the carseat bundle me cover. Just zip it up and baby stays warm. You don't want to bundle the baby in a snow suit and strap them in the carseat since then it is very hard to get the straps adjusted correctly. (Obviously this item depends on what kind of weather you get but for us it was a must).

toorahloorah · June 2015

My must haves for the 0-3 month stage: Summer swaddle blankets (we used the miracle blanket after the tiny newborn stage but it was too big for her as a newborn), rock and play, swing that plugs in,my lactation consultant, wubbanub pacifiers, those sleep and plays from carters (I preferred the snaps for this age because I could just unsnap the bottom for diaper changes).

But honestly- it's different for everyone. Things I couldn't have done without my girlfriends considered a waste- and vice versa. But buying used helps. Look on Fb for your local mommy swap pages, once upon a child, consignment sales (google it but I believe it's consignment mommies or something and it lists every consignment sale in your state. They are usually spring and fall.)

ErinC1014 · June 2015

Lifesavers for me were the swing and the rock and play sleeper (easily transportable..could use downstairs, at babysitter's, as bedside sleeper..and many sleeps at an angle which is good for acid reflux)

ErinC1014 · June 2015

Oh and for baby 2, a carrier or wrap. Could push my son is single stroller and carry my daughter.

anotherctg · June 2015

Such good info! Thanks and keep it coming!

shupertj09 · June 2015

For us a co-sleeper ( I breast fed and it was super convenient), a pack and play with changing station (we stored all our diapers, wipes, etc for the living room,We changed her diaper there and she napped there), baby hats (she was a winter baby), try to get several nose suction things from the hospital...the ones in the stores just aren't as good, nipple cream, tucks for you (so says my sister, I had a c-section)...there's probably more i could list but those were the most useful for us (other than essentials like diapers, wipes, bibs, etc...)

tdoswell1 · June 2015

With my first my must haves were:
Burp clothes, pack n play with napper & changer, monitor (video), and hats & mittens. These things on top of the obvious carseat and stroller. I found that shoes were out the first year. I didnt buy shoes until my son could walk!

anotherctg · July 2015

Bump

g8trkim · July 2015

FriendlySoutherner said:

Thanks for all of your replies ladies! I will pick out a few of these things. I also dont want to be buried in clothes expecially newborn clothes lol. I think I will start with about 5 sleepers and 2 weeks worth of long sleeved onsie dresses (for girl) or onsies and pants (for a boy) for 0 to 3 months then box those up when there outgrown and repeat the same in 3 months to 6 months then maybe afterwards dive into other things if neccessary. When ever we have something nice to go to I think ill splurge on a cute dress or little suit but nothing too expensive. Are any of you big on having matching shoes with every outfit? Im thinking maybe just some thick booties until 3 months and up then 1 pair of little neutral colored sneaks or girly shoes. Am I missing anything important?

Babies don't need shoes. It's probably the most pointless baby item, IMO. Cute socks are just as well and serve more of a purpose.

g8trkim · July 2015

Fullerj21 said:

Pajamas or sleep n plays with zippers.. The snaps are too hard in the middle of the night.

Totally this. Once you go zipper... you never go back.

inomniaparatus · July 2015

g8trkim said:

FriendlySoutherner said:

Thanks for all of your replies ladies! I will pick out a few of these things. I also dont want to be buried in clothes expecially newborn clothes lol. I think I will start with about 5 sleepers and 2 weeks worth of long sleeved onsie dresses (for girl) or onsies and pants (for a boy) for 0 to 3 months then box those up when there outgrown and repeat the same in 3 months to 6 months then maybe afterwards dive into other things if neccessary. When ever we have something nice to go to I think ill splurge on a cute dress or little suit but nothing too expensive. Are any of you big on having matching shoes with every outfit? Im thinking maybe just some thick booties until 3 months and up then 1 pair of little neutral colored sneaks or girly shoes. Am I missing anything important?

Babies don't need shoes. It's probably the most pointless baby item, IMO. Cute socks are just as well and serve more of a purpose.

My future baby has like 5 pairs of uggs lol. I didn't buy them but worked with the company a few years ago and saved them.

emc3576 · July 2015

We couldn't keep socks on my first and instead used the Zutano booties until she started walking. They were wonderful and always stayed where they were supposed to.

g8trkim · July 2015

inomniaparatus said:

FriendlySoutherner said:

Thanks for all of your replies ladies! I will pick out a few of these things. I also dont want to be buried in clothes expecially newborn clothes lol. I think I will start with about 5 sleepers and 2 weeks worth of long sleeved onsie dresses (for girl) or onsies and pants (for a boy) for 0 to 3 months then box those up when there outgrown and repeat the same in 3 months to 6 months then maybe afterwards dive into other things if neccessary. When ever we have something nice to go to I think ill splurge on a cute dress or little suit but nothing too expensive. Are any of you big on having matching shoes with every outfit? Im thinking maybe just some thick booties until 3 months and up then 1 pair of little neutral colored sneaks or girly shoes. Am I missing anything important?

Babies don't need shoes. It's probably the most pointless baby item, IMO. Cute socks are just as well and serve more of a purpose.
My future baby has like 5 pairs of uggs lol. I didn't buy them but worked with the company a few years ago and saved them.

LOL baby shoes are super cute but definitely don't fall into the must have category.

MamaFroFro · July 2015

coconut oil. so many uses from diaper cream, cradle cap, lotion, baby acne, etc. google it for more

C3Duffy · July 2015

Gowns. 100% gowns. Best things in the world for that age, they make diaper changes a breeze at night. A handful of onesies and/or shirts, pants, socks, scratch mitts, caps and sleep&plays. Target's Circo s&p's have zippers that start to open at the foot which is the reverse of most and SUPER awesome for diaper changes.

A couple of light muslin swaddle blankets (VERY multi-purpose, and give an excellent swaddle). I love love our Aden & Anais but I got some Carters ones to try too this time.

A pack or two of standard flannel receiving blankets. (Totally useless for swaddling a baby over 7lbs but I really loved using these under baby in the crib or instead of a sheet in a pnp, to catch any spit up or leaks, and as a changing surface)

Prefold cloth diapers make the best burp cloths.

Gas drops.

A sound machine, Cloud B sleep animals are our faves. We prefer the smaller, on the go versions.

For breastfeeding (for me), Medela Harmony single manual pump (just to let off some pressure when needed) and Medela Soft Shells for sore nipples (life saver!). I prefer just my breastmilk over any other creams for healing/soothing my nipples.

Of course a car seat, I really preach to not skip the infant seat. There are inexpensive ones you can buy to last however long you want before upgrading to a convertible. Really though, even babywearing A LOT, being able to snuggle LO into a seat in the house or extend LO's car nap is invaluable for me. But of course, a convertible is the cost effective option. Just do you research of starting there (carseatsforthelittles and thecarseatlady are good sites), not all are truly suitable from birth. Many of them, although stating birth weight, really do not have a low enough harness height for a newborn. So if you go that route, be sure to pick one that really will work, safetly, from birth and up.

Somewhere to set baby, may it be a pnp, rnp, swing, bouncer, bassinet, Moses basket, rocker seat etc. You will want somewhere for baby to be when you need to get things done without a growth on you. Hahaha

A baby carrier. Boba wraps are great,I prefer them to Moby, they're a little stretchier but seem to mold and just hold up better over time and multiple kids. Infantino Sash Mei Tai is also a fabulous carrier. Lenny Lamb wrap conversion buckle carriers are FABULOUS! SO soft and comfy, totally unlike and Ergo, Tula or Kinderpack and the same price, if not less. Some great starter Ring Slings are the new style Maya Wrap Ring Slings and Sleeping Baby Productions have inexpensive options. If you're interested in woven wraps, I highly suggest a Lenny Lamb or Neobulle (Granola Babies carries them) as the are very soft and need little to no breaking in and they are a nice budget price. For a little more money and something that would last you well into toddlerhood, I recommend a Didymos wrap. Linen or hemp would be a great option for longevity but good old cotton will still last you ages. (There is WAY more brands and options in the babywearing world but that is a good entry avenue for each major style and all of those will be great starter options, and readily available at retail.)

Diapers and wipes, obviously.

Baby wash cloths, mild soap.

Baby nail clippers. (a daunting task but I always found the files useless, maybe my kids were weird but their nails were never hard enough for a file to actually work so it was clippers or talons. I found that the easiest time to do it was when they fell asleep in the carseat, I would carry them into the house and do it then without even unbuckling them.)

As for toys, I came across two never fail wins for both of my kids. The O-Ball (with the rattles in it) and those little plastic links (I think ours were Bright Starts). The links especially rock for breastfeeding, hook a few from your bra strap and they'll grab those vs pinching/clawing the back of your arm or your breast. They also always loved those cheap little fabric books with the crinkle pages.

I *think* that's it... for now... hahaha

Want a personalized experience?

Newborn to 3 Months MUST Have's?

Re: Newborn to 3 Months MUST Have's?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards