Newborn Essentials?

bdc2024 · November 2023

Hi ladies! Currently making a baby registry and as a first time parent, I have NO idea what I will -actually- need versus what the internet thinks I should have. If you have a list or any useful suggestions/products, I'm all ears!

ceclarlinetlo · November 2023

@bdc2024 are you planning to breastfeed or formula feed or a combo? What about cloth vs disposable diapers?

hedgepig · November 2023

@bdc2024 One piece of advice is that you don't have to have every single thing when baby arrives. You just need the basics, and then through the magic of internet shopping, nothing is ever very far away. Obviously you want to have necessities on hand, but for the sort of "I don't know if I will really need/want this" items you can always get it later.

bdc2024 · November 2023

ceclarlinetlo said:

@bdc2024 are you planning to breastfeed or formula feed or a combo? What about cloth vs disposable diapers?

I'd like to breastfeed but if they still need more I'm okay with a formula combo. My grandparents are gifting us a year of diapers so disposable.

cioccolata16 · November 2023

FTM here too. I mostly relied on some of the existing lists (eg through The Bump or Baby List) to make a preliminary registry of my own. But since we’ve managed to acquire most necessities (nappies, clothes, stroller, carriers, bottles, etc) second hand, the actual wish list has been minimal/funds to support the things we already purchased, haha. I think the car seat was the only big ticket item we included.

ceclarlinetlo · November 2023

@bdc2024 for breastfeeding supplies I would recommend a couple nursing bras, medela therashells, breast pads, nipple cream and a silicone pump (to catch the milk that leaks from the other side when baby is eating) breast milk bags, a few bottles, a large water bottle for you (the thirst is unreal), and a mybreastfriend pillow. I used a haakaa silicone pump previously with good success but this time I am planning to use the boon trove set because it can fit in the bra. Your insurance has to cover a pump - Aeroflow is a company that takes care of sorting through that for you.

For diapering you need a good diaper cream, and newborn and size 1 diapers to start. My boys did size 1 for probably a month, size 2 for a couple months and then spent a year or more in size 3. They do make overnight diapers which are good if your baby pees a lot when they sleep through the night but you won’t know that until they come.

Our babies start out in a pack n play with the bassinet - something like this model https://a.co/d/gF2HqAe they make fancier ones with a changing station and sleeper thing but I’ve gotten along fine without those extras. Eventually we move them to a crib but we still use the pack n play for travel. I personally do not use things like dock-a-tot, rock n play, etc. Have 3-4 crib sheets and at least two waterproof mattress covers.

For me personally a swing has been very useful but not all babies like them so it’s a bit of a gamble unfortunately.

For the early weeks when you are changed diapers constantly I prefer newborn gowns over zip or snap up footed sleepers. We also got a lot of use out of our halo sleep sacks and a Merlin’s magic sleep suit.

I like to use Gerber cloth diapers for burp rags. The cute burp cloths are not really very absorbent in my experience. Some babies spit up a lot and others don’t so much so I would get one 10 pack

Keeping socks on a baby is nearly impossible. I like these instead https://a.co/d/dnodzdI

A white noise machine and black out curtains.

A baby carrier. For versatility I love my lillebaby complete all seasons. For comfy snuggles I also have a boba wrap and a woven wrap but those do have a learning curve. Baby k’tan is an option for a boba wrap that takes some of the guess work out. I used that a lot with my first.

I also got a lot of use with my carseat/stroller travel system.

If I think of anything I forgot I’ll come back

farm_mama · November 2023

My Must Haves:
Baby Clothes - You need so much less than you think. They only wear each size for a short time. I like basic short sleeve onsies for in the house and then layering items if we go somewhere.

Large Size Receiving Blankets- Keep the baby warm/ swaddle, make great burp rags, changing pads, nursing cover up if needed.

Place for baby to sleep and safely be set down. Waterproof base mattress cover or packnplay cover and 2 sheets.

Soft wrap for newborns like a Moby wrap.

Car Seat - Probably a UO but I like the simple ones. We have lots of vehicles and grandparents and I have found them much easier to install correctly.

Diapers & Wipes- You won't need many NB size at all. I use a simple regular trashcan with a lid. (I cloth diaper and use prefolds for burp rags)

Nursing bras. Nursing pads. Nipple cream. Handpump or breastmilk collection. Freezerbags. One or two bottles.

Nice to have:
Simple bounce seat
Stroller

SpartanCat · November 2023

If you're combo feeding or doing formula, Dr brown formula pitcher was a game changer for us. You can make a batch for the day and just use as needed.

bdc2024 · November 2023

Awesome!! Thanks everyone 😊 Very helpful!

knottie05983fb0e7c374ca · April 2024

I remember feeling overwhelmed too. One thing I found super helpful was asking other parents for advice. They're like your personal guide through the baby product jungle!

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