As you expect your newborn, you will hear various tips, advice, and tricks that can make it hard to keep track of and know which to follow. As a parent, preparing for your baby’s arrival involves thoughtful consideration of the must-have items that will make those early days smoother. From my own experience with two babies and another on the way, I wanted to share what I have found as some of my baby essentials. This blog will explore the must-haves and essentials for your future baby, covering everything from sleeping to feeding to bathing. My goal is to help you leave feeling both prepared and excited for your future little one!
Must have SLEEPING:
The Hatch Sound Machine is an absolute no-brainer if you want help to get some solid sleep! This sound machine can be controlled through an app on your phone, making it super easy and quick to access. You can use it as a sleep trainer, alarm clock, white noise, nursery music, or story option.
Next up is a nice blanket to swaddle your baby in. I found a few on Amazon that I ordered, which will be great! I love the waffle knit and texture – yet it isn’t too heavy, which is so lovely!
The Dreamland Sleep Sack – I’ve always used sleep sacks, and this is a newer sleep sack that has just the tiniest bit of weight to it to help soothe and calm the baby. The weight of the sack can help your baby fall asleep sooner and faster and I love that this is a small business (they were featured on Shark Tank). It has a patent pending and distributes weight evenly on the body. I also love the colors and variety of options on their website!
Must have BATH:
This Boon Puff+ baby bath is one of my favorite finds! To start, there’s an inflatable insert, making it excellent to store away (it’s not bulky like other infant tubs), and the microfiber exterior makes it so that the baby can stay nice and warm during a bath. I love that you can wash the exterior easily when not in use or hang it dry.
My friends Lara and Brittany SWEAR by Shea Moisture Baby Wash & Shampoo! They said it’s great for even the most sensitive skin. I am always very conscious of what I’m applying to my baby’s skin, which smells heavenly. The ingredients are clean and will hydrate and nourish even the most delicate skin.
A nice bath towel! This may not seem the most essential item; however, it is up there, as you will use it multiple times daily. I found a couple I’m excited to use – one from Little Unicorn Official and another from OneBerrie. My biggest thing with bath towels is having something soft and warm. There’s nothing like getting out of a bath and having nothing but a scratchy cold towel! Also, having a hood on the baby’s towel is a must.
Must have MISC:
Motherlove Nipple Cream, trust me on this one. This is an award-winning herbal balm I will have used with my kids! I was first introduced to this balm when I was nursing Oliver, and it was a game-changer for us. It helped so much more than any lanolin-based product.
The Frida Mom is the ultimate postpartum kit to have! Make your recovery as simple on yourself as possible with this kit, as it comes with everything you could need postpartum.
Diaper Changing Cart – I’m filling mine with the essentials! I’ll do a reel about this, and what you put on your cart will vary based on your needs, but I’m planning to have a nursing/pumping and feeding section, diapering, and then miscellaneous (snacks, hand sanitizer, baby nail trimmers, etc.). I love that this cart has wheels to roll around from room to room.
Pacifiers are a baby stable. The Mam Pacifiers have always been our favorite, but I’m curious: if you do pacifiers – what is your (or your baby’s) favorite brand?
All in all, preparing for your baby’s arrival will be an overwhelming time filled with ups and downs. Give yourself a step up with these baby essentials that are indeed game-changers. I guarantee these items will be with me from experience and with a little one on the way again! With the help of this Newborn MUST HAVES: The Baby Essentials, you’ll feel your best and most equipped to welcome your little one into the world!