What Are The Necessities For A Newborn Baby

Choose Your Babys Healthcare Provider

One of the more important tasks is choosing your babyâs healthcare provider. Youâll want to choose one in plenty of time so that youâre not scrambling at the last minute. Your babyâs first official appointment will be a few days after birth, and the provider will have advice to share and answer any questions. Youâll continue to see them through the first weeks and months of your little oneâs life, such as your babyâs 1-month health check.

Can An Adult Use A Baby Thermometer

Wondering if you need a specific baby thermometer, or if you can use the same one for the whole family? It depends. Most baby thermometers can also be used on adults, but the reverse isnt always true. Baby multi-use and ear thermometers can sometimes be designed with smaller and narrower tips to accommodate a babys smaller features, both for comfort and accuracy purposes. Options designed specifically for older children and adults may be too large for babies and toddlers. The safest way to determine who can use a specific thermometer is to check the age range noted on the instructionsand always make sure to clean it between uses and users.

Tip 4 Using Cashback Sites

If you plan to buy online, be sure to stop by Rakuten* first so you dont miss out on free cashback. Rakuten gets a commission for listing retailers on their site, but they split that commission with you!

Simply log in at Rakuten, click on the store you want to shop at, and youll automatically be awarded cashback if you end up buying something that qualifies for the reward.

Rakuten is 100% free to use, and Ive saved so much through them.

If youre a first-time user, snag a $10 welcome bonus!

Read Also: How To Do Sponge Bath For Newborn

Expensive Stuff To Put On Your Registry

Remember when I said you dont want to run into the situation where little old Miss Nancy couldnt find anything to buy you, so she got you a random item you never wanted?

Well, one reason why some people buy random things is because theres nothing sufficiently valuable enough on your registry. I know this is true because several people told me this!

Some people just want to get you the best gift available. Im talking hundreds of dollars worth. So just for those gift givers, make sure you have some high priced items on your registry!

Here are some products I used myself and LOVED and recommend to every new mom:

Baby Squishy Cheeks Personalized Infant Baby Hat With Name

Theres something extra-special about personalized newborn hats, especially when they serve as newborn hospital hats perfect for those first family photos. These baby beanies come customized with your infants name and are available in multiple neutral colors.

Buy it: Starting from $8 each with personalization, Etsy.com

Read Also: How To Make A Newborn Go To Sleep

Diapers & Diapering Supplies

You cant do without these! But what is truly essential in the diaper department?

Start with the diapers.

Personally, Im a huge fan of Huggies.

We tried Pampers briefly earlier this year because they were a gift. And can I tell you? I was convinced yet again that Pampers diapers are THE WORST!

The diaper straps come undone extremely easily, and they just dont hold as much as Huggies do.

If you decide to stock up on diapers before your baby arrives, make sure to not get too many of one size. You dont know how much your baby will weigh at birth, and its impossible to predict how long they will stay in one size because body shape also influences diaper size.

Whatever you do, keep your receipts.

Along with the diapers, youll need:

With the changing pad, if you wanted to go truly bare minimum, stick with a portable changing pad like this one.

Then you can also avoid buying changing pad covers.

We ended up springing for this new diaper changing pad mostly so that the portable diaper changing pad could stay in my tote at all times .

We stored it under the couch in the living room.

You really dont need a diaper changing table as the pad can live on a dresser, under a couch, or in a closet.

Best Baby Lotion For Winter

Winter months mean dehydrated and chapped skin that needs extra nourishment with the best baby lotion for dry skin. With babys skin being extra delicate and sensitive to excessive drooling, rubbing and general irritations, the best baby lotion for winter skin requires extra richness and protection against the cold elements. Stick with creams that have emollient qualities to gently soothe chapped and irritated skin.

Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion, $10, Walgreens.com

Cetaphil baby lotion is noted for its dedication to formulating the best natural baby lotion for dry skin. One of the very few baby lotions without alcohol as an ingredient, this daily baby lotion contains colorant-free, paraben-free and mineral oil-free calendula extract. Cetaphils short ingredient list is dermatologist tested to ensure minimal risk of allergic reactions, making it the best baby lotion for winter dry skin.

Pros:

• Formulated with freshly scented calendula and marigold flower for its calming effects, making it the best-smelling baby lotion
• Sweet almond oils are added to sunflower seed oils, enhancing the softening effects

Cons:

• Has a strong smell

Aquaphor Healing Ointment Tube for Baby, $9,

Strong enough to relieve a painful diaper rash, yet gentle enough to protect and help heal chapped or cracked dry skin from wind, cold, and dry air. Aquaphor baby lotion can help with a host of skin ailments, including wintry red and irritated noses and cheeks.

Pros:

Cons:

Pros:

Cons:

Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Gift For Newborn Baby

Delta Children Canton 4

Why pick this one? This simple, minimalistic, modern baby crib by Delta Children was Pampers Parentsâ second-best choice overall.

As a convertible crib, this one changes to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-size bed for your growing child! It also offers three mattress positions, so you can adjust the entire bed as your baby grows and develops. Although the toddler and daybed rails are included, youâll need to purchase the full-size rails and mattresses separately.

With a sleigh-style design, this baby crib is best for any parent looking for a twist on a classic. And rest assured knowing this bed has won 10 awards, ranging from âbest baby cribâ to âmust-have baby gear.â

Highlights: This crib is made from sustainable pine sourced from New Zealand with 100 percent nontoxic materials.

Price*: about $249.99 on

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

Baby Checklist For 4 To 6 Months Old

Much of what youve already bought will suffice as your baby grows. For instance, you wont have to replace her blankets every few months. But some of her needs will change as she grows into new clothes, cuts her first teeth, begins grabbing objects and starts putting everything into her mouth.

Don’t Miss: How Long Should A Newborn Baby Sleep

Baby Proofing Complete Bundle

Although it may seem like you have some time before your baby is mobile, youd be surprised what they can get into when left to their own devices. Its best to prepare for all eventualities, which means baby-proofing your house. Youll find lots of different options on the market, allowing you to secure just about anything. This is a great kit that has a little of everything, including outlet covers, corner guards, adjustable locks, and hidden locks.

Tip 1 Choose Multipurpose Baby Items

The smartest way to save is to buy one thing that can serve many functions. Multipurpose items that will last from infancy into childhood are the biggest money savers. Here are some things that fit this description:

• Baby crib* that can be converted to toddler bed
• Car seat* that is rear-facing for infants, then becomes booster seat for kids
• Stroller* with fold-back seats that are flat for babies and upright for toddlers
• Rocker* that infants can lay in, that later converts to a seat for a toddler
• Toys for different levels of development

Recommended Reading: How To Stop My Newborn From Crying

Things For Nappy Changes

A changing bag is useful for holding the nappies, wipes and anything else you need when leaving the house. Changing bags generally come with small reusable changing mats.

For trips outside the house, you’ll need:

• cotton wool or wipes – do not use wipes until your baby is 4 weeks old
• nappy bin or paper nappy bags – plastic nappy sacks and bags are a suffocation risk to babies
• lotions – read the label to make sure it is hypoallergenic, dye-free and fragrance-free
• a towel or changing mat

Always wash your hands before and after changing a nappy. Bring antibacterial hand wash with you if you’re out and about with your baby.

Get All Those Baby Essentials

How to prepare for your babyâs arrival also includes assembling those newborn baby essentials! Many parents wonder what to bring their baby home in and what that first week will be like with a newborn. These are very common questions, and gathering equipment and items like a car seat, diapers, baby clothes, and feeding supplies will help you feel prepared and put your mind at ease.

Don’t Miss: How Long Do Newborns Sleep A Day

Babybjorn Travel Crib Light

Why pick this one? For a small, light, and portable baby crib thatâs simple in design but functional, look no further than this BabyBjorn Travel Crib.

Although this is a simple crib with just one mattress height setting , it offers a great place to put your baby down to sleep if you’re out and about or visiting relatives.

The manufacturer says parents can use it from the newborn stage until about 3 years old.

The crib comes with a mattress and the mesh lining provides ventilation and visibility from all sides. This portable baby crib folds up kind of like a tent and fits in a case with a handle.

Highlights: The fabrics of the crib and the mattress cover are removable and machine washable, so you won’t have to worry about getting rid of baby drool or even dirt from outdoor use.

Price*: about $229.99 on

Pampers Parents pros and cons:

What A Newborn Baby Needs

If babies could talk, they would probably tell us that they have very simple needs. They need to be loved, to be fed, and kept warm and safe.

There are a lot of items you can buy for a new baby. This can be overwhelming for new parents. When you come home with your newborn, you will not need too much. Plan in advance to have some essential items ready.

You May Like: How To Relieve Gas In Breastfed Newborns

Baby Checklist For The Nursery & Home

If budget isnt a concern for your nursery, furnishings such as low-allergen wood or cork flooring, soothing paint colors and custom furniture are nice options. For the majority of expectant parents, however, theres a happy medium between building your baby a dream palace and ensuring she has a safe and comfortable room. Essential buys:

Breast-feeding moms might also want bottle supplies for times when they can’t feed their babies personally.

Nerd tip: Manufacturers websites often offer free samples of diapers, formula and other baby care products, as well as valuable coupons.

Summer Essentials For Newborn Babies

In addition to the detailed checklist mentioned earlier, here are several items you will need for a baby born in summer.

• Baby vests: Bodysuits or vests with popper buttons and envelope necks are ideal summer-wear options. Pick light colours and fabrics to keep the baby cool when the temperatures are soaring high.

• Sleepsuits: Newborn babies live in sleepsuits for the first couple of months. Carefully chosen sleepsuits in the right fabric can make the season comfortable for your little one.

• Sunshade for the car or pram: This one is ideal for travel. Fix a shade on your babys pram and on your car windows to protect him from heatstroke.

• Summer hat: Pick a lightweight hat with a rim to shield your babys eyes from the sun.

• Muslin cloths: Most rocking chairs, prams and car seats have synthetic fabric which makes babies sweat. Lining the seats with good quality cotton or muslin sheet will keep your baby cool when he is sitting over it.

• Sunblock: Sunblocks are essential to protect a newborn baby for any sun damage. Check with your babys paediatrician for the best type of sunscreen you can use on your newborn babys delicate skin.

Read Also: Can You Give A Newborn Gripe Water

Somewhere For Baby To Sleep

Notice I didnt say crib.

I wouldnt consider a crib essential. To be honest, we never set one up for this last baby.

We did end up purchasing a brand new pack and play for the early weeks and months, which can be used in other rooms in the house as well.

If you go this route, make sure to choose one with a high level insert for the first couple months so that you dont have to bend so far down to reach the baby. Its a loooong way when theyre sound asleep, and you risk waking baby up.

Grow By Gerber Baby Organic Mittens

Your peanut starts growing nails during week 12 of pregnancy, and they pretty much never stop growing from there. Trimming or filing baby’s nails can be tricky and a chore to maintain.

These scratch-proof mittens keep your little one’s hands covered and are an easy solution to prevent scratches on her sweet face. The mitts are made of soft 100 percent cotton, come in a variety of colors and are machine washable. Plus, the gentle elastic helps them stay put on her tiny hands and wrists. You’ll get three pairs in a package.

Don’t Miss: How Many Ounces Per Day Newborn

Where To Buy Baby Things For Cheaper

For used items, Craigslist or apps like and Letgo are best, since you can meet up with the seller and have a look at the items quality before you make the purchase.

For brand-new stuff, I basically stuck to Amazon and Target before my baby was born so I could take advantage of my baby registry benefits.

For extra things that we needed after my son came along, I mainly stuck to Target for several reasons:

• I got my item immediately
• Target runs lots of promotions for baby items
• I got 5% back with Targets RedCard*
• It was easy to return the item if I ended up not needing it after all

Baby Bassinet Bedside Sleeper

If youre planning to breastfeed or just want a safer co-sleeping option, a bassinet is a must. If you choose one like this Mika Micky option, it rolls right up next to your bed, and one side can be removed for easier access throughout the night. Your little one will outgrow their bassinet within three months , so make sure you find one that has all the features you need but is also affordable.

Don’t Miss: How To Soothe A Newborn To Sleep

Baby Essentials That Didnt Make Our Cut

There are tons of baby items that sound like necessities, but they really arent that vital. With a little creativity, you can find other substitutes that will function just as fine. Dont pay that baby markup if you dont have to.

Mittens: We cut our babys fingernails often enough, usually when he was asleep, that he barely needed these. On the rare occasion, we just used socks as makeshift mittens.

Dresser: We donated some of our own clothes to free up dresser space, and then put his most used articles of clothing in free storage organization cubes* that we got as a gift, so we didnt need a dresser.

Changing table: Beds and sofas worked perfectly fine as a surface to change the baby on.

Diaper pail and liners: Not sure why you need a separate trash can just for diapers. The smell isnt bad if you wrap the diaper tightly and throw out the trash regularly.

Baby shampoo: We used body wash for our sons hair. One less item to buy and take up space in our bathroom.

Gentle laundry detergent: We used regular detergent and had no problems at all.

If youre concerned about your babys sensitivity, toss one piece of clothing with your regular laundry and see if your childs skin has any reaction. If not, then theres no need to separate the baby’s clothes from everyone elses – so much more convenient!

A Comfortable Secure Carrier

I didnt use a baby carrier for my first baby but it was a game changer with my second partly because I had a toddler running around as well as a newborn, but also because its just magnificent to be able to use both of your hands. A good carrier should have the same effect on your infant as swaddling in that it mimics the womb, and being right next to your heartbeat ticks another box. Some parents like wrap slings while others prefer something with more structure go for what you feel most comfortable wearing.

Image: Ergo.

Also Check: Where To Buy Newborn Clothes