YOUR GUIDE TO

The Newborn Essentials

As your due date approaches, it's only natural to experience a range of emotions: excitement, butterflies, longing, and even a touch of worry. These feelings are all a normal part of the journey into parenthood. You probably also have plenty of questions running through your mind, such as what baby essentials you need before the arrival of your little bundle of joy. To get you off to the best possible start, we've listed a bunch of the best newborn must-haves below. And remember, you’ve got this!

What Do I Need for a Newborn Baby? 5 Baby Essentials

1. Clothes

Babies might be tiny, but their needs are not. But what do you need for a newborn baby? Clothes are definitely a necessity, but an abundance of clothes in a newborn size is not. Aim for 5–7 pieces of each clothing item since babies grow quickly. Opt for soft, stretchy, and durable fabrics that can withstand frequent washing. Make sure you also have a couple of outfits in the next size up ready for when your baby needs them.

2. Baby Bouncer

Here’s a newborn essential you’ll never regret getting! A baby bouncer can help soothe your baby while giving you some well-deserved time to do things like brush your teeth or grab a snack. (We recommend our parent favorite Baby Bouncer Bliss. It rocks naturally from your baby’s movements!).

3. Diapers

As a newborn, your baby will probably go through about 10 to 12 diapers a day. Stock up a bit beforehand to be prepared. It might be a good idea to try out different kinds of diapers in case some brands irritate your baby's skin or don't fit well.

4. Baby Carrier

Your newborn will want to be glued to you for the first few months. This is where a baby carrier comes in handy! With a carrier, you will be able to keep your baby close so they can feel your heartbeat and are aware of your scent and presence, but you will still be able to have your hands free for everything else. Baby Carrier Mini is a top tip for a great newborn carrier.

5. Baby Wipes & Diaper Rash Cream

A baby’s bum is sensitive, so gentle baby wipes and diaper rash cream are a must. Opt for unscented wipes because they usually are less irritating to your baby's skin. You can also use reusable baby wipes made from washable fabric. You'll also want to keep a good diaper rash cream on hand, either to prevent rashes or to care for them if they occur.

The Best Baby Things to Buy Before Birth

As we mentioned earlier, babies need a lot of stuff, and it can be tricky to know what newborn essentials you need to get first. We would suggest you start looking into the larger necessities since you might need to research them more before making a purchase. That said, here are the best baby things to buy before birth!

Crib

It’s always nice to have a crib ready before the baby arrives, no matter your sleeping arrangements. Our Baby Cradle is a great, safe option that looks good in every home. If you travel often or live in a smaller space, we’d highly suggest our Travel Crib Light.

Baby Bouncer

Finding a moment to do everyday things can be surprisingly tricky when you have a newborn. Be prepared by getting a baby bouncer before your baby is born. The best thing? Your little peanut can use it from the get-go.

Stroller

You probably won’t be out on long walks or go on crazy adventures right after delivery, but you will still need to visit the doctor’s office for your baby’s check-ups or head out to get some groceries. A stroller is great to have before the baby is born, and it’s always nice to try it out before your baby arrives

Baby Carrier

The early days with a newborn are lovely—and turn your life upside down. Many babies enjoy physical closeness around the clock, and a baby carrier is a must to meet their needs.

When Should I Start Buying Baby Stuff?

We’ve already discussed the newborn must-haves and the best baby things to buy before birth, but there’s still one question left. When should you start buying baby stuff? There's no correct answer, really, but we suggest kicking off the preparations around week 20, especially if it's your first child. It might feel a bit overwhelming to do all the research, so by starting early you get more time to enjoy the process.

If this is your second (or more) child, you likely already have most of what you need. In this case, consider beginning your preparations about three months before your due date. This timeframe can help you mentally prepare for the arrival of your new little family member.