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The Best Newborn Essentials

Last updated on June 14, 2022
Best Newborn Essentials

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Our Picks For The Top Newborn Essentials

Show Contents
Our Take
  Top Pick

Mamibaby Extra Plush Pillow/Lounger Newborn Essential

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Mamibaby

Extra Plush Pillow/Lounger Newborn Essential

Overall Take

Great for Family TripsSince these newborn essentials are portable, they are perfect for afternoon outing and family trips.

  Runner Up

Dreft Pediatrician Recommended Laundry Detergent

Dreft

Pediatrician Recommended Laundry Detergent

Overall Take

Low Cost Per OunceThis newborn essentials laundry pack includes two detergent bottles, bringing down the cost per ounce.

  We Also Like

Hatch Baby Dimmable Sound Machine Newborn Essential

Hatch Baby

Dimmable Sound Machine Newborn Essential

Overall Take

Customize to Your Sleep ScheduleYou can control this sound machine, night-light and rise alert with your phone.

  Strong Contender

Burt’s Bees Baby Machine Washable Organic Cotton Booties Newborn Essential

Burt's Bees Baby

Machine Washable Organic Cotton Booties Newborn Essential

Overall Take

Soft Against SkinYou'll find these newborn essentials are available in a choice of pink, gray, black and navy blue.

Guide written by Anam Ahmed
Last updated on June 14, 2022

One of the greatest joys in the world is welcoming a new baby into the family. Newborns bring so much laughter and love, with their cute little coos and tiny fingers and toes. And while they are small in size, newborns require a lot of essentials to help them thrive. From diapers to cribs to strollers, newborns’ stuff takes up a lot of space.

Shopping for newborn essentials can be overwhelming because there is so much to consider. Instead of shopping in a panic, it’s best to make a plan to help you navigate everything you need. Begin by making a list of categories of items for newborns, such as clothes, diapers, furniture, toys and technology. Once you have the major categories in place, add in items within each category. For example, under technology, you can include a baby monitor and digital thermometer. Under diapers, you can include different sizes of diapers, wipes, diaper cream and a warmer for wipes.

Then, go through what items you already have that the newborn can use. Even if this is the first baby in the family, keep in mind that you might have access to hand-me-downs or gifts from friends and family. Once you have a comprehensive list of newborn essentials you’ll need to buy, it’s time to get shopping!

The Best Newborn Essentials

1
  Top Pick

Mamibaby Extra Plush Pillow/Lounger Newborn Essential

Made from 100% cotton, this baby pillow/lounger is soft and gentle on sensitive skin. It's also completely adjustable and can be left open below baby's feet. Mom's will love that the lounger is double-sided, with one side being plain and the other side featuring a cute pattern.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Mamibaby
Model
2
  Runner Up

Infants have sensitive skin, which is why you'll want to opt for this newborn essential. It's made without any harsh ingredients and is recommended by pediatricians. The cap also doubles as a measuring cup, so you'll quickly be able to determine how much detergent to add to your washer.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Dreft
Model
3
  We Also Like

Hatch Baby Dimmable Sound Machine Newborn Essential

This newborn essentials sound machine is perfect for babies and older children. You can control it using your smartphone and it offers multiple functions, including night-light, sound machine and time-to-rise alert.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Hatch Baby
Model
4
  Strong Contender

Burt’s Bees Baby Machine Washable Organic Cotton Booties Newborn Essential

Keep your little one's feet nice and cozy with these newborn essentials. The booties are constructed from a soft cotton and feature adjustable straps for a custom fit. The booties are machine washable, so you'll be able to clean them along with baby's other clothing items.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Burt's Bees Baby
Model
5
  Also Great

Baby Dove Hypoallergenic Shampoo Newborn Essential, 3-Pack

When it comes to newborn essentials, you'll want to stock up on a gentle shampoo that won't sting baby's eyes. This set is hypoallergenic and made to have a neutral pH. It also keeps hair moisturized, so hair grows healthy and strong.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Baby Dove
Model
6

HUGGIES Little Snugglers Sensitive Skin Diapers Newborn Essential

These diapers are soft and breathable to protect your newborn’s sensitive skin. They have a leak lock system to stop leaks for 12 hours. The diapers also have a wetness indicator so you know when baby is ready for a diaper change.

Features


Specifications

Brand
HUGGIES
Model
7

Amplim Touch-Free Thermometer Newborn Essential

This modern thermometer is non-invasive and hygienic, safe for babies, kids and adults. It has a color-coded smart LCD screen and audible fever alarm. It can store the last 60 readings.

Features


Specifications

Brand
Amplim
Model
8

RUVALINO Insulated Pockets Diaper Bag Newborn Essential

This stylish tote is ideal for parents on the go. You can store all sorts of baby essentials in the many pockets. The multifunctional design provides three different ways of carrying the bag.

Features


Specifications

Brand
RUVALINO
Model
9

HIPHOP PANDA Eco-Friendly Hooded Baby Towel Newborn Essential

This baby towel is highly absorbent, made from high-quality bamboo. The hood ensures your baby stays warm after bath time. The towel is generously sized and is great for babies and toddlers.

Features


Specifications

Brand
HIPHOP PANDA
Model

Our Newborn Essential Buying Guide

One of the greatest joys in the world is welcoming a new baby into the family. Newborns bring so much laughter and love, with their cute little coos and tiny fingers and toes. And while they are small in size, newborns require a lot of essentials to help them thrive. From diapers to cribs to strollers, newborns’ stuff takes up a lot of space.

Shopping for newborn essentials can be overwhelming because there is so much to consider. Instead of shopping in a panic, it’s best to make a plan to help you navigate everything you need. Begin by making a list of categories of items for newborns, such as clothes, diapers, furniture, toys and technology. Once you have the major categories in place, add in items within each category. For example, under technology, you can include a baby monitor and digital thermometer. Under diapers, you can include different sizes of diapers, wipes, diaper cream and a warmer for wipes.

Then, go through what items you already have that the newborn can use. Even if this is the first baby in the family, keep in mind that you might have access to hand-me-downs or gifts from friends and family. Once you have a comprehensive list of newborn essentials you’ll need to buy, it’s time to get shopping!

DWYM Fun Fact

Did you know that babies love rhythmic noises? When they are in the womb, babies hear the mother’s heartbeat. When they are born, babies still love that noise, and it helps to calm them down and regulate their breathing. If your baby is crying and unable to settle, you might find that the sound of a washing machine, fan or vacuum can help them relax. You can also get a white noise machine for their bedroom to help soothe them to sleep. These machines typically include several modes of noise, such as rainfall, heartbeat and thunder, so you can find a setting your baby loves.

The Newborn Essential Tips and Advice

  • While it can be tempting, don’t buy newborn and baby essentials too far in advance. Try to work three to six months ahead where possible, but don’t buy something for a 5-year-old while your baby is still under a year old. If you shop too far in advance, you could end up with things you don’t need when the time comes. You might also forget about something you bought years ago and purchase another one.
  • Many parents of newborns complain of “baby brain,” where they end up forgetting things because of how tired they are. To avoid baby brain, try to label important newborn essentials so you always know where everything is. For example, label drawers with the size or type of clothing they contain or label boxes with the items inside. This makes it easier and faster to find what you need.

About The Author

Anam Ahmed 

Anam Ahmed is a professional copywriter and essayist based in Toronto. She has been writing on technology, travel, parenting, and business for over 10 years, and works with a number of high-profile organizations. With two kids of her own, she's an expert at selecting the best products for babies and kids — that parents will love too. Anam earned a master's degree from the University of Toronto and a bachelor's degree from Queen's University.