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The Best Newborn Essentials

Last updated on June 14, 2022
Best Newborn Essentials

Our Review Process

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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!

Our Picks For The Top Newborn Essentials

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Product Overview
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

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.

Overall Take

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

 Best Muslin Sleep Sack

aden + anais Ultra Soft Zippered Muslin Sleep Sack

aden + anais

Ultra Soft Zippered Muslin Sleep Sack

Constructed from 100% cotton, this muslin sleep sack is both soft and breathable. It comes pre-washed, so you won't have to worry about the fabric shrinking. The sack is made with a full-length zipper for quick diaper changes and is sleeveless to keep baby cool and comfortable.

Overall Take

Eco-Friendly OptionThis muslin sleep sack is available in four size ranges from 0 to 6 months to 18 to 36 months.

 We Also Like

Hatch Baby Dimmable Sound Machine Newborn Essential

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.

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

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.

Overall Take

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

What to Look For

  • 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.

More to Explore

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.

More to explore