Do you actually need a baby food processor? What about a changing table? How about a baby bathtub? The truth is, there’s a dizzying array of baby products on the market—some are good and necessary and some are not so necessary and maybe a little bit pricey.

Often, we hear from pregnant women and new moms who are frustrated and overwhelmed when trying to figure out the items they need to buy to prepare for their baby. No mom wants to miss out on getting something that will help her baby grow and flourish or something that makes her life as a mom easier, but many products are marketed as needs when they’re simply wants.

Here’s a list of the 35 core products every new mom should have for their newborn; this list does not cover things needed for infants older than 2 months. Add these items to your registry and prioritize them because these are the items you won’t want to live without.

For Baby Sleeping

1. 2-4 fitted crib sheets: Sheets should fit snugly around the crib mattress. If the baby is able to pull the sheet off the mattress, they may accidentally tangle themselves in it, presenting a choking hazard.
2. Baby monitor: For those times when you’re in a different room while your baby is asleep, you’ll want to be able to hear and see how your kiddo is doing to make sure they’re safe!
3. Waterproof changing pad: You don’t need a changing table, a changing pad you can carry with you works well! Just unfold it on a clean surface, change your baby, and clean it down afterward.
4. Swaddle and sleep sack: Keep your baby warm and snug using a swaddle and sleep sack. When babies are in the womb, they feel very snug and warm so a sack and swaddle can mimic the comfort of the womb and help your baby fall asleep quicker.
5. Crib and crib mattress: Make your newborn nice and cozy with an approved crib and mattress. Ensure the mattress is fitted right to the edge of the crib to prevent injury to the baby.

For Baby Feeding

6. Several weeks' worth of baby formula to start: Whether you plan on bottle or breastfeeding, you’ll want to have a food backup available in case you face some difficulty feeding early on. We recommend powdered formula which can last longer than liquid formula.
7. About 8 bottles with newborn nipples: These are helpful when bottle feeding so keep a few clean ones on hand at all times.
8. Bottle-cleaning brush or a dishwasher basket: To help prevent cross-contamination with other dishes in the dishwasher, consider a brush that allows you to easily hand wash bottles or simply find a good dishwashing basket.
9. Bottle-drying rack: To prevent mold and bacteria growing inside freshly-washed, use a rack to accelerate bottle drying.

For Baby Clean Up

10. 2 hooded towels: You might think you don’t need a hooded bath towel, but the attached hood will help keep your baby’s head dry and warm. This will help regulate their body temperature and prevent them from getting the chills.
11. Several washcloths: Keep a few of these dry and clean for quick use at bath time!
12. Infant tub: while not super necessary, a baby tub is a helpful way to prevent slippage from your baby, and it comes with a contoured headrest that allows your child's head to remain above water level. Most of these tubs also contain a newborn sling and a drain plug.
13. Receiving blankets: These are used to swaddle your baby and keep them warm and dry when they’re newborns but they’re helpful as a post-bath blanket to warm and dry your baby.
14. Baby body wash and shampoo: Adult body cleansers can be too harsh for infants, so aim for the gentlest washes you can find.
15. Baby comb and brush set: Even if your baby’s hair is short when they’re just born, you’ll want to still keep it neat and styled!
16. Nail scissors/nail clippers/nail file set: The nail clipper is more functional than aesthetic because if your baby’s nails get too long, they may accidentally scratch themselves or you.
17. Bibs and burp cloths: You’ll go through a lot of these each day so make sure you have plenty of clean ones on hand to replace dirty rags.

For Moving Around

18. Convertible car seat that fits a newborn: A clear must-have! You’ll no doubt be traveling with your little one so invest in a strong one that will grow and adjust with your baby.
19. Stroller that accommodates a newborn: Some car seats also convert into a stroller if you have the wheel attachment.
20. Diaper bag filled with diapers, changing pad, formula, wipes, and a spare outfit: Whether you’re taking a walk or running errands, your baby will likely have on the spot needs. Keep extra formula and changing items on hand for those moments!
21. Baby carrier that can accommodate a newborn: Otherwise known as a baby sling, keep one on hand so you can carry your baby on your body for quick errands when you don’t want to pull out a stroller. Carriers are also helpful if you're doing things around the house and want to keep your kiddo close.

For Mama’s Nursing

22. 2-3 nursing bras: These specialty bras provide support to women who are lactating and enable comfortable breastfeeding without needing to remove your bra. Keep a few on hand so you can swap them out when they’re dirty.
23. Nursing pillow: These pillows are designed to support and keep your baby at breast height; that way, you won't have to hold your baby's weight. The additional support can also help alleviate back, shoulder, and neck strain by bringing the baby into proper alignment with the nipple when you're sitting up straight.
24. 2-3 boxes of nursing pads: Between breastfeedings, you’re likely to express milk. To prevent milk from leaking through your bra and clothes, wear a nursing pad. It’s a cloth or disposable pad worn against the nipple and breast of a nursing mother to absorb any milk that may leak between feedings.
25. Freezer-safe breast milk storage bags or containers: If you pump milk or make too much, it’s helpful to have bags on hand to freeze milk for a later date.
26. 2 packs of newborn diapers to start: You’ll need so much more of course, but make sure newborn diapers are available and ready.

For Baby Health

27. Petroleum jelly: Petroleum jelly: Can be used to treat diaper rash. It provides baby's skin with a protective barrier against moist diapers. You may be asked to apply it to the healing circumcision site. Diaper rash ointment: Provides baby's skin with a barrier to moisture -- protecting newborn skin so wet diapers don't irritate.
28. Diaper rash ointment: Diaper rashes are inevitable and can develop quickly. If you have rash ointment available, you can tackle rashes before they get severe and uncomfortable for your little one.
29. Infant Tylenol: For those low-grade fever and illnesses, you’ll want to have Tylenol on hand!
30. Nasal aspirator: This is a device that creates suction to remove loose or hard mucus safely from a baby's nose. If your baby is sick and can’t clear their nose on their own, the aspirator can help!
31. Thermometer: Inevitably, your little one will come down with a fever or cold, have a thermometer on hand to take their temperature when that happens!

General

​​32. 2-3 large boxes of unscented baby wipes: For everyday messes and poopy diapers, you’ll want to have a lot of these on hand. Try unscented wipes before scented ones since some babies experience skin irritation when a fragranced item is used.
33. Diaper pail or trash can with a lid: Trust us, you’ll need this. These cans are helpful to control stinky odors in your kid’s room and make it easy to quickly dispose of filled diapers.  
34. Several pacifiers: Try different brands to see which one your baby prefers. These are helpful to occupy and satisfy your baby’s natural sucking reflex between feedings.
35. Gentle laundry detergent: As with wipes, you’ll want to start using gentle, unscented laundry detergent as much as possible. You might find that using it on your own clothes also reduces your skin irritation.

If you need baby supplies for your new one, we can help! Click the image below and we can help you find free or low-cost items for your kiddo.