Having a new baby is an adventure, and there are a million decisions for new parents to make. It’s almost impossible to know what’s essential. In addition to the basics, there are a million cute and tiny things you’ll convince yourself you need, but the reality is that you don’t. And every baby is different. I had my third baby in my 40s and it’s been a wonderful experience. I really figured out how to weed out the “stuff” – I know what works now. And with 3 kids, you have to go for easy. Here are the baby essentials you actually need (and the ones you don’t) the first year. 

Newborn Baby Essentials: What You Need For Baby’s First Year

When you become a parent, the most important thing to remember is that there’s no perfect product or solution for whatever you’re facing. All experiences are unique, and we are all doing our best. It’s always a good idea to consult friends who have been through it, but what worked for them might not work for you. There are so many baby items to choose from and you don’t need that much, but there are some items that are really nice to have. When you bring baby home, it’s the beginning of a whole new world, and you won’t really know everything you’ll need until you experience life with a baby.  I always loved hearing about other mom’s experiences, so I’d like to share what worked for me. 

 

Baby Essentials for Sleep

This is about as basic as it gets. You “need” a safe place for baby to sleep, mattress, and bedding. And don’t forget blackout shades and mattress pad.

 

 

Baby Sleep (nice to have)

 

 

Baby Sleep (what you don’t need)

Pillows, bumpers, and a baby quilt. Baby needs a flat place to sleep without anything that might put them at risk.

 

 

Baby Essentials: Feeding

 

 

Breast Pump:

If you’re going to breastfeed, you’ll need a breast pump. I used the Elvie for a few months and really liked how convenient it was. You can’t really bend over while wearing it, but are hands-free and don’t have tubes sticking out, so you can actually move around, or even pump while driving. 

 

 

Baby Feeding Essentials (nice to have)

 

 

Baby Must Haves for Bath Time and Diapering

Bath: When Margot was born, I started with a sink bath, then transitioned to this, and then needed a larger tub once she outgrew that. I would recommend a sling tub since it will last until baby starts to sit up. I love the Eurobath but it’s sold out, so that’s why I’m recommending the sling.

 

Bath and diapering (nice to have)

 

Bath and diapering (what you don’t need)

Baby bath robe: Is your baby lounging around in a robe? No.

Baby towels: They’re nice to have but you can definitely use a a normal-sized, soft towel.

Newborn bath: You don’t need a sink bath that you’ll use for just a few months. Invest in one tub that works until baby is sitting up.

 

Baby Equipment: The Must haves

 

 

The Baby Gear that’s nice to have

 

Baby Essentials: Gear that you don’t need

Moses basket:

You can definitely get by without a Moses basket.

Multiple seats:

A friend told me I’d want a few baby seats throughout the house but I found that unnecessary. I splurged on a beautiful wooden seat for Kate and it was such a waste. Get the baby bjorn and call it a day. We used it all the time – it works for the first year and folds flat when not in use.

Diaper bag:

You do not need a diaper bag. Sure, they can be nice to have but a backpack or tote will do. I prefer to throw baby’s diapers and essentials in one of these pouches. Pouches are a great option for storing things by type, and work so well in a tote. 

 

 

Baby Essentials: Toys and Books

If you hand your baby a cup, they’ll play with it. Crumpled up piece of paper? Yes, they’ll play with that too. I wasn’t the minimalist I thought I’d be when it came to toys, but if you’re looking to keep things simple, here’s what you need.

 

 

Baby Toys (nice to have)

 

 

Baby Essentials: Clothes and Layette

Clothes are so cute, and it took having my third to realize that babies don’t need much. Your baby “needs” a few cute outfits per stage at most. I would invest in maybe 8-10 cozy basics, depending on how often you do laundry. I would get a few hats, some fleece booties, and lots of socks. 

Clothes (what you don’t need)

Babies don’t need shoes (beyond a pair of booties) or dozens of nice outfits. They need cozy layette, socks, and some booties. 

 

 

Babyproofing Essentials

 

 

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