Looking for all of the baby essentials you really need as a first time mom? Keep reading for our baby essentials list with everything (all the must have baby items) you need for baby’s first year!
As a first-time mom, trying to figure out what you need for a baby can be daunting. From newborn to 1-year-old, it’s important to know what items you should be stocking up on in order to keep your baby happy and healthy.
But don’t worry we got you covered! We’ve put together a comprehensive list of all the must-have baby items you need in your arsenal! So no need to wonder “What essential does a baby need?” anymore!
Side note: Taking care of yourself is also important in caring for your baby, with that being said don’t forget to also check out this list of postpartum essentials to help with a speedy recovery after giving birth!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I will get a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking the link, you will not pay a penny more than usual.
31+ Baby Essentials You Actually Need (+Free Baby Essentials Checklist)
Without further ado, let’s dive right into these must have baby items you need for your bundle of joy! To make this process super easy, we placed each item in categories (Nursery essentials, Newborn essentials, Nursing/feeding essentials, travel essentials, clothing, etc.).
Nursery Essentials
If you are in your second trimester or third trimester of pregnancy, then you probably already start focusing on your baby’s nursery.
In the nursery, there are some essential items you need such as a crib/bassinet, changing table, diaper pail, and a mattress plus a mattress protection cover. Furthermore, you will also want to add your baby’s furniture such as a rocking chair for when it’s time to feed them or rock them to sleep. You may also want to consider baby-proofing items such as outlet covers, safety gates, and locks to keep your little one safe.
Here are some of our suggestions:
1) Baby Crib
Related: The Best Convertible Baby Cribs of 2023
2) Rocking chair or glider
3) Mobile for crib
4) Plug covers
5) Changing Pad
6) Crib Bedding
7) Night light
8) Crib Mattress
9) Baby monitor
Related: 3+ Best Baby Monitors Without Wifi [2023]
10) Dresser/chest of drawers
1. Diapers // 2. Baby Bottles // 3. Baby Wipes // 4. Diaper Rash Cream // 5. Pacifiers // 6. Bottle Nipples // 7. Baby Bibs // 8. Burp Cloths // 9. Formula
Newborn Essentials
Now let’s talk about newborn baby essentials. You will need Diapers and wipes, Burp cloths and bibs, Bottles & Nipples, Formula (if not breastfeeding), Pacifiers, Diaper Rash Cream, etc.
Here are some of our suggestions:
1) Diapers
Related: 5+ Amazon Diaper Fund Hacks & Tips
2) Baby Bottles
Related: Nanobebe Starter Kit Product Review (Breastfeeding Moms Insider)
3) Baby Wipes
4) Diaper Rash Cream
5) Pacifiers
6) Nipples
7) Baby Bibs
8) Burp Cloths
9) Formula
Travel (on the go) Essentials
Now let’s talk about baby essentials for when you are traveling with a baby. You will need a stroller, car seat, diaper bag, and other items to make sure your little one is comfy and safe!
Here are our suggestions:
1) Portable crib or travel bed, or Portable Playard
2) Diaper bag
Related: Diaper Bag Must-Haves for a Newborn Baby + Checklist [PDF]
3) Stroller & Car seat
Related: Best Strollers of 2023 All Moms Need to Know About
4) Baby carrier
5 Car mirror
6) Sunshade or window shade protector
7) Bug Net for Stroller
Bath / Grooming Essentials:
You will need several essential items for your baby’s bath and grooming. You will need a bathtub, soft towels, washcloths, shampoo/soap, nail clippers, a comb/brush, and other essential items.
Here are some of our suggestions:
1) Baby bathtub
Related: Baby Bath Time Hacks and Tips
2) Gentle baby wash and shampoo
3) Soft Hairbrush or comb
4) Nail clippers
5) Cotton swabs
6) Soft towels and washcloths
Nursing/ Feeding Essentials:
If you are nursing your baby, there are several items you should have on hand. You will need a breast pump, breast pads, nipple cream, and other items to help make the process easier. Outside of nursing your baby, there are also other times needed such as a high chair, bottle warmer, and more.
Some of our suggested items include:
1) High chair or booster seat
2) BPA Free plates, cups, and utensils
3) Bottle warmer
4) Breastpump
5) Nursing pillow
Related: 7+ Easy Ways to Prepare to Breastfeed Before Baby Comes
6) Bottle Cleaners
7) Baby food maker or steamer
Clothing Essentials:
Keep your baby warm and comfortable with the right clothing items. You will need onesies, sleepwear, socks, hats, mittens, and other items to keep them properly dressed for any weather condition.
Some of our suggestions include:
1) Onesies/ bodysuits
2) Jumpsuit pajamas
3) Sleeping Sack
4) Shorts
5) Booties
6) Socks
7) Hats
8) Mittens
9) Baby Blankets
Healthy & Safety Essentials:
Safety is always a priority when it comes to your baby, so make sure you have all the necessary items to keep your baby safe. You will need first-aid supplies, a thermometer, safety gates, outlet covers, and more.
Here are some of our suggestions:
1) Nasal aspirator
2) Digital thermometer
3) Medicine dropper
4) First aid kit
5) Baby Laundry Detergent
Toys & Learning:
Provide your baby with the right toys and learning tools to help them grow and develop. You will need educational books, rattles, blocks, teethers, bouncers, walkers, and other items to help keep them entertained.
Here are some of our suggestions:
1) Baby books
2) Baby gym mat
3) Developmental toys
Related: Top Educational Play Kits for Babies & Toddlers
4) Musical toys
FREE Baby Essential Checklist PDF:
Don’t forget to grab a copy of our FREE Baby Essential Checklist PDF to make sure you didn’t miss anything!
Last Thing You Need to Know About Baby Essentials
No matter how overwhelming the list of baby essentials may seem, there’s no need to worry. You don’t have to buy them all right away! Start with the most essential items and, as your little one grows, you can add more items over time.
And even if you end up forgetting something or not buying it at all – chances are your family or friends will be more than happy to help you out. Good luck and enjoy this special time with your newborn!
Hope this list of baby essentials helps you make sure that your bundle of joy has everything they need! Enjoy the process of parenthood!
Happy Parenting & Shopping!!
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