Hey loves! Since first publishing this post I have updated it from time to time when I think you could benefit from other great newborn necessities. As I write below, life with a newborn is all trial and error. You learn what works and what doesn’t, you discover new products as time progresses and new challenges arise (teething, gas, cradle cap, etc.) The original post is still below, with some necessary additions. Thanks!
*Last updated in April 2020.
I cannot believe over one month has already gone by since this little guy officially entered the world and took over our hearts (and sleep schedule). Every day has been different and challenging in its own way. Everyone can try to tell you what it’s like to have a newborn, but until you are experiencing it for yourself you will never truly understand.
Life with a newborn is full of trial and error. What works one day to soothe and comfort baby may not work the very next day. Trying to figure out what baby needs when he/she cries can be challenging and frustrating at times. You feed, burp, change, swaddle, snuggle, walk around, offer pacifiers — and yet, nothing stops the crying.
During the second week, my baby boy would only stop crying and eat if I was up and walking. Thank goodness that was a really quick phase for eating. However, he still finds the most comfort if I or my husband hold him while we stand or walk around. This is especially fun when its 3 am and you are totally and completely exhausted.
Whether you are a novice mom who understands this far too well or an expecting mom who has yet to experience newborn life, the list below has been created to help make that first month (and beyond) so much easier when you have no idea what you are doing.
From sleeping and bathing, clothing and comforts, to feeding (both bottle and breastfed) — this list covers it all. Take a break from all the guesswork and take notes on the items below for you and your baby’s needs.
Newborn Lounger
Why we love it: It is the perfect option for a lounging babe. Our baby boy absolutely LOVES this and naps (supervised) so well in it. It’s easy to transport around the house and lay wherever we need it. Also, Amazon has so many great cover options, making it super easy to keep this clean and cozy!
Swaddle
Why we love it: Ok, it’s no surprise that you should have swaddles for your newborn baby. Swaddling helps keep your baby sleeping longer by recreating the snugness of the womb. We love this particular swaddle the most because it’s adjustable and stays snuggly closed. Too many times did we use a regular swaddle blanket and our baby broke free and woke up constantly. This swaddle ensures that your baby will stay snug all night long! I can’t go a night without it (unless I want to be woken up more than usual).
Sound machine
Why we love it: We love love love our sound machine! It truly helps our baby fall asleep and stay asleep. In fact, if the sound machine turns off shortly after our baby has fallen asleep our baby wakes right up. Some sound machines include a nightlight, like this one here, which will be great for when our baby is no longer a cosleeper and is sleeping in his own room.
Best Pacifier
Why we love it: Some parents are against the use of pacifiers, but we love the soothing factor of them for our little guy. He immediately found comfort in them at the hospital. Our favorite ones so far are from Bibs. We love them because they are all-natural, shaped similar to the breast, and are vented to allow the baby to squeeze the air out which mimics the breast. AND they come in a huge assortment of colors!
Security Blanket Cuddly
Why we love it: Amongst all the trial and error of getting our baby to sleep well (and go to sleep happily — not crying), we learned that a cuddly security blanket was essential. We love our “Lamby” but there are SO many options out there to choose from.
Cozy Blanket
Why we love it: Our blanket is super soft, warm, and helps comfort our baby to sleep, especially on those terribly fussy nights. Our baby sleeps best when he is in his lounger, wrapped in a swaddle, and covered with his favorite blanket. We found ours at Home Goods, but this soft brand can also be found at Amazon. ***Month 15, he still sleeps with it every day and night!
Ring Sling
Why we love it: Keeps baby close and secure. There are so many baby-wearing options out there, but I really love the ring sling. I think it’s easy to adjust with and without your baby in it. My son never fussed in it and was happy to hang on me as long as I needed him to. Frees up your hands, especially if your baby is acting super needy.
Bouncer
Why we love it: The bouncer has been a dream come true with keeping baby occupied and freeing up my hands for a few minutes! It has an automatic bouncer that is supposed to “mimic mom’s natural motion” so it keeps baby super calm and content — at least for a while! The older my baby gets the more and more he loves using the bouncer. This has helped me remain more productive with a newborn!
Anti-Colic Bottles
Why we love it: I’m breastfeeding, but I do love being able to pump to not only give myself a break but to give dad a chance to feed as well! I started pumping at 3 weeks and we immediately noticed an increase in burping and spitting up, which our baby rarely does when only breastfeeding. We originally came across the Smilo Baby Anti-Colic Bottles which were great and we never had an issue.
Over time we discovered we preferred the Tommee Tippee brand the most. With these bottles, I have a less fussy baby with less spit-up. Also, at 15 months we really love the sippy cups! It’s a great brand for all stages.
Don’t forget to thoroughly clean your bottles — we love to use this super affordable brush!
Boppy
Why we love it: Ok, what parent doesn’t love the boppy? It’s so great for support during feeding, both bottle or breastfeeding. Not only is it great for feeding, but the boppy can grow with your baby and assist with tummy time and learning to sit up. I love that you can take the slipcover off and wash both the pillow and slipcover when necessary.
Boogie Wipes
Why we love it: Boogie wipes are great for nose congestion for babies and kids, but we love to use them during feeding. Our little guy tends to get spit up in his nose and these wipes take care of it right away. We use the grape scent, so they smell fantastic as well.
WINDI
Why we love it: It’s inevitable. Baby is going to get gassy and constipated. Which means you have a fussy fussy fussy baby! Give your baby instant relief. Best recommendation we got from a friend when we had one seriously unhappy babe.
Nose Frida
Why we love it: No matter how much you try to prevent it from happening, eventually your baby is going to catch some germs and have a runny nose. And it is the saddest thing ever when they are sick. We love this because it allows us to clear up his stuffy nose, thus he is much happier!
Water Pourer
Why we love it: Helps make bath time less of a fuss by fitting snuggly to the forehead of our baby and preventing the water from getting into his eyes. Available in two colors!
Hooded Towels
Why we love it: Keeps our baby dry and warm immediately out of the bath. Not to mention there are so many cute options out there with fun prints and animals, like this elephant that we use!
We have an adorable bathtub (found on Amazon!) for when he is bigger, but as a newborn, we have been using our kitchen sink.
For Mom + Breastfeeding
Ok mamas, it’s your turn! Because you definitely need a few things to make the first month of having a newborn easier! Planning to breastfeed? I have an entire post dedicated to just breastfeeding necessities!
Postpartum leggings
Why I love it: Super soft material — I can’t get enough of these! I brought these to the hospital with me, and I was so happy to have them! These postpartum leggings have a gentle mid-section compression that helps secure your post-baby belly and help give you the confidence you may be lacking immediately after giving birth.
Bra
Why I love it: This bra is not only super functional for breastfeeding, but it’s also very delicate looking — helping you feel more put together and like your self during a time where you may feel less than glamorous and less like yourself.
Tanks
Why I love it: Super comfortable, thick and durable material, and very affordable (love Amazon!). They also come in a variety of colors to chose from. These nursing tanks are so great for quick access when you have a fussy, hungry baby. I especially love wearing these to bed — it makes breastfeeding super simple during the night.
Lactation Tea
Why I love it: Tastes great and helps support milk production and flow. As your baby continues to grow, so will his/her appetite! This tea has helped ensure I have enough of a supply to satisfy his growing belly! This tea comes in mint or vanilla flavor — both are super tasty!
Nipple Cream
Why I love it: You may want to pick this up before you start breastfeeding and not afterward when your nipples are already hurting! It inevitable, if you breastfeed your nipples will feel some initial pain. It does get better, mamas! But until then, soothe them as much as you can! I love this cream in particular because it is 100% organic.
Heating Pad
Why I love it: Breastfeeding can be quite the chore! Although things like the boppy can help make feeding easier and help keep your posture in check, constantly bending over with feedings (or even just pumping all the time!) can take a toll on your back. A heating pad has become my best friend. Keep yourself feeling best for you and baby’s sake!
For a full list of breastfeeding essentials, check out my breastfeeding checklist!
