Becoming a new parent is one of the most overwhelming times of your life! I remember coming home from the hospital and feeling so lost. Personally, I wish someone had told me some of the essentials to have around the house for when baby comes home! Preparation is key to surviving those first couple weeks home, especially if you’ve had a rough birth!
Different Area’s To Consider
- Food
- Bed
- Bath
- Fun/Play
- Clothes
- Travel
- Trash
- Convenience
*This post may contain affiliate links
Food
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle feeding there are just some things you should have.
- Bottles
- Personally, I love Philips AVENT BPA Free Natural Polypropylene Bottle, 4 Ounce, 2 Pack
. Even if you’re breastfeeding having some bottles to store milk in is great. If you are bottle feeding these 4 oz bottles are perfect to start with! As your little one gets older, I’d recommend getting the Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle, 9 Ounce, 1 Pack
. Having a 9 oz bottle once your little one hits 6 oz saves a lot of washing bottles!
- Getting a bottle brush and baby safe soap is important! We forgot that and quickly had my husband go out to get some! We got the OXO Tot Bottle Brush with Nipple Cleaner and Stand, Navy
and our son is 6 months old, and the brush still holds up! Also, we loved The Honest Company Dish Baby Soap, Fragrance Free, 24 Fluid Ounce
. The bottle lasts long, and we loved the fact that it was scentless.
- Getting a bottle brush and baby safe soap is important! We forgot that and quickly had my husband go out to get some! We got the OXO Tot Bottle Brush with Nipple Cleaner and Stand, Navy
- Personally, I love Philips AVENT BPA Free Natural Polypropylene Bottle, 4 Ounce, 2 Pack
- Steamer
- If you have bottles and are bottle feeding, this Philips AVENT Microwave Steam Sterilizer
is great for getting your bottles super clean! Plus, if you get the advent bottles, they fit perfectly in the steamer.
- If you have bottles and are bottle feeding, this Philips AVENT Microwave Steam Sterilizer
- Formula (for non-breastfeeding moms)
- At my pediatrician’s office, I was so glad when they had the same formula I was using. They recommended Similac Pro-Advance Infant Formula with 2’-FL HMO for Immune Support, Ready to Feed Newborn Bottles, 2 fl oz, 8 bottles (Pack of 6)
. These bottles were a lifesaver at the beginning for those sleepless nights! You simply just open the bottle, put the nipple on and shake, and it’s ready to go. Super easy! Once our little one was able to transition to bottles we just order on Amazon the Similac Pro-Advance Infant Formula with 2′-FL HMO for Immune Support Powder, 23.2 oz
. We order that for the month, so we never have to worry about running out of food!
- At my pediatrician’s office, I was so glad when they had the same formula I was using. They recommended Similac Pro-Advance Infant Formula with 2’-FL HMO for Immune Support, Ready to Feed Newborn Bottles, 2 fl oz, 8 bottles (Pack of 6)
- Breastpump (For breastfeeding moms)
- I initially tried breastfeeding and found out through my hospital I could get my pump through insurance! If you want to breastfeed, do check with your insurance if the pump is covered, it can really save you! Not all insurances cover it though. The lactation specialist recommended the Spectra Baby USA – S2 Plus Premier Electric Breast Pump, Double/Single, Hospital Grade. I ended up bottle feeding, but this pump was great! She recommended this over the Medela pumps (which was the one I was going to get before she said that).
- Also, if breastfeeding at least 5 nursing bra’s, storage bags, lanolin cream, and some nursing pads are needed!
- I initially tried breastfeeding and found out through my hospital I could get my pump through insurance! If you want to breastfeed, do check with your insurance if the pump is covered, it can really save you! Not all insurances cover it though. The lactation specialist recommended the Spectra Baby USA – S2 Plus Premier Electric Breast Pump, Double/Single, Hospital Grade. I ended up bottle feeding, but this pump was great! She recommended this over the Medela pumps (which was the one I was going to get before she said that).
. Even if you’re breastfeeding having some bottles to store milk in is great. If you are bottle feeding these 4 oz bottles are perfect to start with! As your little one gets older, I’d recommend getting the 
. Having a 9 oz bottle once your little one hits 6 oz saves a lot of washing bottles! 
and our son is 6 months old, and the brush still holds up! Also, we loved 
. The bottle lasts long, and we loved the fact that it was scentless. 
is great for getting your bottles super clean! Plus, if you get the advent bottles, they fit perfectly in the steamer.
. These bottles were a lifesaver at the beginning for those sleepless nights! You simply just open the bottle, put the nipple on and shake, and it’s ready to go. Super easy! Once our little one was able to transition to bottles we just order on Amazon the 
. We order that for the month, so we never have to worry about running out of food!
Bed
My husband and I spent a while trying to figure out what we were going to do, bassinet or crib.
- Bassinet
- Bassinets are an excellent option for parents looking to save some money initially and for parents who might not have a lot of space in their bedroom. We got the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper – Premiere Series Bassinet
. We LOVE that bassinet, and we still use it to this day for tummy time, and we also put his plastic tub in it sometimes so he can sit in his tub and look around (which he loves)!
- When getting a bassinet, I’d recommend getting a couple of the waterproof covers, trust me, you will be so happy when you have those extra covers for when there is an accident at one in the morning!
- Bassinets are an excellent option for parents looking to save some money initially and for parents who might not have a lot of space in their bedroom. We got the HALO Bassinest Swivel Sleeper – Premiere Series Bassinet
- Crib
- Once our little one was about four and a half months old, he was getting a bit snug in that bassinet (he was ninety-seventh percentile in height!). We figured it was time to look for a crib. If you plan on starting out with a crib, that’s great as well. When shopping for cribs, make sure they are up to safety standard and always put the little one to sleep on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS. We love our Graco Lauren 4-in-1 Convertible Crib, Black with Graco Natural Organic Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress
. For one, we now have a crib that can turn into a toddler bed, which saves us money down the line! My husband put the crib together in twenty minutes, and I helped when needed. The crib is sturdy, safe, and spacious for our little one to grow. We have a small bedroom and were nervous about whether it would fit, but it actually fits perfectly in the room! I also love the colors offered for this crib. We kept going back and forth between the black and grey but decided to go with black since it matched our furniture better.
- Don’t forget a waterproof cover with the crib either! Plus sheets! We forgot to order sheets, and my mom couldn’t process how we forgot that.
- Once our little one was about four and a half months old, he was getting a bit snug in that bassinet (he was ninety-seventh percentile in height!). We figured it was time to look for a crib. If you plan on starting out with a crib, that’s great as well. When shopping for cribs, make sure they are up to safety standard and always put the little one to sleep on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS. We love our Graco Lauren 4-in-1 Convertible Crib, Black with Graco Natural Organic Foam Crib and Toddler Mattress
- Swaddlers
-
- Swaddlers were a miracle send with getting our little one to sleep. Given that newborns are not adjusted to being in the outside world, being wrapped in a swaddle at night helps them feel safe and comforted. We got SwaddleMe Original Luxe Velboa Swaddle 1-PK, Tan Lambs (SM)
and our little one loved them!
- Swaddlers were a miracle send with getting our little one to sleep. Given that newborns are not adjusted to being in the outside world, being wrapped in a swaddle at night helps them feel safe and comforted. We got SwaddleMe Original Luxe Velboa Swaddle 1-PK, Tan Lambs (SM)
-
. We LOVE that bassinet, and we still use it to this day for tummy time, and we also put his plastic tub in it sometimes so he can sit in his tub and look around (which he loves)! 
. For one, we now have a crib that can turn into a toddler bed, which saves us money down the line! My husband put the crib together in twenty minutes, and I helped when needed. The crib is sturdy, safe, and spacious for our little one to grow. We have a small bedroom and were nervous about whether it would fit, but it actually fits perfectly in the room! I also love the colors offered for this crib. We kept going back and forth between the black and grey but decided to go with black since it matched our furniture better. 
and our little one loved them!Bath
- Toiletries
- Shampoo
-
- We tried a lot of different shampoos over the first couple months. Our favorite was Honest Calming Lavender Hypoallergenic Shampoo and Body Wash with Naturally Derived Botanicals, Dreamy Lavender, 10 Fluid Ounce
. This shampoo is natural and calming. We often did bathtime before bed because our little one would be so relaxed afterward.
- We tried a lot of different shampoos over the first couple months. Our favorite was Honest Calming Lavender Hypoallergenic Shampoo and Body Wash with Naturally Derived Botanicals, Dreamy Lavender, 10 Fluid Ounce
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- Cradle Cap Brush
-
- Lots of babies get cradle cap, and let me tell you I tried everything! Nothing worked at getting rid of the cradle cap (hence why we tried so many shampoos). One person recommended the Safety 1st Cradle Cap Brush and Comb
, and it was a lifesaver. Honestly, that brush got rid of the cradle cap in a week (2-3 tries).
- Lots of babies get cradle cap, and let me tell you I tried everything! Nothing worked at getting rid of the cradle cap (hence why we tried so many shampoos). One person recommended the Safety 1st Cradle Cap Brush and Comb
-
- Baby Bath Soap
-
- I really love The Honest Company: Dreamy Lavender Scented Bubble Bath (12 oz) – Pack of 2
. Again, the lavender scent was really relaxing to our little one. The soap is all natural, hypoallergenic, and great for babies who might have more sensitive skin.
- I really love The Honest Company: Dreamy Lavender Scented Bubble Bath (12 oz) – Pack of 2
-
- Baby Detergent
- I remember we actually forgot to get this, so I wanted to mention that baby detergent is a must!! We love Honest Laundry Detergent, Coastal Surf, 70 fl oz, Pack of 2
.
- I remember we actually forgot to get this, so I wanted to mention that baby detergent is a must!! We love Honest Laundry Detergent, Coastal Surf, 70 fl oz, Pack of 2
- Shampoo
- Towel
- When I was a little kid, I remembered having a hooded towel that I made my blankie. I wanted my son to have a similar looking one, but one that was much softer than mine. We ended up getting a bamboo made towel, which genuinely was so soft! Our little guy loved just being wrapped in the towel after.
- Bathtub
- We got a bathtub since we didn’t have a sink that was a good size to use to wash our little one. The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn To Toddler Tub, Blue
is what we got, and as I mentioned earlier, we use it for him to sit in during the day in the bassinet (with a towel under him for softness). This tub is great for newborns and can be used as they grow and even able to sit up on their own.
- We got a bathtub since we didn’t have a sink that was a good size to use to wash our little one. The First Years Sure Comfort Deluxe Newborn To Toddler Tub, Blue
. This shampoo is natural and calming. We often did bathtime before bed because our little one would be so relaxed afterward. 
, and it was a lifesaver. Honestly, that brush got rid of the cradle cap in a week (2-3 tries). 
. Again, the lavender scent was really relaxing to our little one. The soap is all natural, hypoallergenic, and great for babies who might have more sensitive skin. 
. 
is what we got, and as I mentioned earlier, we use it for him to sit in during the day in the bassinet (with a towel under him for softness). This tub is great for newborns and can be used as they grow and even able to sit up on their own.Fun & Play
Given your little one is so small, they won’t need a lot, to begin with. But below are some great things to have.
- Bouncer
- Your little one will likely enjoy the bouncer when they are a little bit older, but it’s still a worthwhile investment. To this day, my son’s favorite place to be is in his bouncer! We got the Skip Hop Uplift Multi-Level Adjustable Bouncer, Grey
which we love! Easily portable and we loved the vibration option (helped our little one get tired) and the music.
- Your little one will likely enjoy the bouncer when they are a little bit older, but it’s still a worthwhile investment. To this day, my son’s favorite place to be is in his bouncer! We got the Skip Hop Uplift Multi-Level Adjustable Bouncer, Grey
- 4Moms Cradle
- This was the secret to getting our little guy down! When he wouldn’t fall asleep, we would put him in this, turn on the motion to level 5 and play white noise and he would be out! I highly recommend this, especially if you have a baby that struggles to fall asleep. We got the 4moms Mamaroo Bouncer – Blue Plush
, and we love it! To this day it helps get our little one to sleep if he ever is struggling.
- This was the secret to getting our little guy down! When he wouldn’t fall asleep, we would put him in this, turn on the motion to level 5 and play white noise and he would be out! I highly recommend this, especially if you have a baby that struggles to fall asleep. We got the 4moms Mamaroo Bouncer – Blue Plush
- Baby Books
- Baby books are a must! We made reading a part of the bedtime routine and to this day when we read The Runaway Bunny
, and it helps our little one fall asleep.
- Baby books are a must! We made reading a part of the bedtime routine and to this day when we read The Runaway Bunny
- Blankie
- We love blankets in our house, between Jak and I we probably have seven! When we were shopping for Xander, we got him two blankets and one little Angel Dear Blankie, Fox
. I love foxes, so we get a lot of fox-themed things!
- We love blankets in our house, between Jak and I we probably have seven! When we were shopping for Xander, we got him two blankets and one little Angel Dear Blankie, Fox
which we love! Easily portable and we loved the vibration option (helped our little one get tired) and the music. 
, and we love it! To this day it helps get our little one to sleep if he ever is struggling. 
, and it helps our little one fall asleep.
. I love foxes, so we get a lot of fox-themed things!Clothes
My mom actually helped me buy Xander his clothes. Between all the clothes we’ve bought him and the clothes he got at the baby shower, we found two brands that we absolutely love!
- Carters
- I LOVE Carters, honestly it’s my go-to for new clothes for Xander. Not only are the clothes comfortable, but they are so much fun! We got some Simple Joys by Carter’s Baby 5-Pack Long-Sleeve Bodysuit, Gray/White, Newborn
. Trust me, you will be changing your baby so much that a 5-set is a minimum you need to start off!
- I LOVE Carters, honestly it’s my go-to for new clothes for Xander. Not only are the clothes comfortable, but they are so much fun! We got some Simple Joys by Carter’s Baby 5-Pack Long-Sleeve Bodysuit, Gray/White, Newborn
- Burt’s Bees
-
- We loved Burt’s Bees because of how soft and natural the clothing is. We got some Burt’s Bees Baby – Set of 5 Bee Essentials Short Sleeve Bodysuits, 100% Organic Cotton, Heather Grey Prints (0-3 Months)
. As I said above, a 5-set really is the bare minimum you need to start!
- We loved Burt’s Bees because of how soft and natural the clothing is. We got some Burt’s Bees Baby – Set of 5 Bee Essentials Short Sleeve Bodysuits, 100% Organic Cotton, Heather Grey Prints (0-3 Months)
-
- Diapers
- Pampers
-
- I love Pampers diapers, they worked really well, but my son has super sensitive skin (takes after me!) and had a reaction to Pampers diapers around 5 months. We switched to Huggies (which we love as well!). For Pampers we got Pampers Swaddlers Disposable Diapers Newborn Size N (<10 lb), 128 Count, GIANT
. We love buying in bulk, again, you go through so many diapers, it’s better to have more than run out!
- I love Pampers diapers, they worked really well, but my son has super sensitive skin (takes after me!) and had a reaction to Pampers diapers around 5 months. We switched to Huggies (which we love as well!). For Pampers we got Pampers Swaddlers Disposable Diapers Newborn Size N (<10 lb), 128 Count, GIANT
-
- Huggies
-
- When we switched over from Pampers, we chose Huggies. Personally, I like Huggies just a bit better than Pampers. Not exactly sure why, but I do. We got the Huggies Little Snugglers Baby Diapers, Size Newborn, 132 Count, GIANT PACK (Packaging may Vary)
. I think Huggies might be a bit more affordable (depending on where you buy your diapers).
-
- Don’t forget wipes either! We started with Pampers wipes but switched to Amazon Elements Baby Wipes, Sensitive, 480 Count, Flip-Top Packs
which are great for sensitive skin!
- Don’t forget wipes either! We started with Pampers wipes but switched to Amazon Elements Baby Wipes, Sensitive, 480 Count, Flip-Top Packs
-
- When we switched over from Pampers, we chose Huggies. Personally, I like Huggies just a bit better than Pampers. Not exactly sure why, but I do. We got the Huggies Little Snugglers Baby Diapers, Size Newborn, 132 Count, GIANT PACK (Packaging may Vary)
-
- Pampers
. Trust me, you will be changing your baby so much that a 5-set is a minimum you need to start off! 
. As I said above, a 5-set really is the bare minimum you need to start!
. We love buying in bulk, again, you go through so many diapers, it’s better to have more than run out! 
. I think Huggies might be a bit more affordable (depending on where you buy your diapers).
which are great for sensitive skin!Travel
- Car Seat
-
- Safety is a must when choosing a car seat. I took forever to settle on a car seat, but we went with Chicco Keyfit 30 Magic Infant Car Seat, Black/Grey
This car seat is fantastic! Truly love it. Plus the base is very durable (my dad dropped it down a flight of stairs and not one scratch!). Easy to clip into the car, and very tight and sturdy.
- Safety is a must when choosing a car seat. I took forever to settle on a car seat, but we went with Chicco Keyfit 30 Magic Infant Car Seat, Black/Grey
-
- Stroller
-
-
- Depending on the type of person you are you can choose from many types of strollers. In our case, we went with the Chicco Bravo Stroller, Ombra
. The car seat we got clips right in, and this stroller folds and is easily portable. If you’re more of a fitness mom, then a stroller that is more geared towards exercise is probably something you’d want. The Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger Click Connect Baby Travel System, Gotham, One Size
is a great jogging stroller for the moms who love to run!
- Depending on the type of person you are you can choose from many types of strollers. In our case, we went with the Chicco Bravo Stroller, Ombra
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- Diaper Bag
-
-
- Making sure you have a diaper bag is essential if you want to take baby out. The diaper bag should be spacious and comfortable and durable. The Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack with Stroller Straps, Changing Pad and Sundry Bag – Black
is a great choice! But for moms out there who want a bit more style, this Diaper Bag, RUVALINO Large Diaper Tote Stylish for Mom and Dad Convertible Travel Baby Bag for Boys and Girls with Changing Pad, Insulated Pockets (Grey)
is also a great option. Very spacious and perfect for traveling to daycare or on a trip!
- Making sure you have a diaper bag is essential if you want to take baby out. The diaper bag should be spacious and comfortable and durable. The Bag Nation Diaper Bag Backpack with Stroller Straps, Changing Pad and Sundry Bag – Black
-
-
This car seat is fantastic! Truly love it. Plus the base is very durable (my dad dropped it down a flight of stairs and not one scratch!). Easy to clip into the car, and very tight and sturdy.
. The car seat we got clips right in, and this stroller folds and is easily portable. If you’re more of a fitness mom, then a stroller that is more geared towards exercise is probably something you’d want. The 
is a great jogging stroller for the moms who love to run!
is a great choice! But for moms out there who want a bit more style, this 
is also a great option. Very spacious and perfect for traveling to daycare or on a trip!Trash
- Diaper Genie
- When your baby is first born, their poops won’t smell horrible, but just wait… when they do you will be sorry if you didn’t get a Playtex Diaper Genie Complete Assembled Diaper Pail with Odor Lock Technology & 1 Full Size Refill, White (1 pail and 1 refill per unit)
. We love ours, and we made sure to buy Playtex Diaper Genie Refills for Diaper Genie Diaper Pails – 270 Count (Pack of 3)
because you will be going through those quickly!
- When your baby is first born, their poops won’t smell horrible, but just wait… when they do you will be sorry if you didn’t get a Playtex Diaper Genie Complete Assembled Diaper Pail with Odor Lock Technology & 1 Full Size Refill, White (1 pail and 1 refill per unit)
. We love ours, and we made sure to buy 
because you will be going through those quickly!Convenience
- Baby Monitor
-
- I did a lot of research on baby monitors, and we wanted one that did not hook-up to the internet (in case of hackers) and went with Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor with Interchangeable Optical Lens
, and we absolutely love it! The range is impressive (3 floors on opposite ends of the house!), and the night vision is really great. I also love that we can talk to the monitor to him.
- I did a lot of research on baby monitors, and we wanted one that did not hook-up to the internet (in case of hackers) and went with Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor with Interchangeable Optical Lens
-
- Changing Table
-
- Changing tables are so very convenient if you have space for one. An amazing option is DaVinci 3-Drawer Changer Dresser, Ebony
. Very organized, beautiful look, and sturdy.
- Changing tables are so very convenient if you have space for one. An amazing option is DaVinci 3-Drawer Changer Dresser, Ebony
-
- Rocker
-
- Having a rocking chair has been another trick to getting our little one to sleep. We have the Stork Craft Tuscany Custom Glider and Ottoman with Free Lumbar Pillow, Black/Slate Gray Swirl
and let me tell you, that rocker is so comfortable I’ve seen my husband almost fall asleep in it! Truly an excellent choice if you’re looking for a glider and ottoman set.
- Having a rocking chair has been another trick to getting our little one to sleep. We have the Stork Craft Tuscany Custom Glider and Ottoman with Free Lumbar Pillow, Black/Slate Gray Swirl
-
, and we absolutely love it! The range is impressive (3 floors on opposite ends of the house!), and the night vision is really great. I also love that we can talk to the monitor to him.
. Very organized, beautiful look, and sturdy.
and let me tell you, that rocker is so comfortable I’ve seen my husband almost fall asleep in it! Truly an excellent choice if you’re looking for a glider and ottoman set. Now that you’ve made it all the way to the bottom, you are ready to make sure you have all that you need before bringing your little one home.
