My husband and I recently had a baby boy, and when preparing the house for his arrival, our friends gave us recommendations on everything to buy.
One list someone shared included over 150 must-have supplies for a new baby. Google results for the top new baby supplies brought up similar massive lists of new baby supplies. The process was very overwhelming, and as such, I have distilled my easy list of just the top 11 most important, crucial supplies for a new baby below.
These are the critical supplies for a new baby that will ensure you and baby are set up for success once the bundle of joy arrives.
After you have the following new baby supplies covered – feel free to add on with trinkets and toys, but the top 11 required supplies for a new baby below will be sure to make life easier in those early days. To note, these 11 supplies for a new baby are not organized in order of importance. I suggest ALL of the below supplies for a new baby to be secured.
Hint: sign up for a baby registry on Amazon for these items!
1. Infant Car Seat
A good infant car seat is critical, and you want to ensure before going to the hospital that you know how to use it and buckle it up. While we practiced a few times, actually using the car seat with a small baby was a way different experience. It was also new to us to learn that you need an infant car seat (as first-time parents, we assumed a car seat was a car seat. Boy, were we wrong!). Below is the one that we went with and so far thoroughly enjoy.
- Rear facing from 5 30 pounds and upto 32” and includes a convenient stay in car adjustable car seat base
- Fully compatible with maxi cosi and many other premium brand strollers, this car seat gives you options for getting around with your child
- Lightweight with a contoured handle that curves around your hip for a more comfortable carry.
- The Mico Max 30 stay-in-car base is adjustable to ensure a proper fit in your vehicle and features an anti-rebound bar for enhanced protection and one-click Latch system for easy installation.
- Self wicking fabric: Deodorizes and draws liquids away from the skin to help keep baby dry and comfortable
2. Infant Sleep Sack or Infant Velcro Swaddle
Sleep is critical for the new baby (and parents!) so ensure you have a sleep solution that is easy to use. We initially planned to use cloth swaddles and quickly learned that with the number of naps an infant takes paired with our general exhaustion, having some help to ensure the baby and swaddle is secure made a world of difference. Not to mention, tying a swaddle is hard, especially for first-time parents. Below is the one that worked for us.
- The original wearable blanket replaces loose blankets in the crib for a safer environment; the 3-way swaddle ensures your baby's best sleep and an easy transition when it's time to stop swaddling; number 1 choice of hospital nurseries to promote safe sleep
- Made with 100% polyester micro-fleece fabric, super-soft and plush inside and out and designed to wick away moisture; TOG Rating of 3.0 is ideal for chilly seasons and climates and keeping newborns warm and comfortable in any climate
- Generously sized swaddle fasteners offer adjustability for a perfect fit; 3-way adjustable swaddle allows Arms-In to reduce startle reflex, One-Arm-Out for self-soothing, and Two-Arms-Out for easy transition from swaddling to Halo's SleepSack
- Inverted zipper opens from the bottom for easy diaper changes without undoing the swaddle; sleeveless to reduce the risk of overheating; arm and neck openings sized for a safer fit
- Available here in Newborn size designed for babies weighing between 6 and 12 pounds who are generally 0-3 months old and 19-23 inches long; discontinue swaddling when the baby shows signs of rolling over or breaking out of the swaddle wrap
3. Baby Thermometer
While you hopefully will not use a baby thermometer often, it is essential to have on hand for if and when you do need it. There are a variety of options for a baby thermometer, but we included an ear thermometer on this supplies for a new baby list as it has worked for us.
- Braun Thermoscan 7 IRT6520 Thermometer with 40 Lens Filters.
- Includes batteries.
- Recalls last number taken for ease of use.
- Lens filters are designed for use with the Braun Ear Thermometer with ExactTemp technology.
- Braun ThermoScan Electronic Ear Thermometer measures temperature in the ear in just one second and beeps when ready.
4. Baby Monitor
A baby monitor is another critical supply for a new baby as you will want to ensure you can always see your little rascal. There are a variety of opinions on which baby monitor is best, but for our family, we knew we did not want a WIFI baby monitor or a monitor you can check on your phone. We wanted tried-and-true radio signals. We aren’t conspiracy theorists; we just hate opening apps on our phone, and wife can sometimes fail. So we went with a standard video monitor. It is so easy just to look at the screen without opening your phone and finding your app. Regardless of which route you take, ensure that a baby monitor is a part of your new baby supplies.
- 2020 Award Winner: Babylist Best Baby Monitors Of 2020 *(Awarded On January 8, 2020)
- Perfect Size & Weight Ratio - No Large Batteries To Power Energy-Hungry Large Screens. The Dxr-8 Is Light-Weight And Portable, Designed For True Mobility Around The House. 10-Hr Battery Life On Power-Saving Mode, 6-Hr With Screen On.Care & Cleaning: Spot or Wipe Clean
- Full Viewing Control - The Dxr-8 Is A Baby Monitor With Camera Features Such As Pan/Tilt/Digital Zoom And Interchangeable Lens. Fit The Zoom Lens To See Even Closer, Or Zoom Out With The Wide Angle Lens. Expandable Up To 4 Cameras
- Robust And Mature Hardware - The Dxr-8 Is Fine Tuned And Refined Over Years Of Iteration From Feedback Of Real Users. Trusted By Over A Million Parents, Our Award Winning Monitor Is Backed By Vigorous Testing And Quality Control
- Range Up to 700 feet (line of sight, no obstruction)
5. Diapers
One thing no one told us as new parents is that there is a Size 1 diaper (smallest baby size), but also a newborn diaper size (ACTUAL smallest baby size). Ensure you have both the newborn and size 1 diapers on hand as you will need both as the baby grows.
- Huggies Little Snugglers baby diapers size newborn fit babies 35+ lb. (16+ kg)
- GentleAbsorb Liner provides absorbent layer of protection with premium softness & breathability for sensitive skin
- Huggies' Pocketed Waistband helps prevent diaper blowouts & contains the mess.Do not flush
- Leak Lock System helps prevent leaks for up to 12 hours, plus wetness indicator changes color when baby is ready for a diaper change
- Fragrance free, lotion free, paraben free, and free of elemental chlorine & natural rubber latex
- Wetness indicator changes color when baby is ready for a diaper change. Do not flush
- Packaging may vary from image shown
6. Baby Wipes + Diaper Cream
Another important new baby supply to have on hand are baby wipes and diaper cream.
I continue to be shocked with the volume of baby wipes that we use on a daily basis. Diaper cream is also important to have on hand.
- Pampers Aqua Pure wipes are made with 99% pure water for our simplest formula
- Includes 1% dermatologically tested cleansers and PH-balancing ingredients to help protect baby's delicate skin
- Free of alcohols*, dyes, parabens, and fragrances *No ethanol or drying alcohol
- Made with premium cotton for a soft and gentle clean
- Gentle enough for bottoms, hands, and sensitive faces
7. Clothing
We were pleasantly surprised to learn that Amazon sells a variety of great onesies from respected brands for amazing prices. Similar to the diaper sizing, we quickly learned the difference between Newborn sizing, and 0-3 months sizing, so ensure you have some of BOTH on hand as the size of the baby will vary and they get dirty QUICKLY and OFTEN. You probably want around 5-10 onesies.
- Includes four (4) long-sleeve Gerber sleep n' plays
- Front zippers with safety tabs for easier changes
- Keeps your baby comfortable as they rest or romp
- Machine wash, tumble dry
- Art details: Screenprint
8. Breast Pump OR Formula
Depending on which route you choose for feeding we recommend either breast pump or formula (or both!) to have on hand. My wife really leveraged both her breast pump as well as formula to help with feeding before the milk came in. I am no expert to recommend going one route or another (check out this post for that), but whichever route you are planning for feeding, ensure you have either a pump (to help with production and milk storage) or formula on hand.
- ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FOR SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE: Thanks to its patented and research-based 2-Phase Expression Technology, mothers can produce more milk in less time; this breastpump was made for optimal efficiency and maximized flow
- CUSTOMIZABLE SETTINGS AND ACCESSORIES: Single knob adjustable speed and vacuum with one touch letdown button; Set of 24mm/medium size flanges allow moms to enhance their pumping experience, based on what’s most effective and comfortable
- EASY PORTABILITY: Built in to its discreet tote bag and equipped with a portable battery pack and removable cooler bag holds everything for convenient double pumping wherever and whenever needed whether at home, on the go, at work, or while traveling
- OVERFLOW PROTECTION: Closed system at the motor, which prevents milk from entering the motor. 120 VAC, 60 Hz transformer
- INCLUDES: Built-in breastpump in tote; Battery pack; Cooler bag and ice pack; (4) 5-oz. 150 mL bottles with lids; Double pumping kit: 1 set of 24mm flanges, 2 connectors, 2 valves and membranes, 1 set of tubing; Power Adaptor dual-voltage 110/240V
- ON THE GO: Convenient and ready to use bottles, perfect for late night feedings or on-the-go moms. Made with NON-GMO ingredients
- EXPERT RECOMMENDED DHA: Enfamil NeuroPro has expert recommended DHA which provides brain-building nutrition
- BRAIN-BUILDING NUTRITION: Get brain building nutrition inspired by breast milk from Enfamil
- SUPPORT FOR YOUR INFANT: Complete nutrition for babies through 12 months, easy-to-digest proteins and dual prebiotics for immune health
- No.1 INFANT FORMULA: Enfamil - No.1 Infant formula recommended by Pediatricians
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9. Bottles + Bottle Sanitizer
Eventually, you will need bottles as well as a bottle sanitizer to help make the bottle cleaning between feedings easier.
- Uses natural steam to sterilize baby bottles and other baby products, killing 99.9% of germs and bacteria without chemicals
- Sterilizes in just 6 minutes; then automatically shuts off for energy savings and safety
- 3-in-1 adjustable modular design fits a variety of bottles, pacifiers, pumps and accessories and takes up minimal countertop space
- 3 in 1 adjustable modular design allows you to fit a variety of bottles, pumps and accessories
- Holds up to 6 Philips Avent bottles at once; compatible with both standard and wide neck bottles
- Natural nipple shape and feel makes it easy for baby to combine breastfeeding with bottle feeding
- Wide breast-shaped nipple promotes a natural latch on
- Ultra soft flexible nipple mimics the feel of the breast
- Airflex valve integrated into the nipple is designed to reduce feeding issues by venting air away from your baby's tummy
- A range of flow rates are available for your growing baby. This bottle includes a Slow flow nipple.
10. Baby Bathtub
Before our baby came, we were naïve to think that using our sink would be enough. We quickly learned that for everyone’s comfort (baby and parent), we needed a proper baby bath to hold the baby. Thankfully we found this baby bath on Amazon, and it was delivered quickly.
- BABY BATH TUB: Three stages of transition from newborn to toddler, comes with a comfortable sling
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: This bath tub for baby features an Infant hammock like sling inside the tub and holds a growing baby better during bath time
- COMFORTABLE NEWBORN BATH: Mesh sling provides extra support and comfort during first bath times
- TODDLER BATH: Toddlers are supported on the upright side of the baby tub with plenty of room to play
- EASY CLEAN: Mesh sling is machine washable and dryable, and anti-slip pads are mildew-resistant
11. Baby Soap
Ensure you have soap to along with your bathtub. We have found that we do not use as much baby soap as we would have thought as sometimes our baths are more of a rinsing off, but this is a vital baby supply to have on hand.
- Use Johnson's Head-To-Toe Baby Body Wash and Hair Shampoo to gently care for your baby's sensitive skin. Bath time is a wonderful time to bond with your baby with warm water and the soothing touch of tear-free baby wash & shampoo
- This hypoallergenic baby bath wash is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, dyes, and harsh fragrances and is gentle enough for your baby's delicate skin & hair and good for the whole family. Johnson's does not test on animals
- Pediatrician-tested and pH-balanced gentle cleanser to maintain baby's natural skin moisture barrier. 9 out of 10 parents would recommend. Scent: Scented
- No More Tears formula makes this 2-in-1 baby wash & shampoo tear-free and as gentle to your baby's eyes as pure water. The ultra-mild cleanser washes away 99.9% of germs and is perfect for baby's sensitive skin & hair
- Apply baby shampoo & body wash during bathtime with warm water using hand or washcloth, gently lather, rinse, and follow with gentle massage using Johnson's Head-To-Toe Baby Lotion
Hopefully the above-noted new baby supplies are helpful; there are many additional nice to have baby supplies as a variety of additional products (sign up for a baby registry on Amazon for those) we could have included, but our goal was to provide an easy to understand list of supplies for a new baby. I hope this helps as you prepare and congratulations on your new addition! Maybe you can try and get these items as gifts at your baby shower!
Read More: The TOP Activities to Keep Your Baby Entertained (3-6 months)
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