What Do You Really Need for a Newborn
Becoming parents is one of the most memorable experiences for couples but it is also the time when you can fall prey to flashy advertisements and tonnes of suggestions. That said, commercial ads, friends, family, neighbors, etc. would be rushing to tell you that you basically need EVERYTHING for your newborn. But, do you really need everything? Or, the right question is, what do you really need for a newborn?
You may not need everything but yes, there are certain items that you must add into your list of essentials. If you are also struggling with what do you really need for a newborn, here is a detailed guide for you.
Important Things to Consider Before Making Baby Essentials List
Before we move to the list of essentials you need for your newborn, it is important to consider the following factors.
What Works for One May Not Work for All
It is key to understand that different families have different needs. What works for one family might not be right for another due to budget, comfort, or lifestyle. There is no single best way to prepare a must-have list for kids. Also, it is helpful to ask friends to borrow or try out items before deciding to buy them.
Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Many companies will claim that certain items are essential, but that is not true for everyone. Therefore, start by refusing most items. If you feel that you need something that will genuinely improve your life in the future, consider purchasing it.
Many families find good deals through hand-me-downs, local consignment shops, or Facebook Marketplace. It is possible to find quality secondhand children's items at reduced prices.
The Newborn Phase Affects Parenting
Babies need only a few essentials, but this phase is also about how parents manage their own well-being. New parents should focus on setting up a comfortable postpartum experience. If there are items that could help during this time, it is okay to get them if possible. Keeping a list of needed items can be useful as new needs may arise.
Plan Beyond the Newborn Stage
The early weeks can feel long and short at the same time. It is important to consider items that will be useful throughout the first year. While it is better to avoid over-purchasing, especially for clothes and diapers, having essentials for the entire first year is important.
What Do You Really Need for a Newborn—Baby’s Essentials
As mentioned earlier, different families have different types of needs and budgets. Still, we believe that the following items must be considered as a part of a baby's essentials.
1. Bathing and diapering
Consider buying the following for your baby's bathing and diapering needs.
Diapers
Right, if you are going with cloth diapers, consider using pocket diapers that fit various sizes and wash well. It is better to stick with a good supply until they wear out rather than buy new ones. It is recommended to buy a cleaning product that can help maintain them every 6-8 weeks without causing damage. If you are opting for disposable diapers, there are multiple options according to your budget.
Tip: Organizing a diaper raffle at a baby shower can help gather cloth diapers. Guests can bring one diaper or a pack of wipes to enter the raffle.
Changing Pad
A changing table is not necessary for everyone. A thick blanket or a portable changing pad works just fine for diaper changes.
Wipes
Making homemade wipes can be a good option, but it can also add to the laundry workload. Therefore, many families find it easier to switch to commercial wipes. Purchasing large boxes is helpful, as they are often used frequently.
Tip: For homemade wipes, cloth diaper wet bags or washable pail liners can be used for storing dirty wipes.
Diaper Cream
You can either buy diaper creams, or you can buy coconut oil that can serve as an effective diaper cream, and it makes clean-up easier. Apart from that, you can consider buying organic balms, which are good alternatives for when diaper creams.
Baby Wash
Using a fragrance-free baby wash is recommended to avoid potential skin reactions. Gentle soap bars or goat milk soap are also excellent choices, as they are hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin.
Lotion
Baby lotion is important, especially for frequent baths. Products like Badger Baby Balm are versatile and can be used for various skin issues. Another good choice is Bag Balm with shea butter, which keeps skin soft and is often praised for its effectiveness.
Washcloths
When it comes to washcloths, only a few are necessary for cleaning a baby. Smaller washcloths are often easier to use for delicate areas.
Bath Towel
A regular towel can work well for a baby, so there is no dire need for a hooded towel. Having a few organic cotton baby towels is enough.
2. Bedding
When it comes to bedding collection, consider buying the following items.
Waterproof Pads & Crib Sheets
It is helpful to have 2-3 waterproof pads and crib sheets, and layering them works well. Start with a waterproof pad, add a crib sheet, then another waterproof pad, and so on. This setup makes it easy to change soiled bedding during the night. While this may not have been an issue during the early baby months, it becomes very useful during potty training.
Swaddles
The number of swaddles needed can vary by baby, but having enough for each night of the week is beneficial. Swaddles can also double as a quick clean-up for any messes. This approach allows for laundry to be done once a week. Families can choose between swaddle blankets or structured swaddles. Some may even skip swaddles entirely and opt for zip-up sleep sacks instead.
Blankets
Blankets are a necessary item and it is good to have a blanket in the car and a few at home. Many families receive gifted blankets or handmade ones that are cherished. Generally, having four blankets is enough, as blankets should not be in the crib during the first year. They can be used as play mats, for warmth in the winter, or for snuggling on chilly days.
3. Furniture
Baby furniture includes some essentials like a crib, matter, rocking chair, etc.
Crib and Mattress
When considering the baby's sleep space, starting with a crib can be beneficial. A crib can be converted into a co-sleeper and placed right next to the bed, which allows the baby to get used to sleeping in it from the start. You can consider buying basic wooden cribs from retailers like Ikea or secondhand cribs on platforms like Facebook Marketplace.
Similarly, when the child is ready to move to their own room, bunk beds can be a good option. This can support a Montessori approach to sleeping when it feels appropriate.
Baskets and Dresser
One of the best methods to organize baby clothes and diapers is to use simple solutions like baskets and bookshelves, especially in the first year. Four baskets can be sufficient for a baby’s needs. As children grow quickly and often outgrow clothing, it can be helpful to have a dedicated bag in the closet for storing outgrown items. This makes it easier to manage clothing without needing multiple trips to store them away.
Rocking Chair
Using a rocking chair can help babies relax and fall asleep as it gives them the comforting feeling of being in the womb. Rocking chairs are available in various styles, including traditional wooden rockers and gliders. It is helpful to try out different types to find the most comfortable one before making a purchase.
Apart from the above-mentioned items, here are some other essentials to consider in order to meet your needs.
- Nursing pads
- Breast pumps
- Nipple cream
- Breast milk storage bags
- Early cups
- Suction plates
- Baby carrier
- Diaper bag
- Car seat and stroller
Frequently Asked Questions
How many diapers does a newborn use a day?
The number of diapers a baby uses daily may vary depending on factors such as their weight, age, and the size of the diaper. On average, a baby may use 5 to 12 diapers every day.
Are pampers or Huggies better?
When it comes to preventing leaks, both Huggies and Pampers work hard to keep your baby dry and comfortable. However, Pampers has some extra features, like the Dual Leak-Guard Barriers, which give it a slight advantage.
Summing it up
So, this was our guide on what do you really need for a newborn. To sum it up, considering the following items can be very helpful.
Diapering
Cloth diapers or disposable diapers
Diaper cleaning product
Wipes
Diaper cream or coconut oil
Baby wash
Bathing and Skin Care
- Baby lotion or baby balm
- Washcloths
- Bath towels
Bedding
- Waterproof pads
- Crib sheets
- Swaddles
- Blankets
Furniture
- Crib and mattress
- Bunk bed
- Baskets
- Dresser
- Rocking chair
Other Essentials
- Nursing pads
- Breast pumps
- Nipple cream
- Breast milk storage bags
- Early cups
- Suction plates
- Baby carrier
- Diaper bag
- Car seat
- Stroller
