Becoming a parent for the first time is a wild mix of joy, nerves, and 2 a.m. Google searches. Everyone has an opinion, and the advice comes fast, often conflicting, sometimes overwhelming. We’ve been there: excited, anxious, and not sure what we needed, what could wait, or what would end up gathering dust.
This guide isn’t just another list built on product specs and best guesses. It’s based on real experiences, honest conversations with new parents, and hands-on testing.
If you’re wondering, What do I need for my newborn?—You’re in the right place. Let’s walk through it together, one thoughtful section at a time.
Our top recommendations: NutriBullet Baby System, swaddles, white noise machine, bassinet, and rocking chair. These offer the biggest impact on sleep, feeding, and daily ease. Each item supports smoother routines, better rest, and long-term value, making early parenting less stressful and more manageable right from the start.
Baby Clothing Essentials: Dressing for Comfort, Not Instagram
Forget the fancy ruffles and tiny shoes for a minute. Your baby doesn’t need to “dress to impress.” What they need is clothing that’s gentle, practical, and easy for you to manage, especially when you’re functioning on 3 hours of sleep.
What to buy:
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5–7 onesies or bodysuits: Choose a mix of short-sleeved and long-sleeved ones. Look for organic cotton if your baby has sensitive skin. Envelope necklines or side-snap styles make changing easier, especially if there’s a diaper blowout.
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4–6 sleepers with zippers: Zip-up footed pajamas are a lifesaver. Try to avoid the ones with snaps down—they’ll test your patience during nighttime changes.
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2–3 soft hats: Newborns lose heat through their heads, especially right after birth, so a soft cap helps keep them warm.
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2–3 pairs of scratch mittens: Babies often scratch their faces in their sleep, and their nails grow faster than you’d think. These help avoid accidental marks.
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3–5 swaddles or wearable blankets: Swaddling helps many babies sleep better by mimicking the womb. Muslin swaddles are great for layering, while Velcro swaddles (like the Love to Dream or Halo) are easy to use even when you’re half-awake.
🧺 A quick note about laundry: Newborns can go through multiple outfits daily because of spit-up, diaper leaks, or surprise messes. Having a reliable laundry routine and clothes that wash easily matter more than fashion. Stick with soft, breathable fabrics and avoid anything with rough seams or tight elastics.
Diapering Must-Haves: Setting Up a Functional Changing Station
Let’s be honest—you’ll change thousands of diapers in the first year. It’s messy, sometimes frustrating, and can be hard on your back if your setup isn’t right. The good news? You don’t need much to make it work well.
Your basic diapering kit:
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Newborn-size diapers: Start small—just a single pack. Some babies outgrow newborn diapers within a week or two. If you plan to use cloth diapers, try a few brands before committing.
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Sensitive baby wipes: Go for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic wipes. Water Wipes or Pampers Sensitive are top choices for newborns with delicate skin.
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Diaper rash cream: Zinc oxide-based creams like Desitin or Aquaphor Baby are gentle and effective. You’ll want this on hand for any signs of redness.
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Changing pad with washable covers: Even if you’re tight on space, having a designated area makes diaper changes quicker and cleaner. Bonus if your pad has a safety strap.
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Diaper pail or a tightly lidded trash can: Not essential, but useful—especially if you don’t want your nursery smelling like yesterday’s poop.
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Diaper bag: Choose one with compartments so you can quickly grab wipes, a fresh outfit, or a pacifier on the go.
🧼 Do you need a wipe warmer? Some babies don’t like cold wipes, especially during night changes, but many moms say their babies adjusted quickly. It’s not a must-have unless your baby seems especially sensitive.
Feeding Tools: Whether You Breastfeed, Formula-Feed, or Mix Both
Feeding your baby is one of the most bonding (and sometimes exhausting) parts of newborn life. Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula-feeding, or doing both, having the right setup takes a lot of pressure off those early days.
Essentials for all feeding styles:
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4–6 baby bottles: Look for anti-colic designs that reduce air bubbles, especially if your baby tends to be gassy. Dr. Brown’s and Comotomo are popular for good reason. Start with small (4 oz) bottles—newborns don’t take much at a time.
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Nursing pillow: Not just for nursing. It helps support your arms and baby during feeds and can prevent sore wrists and shoulders. Think of it as a feeding cushion for your body.
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Burp cloths (6–10): You’ll use these constantly. Keep one on every surface—couch, rocker, bed, car seat.
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Breast pump: Even if you’re not planning to pump regularly, having a manual pump (like the Haakaa) on hand can help relieve pressure or collect letdown during nursing. If you’ll pump more often, go with a hospital-grade double electric.
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Bottle sterilizer or big pot for boiling: If you want to save time, a microwave or electric sterilizer can be helpful, especially in the first few months.
🥄 About the NutriBullet Baby System: This is one of those products that becomes gold later. Once your baby starts solids (around 6 months), it turns real food into smooth purées quickly, stores it neatly, and reduces waste. It also simplifies the transition to solids without forcing you into a drawer full of store-bought jars. Many moms who try it swear they wish they had it ready earlier.
Bathing & Hygiene: Keeping Baby Clean Without Overdoing It
Newborns don’t need a bath every day—two to three times a week is usually enough. But when it’s time to wash up, having gentle tools and products makes things smoother.
Bath basics:
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Infant bathtub with support: Look for one with a sling or mesh insert that cradles your baby safely. Some tubs also grow with your child through toddler years.
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Mild, tear-free shampoo and body wash: Brands like Aveeno Baby, Mustela, or Cetaphil Baby are gentle and safe for newborn skin.
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2–3 hooded towels: Hooded towels keep babies warm as soon as they’re out of the water. Thicker ones dry better and feel nicer on the skin.
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4–6 soft washcloths: Use these for sponge baths or in the tub. They’re also great for gently wiping milk crust from a baby’s eyes or chin.
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Grooming kit: Includes baby nail clippers or a file, a soft hairbrush, and a digital thermometer. These small tools are worth having ready before you need them.
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Nasal aspirator: This is a must. Babies can’t blow their noses, and even a little congestion can disrupt feeding or sleep. Manual suction (like the FridaBaby Snotsucker) works better than those bulb syringes from the hospital.
🛁 Babies often protest their first few baths. Make it warmer than you think (about 98°F) and keep everything within reach—wet babies are slippery, and you can’t step away even for a second.
Sleep & Soothing: Creating a Safe, Restful Environment for Your Baby
Getting your newborn to sleep can feel like solving a Rubik’s cube with your eyes closed. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but having the right tools can make a world of difference. Think of this section as your newborn sleep starter pack.
Sleep essentials:
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Bassinet or bedside sleeper: Newborns should sleep in the same room as you (but not in the same bed) for the first 6 months. A mesh-sided bassinet or a co-sleeper that attaches to your bed gives them a safe space and lets you check on them easily at night.
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Fitted crib or bassinet sheets (2–3): Always go with snug-fitting sheets to avoid loose fabric. You don’t need fancy patterns—just soft, breathable cotton.
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White noise machine: A gentle shushing or ocean sound helps many babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This mimics the womb and blocks household noise. Hatch Baby Rest is a favorite because it grows with your child and includes a nightlight.
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Swaddles or sleep sacks: We mentioned these earlier, but here’s a tip—try different brands. What works for one baby might frustrate another. Velcro swaddles are easy, but some babies prefer arms-up options like Love to Dream.
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Pacifiers (2–4): Whether or not your baby takes one is up to them, but many babies find comfort in sucking. Start with orthodontic options like Philips Avent Soothies or MAM.
🛏️ Keep in mind: No bumpers. No loose blankets. No pillows or stuffed toys. Your baby’s crib should be boring and firm—that’s how it stays safe. You’ll sleep better knowing it, too.
Health & Safety: Peace of Mind When You’re Figuring It All Out
Babies get sick. Not often, but it happens—and usually when it’s least convenient. Having a few health tools at your fingertips won’t just help your baby—it’ll lower your anxiety when something feels off.
Must-haves for your baby’s first aid kit:
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Digital rectal thermometer: It’s the most accurate way to take a newborn’s temperature. Quick tip: keep it labeled and used only for the baby.
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Infant acetaminophen (like Tylenol): You won’t use it often, but it’s good to have on hand, especially after vaccinations (with your pediatrician’s approval).
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Gas relief drops or gripe water: Sometimes the crying is from trapped gas. Having one of these can help take the edge off, especially in the evenings.
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Saline spray and nasal aspirator: We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating—when your baby has a stuffy nose, this duo becomes your MVP.
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Baby nail clippers or file: Their nails grow fast. And they’re sharp. Filing is safest at first.
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A baby-safe surface cleaner: Use it to sanitize toys, changing pads, or anything that ends up in your baby’s mouth (read: everything).
🩺 Also helpful: a soft baby brush for cradle cap, a baby-safe humidifier for dry rooms, and a logbook or app to track feeding and diaper changes (especially helpful in those foggy newborn days).
Nursery & Gear: Setups That Make Life Easier
Here’s where people often go overboard—giant themed nurseries with matching wall art and fancy mobiles. But what matters most isn’t aesthetic. It’s functionality, safety, and comfortfor both baby and you.
What to prioritize:
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Crib that grows: A convertible crib that turns into a toddler bed is a great long-term investment. But in the early days, many moms prefer starting with a bassinet first.
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Changing table or dresser with topper: You don’t need both. A regular dresser with a contoured changing pad on top can save space.
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Rocking chair or glider: If you have room for just one big item, make it this one. You’ll use it for feeding, soothing, and those 3 a.m. cuddle sessions when nothing else works.
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Soft lighting or nightlight: Harsh lighting is disruptive at night. A dimmable light helps you see without fully waking your baby (or yourself).
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Baby monitor: Whether video or audio, a monitor helps when your baby is sleeping in their room. Choose what fits your comfort level—Owlet for vitals, Nanit for movement, or a simple audio monitor if you just want to hear them.
🪑 Bonus tip: Consider a comfy floor mat or rug. You’ll spend a surprising amount of time on the floor during tummy time or just stretching out with your baby.
Extras That Make a Huge Difference (But No One Mentions Enough)
These are the “non-essentials” that end up feeling essential once you’re in the thick of things. Small details, smart solutions, and sanity-savers.
Highly recommended add-ons:
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NutriBullet Baby Complete Food-Making System
This one earns a gold star for the solid food stage. What makes it different from a regular blender? Portion control, batch prep, and baby-specific textures. The freezer trays let you make ahead, the containers are pre-measured, and the whole system is compact and easy to clean. It’s ideal if you want to avoid preservatives and control what goes into your baby’s meals, without adding more work. -
Portable sound machine
Clip it to the car seat or stroller. It’s great for naps on the go and keeping baby calm in noisy places like waiting rooms or busy stores. -
Car mirror
Lets you see your baby while driving. Especially comforting when they’re rear-facing and you’re not sure why they’ve gone silent. -
Silicone bibs and high-contrast toys
Once your baby starts interacting with the world, these are super useful. Bibs with a food-catching pocket save laundry. High-contrast toys (black and white patterns) are easier for newborns to see and focus on. -
Baby wrap or soft carrier
Great for contact naps, fussy evenings, and letting you move around the house while keeping your baby close. Start with something like the Solly Baby or Boba Wrap, then graduate to structured carriers like Ergobaby.
Final Thoughts: Buy Smart, Stay Flexible, and Trust Yourself
Of course, you don’t need everything all at once. Start with the basics, add as you learn your baby’s preferences, and don’t worry if your setup doesn’t match someone else’s. The best gear is the gear that works for you—your routine, your space, and your baby’s temperament.
And if there’s one purchase we recommend being ahead of the curve on? The NutriBullet Baby system, you won’t regret adding it to your registry early. It bridges that big leap from milk to real food and gives you peace of mind knowing exactly what’s in your baby’s meals.
📝 Before shopping, walk through your daily routine as if the baby were already home. That’ll help you figure out what matters most to you.