Hi guys! Bringing a baby to this world is such a beautiful blessing. As a mom of two boys I will share my list of Newborn Baby Essentials: 0-3 months. Many of these products can be used later on.
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Sleep Time
For the first 3 months of life your baby is mainly going to sleep, poop and eat. As funny as it sounds its very true. They will sleep most of the time but in small amounts. Meaning they will be waking up every 2-3 hours for feedings.
Baby bassinet
The first item on my list of Newborn Baby Essentials is a bassinet. A bassinet is a sleeping area for newborns. It is smaller than a crib and meant to be used only temporarily until they reach the product’s weight or height limit. Whichever comes first. Afterwards the baby must be switched to a crib.
I personally love having my babies sleep in their own bassinet. This is my preference and I feel they are the safest inside of one.
The Simmons Kids Silent Elite Auto-Gliding bassinet is their newer model.
It comes with many features. The underneath basket is handy for when you want to store diapers, wipes, swaddlers, etc. This bassinet has a silent hands-free auto glide feature that works with an AC adapter. It plays music & also includes a nightlight!
Their rocking mode is great too but we did limit the use of it. The best feature for me was the wheels and nightlight. It allowed me to move the bassinet from room to room without ever having to wake him up. You can also adjust the canopy. I highly recommend this bassinet.
Swaddle blankets
Swaddle blankets are a long thin blanket used to wrap your baby (a.k.a “baby wraps.”) They bring comfort and security to a newborn. It reminds them of being curled up inside of the womb. Babies love it and stay asleep longer with them.
One particular swaddle blanket I liked using on Zachary when he was a newborn was SwaddleDesigns cotton muslin swaddle blanket.
Their tags even show you the steps. These muslin swaddle blankets are lightweight, soft and breathable.
However my favorite swaddle was the SwaddleMe original swaddle by Summer infant (size: S/M 0-3 months). They are safe, convenient, easy to use and help keep babies warm.
All you have to do is put them inside, lightly clothed and use the wings to adjust it. Stop using it once a baby can roll over from back to stomach or can break free from the baby wrap.
Switch to the Halo SleepSack Wearable Micro Fleece Blanket instead. Infants at this stage tend to move a lot so halo sleepsacks provide them the liberty of moving while staying warm. Pay attention to their directions and rules regarding when to stop using this as well.
I’m not a fan of loose blankets inside of an infant’s crib. The Halo SleepSacks provides me with a sense of security knowing that my baby will be safe while sleeping. Seriously check them out!
Clothing
Avoid buying only newborn size clothing because they grow out of it quickly. Instead- wait for your baby shower gifts (if you know you’re having one) and see what you are missing. Always buy a variety of sizes such as 0-3 months, 3-6 months or 6-12 months.
Pajamas with inverted zipper
Having pajamas with a zipper is extremely helpful when trying to change a baby in the middle of the night. Trust me when I say get the zipper ones instead of those snaps-on button pajamas.
You’ll thank me later.
Many companies now have Inverted Zipper Pajamas. What is this? It basically allows you to unzip from the bottom-up. Yes! This is great because babies can now stay warm during a diaper change.
When you change your baby using the original zipper way (top to bottom) it expose their chest. But with this new function it gives parents the option to zip both ways! Top to bottom or bottom to top. I mean that’s awesome if you ask me.
A must have for newborns and that is why I have included it in my list of newborn baby essentials.
Newborn hand covers
Because babies make hand movements and their nails can be sharp it is recommended to get hand covers. This minimize any scratches to the face. Parents can also buy onesies that include hand covers.
Check out Gerber’s newborn long sleeve onesies. Their foldover mitten cuff onesie are available in premie, newborn and 0-3 months sizes only.
Baby detergent
The smell of baby detergent brings me back to those newborn days that I cherish so much. For both of my boys I used: Dreft Stage 1: Newborn Liquid Laundry Detergent . However, there are plenty of other baby detergent brands to chose from.
A tip is to pick one that specifically says “For newborns” or “Sensitive skin.” Babies have delicate skin so that is an important factor to look for. Check for hypoallergenic and/or fragrance free too. Dreft Pure Gentleness is the one that is fragrance free, hypoallergenic for sensitive skin, 0% dye, 0%phosphates, 0%chlorine. Recommend it.
I used the baby detergent until he was a year and half.
Feeding & Pacifiers
Choosing a bottle gift set as oppose to purchasing individual bottles can save you a lot of money. A gift set includes different ounce bottles and nipple sizes. As the baby grows so does their appetite. This increased demand requires larger ounce bottles.
Baby Bottle Sets
The Philips Avent Newborn Starter gift kit was the one I used for both of my boys. I was able to breastfeed and formula feed with no issues. It came with different size bottles, soothie pacifiers and a cleaning brush.
The newer model is: Philips Avent Anti-Colic Bottle with AirFree Vent Gift Set Newborn Starter. By having airfree vent included in their BPA-free bottles it helps babies drink without ingesting/swallowing a lot of air. As a result, it reduces colic, gas and reflux. But If your baby does not have this issue then you don’t need to attach or use the included airfree vents.
These bottles can be used with or without the vent. That is a great new optional feature because every baby is different.
For breastfeeding moms, Philips Avent Natural Latch On Baby Bottle Newborn Starter Kit (BPA-free) has a natural breast shaped nipple. This is great if you plan to nurse and bottle-feed your baby. Their bottles are also designed to reduce colic and discomfort.
I love all Philips Avent products so I highly recommend them as newborn baby essentials.
Another brand that I’ve heard good reviews on is Dr.Browns bottle gift set. They’ve been great for babies that suffer from colic, gas and reflux as well.
Pacifiers
Not sure if you plan to use them? I say keep a pack in handy just in case. Many newborn babies love the Philips Avent Soothie Pacifiers (BPA free). Perhaps its because of the way they were designed. It helps to calm and soothe them.
I would recommend purchasing a pack of these even if your hospitals provides them. To be honest you can never have too many. They are always getting lost or misplaced. Make sure to get 0-3 months in the beginning and as they get older change their sizes. Philips Avent carries different styles & colors as well.
Here is Zach with it. Oh how I miss him being this small. Enjoy every moment mamas because it sure goes by quick.
Bottle Sterilizers
Parents should sterilize their baby’s bottles and pacifiers everyday for health and safety reasons. By doing this you are helping to deep clean the bottles and prevent any possible build-up of germs and bacteria from contaminating your baby’s milk.
Make sure to do this when buying any new bottles or pacifiers as well. I sterilized both of my sons bottles every night before going to bed until they were about a year old.
The Philips Avent Premium Sterilizer with Dryer is amazing and fits all your Avent bottles and accessories in one. I absolutely love that you have the option to sterilize only, dry only or both (sterilize & dry.) It can work with other bottle brands too.
A different alternative to this is to boil water and then add the items inside it for at least 5 min.
Bottle Rack Organizer
Having a bottle rack organizer will help to keep all of your baby’s bottles and pacifiers in one place.
Some baby bottle brands make their own such as, Philips Avent Drying Rack. I really like how easy it is to clean and does not take up a lot of counter space.
Bottle warmer
Bottle warmers are super helpful to have. They help to speed up the process for you. I used the Cuisinart 4-Cup Baby Food Maker and Bottle Warmer. It was a bottle warmer, steamer and food processor all in one.
It also came with an adapter to fit narrow bottles. Cuisinart’s baby food maker and bottle warmer is BPA free.
Check out the Philips Avent bottle warmer it’s amazing as well. It heats up bottles perfectly.
Burp Cloths
Definitely get a few of these to protect your clothing from spit-up. The Cloud Island Burp Cloths made of muslin cotton are great. Very absorbent and soft for your baby.
Breast Pumps
If you plan to breastfeed your baby a breast pump is great to have. By having an electric breast pump it helps to express your milk when you are away from your baby. It also helps to alleviate any of the excessive milk you may have. This can happen if your baby doesn’t really empty out the breast.
By pumping moms are able to refrigerate or freeze their breast milk for later use. Pumping also allows dads or family members an opportunity to help with feedings. It is why having a breast pump is an important newborn baby essential item.
I personally love the Medela Pump in Style Breast Pump. Within minutes I had a whole bottle filled with breastmilk. I breastfeed on demand throughout the day and pumped twice a day (morning & night). I’ve also used the Medela Manual Harmony Breast Pump in the past.
A tip is to call your medical insurance company because some provide breast pumps at zero cost.
Another good product I see many moms using is the Haakaa Breast Pump. It catches the lost milk that happens while breastfeeding.
Oh and don’t forget the Lansinoh Nipple Cream helps sore nipples, Nursing pads to absorb breast milk leakage and a good supportive nursing bras too.
Bathtime
Summer Infant Deluxe Baby Bather is great for newborns. Most of these fit inside a standard sink. The mesh fabric is machine washable, it reclines and folds easily.
I really love the Angelcare baby bath. It helps support infants and has a non slip bottom grip. It is also easy to clean and includes built in drain holes.
There are other Baby baths that include a 3 stage (newborn, baby and toddler) built in them. These are good too as they grow with the baby. Buying baby washcloths is optional. I remember simply using my hands at times to clean my newborn.
Hooded Towels
These are awesome! They look so cute and babies stay warm in them. I have a few that I still use on my toddler. Hooded Towels can be used during the summer too. They help to provide shade from the sun.
Baby Wash
They sell many different brands but I love using the Johnson & Johnson company. I’ve been using their products for years. Some of these include the Johnson’s CottonTouch Newborn Wash & Shampoo. It is PH-balanced to baby’s skin, hypoallergenic and free of sulfate, paraben, dyes & Phthalates.
Keep in mind to minimize the amount of baths because it can dry out a newborn’s skin. Also, discontinue the use of any product(s) when noticing signs of rashes or redness.
Body Lotions
Applying baby lotion is a very important step after giving a bath. It brings moisture back into their delicate skin.
I like Johnson & Johnson CottonTouch Newborn Lotion & Johnson’s pink baby lotion. The pink baby lotion has coconut oil in it.
Diapers & Wipes
I love using Pampers Swaddlers and Huggies Little Snugglers diapers. Both are soft, absorbent and have an umbilical cord cutout.
This is important because you don’t want that area to rub against anything. Keeping it dry is necessary so having these type of diapers are great newborn baby essentials.
A tip in case Newborn size diapers are unavailable is to fold the front top inwards (nurses do this at the hospitals). The wetness indicator strip on the diaper is a plus. A helpful tool for parents to see and know when it’s time for a diaper change. You will know because it turns blue.
Baby Wipes
I love having baby wipes at all times. They come in handy for everything. The Pampers Aqua Pure Wipes (fragrance- free) are my favorite to use for newborns.
They come in individual packs (includes a flip-top) making it easy to grab and have all around the house.
Diaper Rash Cream
The Aquaphor Baby Ointment is amazing. It also works for dry or irritated skin.
I always apply this after every diaper change. It helps to prevent and heal any discomfort or redness they may have. Definitely a great newborn baby essentials to have.
Changing Mat
A changing mat is something you will be using for a long time. The Munchkin Changing Mat is easy to clean and reusable.
Travel System
I love a good travel system stroller. They come with an infant carseat that clicks on. No more struggling or having to wake them up just to transfer them to a stroller. They are very useful and definitely in my list of newborn baby essentials.
This was the Safety 1st Travel System that I used with Zachary. I couldn’t find the one with the turquoise color. It also includes a car seat base for your car.
In general, having a carseat is very important as you cannot take your newborn home from the hospital without one. Every carseat and stroller have a height and weight requirement. It is very important to follow it for your baby’s safety.
Most babies are able to use their carseat up to their 1st birthday. Just keep in mind that if at anytime your baby has reached the limit for the carseat or even the stroller you will have to buy a different one.
Diaper bag
Shopping for a diaper bag is so much fun. I get excited searching for the right bag to carry my babies essentials. My advice is to get a bag that is cute and spacious. Many diaper bags clip onto strollers or include a shoulder strap.
Diaper Backpacks are stylish, comfortable and dads can easily wear them too. Check out the Luli Bebe Monaco Diaper Bag (includes a changing pad!)
Use my referral code: http://lulibebe.refr.cc/mommyloveofficial and receive 25% off.
If you prefer a smaller version check out their Petit Monaco Diaper Bag ( but it does not include a changing pad.)
Health & Safety
Thermometer
Checking your baby’s temperature when they are sick is very important. All parents should definitely have a thermometer in their house. It is one of the many newborn baby essentials must have products. Safety1st 3-in-1 Thermometer has multiple ways to check their temperature (oral, rectal or underarm.)
Nail clipper
Cutting a baby’s nails with a nail clipper has to be one of the hardest things to do. I must confess I was that paranoid parent in the beginning so I used an infant nail filer.
Newborn nails are really soft and grow quickly. Even though an infant nail filer is less stressful I still preferred the nail clipper. I recommend the Safety 1st Infant Nail Clipper. That is the one I used.
Video monitor
Having a video monitor gives me the liberty to watch & listen to my baby at anytime. I can easily wash dishes, clean, cook and if needed speak directly with a press of a button. I absolutely love my Motorola monitor. It even has night vision too.
Their newer model: Motorola Baby Monitor. They also have one with two cameras! Click here. I highly recommend it and is why it’s on my list of Newborn Baby Essentials.
Humidifier
Having a humidifier such as Safety1st Cool Mist Humidifier in the bedroom can provide many benefits for your baby. Some of these include helping to reduce a stuffy nose, helping with chest congestion, allergies, asthma and or coughing. In addition it can help a baby sleep better through the night.
Mucus Removal
I highly recommend the Frida baby NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator as a newborn baby essentials must have product. I know it may look weird but it works!
Babies can’t blow their own nose so this allows us to help remove their mucus.
Personally, I have never been a fan of those bulb syringe. They tend to not work for me and you can’t really see what’s inside. Gross! On the other hand, the NoseFrida comes in a tube making it easier to clean. I can actually see what is inside.
It requires disposable filters which help prevent the transfer of germs to the snotsucker product. The instructions are simple to follow and I recommend washing it after every use.
Thank you so much for reading my list of Newborn Baby Essentials. As a mom it feels nice to help and share my tips with other parents. If you want to read other Motherhood blog posts of mine Click Here 🙂
Take care and talk soon.