What do you really need for your newborn?
You are anxiously awaiting the arrival of you new little one, and if you are like a lot of expectant parents, you feel the need to nest! But the market is over saturated with baby products, and the pressure to have it all is real! However, despite what people are telling you,
there are only a few things that are absolutely essential!
And the most expensive is not always the best choice! I’ll break it down for you and share some of my favorites!
Essentials
Thermometer
The most accurate way to check a temperature in a newborn is rectally, so having a rectal thermometer is crucial. It is a bit daunting (but easier than you think!), and having a thermometer that has a flexible tip with an indicator to let you know how far to insert makes it feel just a bit easier! I like one that is fast read, so this one by Safety 1st is a good pick.
Infant Acetaminophen
Baby acetaminophen, popularly known at Tylenol, is essential to have on hand in case of fever or discomfort. Ibuprofen (or motrin/advil) should not be given until a child is over 6 months of age. So, go for the brand name Tylenol or the generic acetaminophen—it doesn’t matter. I prefer to do dye-free. Just remember that any fever in a child under 2 months old is an emergency, and you should contact your doctor right away!
Nasal Aspirator
Your baby will have a stuffy nose, and sometimes those sneezes don’t clear everything. But you don’t need anything fancy to get it out! I like a nasal suction bulb: just squeeze the bulb, place in your baby’s nose, release your squeeze, and watch that snot flow into the bulb! So satisfying for parents and baby!!
Nasal Saline
Little noses tend to get stuffy! It is usually not a sign of a cold, but just what happens when you only breathe through your nose! Using nasal saline can be helpful to loosen things up. Just follow up with the aspirator. I like the drops for little ones.
Diapers
You will go through a lot of diapers with your newborn! I look for soft, absorbent diapers, and also prefer the ones that have a line to indicate if it is wet (which can be hard to tell in the first days!). While seeing babies in the hospital, I always preferred Pampers Swaddlers (their softness made them easy to manipulate!). A luxury pick is Coterie (and nice that it is totally chlorine free). To start, I would have newborn (size 0) and size 1 diapers on hand.
Diaper Wipes
Wipes are just as necessary as the diapers! I recommend using wipes whenever you have a poopy diaper. Urine is sterile, and it is not necessary to use wipes if your baby just has a pee diaper (although be sure to wipe down the bottom at least once a day, even if you don’t have a poopy diaper every day). I recommend using wipes that are fragrance-free. These are my favorites!
Aquaphor
This is really an all-purpose ointment in the pediatric world! You will definitely want it around, as your pediatrician will likely recommend it for a variety of skin ailments. It works as a diaper cream, helps with any dry patches, and is nice to apply to any scrapes. You can even put in on your baby’s circumcision while it is healing. That is why I prefer the tube, but a tub is also okay! Pro tip: the baby versions are often more expensive, so opt for the normal branding!
Diaper Cream
With all those dirty diapers, it is crucial to also have diaper cream on hand. Aquaphor works well, but it is also nice to have a zinc oxide diaper cream on hand. Maximum Strength Destin has always been my favorite zinc oxide diaper cream. Use it if there is any sign of redness or irritation.
Baby Shampoo & Soap
Your baby will need to take a bath 2-3 times a week, so you will want to have some soap on hand! Even though you may be tempted, it is best to use fragrance-free products to protect their sensitive skin. For families with a strong history of sensitive skin, I would recommend CeraVe Baby Wash Shampoo or Eucerin Baby Wash and Shampoo. An upgraded option is Babo Botanical Sensitive Baby Shampoo and Wash, but while it is fragrance-free and EWG-verified, some kids can be more sensitive to plant materials.
Comb and Brush
Some babies are born without a lot of hair. However, you should still try to comb or brush their hair every day. This helps stimulate the oil glands and prevent cradle cap.
Oral Care
Your newborn baby may not have teeth, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do oral care. You can use a soft, wet washcloth or wet gauze to clean their gums, insides of their cheeks, and tongue at least twice a day. You do not need toothpaste until their first tooth appears. And after 3 months, you can use a silicone gum massager. A soft toothbrush with bristles is appropriate once their first tooth appears.
Moisturizer
Most babies have enough natural oils in their skin, that they don't need regular lotion. However, it doesn’t hurt to have it on hand (especially in the winter!) so you are ready to help with any dry patches. Again, avoid any fragrances. Because babies tend to have sensitive skin, my favorites are CeraVe and Vanicream (and of course, don’t forget Aquaphor!). Pro tip: The baby versions are often the same as the standard versions, but just more expensive. So, if you already have some at home, you don’t need to buy your baby a special bottle!
Baby Fingernail Clippers
Those little fingernails will grow quickly! There are fancy expensive options out there, but I think an old-fashioned fingernail clipper works just fine. Get one designed for babies, so it is small. I think it helps to pull the fingerpad back a bit to isolate the nail…then hold your breath and clip! Seriously though, it will be okay!!
Vitamin D
If you are planning to breast feed, you will need to get vitamin D drops for your baby. This will help prevent rickets, which is bowing and softening of the bones. I prefer the drops, where the whole daily dose (400 IU) is in a single drop. You can drop it on your fingertip, your nipple, a pacifier or right in baby’s mouth.
Bottles
Even if you plan to breast feed, it is smart to have a few bottles available when you bring your new baby home. You never know, so best to be prepared! I usually recommend getting the 8 oz larger bottles, since your baby will quickly drink more and more! I try to decrease plastic, so usually recommend glass. My favorites have always been Dr. Brown bottles because they decrease the amount of air your baby can gulp down.
Formula
Of course if you are planning to formula feed your baby, you will need formula! But, even if you are not, it is smart to have a back up can of formula at home. There are so many formula options out there, it can be overwhelming! But, pediatricians generally recommend using a cow’s milk-based formula that is fortified with iron. You may be able to get a free sample from your doctor’s office or the Enfamil website before your baby arrives. But if not, I like Enfamil Neuropro (you can get it in ready-to-feed 2 oz bottles, which can be great if you need to supplement at the beginning) or Baby’s Only as an organic option.
Pacifier
All newborn babies have a non-nutritive need to suck—they want to suck for comfort, not just nutrition! So, a pacifier can be a life saver. It has also been show to decrease the incidence of SIDS. I see no downside, as long as you don’t use it as a substitute for nursing/bottling. The Soothie pacifier is great for newborns—it is the same as the one that we offer in the hospital!
Nice to have
I would not classify the following items as essential, but they are certainly nice to have!
The Happiest Baby on the Block
This is my favorite book for new parents. Dr. Karp shares the 5 “S’s” of soothing your baby. Having a crying baby is nerve-wracking, and learning strategies to deal with this normal baby behavior is so helpful.
Side-Snap Shirts
It may seem strange to you that I have these on this list, but with a newborn baby who still has the umbilical cord stump attached, it is nice to give that stump some air! Side snap kimono-style long sleeve shirts, coupled with a diaper, are perfect for the first 1-2 weeks at home. Plus, you don’t have to struggle to pull anything over your baby’s head. They also have little sleeve mittens attached, so if you are anxious about cutting fingernails, you can give yourself some more time! Anything to make life easier is helpful! These are the same style shirts that babies wear in the hospital.
SleepSack Swaddle
Newborns generally love to be swaddled tightly—it recreates that cozy feeling they had in the womb. These wearable swaddle blankets are so simple—anyone can swaddle a baby with these! And, I think they are safer than a loose blanket. The local hospital nurseries use the fleece version for all the babies.
Simethicone
Babies are gassy. And sometimes burping, a little gentle pressure on the belly, and bicycling of the legs doesn’t do the trick. Simethicone gas drops are perfectly safe to try. Some parents swear by them, while others don’t feel like they are helpful. But, if you have a fussy baby in the middle of the night who isn’t responding to the usual things, it is worthwhile to try.
Antifungal cream
Diaper rashes happen. And because it is a warm, moist place, it is common for yeast to become an issue. You can treat a yeast infection in the diaper area with an over-the-counter antifungal cream like clotrimazole. Pro tip: diaper rashes caused by yeast generally involve the creases in the groin, where a typical irritant diaper rash spares the creases.
Room Temperature/Humidity Monitor
This little device is certainly nothing fancy, but can be so helpful to have in your baby’s room! I always kept one close to my kids’ cribs. Ideally you keep a baby’s room temperature between 68 and 72 °F. The humidity monitor can be helpful during the winter, or if your baby has a cold and you are using a humidifier.
Cool-Mist Humidifier
A humidifier can be helpful for a baby and their little nasal passages, especially in the winter when it is very dry. I like a cool-mist humidifier, because you don’t have to worry about a scald injury. I also like a filter-free version, as the maintenance is easier. Just be sure to clean it regularly!
There are so many baby products out there, so I hope that this supply list is helpful in paring things down. Now, get on with it!
Happy Nesting!!
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