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I wrote this post a year ago when Henry was only a month old but somehow it never got published. So here I am with my 15-month-old finally getting around to sharing my newborn must-haves because I hope it will help other moms! This is everything I loved and used to help me survive the first few weeks with a newborn. Also, if you want to start your own registry to remember these baby products, you can get started here.
2022 Update – We welcomed baby #2 in March and I’ve made an updated list of our favorites from the last 5 months! We’re reusing a lot of items but we’ve also tried out some new products that we’ve loved and wished we’d had the first time around. You can check out that post here.
My Top Favorite Newborn Must-Haves
HaaKaa
This is a product I have recommended to any mom since Henry was born because it is one of the most useful items. If you plan on breastfeeding at all from the beginning, this is a must-have. For those first few weeks when your milk is regulating and you’re leaking a lot on the other side, you can use this to catch your letdown to save milk for later feedings. An added bonus is that it also saves you from being soaked in your own milk. I used my haakaa daily for the first 6-8 weeks while my milk regulated and I was able to save a large stash for whenever I left the baby. Instead of being hooked up to a pump, you can start your stash passively while feeding baby! I cannot recommend this enough.
If you want extra power for collecting not just when you’re feeding, then these small silicone shells that fit in your nursing bra are extra convenient (especially for staying dry).
Nursing Pillow
I registered for and started with just the Boppy nursing pillow which was ok but I never felt like it sat close enough to my body. At my lactation consult, I used this pillow and I immediately fell in love. It stays close up to your body while you’re feeding and there’s a handy pouch on the front to hold my phone, the remote, nipple balm, or anything else I need within a close reach. Since I spend most of my day on the couch with the baby, this nursing pillow is a lifesaver.
Travel Changing Pad
I’m going to recommend two changing pads because each serves a purpose. This one is for throwing in the diaper bag while on the go OR as a stand-alone clutch you can use for quick outings and walks. It has a few zippered pockets, a mesh velcro pocket and it’s all connected to the changing pad that folds out with a padded spot for the head.
Tabletop Changing Pad
We picked up the Ikea Hemnes dresser and this changing pad fits perfectly on top for diaper changes at home. The reason I picked out this one specifically, was that it can wipe clean quickly with a single wipe. This saves you from messing with changing fabric toppers and the extra laundry that comes along with it. As an added bonus, there’s a hanging mobile attached to the side to help entertain baby during their change which has actually worked well for us!
Rash Ointment
This is the ointment that was used on me as a baby for all skin ailments (including sunburn) and is what we use for our son. It doesn’t irritate and creates a nice healing barrier. I always keep a lip one on hand for dry lips, especially in the winter.
Upholstered Reclining Rocker
This gives you a comfortable space for all those middle-of-the-night feedings and if your baby is anything like mine, you’ll be up a lot. Henry struggled a lot with staying asleep in the first few months especially so having this comfy spot to relax and breastfeed was invaluable.
Travel System
I found this system to be the best one for the money. The carseat is a good size and easy to use/install, the stroller packs quickly and easily, and the basket space underneath the stroller is so convenient for carrying a lot of things.
My First Month With A Newborn Must-Haves
Clothes and Diapering
- Diaper Backpack – This bag has met all of our needs and is still holding up over a year later.
- Travel Changing Pad
- Rash Ointment
- Hand Sanitizer
- Muslin Blankets
- Puracy Stain Remover Spray
- In-ear Thermometer
- Baby Nail Clippers and File
- Diapers – Aldi diapers are extremely affordable and have worked well for us.
- Wipes – I like Water Wipes or Cloud Island wipes.
- Onesies and Footie Jammies – with Mitts from Carter’s.
Breastfeeding
- Reusable nursing pads
- Nipple Butter
- Haakaa
- Boon Lawn Drying Rack
- Muslin Burp Cloths – These also work as bibs!
- Nursing Pillow
- Nursing Camis/Bras
- Up and Up (Target) Milk Storage Bags
- Night Light Starry Projection Lamp – The red light setting is perfect for night feeds.
Furniture and Gear
- Pacifiers – These are the only pacifiers Henry ever liked.
- Amazon Echo – We use this in our room for hands-free white noise or music.
- Travel System
- IKEA Hemnes Dresser – This serves a double function as a dresser and a changing table.
- Wipe Clean Changing Pad
- Rocking Recliner
- Bouncer – we actually didn’t buy a bouncer until he was 7 weeks old but they no longer sell the rock n’ play which was our favorite. I do wish had this sooner though because I think he liked it better anyways. Also, you can never have a shortage of places to put your baby down!
- Tummy time activity mat
- Nursery trash can
- Pack’n’Play – With bassinet top.
Bathing
- Bathtub – This tub is a large tub that they can still use once sitting.
- Washcloths
- Body wash
- Hooded Towel – I love the size of these towels and all of the animals on the hoods are so cute!
- Water scoop
These newborn must-haves are literally everything we used to make it through the first month. I hope it helps you as you create a registry or make purchases for your little one!
Don’t forget to check out the 2022 Updated List for Baby #2!
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