Are you welcoming a new baby into the world? Congratulations! As a first-time parent, I was overwhelmed by creating a baby registry. The internet is vast, and people love to promote products. Now, don’t worry, I got you covered. I went through it, and I can help you.

This comprehensive guide presents a list of essential baby items every new parent must consider having. To further simplify your shopping, I categorized the items into “Must-Have”, “Nice-to-Have”, and “Extras”.

Please note that I earn a small commission if you use the links below. 

Must-Have Essentials

Must-Have Essentials are items that are crucial for taking care of a newborn. They include items necessary for feeding, clothing, moving, and providing a safe sleeping environment for the baby.

• Diapers and Baby Wipes: Newborns go through numerous diapers a day. Thus, having a stockpile of diapers and baby wipes for easy clean-ups is crucial. It is difficult to estimate what diaper size your newborn will use right after birth and how long they will stay in that size. I created a diaper found in my registry where people could contribute money. In Amazon, this comes in gift cards and allows me to buy diapers for my baby as needed.

• Baby Clothes: Essential baby attire includes onesies, sleepers, socks, and hats. Keep in mind that babies grow rapidly, so avoid purchasing excessive amounts of any size. I included basic sleepers and onesies in my registry and purchased those cute, fancy, but impractical outfits for myself. I am guilty of falling into the cute advertising of baby clothes, but let’s be honest: newborns spend most of the day in multiple pajamas. Below are some of my favorite things: zipper pajamas and a lifesaver for the night shifts. 

• Feeding Supplies: If you’re planning to breastfeed or formula-feed, essential items include baby bottles, a breast pump (for nursing mothers), and baby formula. The best advice I got during pregnancy was from the midwife in my practice: “Wait until you meet your baby to see what you need.” At first, this did not set up right with me and my type A personality, but while creating my registry, I made it a goal to avoid many unnecessary things. I wanted to breastfeed my baby, so I asked for a few bottles (different brands to try) and a manual pump. I got an electric breast pump through my insurance, which was nice, so make sure you ask your doctor for it. If I need a formula, I will use some of the gift cards given to me. Below, I have included some of my favorites. 

• Stroller and Car Seat: A stroller simplifies your mobility, making outings with your little one easier. Additionally, a car seat is vital for car trips and a requirement when bringing your baby home from the hospital. This is the category where things start to get crazy; strollers and car seat combo can go anywhere from $189 to $1500. I recommended you look at your daily life when deciding whether you plan on having multiple kids? do you live in the city and need the stroller 24/7? Maybe a high-quality and more durable stroller is the best for you in the long run. On the other hand, if you expect to be at home most days and take your little one for walks here and there, a more affordable stroller will do the job. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits your budget (do not go wild for pure internet pressure), and ensure it is safe for your baby. 

• Crib and Baby Bedding: Every baby needs a safe and comfortable sleep environment. A crib or bassinet is essential, equipped with a firm mattress and fitted sheets. A newborn may sleep next to your bed for the first few months, so I recommend an easy-to-access bassinet for those night shifts. If you go for the bassinet route, you eventually will need a crib, I found one in Facebook Marketplace and purchased the mattress online so I recommend going there often to see what comes up. 

Nice-to-Have Essentials

These are items that, while not necessary, can significantly enhance the convenience and ease of taking care of a baby. They provide additional safety, comfort, or convenience.

• Breastfeeding Nice to Have: Breastfeeding is hard, and anything that can make your life as a new mom easier is pretty much welcome. These items may or may not work for you because every mom and her baby are different. A nursing pillow can help you get the correct position for your baby to latch and support you. Nipple shields can help your sore nipples. Finally, a breast massager can help you improve milk flow and get rid of clogged ducts.

• Sleep Nice to Have: Anything that can get mom and baby a few more minutes of sleep is a win on my books. My nice-to-have sleep items are a sound machine and a sleeping sack. 

Extras 

These are items that can add to a baby’s comfort and enjoyment but are not necessary for their basic needs (at least for the first month). They include items that make tasks such as bathing the baby easier and more enjoyable.

While many baby products are available in the market, the above list covers the fundamental essentials for every new parent to consider. Once again, congratulations on this new journey, and enjoy this precious time with your little one!