This article has affiliate links which means I receive a small commission from items listed on this blog post, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For educational purposes only.
List Of Baby Things To Buy Before Birth
In this blog post you will find a well-thought out list of essential baby things to buy before birth that you can start adding to your Amazon cart or onto your baby registry.
You will also find a handy printable of all the items as well, so you can physically check each item off as you get it.
To make planning even easier for you, I have also listed things that are unnecessary, and how else you can prepare your home, space, mind, and relationship for your new baby.
Welcoming a child into your life is a big deal, and I am here to help make it as low stress as possible, by helping you get as prepared as possible.
Congratulations on your growing family. Now let’s dive into all the baby things to buy before birth…
1. Infant Bed (bassinet, crib, or pack ‘n’ play)
One of the key baby things to buy before birth, so you can have a safe place for baby to sleep, while you rest yourself, is an infant bed.
Be sure to get a few extra baby bed sheets so you aren’t constantly having to do laundry!
Depending on where you will have baby sleep, you will want to choose a baby bed that fits your space.
Will baby be right next to you, go back and forth between your side and your husband’s side, or at the foot of the bed?
You will also want to consider:
- Do I want the bed to transition with the baby as they age?
Many bassinets only hold up to 15-20lbs. Some can be flush against the side your bed and turn into a pack n play/portable bed, like this one.
- Do I want a ‘smart’ baby bed with features like self-rocking and soothing sounds that I can manage through an app?
The Snoo is a bassinet that does all of these things. I never got one for my twins, but I have friends who swear up and down by it because they were able to get their baby to sleep longer than with a regular bed, which is one of the hardest struggles for new parents – sleep deprivation.
- Do I want something that I can rock and is super adorable and photogenic?
They were very light and easy to move around the house as needed. My twins now use these baskets to hold their dolls and stuffies. Just be aware of weight limits and that once baby can roll, they must be moved to a deeper bed.
- When will I most likely transfer them to a bigger bed?
And if that’s the case, you may not need a big, elaborate crib set up. I didn’t use cribs for my twins. I used the moses baskets, then non-squeaky pack n plays for a short while, then a floor bed.
2. Infant Car Seat
Another one of the key baby things to buy before birth is an infant car seat. You’ll want to have it installed in your car and ready to take your tiny human home for the first time.
If you need help with installing an infant seat, you can go here.
Here are a few things to consider when choosing a car seat:
- What is the weight limit on the car seat? This will help you determine how long you will be able to use the car seat as baby grows. Some car seats, like the One4Life ClickTight, can be used from birth to 5 years old!
- Is the car seat compatible with my car?
- Do I want a car seat that turns into a stroller, one that clicks into a separate stroller frame and grows with my child as they turn into a toddler – like this 3-in-1 set, or do I have a car seat gifted to me already and need universal stroller frame for it?
- Do I want an infant car seat that converts into a toddler car seat or do I want to buy another car seat when my child outgrows their infant seat? There are convertible car seats that grow with your child, and go from back-facing to front-facing. Check your state laws to see what the requirements are to transition your car seat to front-facing.
Infant car seats are back-facing, which means the car seat and your baby will face the back of the backseat. Here in California, the child will remain back-facing until 2 years of age and/or until they are 40lbs or 40 inches. Each state may be different.
Choose a car seat that is safe, suits your car, and makes moving an infant (and eventually a toddler!) around with as much ease as possible. Tools that work well, that are quality, with great features can make things so much less stressful.
3. Diapers
Of course one of the important baby things to buy before birth is diapers! Aw yes, diapers will be a regular part of your life for years now!
I used Costco Kirkland brand for my twins and for lots of my Playschool infants. Never had any blowout, leak, or rash problems.
Another option to consider is choosing a brand on Amazon, like Mama Bear Diapers, then choosing their ‘subscribe and save’ to get 5-15% savings. Such a win for a product you will need to have for years.
4. Baby Wipes
5. Diaper Cream
6. Diaper Changing Station or Portable Pad
7. Waste Basket with foot pedal (for soiled diapers)
8. Infant Clothes with mittens
9. Infant Bathing Mat or Tub
This is one of the baby things to buy before birth, so that you can have everything you need to wash your baby safely.
Your doctor will give you up-to-date advice on when to bathe your baby.
According to healthychidren.org, “only give your newborn sponge baths until the stump of the umbilical cord falls off, which usually happens at 1-2 weeks of age. And to contact your doctor if the cord has not done so by 2 months old.”
A sponge bath is basically just wiping baby down with a lukewarm, wet washcloth. (Ps- soft, infant washcloths are next on the list!)
I felt most safe bathing my babies in the sink where I could stand up straight (I was also healing from my c section, suffered sever carpal tunnel, and swelling, standing instead of crouching or kneeling was important for me), so I used this Sunflower Bathing Mat in the kitchen sink.
Super cute for first photos of baby in the bath btw, washable, and didn’t take up any storage space – win, win, win!
If you prefer a traditional baby tub, this one on Amazon is soft, stable, drains, and is designed for babies under 6 months. A regular baby registry gift I find myself getting moms-to-be!
10. Infant Washcloths
You’re going to want to have clean, gentle wash cloths to sponge bath and bathe your new little baby, so this is definitely one of the baby things to buy before birth!
Amazon has some great, simple, and soft options:
11. Sound Machine
Sound machines are a true blessing as a new parent. It is something you will most likely use well into your child’s preschool years, and possibly, if you are like me, for yourself! Haha. We even use ours regularly on vacations in hotels to drown out any noise from the halls.
So thus, it is definitely on the list of baby things to buy before birth!
I currently own several sound machines, and have experienced many different brands over my almost 10 years of caring for infants and toddlers at my daycare and preschool.
Here are my top 3 favorites:
- The basic and reliable option – The Original Dohm
- The smart and grows-with-your-child option – Hatch w/portable attachment
- The loudest option – Dream Egg
12. Blackout Blinds or Curtains
A dark, noise-cancelled room, can really set the tone for a calm, relaxing sleep time, and make all the difference for mom and most babies.
Early on, newborns can often sleep anywhere, noise and all, but before you know it, that can change. And, it’s best to be prepared for anything – especially as an exhausted and recovering new mom.
Not to mention, having a calming space for rest, is not just for baby, it’s equally important for mom, too.
We need the supports to slow down, breathe, rest our tense muscles, so we can help our little baby do the same… and blackout curtains and blinds can be a crucial piece of that puzzle.
So, these made it on the list of baby things to buy before birth.
I have blackout blinds in my nursery because of the aesthetic I was going for. If you are looking for a more traditional blackout curtain, my mother has these ones from Amazon, and they are great.
13. Newborn Sleep Sack (instead of swaddle)
As a new mom of two wiggly, delicate, tiny little babies (well, 6.5 and 5.5lb twins so not that tiny for two in there!), I just did not ever feel confident and comfortable about swaddling and leaving my baby. I was always worried about them wiggling and getting their faces covered by their blankets and maybe setting off SIDS.
I know many new moms share that fear.
So, this is why, for the early infant stage, I used these ‘hug-like’ sleep sacks by Gunamuna. Man, I LOVED THESE THINGS. And so did my twins. SO much peace of mind for me, and so much comfort for them.
I believe I started using them at 2-3 months old, and would have done so sooner if I was able to! They do have a smaller, brand newborn option, here.
These sleep sacks have a luxurious feel, super soft, fluffy, and so cozy, with a zipper bottom to easily change diapers as needed.
Never did I have to worry about my babies getting tangled up in a blanket and struggling to breath. Hooray!
14. Burp Cloths OR Receiving Blankets
If your baby ends up spitting up often, burp cloths or receiving blankets will save you a lot of headache and laundry time, so I added them to the list of baby things to buy before birth.
You won’t really know how your baby responds to feedings until you are doing them, so having a few of either burp cloths or receiving blankets, will be enough to cover you until you know if you need more.
Here are a couple great quality, cute ones on Amazon:
15. Bottles
Baby bottles are an essential item for new moms so it is of course on the list of baby things to buy before birth!
Depending on your baby, you may introduce a bottle and they love it or you may try 5 different bottles that your baby refuses then, finally finding one they take to on #6! You just don’t know!
With that said, I again, have had lots of experience feeding different infants with different bottles, my twins and probably about 10 other infants included, so I am going to try my best to help you avoid scenario number two from above!
Here are the top 4 bottles that fared best with most of the infants I’ve worked with:
- Como Tomo Set – Silicone, Mimics Breast, Anti-Colic Vents (best)
- Life Factory 2-Pack – Glass w/Silicone Sleeve (good)
- Dr. Brown’s Set Natural Flow, Anti-Colic Internal Vent System (good)
- Tommee Tippee Set Advanced Anti-Colic, BPA-free, Heat Sensing Straw (great)
16. Breast Pump
If you are planning on trying to breastfeed your baby, a pump may be necessary, so I have added it to the list of must have baby things to buy before birth.
Often times the hospital will supply new mothers with a pump. However, these pumps are usually the ones that plug into the wall and require you to sit and be stuck to the machine for extended periods of time.
As a new mom who is healing, exhausted, and attached to her baby, having a pump that allows you to be free, get outside, go on a slow walk, multitask – can make a world of difference!
It certainly did for me.
It was literally like part of my mental self-care, having a pump that let me move around and not be ‘stuck’ somewhere and to something.
I used and loved my Elvie wireless pump.
I was able to feel free or be on-the-go while pumping, and I got the same amount of milk as the one with all the wires and tubes. Such a new-mom-life GAME CHANGER.
Keep track of Precious newborn Memories with Promptly Journals
17. Breast Milk Storage Bags
Some moms produce lots of milk, and have excess, so I added breast milk storage bags to the list of baby things to buy before birth.
I was not one of these moms. Unfortunately, I never had enough milk to fill both my babies. But, I have friends on singletons who had enough milk to feed the neighborhood!
To safely and properly store breast milk, you will want to keep it refrigerated or frozen, and dated.
These temperature-sensing freezer bags lay flat and are great.
18. Can of Formula (just in case!)
As a new, exhausted mom, it is most certainly better to be prepared than not. So, I added a can of formula to this list of baby things to buy before birth.
Because, just like you won’t know how your baby will do with latching and feeding, you won’t know how much milk you will produce until you start feeding and/or pumping.
Having at least one can of formula will hold you over if you need some, and it won’t be too much if you don’t.
Formula is a very personal choice.
For my babies, I wanted as clean and close to nature as possible, so I opted for Earth’s Best Gentle with Iron.
Check with your pediatrician about what the latest recommendations are for infant formula nutrition requirements.
19. Cool Mist Humidifier
A humidifier is on my list of baby things to buy before birth because they can work wonders for clearing out stuffy noses, alleviating coughs, and even helping with dry skin.
And as a new, first time mom, having an infant with any of these things can be scary and hard to watch our baby go through.
So, not only is the humidifier a huge help for baby, it is for our peace of mind, too!
Most experts say cool mist is best, and for babies, it is safer (no hot surface to touch as they start to bumble around their room).
When my twins were only 3 months old, we all got RSV.
It was absolutely rough.
One of my babies had a cough where she could hardly catch her breath.
The humidifier made breathing much easier for her and calmed the cough way down. Thank goodness!
We still use our top-fill, no-noise cool mist humidifier to this day and it does wonders for stuffy noses and coughs for us all!
Be sure to read the manual so you place the humidifier in a safe place, and prevent mold or mildew buildup in your machine.
20. Nose Frida (for snot suction)
The Nose Frida is the easiest and safest way to relieve your helpless baby of nasal congestion when they are stuffy with a cold or other illness.
This is definitely a new mom must-have, so it is on the list of baby things to buy before birth!
The Nose Frida has no risk of pushing air into your baby’s nose, and is fast and effective.
There are two types:
It can be odd to use and seem a little gross to use the manual one since you are the one suctioning through the filtered hose attachment with your mouth, so choose which suits your family best.
Ps – I had the manual one, as I don’t believe the electric was even available yet in 2019!
21. Baby Thermometer
A baby thermometer is on the list of baby things to buy before birth because you will want to have a clear reading of any time your delicate little human might have a fever, so you can help them as needed.
To be honest, I have struggled with many thermometers, especially the no-touch ones we had to use here at my daycare and preschool during Covid.
With that said, the Braun brand thermometer gave me the least problems and most accurate readings – which is very important.
I recognized the brand name from my husband’s shavers, and went for it after a few no-name brands.
Just a 1-2 degree difference can mean medicine or a doctor’s visit, so accuracy matters.
The temperature of a fever is technically 100.4 if taken from forehead or ear, according to the Mayo Clinic. 100 if taken orally or 99 if taken from the armpit.
22. Baby Nail Clippers
A pair of baby-safe nail clippers are a must because those paper thin little baby nails can scratch their own skin up bad.
And, trimming their teeny, tiny little nails can be so tricky and nerve-racking for new parents!
So, having the right tools to do it safely, matters!
This is why they’re on the list of baby things to buy before birth.
I personally love the easy-grip baby nail cutting scissors for ease precision, and no accidental cuts.
However, some struggle with the scissors and prefer a traditional baby nail clipper with a light, like this one.
While some of my fellow mom friends swear by the haakaa nail buffer.
23. Saline Drops
Saline drops can help draw mucus out of your baby’s nose when they are congested, helping them breathe, eat, and sleep better.
So important for them and you!
That’s why this is on the list of baby things to buy before birth.
As a non-medicated, controlled dropper, it is safe, and many parents use these drops with their Nose Frida nose suctioning device.
24. Baby Monitor
Having a baby monitor where you can check in on baby whenever you are feeling nervous, no matter what room you are in, will give you a lot of new, first-time mom peace of mind.
This is why I have added it the the list of baby things to buy before birth.
Your newborn will be napping throughout the day and you can feel confident leaving their side, while also knowing you can check in that they are safe, breathing, and content. And just to see their cute tiny little selves!
Here are 2 great baby monitor options:
- Hello Baby Monitor: Great screen display and temperature monitoring, does not connect to wifi.
- Smart Baby Monitor: Connects to wifi, has a quality monitor and an app, with motion detection, and more.
25. Nursing Pillow
As a new mom, you will be healing, tired, and getting used to all the new things you will be doing to take care of your baby, including nursing.
A nursing pillow will quickly and easily keep you comfortable and supported while nursing, and newborns nurse often, so it is one of those must-have baby things to buy before birth!
The Mom Cozy nursing pillow makes the task so much more comfortable, safe, and the strap on the back makes all the difference!
26. Breast Shells and or Breast Pads
Breast shells or ‘Catch Milk’ Shells can catch any breast milk that might drip out. They help you collect or save the milk, so you can add it to a baby bottle and feed it your infant instead of lose it.
These are a must-have for breastfeeding moms, so I’ve added them to the list of baby things to buy before birth.
I could not believe how much milk my breast shells were catching from mere drips each day. And, as a new mom with a low milk supply, these shells were so helpful!
Plus, it was no added work for me. I simply placed them into my bra and let them catch the milk!
Breast pads, on the other hand, will soak up any leaking milk. These are super soft, machine washable, and discreet.
I bet you had no idea you’d be wearing pads top and bottom, huh?! Aw, the things we do and go through as women and moms!!
27. Nipple Cream
Nipple cream is another baby thing to buy before birth, just in case!
Some moms need it badly, while others don’t.
Nipples can get chapped, crack, or just be constantly irritated and itchy from breastfeeding and/or pumping. So painful.
I used and loved Earth Mama Nipple Butter because it was safe for breastfeeding.
My hope for you is that you don’t have any nipple pain or problems. If you do, this nipple butter can help.
28. Nursing Tops and/or Bras
An absolute must on the list of baby things to buy before birth are some cozy, comfortable, and functional nursing tops and/or bras!
You’ll be exhausted and healing, and want to be comfortable and have your breasts be easily accessible.
Here are some great, comfortable nursing tops and bras options:
- Flowy Nursing Maxi Dress (love!)
29. Baby Carrier
A cozy, easy to use baby carrier can make such a world of difference!
You can keep your baby close and still be hands free and able to move around, walk, stretch, etc.
It’s natural and normal for newborns to need to be close to and/or on mom, so a cozy carrier can be very helpful for caring for your baby while still healing.
It is a must on the list of baby things to buy before birth!
I have had, been gifted, and tested lots of baby carriers.
Some really are a pain, while others are a true gift.
Here are my top 2 picks:
- Soft Wrap Carrier – WeeSprout Newborn Sling (don’t be scared about how to use the wrap, just follow the directions and feel the comfort and ease of carrying baby!)
- Strap and Buckle Carrier – Baby Bjorn Anthracite for Newborn (Baby Bjorn has the best back support I’ve ever experienced!) Note: sometimes tiny newborns are too small for this carrier, so check before adding to our cart.
30. Infant-Safe Laundry Detergent
Getting infant-safe laundry detergent is another personal choice, but I added it to the list of baby things to buy before birth because many newborns have very sensitive skin and noses.
Having a super gentle detergent geared for newborns, like Dreft, can keep your baby comfortable, which means you will be comfortable as well. Win!
You can choose to do Amazon’s subscribe and save option, as I did, until you feel your baby no longer needs such gentle detergent.
Baby Things To Buy Before Birth Printable Checklist
When Do I Start Buying Stuff During Pregnancy
As soon as you are in the clear with your pediatrician and you know your pregnancy is healthy and on track, you can start adding items to your cart and/or create a baby registry.
By creating a baby registry, you can list out all of the essentials you need in one place.
You can buy some and invite others to purchase some as gifts.
Many loved ones, including friends and family, want to give expectant parents a gift to celebrate the birth of a child, so having a registry of what you actually need and want will ensure you don’t get unwanted and non-useful items.
Whether you are having a baby shower or not, a baby registry will keep things organized, and allow others to see what baby items you need.
Over the span of your pregnancy, you can slowly start setting up your home space for baby, so you aren’t overwhelmed by trying to do it all at once, or close to the end of your pregnancy when you are more tired, larger, and nerves are high.
What You Don't Need For A Baby (Newborn)
So much of what we do buy for our babies is a personal choice and dependent on the unique needs our baby has (Ie: sensitive skin) or challenges we face (Ie: lack of breast milk), while many essentials like a safe infant seat and a safe bed are essential.
Some common baby items that you don’t truly need for your newborn are:
- A diaper genie
- A bottle warmer
- A swing
- A mobile
- A wipe warmer
If you choose to buy these things, that is of course fine. But to think you need them, nah don’t worry about that!
As you go day to day with your baby, you may find certain products make things easier for you, or that you want to try a new product out with your baby – go for it!
I just don’t want you to stress about things that aren’t ‘essential’.
What Else To Do To Prepare For A Newborn
It is so important to think of yourself too, as you prepare for the arrival of your new baby.
As new moms, our life shifts, and who we are takes new form.
Don’t start out on this journey without any considerations for self-care.
It is essential.
From simple lattes, to boundaries, to supports you wish to have from your partner…
Rather than worry about all the changes, actually think through scenarios, and make tentative plans about how you (and your partner) would like to handle things if certain situations were to occur.
This can be a very calming and reassuring exercise, one that can bring you closer to your partner and make you feel more secure overall.
Some thoughts that will help you prepare for a newborn:
- How can I help my tired postpartum self? Maybe read some new mom books and schedule a couple postpartum massages for yourself?
- What are some simple self care things I can do each week and each month, while I’m healing and always with baby, that will allow me to have balance and recharge?
- How do we want to share parental duties, like feeding and rocking, and how can we support one another when we are exhausted, frustrated, feeling emotional…?
- What am I comfortable with and not comfortable with as far as family visitors go – in the hospital and for the few months after?
- How connected and involved do I want to stay with my friends during this time?
- Speak with your doctor about a plan if you experience postpartum blues.
Mommy Pre-Baby Preparedness Checklist
Here is the PDF download of the New Mom Preparedness & Self Care Checklist: Pre-Baby Prep Mom’s Self Care Checklist
Daddy Newborn Preparedness Checklist
Here is the downloadable PDF of the Daddy Preparedness Checklist: Daddy Newborn Preparedness Checklist
Final Words On Baby Things To Buy Before Birth
I hope this blog post has helped you feel more prepared for and at ease with welcoming your new little family member.
Wishing you healing, love, growth, and lots of wonderful moments and memories as you become a new mom; a new woman; your best version yet 😉
Xx Poppy
PS: If you find yourself exhausted, needing help with getting your new baby to sleep, I have partnered with Gentle Sleep Solutions, which you can click on below.
Their services are for ages 0-6, and they’ve helped thousands of tired families get better sleep.
More blog posts you might like:
