When I was pregnant with my son, I spent months trying to plan out everything I could possibly need for his arrival. I read the baby books, took the newborn courses, and searched every corner of the internet for the best baby essentials.
In hindsight, the most helpful advice came from other moms in my life. My sister-in-law took the time to sit down with me and plan out my entire baby registry — she recommended baby products she actually used with my nephew, as well as things she’d be using all over again with her second baby, too. I trusted every single item because they worked for her family, and as a new mom, that kind of honest recommendation is everything.
It’s hard to feel 100% prepared for your first baby, but having a strong list of essentials to stock your house with before your due date rolls around helps so much. And if nothing else, it will put you more at ease as you reach the end of your pregnancy + hit nesting mode (yup, it’s a thing).
What to Buy as a New Mom: A Baby Essentials Cheat Sheet
So, that’s why I wanted to create this Baby Essentials Cheat Sheet. This page is designed especially for new moms who are looking for a list of the best baby products by category. Use this as your guide for planning out your baby registry, a last-minute checklist as your due date approaches, or as some gifting inspiration for a new mom in your life.
If you’re looking for even more new mom content beyond these baby essentials, The Mom Edit is a treasure trove. Be sure to check out our Swim Guide, featuring the best swimsuits for postpartum, my Hospital Bag Checklist, or our in-depth reviews on the Artipoppe baby carrier + Doona stroller. If you’re curious about it, we’ve probably tried it.
Click on a jump link below to get started or simply scroll through the page for all of the products I’d highly recommend to a new mom. Congratulations!! Xo!
Quick Jump Links
Feeding | Nursing | Sleeping | Diapering | Bath Time | Clothing | Gear | Health | Splurge Items | Toys
The Best Baby Feeding Essentials
- The best burp cloths – these
- The best bottles – these (use for 0-3 Months) + these (use for 3-6 Months)
- The best drying rack – this for all the tiny bottle pieces + this to save counter space
- The best dishwasher basket – this
- The best dish & bottle soap – this
- The best highchair – this
- The best catch-all bibs – these
- The best toddler sippy cup – this
- A baby formula that worked for us – this
- The best travel brush kit – this
- The best glass baby food jars – these
- The best starter utensils (these double as teethers!) – these
- The best baby spoons – these
- The best freezer tray for purees – this
The Best Nursing Essentials
- The best (non-portable) breast pump – this (tip: grab extra duckbill valves for replacement ~every 3 months. These wear out quickly and can affect your output) NOTE: My health insurance covered the cost of this, so be sure to look into it.
- The best breastmilk storage bags – these
- The best breastmilk storage container for fridge (when baby is older, it’s great for food pouches!) – this
- The best nursing bra (for home/sleep) – this
- The best nursing bra for “real” clothes – this or this
- The best nursing-friendly robe – this
- The best nursing-friendly pajamas – these
- The best pump wipes for on-the-go – these
- The best cooler bag – this
The Best Baby Sleep Essentials
- The best monitor – this
- The best sound machine – this
- The best travel sound machine – this
- The best bassinet – this (register for fitted sheets, too!)
- The best swaddle – this or this (TBH, I found swaddles to be trial + error. Register for a few so you can have them to try!)
- The best sleep sack (once baby starts rolling + arms need to be out) – this
- The best night light – this
- The best crib mattress – this
The Best Baby Diapering Essentials
- The best diapers (quality, softness, absorbency) – these or these
- The best baby wipes – these or these
- The best diaper pail – this (don’t forget to register for bags!)
- The best travel changing kit – this
- The best diaper rash cream – this
- The best diaper trash bags (for on-the-go) – these
- The best baby wipes dispenser – this
- The best disposable changing pads (for the big blow-outs / on-the-go) – these
The Best Baby Bath Time Essentials
- The best baby wash – this
- The best baby bath tub – this or this
- The best in-sink baby bath tub – this
- The best rinser-cup – this
- The best bathtub faucet cover – this
- The best baby bath towel – this
- The best baby washcloths – these
- The best baby brush – this
The Best Baby Clothing + Laundry Essentials
The Best Baby Gear
- The best stroller – this
- The best infant carseat (compatible with the stroller above) – this
- The best travel stroller for infants (can also be used as your car seat!) – this
- The best convertible car seat – this
- The best travel stroller for toddlers – this
- The best diaper bag – this
- The best pack ‘n play – this
- The best toddler tower – this
- The best newborn carrier – this
- The best (and most stylish) baby carrier – this
- The best car mirror – this
- The best baby bouncer – this
- The best stroller fan – this
- The best stroller caddy – this
- The best at-home playpen – this
The Best Baby Health Essentials
- The best humidifier – this
- The best snot sucker – this
- The best thermometer – this
- The best nail trimmer/buffer – this
- The best tool to safely clean noses, ears + nails – this
- Things to keep on hand – infant tylenol + vaseline + baby aquaphor
- The best health essentials bundle kit – this
- The best baby toothbrush – this
The Best Baby Splurge Items
- The best luxe baby carrier – this
- The best travel stroller for infants (can also be used as your car seat!) – this
- The best luxury baby blanket – this
- The best baby gift sets – this
The Best Baby Toys
- The best subscription toy delivery – this
- The best baby playmat – this
- The best baby activity center – this
- The best baby teether toy – this
- The best baby chair – this
Whether you’re just starting your motherhood journey, you’re a seasoned mom, or you’re shopping for a friend/family, we’re so happy you came across The Mom Edit.
Want to keep this convo going? Join us over on Discord, our exclusive + unfiltered chat between TME editors and readers just like you. It’s VERY fun over there, so come check it out!
Xo,
Gwen
