Updated: May 2023
Save your sanity during the newborn phase of motherhood by making sure that you are prepared with these 25 must-have newborn baby items and products (update: there are now 36 items total) for 2023. Don't forget to add these items to your baby registry checklist!I am willing to put my reputation on the line here and say that these baby products are the most practical, easy-to-use and convenient newborn baby products out there. These items are available on Amazon.com, which is where I purchased each of these items, but you can also find most of the products at Target, Walmart, and BuyBuyBaby.
Top 36 Newborn Baby Items
1. Doona Car Seat Stroller
Link: Donna Car Seat Stroller
Doona Car Seat and Stroller 2-in-1 |
The Doona Car Seat Stroller is the best baby product invention to ever be made. We had this with my son and it is SUCH a game changer! I truly don't know how to say enough amazing things about this product. For starters, I had a C-section, which comes with lifting restrictions. Although the Doona is a rather heavy seat, the fact that it converts into a stroller from a car-seat means that you don't have to lug around a car seat when you're going from the car to the pediatrician's office, etc. The simple elimination of the requirement of carrying around a heavy car seat everywhere you go is HUGE. Practice converting back and forth from stroller to car seat PRIOR to placing your baby inside of it, because it takes some practice at first. But once you get the hang of converting from stroller to car seat and back again, you can almost do it all with one hand! Whoever invented the Doona - THANK YOU!
2. Boon Grass Bottle and Nipple Drying Rack
Boon Grass Drying Rack
The Boon Grass Drying Rack for nipples and baby bottles is fantastic, and in my humble opinion, it is the prettiest drying rack out there. More importantly, it works great for drying nipples and bottles. Don't forget the attachments to go on top of the rack - those are important so that you can have multiple nipples and rings all drying at the same time!3. Fisher-Price Soothing View Vibe Bassinet
Fisher-Price Bassinet |
I refer to the Fisher-Price Soothing View Vibe Bassinet as the "Magic Cradle." Fisher-Price previously had a "Rock n Play" cradle (it was all the rage), but in recent years, several baby deaths have been reported due to the incline of that cradle and it has been discontinued. The Fisher-Price Bassinet has many of the same convenient features - without the incline of the mattress. I love this thing because it collapses in a way that saves a ton of space (and easily fits in a trunk) and I also love that it's lightweight. I brought it with me almost everywhere I went with my baby. It's easy to bring from room to room, and easy to fold-up and bring with you on the go. Fisher-Price now has a vibrating edition of the wonderful Fisher-Price Soothing View Vibe Bassinet.
Fisher-Price Soothing View Vibe Bassinet as the "Magic Cradle." Fisher-Price previously had a "Rock n Play" cradle (it was all the rage), but in recent years, several baby deaths have been reported due to the incline of that cradle and it has been discontinued. The Fisher-Price Bassinet has many of the same convenient features - without the incline of the mattress. I love this thing because it collapses in a way that saves a ton of space (and easily fits in a trunk) and I also love that it's lightweight. I brought it with me almost everywhere I went with my baby. It's easy to bring from room to room, and easy to fold-up and bring with you on the go. Fisher-Price now has a vibrating edition of the wonderful Fisher-Price Soothing View Vibe Bassinet.4. The Magic Seahorse
The Soothe and Glow Seahorse Baby Soother
is made by Fisher-Price, and I swear this little seahorse is magical when it comes to babies. Newborns go from crying to happy within a seconds when you put this cute little, glowing seahorse in front of them. I would become frantic when it would run out of batteries during our baby's newborn stage. I love the Soothe and Glow Seahorse Baby Soother so much that I made my sister buy a "back-up" seahorse for her house. You can see more about this magical seahorse and other baby toys in my post Top 25 Toys for a 3-Year-Old. For photos of my daughter snuggled with the "magic seahorse", click here.
is made by Fisher-Price, and I swear this little seahorse is magical when it comes to babies. Newborns go from crying to happy within a seconds when you put this cute little, glowing seahorse in front of them. I would become frantic when it would run out of batteries during our baby's newborn stage. I love the Soothe and Glow Seahorse Baby Soother so much that I made my sister buy a "back-up" seahorse for her house. You can see more about this magical seahorse and other baby toys in my post Top 25 Toys for a 3-Year-Old. For photos of my daughter snuggled with the "magic seahorse", click here.5. Nest WiFi Video Baby Monitor
I highly recommend getting a baby video monitor - it will bring you more peace of mind than you can imagine. I recommend purchasing a monitor that has a "mute" button feature if you go the route with a screen - that way you can get some sleep. The Nest Video WiFi Camera takes the traditional concept of baby monitors to the next level in that it stores footage and sends alerts to your smart devices. Even more, you are able to view the camera live from your smart phone - even when you are not at home. I loved having this feature (being able to see the nursery) when I was away from home. If you'd like to still have a handheld unit to place by your bedside, the Nest cam now integrates with the Amazon Echo Video unit. If you are interested in a WiFi Baby Video Monitor
, the Nest Video WiFi Camera is a great option, but is complicated to set-up. With the Nest Video WiFi Camera
, you will be able to view the video stream from your iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, or PC (you can also use the Nest Video WiFi Camera as a Nanny-Cam, and record video and audio).
Link: Nest Video WiFi Camera
Nest Video Baby Monitor Camera
, the Nest Video WiFi Camera is a great option, but is complicated to set-up. With the Nest Video WiFi Camera, you will be able to view the video stream from your iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, or PC (you can also use the Nest Video WiFi Camera as a Nanny-Cam, and record video and audio).6. Crane Cool Mist Humidifier
This adorable Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier
is easy to clean and easy to change, and they are filter-free. The Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier will also fit in most bathroom sinks, whereas many of the Vick's humidifiers are so bulky that they need to be refilled in a bathtub (which is annoying). Also, if the hippo-look doesn't appeal to you, a new a noteworthy humidifier (as of 2023) is the Esemoil Smart WiFi Cool Mist Humidifier. The Esemoil Smart WiFi Cool Mist Humidifier is also a cool mist humidifier, and it is very quiet quiet - as a bonus, it not only automatically shuts off, but it has seven different colors of LED lights that can help distract a sniffling child.
is easy to clean and easy to change, and they are filter-free. The Crane Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier will also fit in most bathroom sinks, whereas many of the Vick's humidifiers are so bulky that they need to be refilled in a bathtub (which is annoying). Also, if the hippo-look doesn't appeal to you, a new a noteworthy humidifier (as of 2023) is the Esemoil Smart WiFi Cool Mist Humidifier. The Esemoil Smart WiFi Cool Mist Humidifier is also a cool mist humidifier, and it is very quiet quiet - as a bonus, it not only automatically shuts off, but it has seven different colors of LED lights that can help distract a sniffling child. Alternative Model:
7. Side-Snap Onesies
Side-Snap Onesies |
Side-Snap onesies are essential for your sanity if the thought of putting a t-shirt over your baby's wobbly head makes you nervous. Avoid that pain and invest in at least five side-snap onesies for your newborn. The above picture is a link for side-snap onesies that are sold on Amazon.com, but side-snap onesies on Amazon are extremely expensive (a single side-snap onesie can run about $17.99), so I would highly recommend going to Target and purchasing a 3-pack for $9.99 (Made by Gerber). Nevertheless, I have provided a link to the expensive version from Amazon.com for you to take a look at (Bodysuit Side-Snap Onesie). For more on side-snap onesies, see Top 12 Must-Have Newborn Clothing Items.
8. Portable Baby Swing
Ingenuity Anyway Sway Portable Baby Swing
A lot of baby swings end up taking up a lot of space, but the Ingenuity Anyway Sway 5-Speed Multi-Direction Portable Baby Swing with Vibrations is great because it won't take up 1/4 of your living room. The Ingenuity Anyway Sway 5-Speed Multi-Direction Portable Baby Swing with Vibrations
has all of the features. It vibrates (which is a very important feature in a baby swing and many of the expensive swings do not have this), and this swing is easily portable from room to room.
has all of the features. It vibrates (which is a very important feature in a baby swing and many of the expensive swings do not have this), and this swing is easily portable from room to room. 
Ollie Swaddle Blanket |
Get yourself the Ollie Swaddle Blanket
blankets (make sure that they have velcro) - these are so much easier (and safer) than the traditional swaddle blankets. The velcro makes the swaddling process significantly faster and easier for tired moms and dads.
blankets (make sure that they have velcro) - these are so much easier (and safer) than the traditional swaddle blankets. The velcro makes the swaddling process significantly faster and easier for tired moms and dads. 
HALO Sleepsack |
I love the
HALO SleepSacks for after the "swaddle phase." I recommend getting two of each size (S, M, L) for the first year. Amazon.com sells them for about $20, but if you have a Marshall's store nearby, then you can get amazing deals on these ($7.99). My personal favorite of the Halo sleepsacks is the Halo Sleepsack with Plush Dots - it's somehow warm enough for the winters and also not too hot for the summers and it's very very soft.
HALO SleepSacks for after the "swaddle phase." I recommend getting two of each size (S, M, L) for the first year. Amazon.com sells them for about $20, but if you have a Marshall's store nearby, then you can get amazing deals on these ($7.99). My personal favorite of the Halo sleepsacks is the Halo Sleepsack with Plush Dots - it's somehow warm enough for the winters and also not too hot for the summers and it's very very soft. 
Oxo Dishwasher Basket
can fit up to ten nipples).
Fisher-Price Kick and Play Piano Gym |
The Fisher-Price Kick and Play Piano Gym is our favorite because not only does it provide a mirror (babies love mirrors), but the kick-able piano feature provides for a ton of entertainment for baby by playing music and lighting up - babies love it. Another great feature about this baby gym is that you can level up the piano as baby grows and starts sitting. The only downfall to this baby gym is that it is hard for the baby to roll over all the way without getting caught in the arch. You can see my little one playing with this baby gym at my post: Favorite Baby Gym Photo Time. She loves this thing!
is our favorite because not only does it provide a mirror (babies love mirrors), but the kick-able piano feature provides for a ton of entertainment for baby by playing music and lighting up - babies love it. Another great feature about this baby gym is that you can level up the piano as baby grows and starts sitting. The only downfall to this baby gym is that it is hard for the baby to roll over all the way without getting caught in the arch. You can see my little one playing with this baby gym at my post: Favorite Baby Gym Photo Time. She loves this thing! 14. Boogie Wipes
Link: Boogie Wipes
Boogie Wipes Grape
Boogie Wipes are great for wiping noses without irritating baby's skin by rubbing it raw. They have grape-flavored and also a fresh flavor. These are a must-have to keep in your diaper bag, and I'd recommend getting one for your changing table as well.
The Baby Buddy Secure-A-Toy is an amazing invention that prevents your baby from losing toys when riding in the stroller. I love these things.
16. Skip Hop Winter Car Seat Cover
Car seat covers are a great and easy way to keep your newborn warm in the cold winter months when getting in and out of your car. Amazon.com sells the Skip Hop Winter Car Seat Cover, Stroll & Go , but you can find these at Marshall's for quite a bit cheaper.
17. Laugh and Learn Fun Activity Table
Link: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Around the Town Learning Table
Link: Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Around the Town Learning Table
Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Fun Activity Table |
The Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Around the Town Learning Table is the BEST activity table out there. Unlike other activity tables, the Laugh and Learn Fun table has multiple settings (e.g., Play, Music, Spanish, Learning Time), so it keeps your baby occupied and entertained for longer than other single-setting activity tables. You can remove the legs for baby to use it during the Sitting phase as well. See more about this table Keep Baby Busy, Keep Mommy Happy, and I also mention this great toy in my post Top 25 Baby Toys.
18. Nanobébé Flexy Silicone Baby Bottles
Link: Nanobébé Flexy Silicone Baby Bottles
The Nanobébé Flexy Silicone Baby Bottles are the best bottle out there - in this mom's opinion. I could go on and on about these bottles and how much I love them. These bottles are substantially easier to clean than any other bottle out there.
Nanobébé Flexy Silicone Baby Bottle
Get yourself the
Sassy Ring O' Links. Toy links are great for attaching toys to strollers and babies just love to hold onto these with their tiny fingers. Your baby will also love to chew on these toy links (great for teething)!
Sassy Ring O' Links. Toy links are great for attaching toys to strollers and babies just love to hold onto these with their tiny fingers. Your baby will also love to chew on these toy links (great for teething)! 20. Bandana Newborn Baby Bibs
If you have a baby with "hole" in his mouth that appears during bottle time (meaning the milk drips out of their mouth and gets everywhere), then Newborn Baby Bibs - Bandana is perfect for your baby. It keeps your baby's clothing clean and keeps your baby's neck dry. I love, love Newborn Baby Bibs - Bandana. It's a lot more expensive than other bibs, but worth every penny. See more on bibs at Top 5 Baby Bibs that Actually Work.
Disposable Diaper Bags |
These Munchkin Arm and Hammer Diaper Bag Dispenser are very handy to have. You will get dirty looks if you put a stinky diaper in a public trashcan without one. Just strap these on your diaper bag and refill as needed. These are a MUST-HAVE for airport travel with baby (those diapers can stink up an airplane very quickly without these to contain the smell!).
The Nose Frida Snot Sucker
23. Washable Changing Pads
Washable Changing Pads |
Keep changing pads on-hand near your changing table to eliminate constant changing pad laundry runs. These
Waterproof Changing Pads are great, but I've seen BuyBuyBaby selling changing pads (made by BuyBuyBaby) that are made with terry cloth and these work really well too. We use a changing table cover on top of the changing table pad, and then we place these washable changing pads on top of the changing table pad cover.
Waterproof Changing Pads are great, but I've seen BuyBuyBaby selling changing pads (made by BuyBuyBaby) that are made with terry cloth and these work really well too. We use a changing table cover on top of the changing table pad, and then we place these washable changing pads on top of the changing table pad cover. 24. Baby Brezza Advanced Formula Dispenser
Baby Brezza Formula Dispenser
If you go the route of formula, the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced Formula Dispenser makes the process so amazingly convenient - it's basically like a Keurig coffee maker but it's for baby formula. My girlfriends who have twins SWEAR by this product. The formula comes out the perfect temperature for baby - this makes late-night feedings substantially easier. My only complaint is that cleaning the machine thoroughly daily is time-consuming; however, it's hard to beat the simplicity of pressing a single button in the middle of the night for the perfect temperature and perfect consistency baby bottle. I did find that I wanted to shake the formular and the water for a minute or two once the Brezza dispensed the liquid (my children had very sensitive tummies so if the formular was snot 100% perfectly dissolved, I felt like it hurt their tummies.
Baby's love the Oball
because they can fit their tiny little fingers around it. It's costs about $4.99 and is a toy that is worth every penny. This toy will also be included in my post "Top 25 Baby Toys" (coming soon!).
because they can fit their tiny little fingers around it. It's costs about $4.99 and is a toy that is worth every penny. This toy will also be included in my post "Top 25 Baby Toys" (coming soon!).Additional Items have been added to this list!
See below.
26. Huggies Little Snugglers Newborn Diapers
Huggies Little Snugglers Newborn Diapers
27. The Magic Sleepsuit
Link: Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit - Swaddle Transition Product
Baby Merlin's Magic Sleepsuit - Swaddle Transition Product
I wish I understood what makes this product magical but I don't - it just is....
Somehow, when my baby was placed inside of this item, he was calmed and slept amazingly well. It's a great product for in between swaddling your baby and the sleep sacks. My one complaint is that it runs rather large for the typical size of a baby at this phase; that said, it still somehow worked - despite seeming like it was too large.
Link: BOB Gear Alterrain Pro Jogging Stroller
29. thinkbaby Baby Sunscreen
BOB Gear Alterrain Pro Jogging Stroller, Blue
If you want an exercise stroller, go with the BOB brand! There is a significant difference between a regular stroller and the wheels of the BOB stroller - it's SO worth it if you truly want to exercise with your baby.
29. thinkbaby Baby Sunscreen
Link: thinkbaby Baby Sunscreen
thinkbaby Baby Sunscreen
On our vacation last year, we tried just about every single brand of Baby sunscreen that was on the market, and the thinkbaby Baby Sunscreen was hands-down the best for us because it did not irritate baby's skin, it rubbed into the skin (and didn't sit on top of the skin with an ugly white layer), and it also washed off easier than the other brands. I was surprised how much better the thinkBaby Sunscreen was versus the Babyganics brand (I do NOT recommend the Babyganics brand). My child's pediatrician recommended the thinkbaby brand to us. Most importantly, it did the trick and prevent sun burn. :)
30. Safety 1st Egg Magnetic Lock System
Safety 1st Adhesive Magnetic Lock System
When it's time to baby-proof your house, the Safety 1st Egg Magnetic Lock System is the best that I've found (and I've looked long and far). These are hands-down - by far - my favorite safety locks for cabinets and drawers. They are tricky to install (I had to find an explanatory video on YouTube and it helped A LOT!). Here is a link to the YouTube video from Safety First explaining how to install the locks. What I like about them is that you don't need to drill anything into your cabinets or drawers (the locks stick on to the surface in a similar way that 3M adhesive hooks adhere to surfaces). What I also like about these are that they have the option to disable the locks for times when you need to get in and out of the cabinets and you know that you'll be able to watch your baby.
Dockatot Deluxe+ Docks | MEXXI Hypoallergenic Cotton Newborn Lounger
The Dock a Tot is also a game changer! This was helpful for me when I was breastfeeding - I placed the Dock-a-Tot next to me in my king-size bed - it was very helpful for breastfeeding on demand during daytime hours. My son loved it too - and he was pretty picky about the surfaces that he slept on. I recommend using a washable changing pad to protect the Dock-a-Tot from any diaper explosions.
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
Full disclosure - the songs that this Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy will be engrained in your head (I have caught myself humming to the tunes of this song as I do the dishes). That said, both of my kids loved this toy SO much as a baby. It's especially useful if the room is at least semi-dark because part of the infatuation of this toy is that it lights up when it sings. It has just enough buttons on the front of it to help distract a baby during witching hour too. It's also a good toy to pull out when you're in line at the grocery store and baby is starting to fuss.
33. Baby Hooded Animal Bath Towels
Hooded Baby Towel
A hooded bath towel is superior to regular towels, in my opinion, because not only do the hoods of the towels keep baby warmer when they get of the bathtub (body heat is primarily lost through the top of our heads), but when my son catches a glimpse of himself in the mirror (where he has bear ears on top of his head), he thinks it's absolutely hilarious every single time. The looks on both of my kid's faces when they saw themself with animal ears (night after night) will forever be some of my favorite memories - such a simply pleasure. I like the hooded towel featured above because it's gender neutral and in my opinion, it is ADORABLE! Here is a link to the towel featured above - Hooded Terry Cloth Baby Towel from Amazon.com. There are a ton of options for hooded towels though. We have hooded towels that look like Simba, a frog, a bear, a dog, Cookie Monster, Winnie the Pooh.... I really like hooded towels.
Sit Me Up, by Fisher Price
The Fisher Price Sit-Me-Ups are perfect for when Baby is learning to sit up on his own. It's just a wonderful place to set baby and if you add toys, baby loves. Here is a video of my son enjoying his life in our Sit Me Up.
35. Dohm White Noise Machine (Sound Machine)
Dohm White Noise Machine (Sound Machine)
The Dohm Sound and White Noise Machine has been so convenient for us because we used to use an app on our iPad for white noise (but then we couldn't use our iPad at night). This is a simple machine and it plugs into the wall for power and we keep it on the dresser.
36. EvenFlo Gold 360 Convertible Car Seat
Evenflo Gold 360 Convertible Car Seat
The Gold Revolve Sapphire Convertible Car Seat by Evenflo solves the issue of trying to buckle baby while the car seat in facing the front or the back of the car - the traditional car seats require that the parent lean over and somehow it always ends up being a pain in the butt to put together when you're in a hurry or it's just been one of those days. We talk more about why the Gold 360 by EvenFlo is our favorite convertible car seat in our post Best Convertible Car Seat of 2023.
Updated Addition to This List:
37. Portable Mini Crib
Portable Mini Crib
My sister is on baby # 3, and she swears that this portable rolling mini crib was a sanity saver for her. She used this instead of a basinet and she held off on buying a larger crib until Baby Jada was 15-months-old. She could easy move this crib from one room to another (she has a Ranch house). Jada took naps in nearly every room as a newborn. Another benefit of the mini crib versus and Basinet is that the Mattress is just as comfortable as a regular crib, while having most or more of the benefits of a basinet! If I have another baby, I will be utilizing the mini crib.
38. The Newborn Book: High Contrast Images for Your Newborn Baby
Link: The Newborn Book: High Contrast Images for Your Baby That Your Newborn Will LOVE! (ABC Edition)
The Newborn Book: High Contrast Images for Your Newborn Baby
We talk about how much our newborn daughter LOVED the black and white contrast photos in our post One Simple Way to Entertain Your Newborn. We are quite passionate about this topic, and took it upon ourselves to publish our own book with our own high contrast black and white images. So far, the book is available in eBook format (for Kindle), but we are working on publishing additional formats right now as well. Here is a link to the eBook on Amazon: The Newborn Book: High Contrast Images for Your Baby That Your Newborn Will LOVE! (ABC Edition) by Mommy Said So.
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