Must-Have Items for Your First Baby: A Comprehensive Checklist 2024

With so many products on the market, it’s hard to know what you actually need versus what’s just nice to have. To help you prepare for your little one’s arrival, we’ve put together a list of essential items that will make your journey into parenthood smoother and more enjoyable.

1. Crib and Mattress

A safe and comfortable place for your baby to sleep is a top priority. A sturdy crib that meets current safety standards, paired with a firm, well-fitting mattress, is essential. Choose a crib with adjustable mattress heights so you can lower it as your baby grows.

- Must-Haves:

- Crib with adjustable mattress height

- Firm, well-fitting crib mattress

- Waterproof mattress cover

- Fitted crib sheets

Here are some good options from Amazon:

Crib: Baby Delight , Graco , Delta, Read more Here

Crib mattress: Newton Baby, Graco, Honeycomb

Waterproof mattress cover: Biloban, SafeRest,  Margaux & May Store

Crib sheets: Tillyou, Plushii, KeaBabies

2. Car Seat

A car seat is non-negotiable if you plan on driving your baby home from the hospital. An infant car seat with a five-point harness is ideal for newborns. Look for a model that is easy to install and compatible with your stroller, if possible.

- Must-Haves:

- Infant car seat with a five-point harness

- Car seat base for easy installation

- Stroller compatibility (optional but convenient)

Here are some good options from Amazon: Diono , Graco , Britax, Read more Here

 3. Stroller

A reliable stroller is crucial for getting around with your baby. Travel systems that combine a stroller and car seat are popular for their convenience. Alternatively, you can opt for a lightweight stroller for easy maneuverability.

- Must-Haves:

- Stroller or travel system

- Stroller rain cover (depending on your climate)

- Stroller storage basket for essentials

Here are some good options from Amazon:

Stroller: UPPAbaby , Doona , Baby trend, Read more Here

rain cover: Hrzeem

Stroller storage basket: Momcozy Store, Disney, Itzy Ritzy

4. Diapers and Wipes

Newborns go through a lot of diapers, so stock up on disposable or cloth diapers, depending on your preference. Diaper wipes are also essential for keeping your baby clean during diaper changes.

- Must-Haves:

- Newborn-size diapers (disposable or cloth)

- Diaper wipes

- Diaper rash cream

- Diaper pail (optional but useful for odor control)

Here are some good options from Amazon: 

Wipes: Huggies, Pampers, WaterWipes , Read more Here

Diapers: Huggies, Pampers, The Honest Company , Read more Here

Rush cream: CeraVe , Desitin, Aquaphor

Diaper pail: Genie, Ubbi, Dekor

5. Feeding Essentials

Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or a combination of both, having the right feeding supplies is crucial. A breast pump can be helpful for breastfeeding moms, while bottle-feeding families will need a reliable set of bottles and nipples.

- Must-Haves:

- Bottles and nipples (even if breastfeeding)

- Breast pump (if breastfeeding)

- Formula (if formula feeding)

- Bottle brush for cleaning

- Burp cloths

Here are some good options from Amazon:

Bottles: Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Original Baby Bottle, Philips Avent Anti-Colic Bottle with AirFree Vent, MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottle, NUK Simply Natural Baby Bottle , Read more Here

Breast pump: Spectra1, Lansinoh, Medela, Read more Here

Formula: Enfamil, Similac, Earth's best organic baby formula

Bottle brush:  Dr. Brown's  , Mama Bear , OXO

Burp cloths: Cute Castle, Looxii

6. Clothing and Sleepwear

Your baby will need comfortable, easy-to-put-on clothing. Newborns typically go through several outfits a day due to spit-ups and diaper changes, so having a good supply is essential.

- Must-Haves:

- Onesies and sleepers (5-7 of each)

- Swaddles or sleep sacks

- Baby mittens to prevent scratching

- Hats for warmth (if it’s cold)

- Socks or booties

Here are some good options from Amazon:

Onesies: Simple Joy, Honest Baby, Gerber

Swaddles: Halo, Love To Dream, Magic Sleepsuit

Baby mittens: Gerber, Rative, Burt's bees

Hats: Dreshow, Onsies, Geyoga, Konssy

Socks: Little me (boys), Hudson (girls), Nike (unisex)

7. Bathing Supplies

Bath time is a special bonding experience with your baby. Ensure you have everything you need to keep your baby clean and comfortable during and after the bath.

- Must-Haves:

- Infant bathtub

- Baby shampoo and body wash

- Soft washcloths

- Hooded baby towels

- Baby lotion

Here are some good options from Amazon:

Infant bathtub: Frida, Angelcare, SkipHop

Baby shampoo and body wash: CeraVe, Johnson's, Mustela

Soft washcloths: BambooQueen, Kyapoo

Hooded baby towels: Simple Joy, Hiphop Panda

Baby lotion: Eucerin, Johnson's, CeraVe, Mustela

8. Nursery Essentials

Creating a cozy and functional nursery is key to making your home baby-ready. From diaper changes to nighttime feedings, you’ll spend a lot of time in this space.

- Must-Haves:

- Changing table or pad

- Diaper caddy for organizing supplies

- Rocking chair or glider for feeding and soothing

- Baby monitor

- Nightlight

Here are some good options from Amazon:

Changing table or pad: Keekaroo , Jool , Saryosy

Diaper caddy: Lily Miles, Maliton, luxury little Store

Rocking chair: NIOIIKIT Store, STORKCRAFT Store, Setawix Store

Baby monitor: HelloBaby Store, VTech Store, iFamily Store  , Read more Here

Nightlight: Hatch Store, GE Store, One Fire Store

9. Baby Health and Grooming Kit

A basic health and grooming kit is important for monitoring your baby’s well-being and taking care of their hygiene needs. Look for a kit that includes essential tools like a thermometer, nail clippers, and a nasal aspirator.

- Must-Haves:

- Digital thermometer

- Baby nail clippers or file

- Nasal aspirator

- Baby brush and comb

- Infant acetaminophen (for emergencies)

Here are some good options from Amazon:

Digital thermometer: GoodBaby Store, iHealth Store

Baby nail file: Frida Baby Store, haakaa Store, Qunlions life Store

Nasal aspirator: GROWNSY Store,  Frida Baby Store

Baby brush and comb: KeaBabies Store, Lupantte Store, Safety 1st Store

Infant acetaminophen: Amazon Basic Care Store, Tylenol Store

10. Pacifiers and Teething Toys

Pacifiers can be a soothing tool for newborns, and teething toys will come in handy once your baby starts cutting teeth. Choose pacifiers that are safe and appropriate for your baby’s age.

- Must-Haves:

- Pacifiers (various sizes) 

- Teething toys

- Pacifier clips to prevent losing them

Here are some good options from Amazon:

Pacifiers: Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier, MAM Orthodontic Pacifier , Read more Here

Teething toys: Baby Banana Store,   RAZBABY Store

Pacifier clips: Cuddle Campus Store, Nuby Store

11. Baby Carrier or Wrap

A baby carrier or wrap allows you to keep your baby close while keeping your hands free. This is especially useful for soothing a fussy baby or when you’re on the go.

- Must-Haves:

- Soft-structured carrier or baby wrap

- Adjustable straps for comfort

- Breathable fabric

Here are some good options from Amazon:

 Ergobaby Store, Infantino Store, KeaBabies Store

12. Bouncer or Swing

A bouncer or swing can be a lifesaver when you need a safe place to set your baby down for a few minutes. These can be especially useful during those early months when your baby needs a lot of comforting.

- Must-Haves:

- Bouncer or swing with safety harness

- Multiple recline positions

- Removable, washable cover

Here are some good options from Amazon:

Bouncer: BabyBjörn Store, Baby Delight Store, Nuby Store

swing:

Conclusion

Preparing for your first baby is an exciting journey filled with new experiences. By focusing on the essentials listed above, you can create a welcoming environment that meets your baby’s basic needs while making your life as a new parent more manageable. Remember, while it’s tempting to buy every cute baby product on the market, starting with the basics and then adding items as needed will help you stay organized and avoid unnecessary expenses. With these must-have items, you’ll be well-prepared to welcome your little one into the world.