Most Used Newborn Items

I always thought I would need every single little tiny thing from my registry for my newborn.  I added hundreds of items assuming I might as well, just in case, maybe for this special circumstance… Any sort of reason.  

And now, 7 weeks in, I’ve come to find out you really need only a few special things to keep your baby (and yourself) going!  I’ve rounded up 21 of my favorite items that I seriously use regularly, if not daily.  

To access the full list on Amazon click here!

Baby Bath Support

This is such a helpful bathtub item.  It lets the water flow through and supports the tiniest of babies.  We used it when Violet was just a week old.

Zipper Footed Jammies

If you haven’t heard yet, zipper jammies are the way to go!  It’s the easiest way to keep you little love warm and cozy.  And having the zipper instead of snaps is just way simpler for everyone!  

Bassinet

This is the bassinet we use.  It fits right next to our bed and it’s easy to access Violet during the night.  Honestly it’s just so simple to have her next to me so I can help her quickly.  There are lots of different baby beds and sleeping items out there and I know everyone has many many opinions on them.  This bassinet is works for us because it’s not too expensive, it functions for what is needed, it’s not too large, and honestly it’s cute. 

Swaddle Blankets

Swaddling does not need to be complicated!  I’m getting the hang of swaddling my babe with a large muslin blanket but it doesn’t always stay put or her feet pop out or it’s not tight enough and gets in her face.  These swaddles are the way to go.  Just a two step velcro process. 

But watch that velcro in the washing machine!  Make sure to press the velcro down before you toss it in because it can snag on things.

Muslin Blankets

Speaking of those other blankets…

I really do use these for lots of other things.  I set my baby on them on the ground.  They’re the perfect lightweight option for a blanket.  They are the perfect size to swaddle if you’d like to do that.  This brand is super soft too.

Baby Books

These books are very simple and even at a few weeks old babies start to focus on things like books.  We just started showing Violet these black and white books and it’s so cute how much she stares at them.  It’s never too early to start reading to your baby!

Play Mat

We love this play mat!  We specifically chose this one because it seemed to be gender neutral and a little different from what we’ve seen out there.  It comes with a tummy time pillow and the center animal plays music.  

My Brest Friend Nursing Pillow

I did not think I was going to need one of these.  This was one of those things I put on my registry and didn’t get and thought “well I don’t really need it because I have a boppy.”  After weeks of breastfeeding with a boppy I went out and got My Brest Friend and it is truly a game changer.

For anyone breast feeding I really recommend one of these nursing pillows.  It wraps around your body so it won’t fall away from you as you feed and the flat top is very supportive.  It also can stay up a little higher so your baby can reach your breast easier or instead of you hunching over so much.  Try it!  I actually got mine at Once Upon a Child for $10 (!!!) and then bought a spare cover on Amazon.  

Pacifiers

We started using MAM pacis purely because those were gifted to us.  They have a simple design and I really like them for newborns.  These are what worked for us but really it’s all we’ve tried!

Haakaa

I think this might be my favorite item in this list.  This is one of those secret mom finds you don’t know how magical it is until you use one.

Basically a Haakaa is a small pump that suctions onto your breast and pulls out the milk.  I use it when I’m nursing on the opposite side.  It can out get a few ounces or more at a time!

Bottles and Drying Rack

Bottles are another one of those things that are a preference thing so I implore you to figure out which kind you’d like.  We use the Avent ones.  This is the drying rack we have too.  Its small but does the job well!

Nipple Shields

This is another useful thing that not everyone might need but I certainly do!  Due to many reasons I used these after having multiple problems in the first few weeks of breastfeeding. 

They’re little bendable plastic shields that go over your nipple while feeding.  It can help protect a sore or cracked nipple or pull a nipple out to help the baby latch better. 

There are lots of reasons to use them and they can be controversial.   Some say they can cause nipple confusion or even you might have to use them the duration of breast feeding because the baby gets so used to them.  I’ve found they help more than they hurt!  You’ve got to do what’s best for you and your baby!

Muslin Burp Cloths

These are my favorite!  They’re not too big or too small or too thick or too thin.  They’re juuuuust right.  They are soft and absorbent and perfect.  Sounds like I’m in love with a burp cloth and I might just be. 

Water Bottles

Have you seen the gallon water bottle?  It is a little ridiculous.  But breastfeeding sucks all the moisture out of your body and you honestly need this much water!  It’s a gigantic water bottle that every nursing mother needs.

If you’re looking for a smaller water bottle that is cute and perfect for tracking how much water you’re intaking then this one is right for you.  I’ve used this one for years and it’s amazing.  

Bows

These bows are really great.  They stretch so they’ll definitely grow with her.  They’re the softest thing for a sensitive baby head too.

Boppy

The classic Boppy.  Even though I said I like the Brest Friend pillow a little more for nursing, I still use this one from time to time.  I use it for nursing and propping up the baby and for tummy time.  It has a lot more uses than just a nursing pillow.

Oil Diffuser

I bought this diffuser not know if I would use it or not to be truthful.  But we use it almost every day.  Lavender is great to diffuse for sleep (for me and her!) and it is safe for babies.  I’m just learning more about essential oils and how to use them so know that I’m no expert!

Nasal Aspirator

I know you get one of these guys at the hospital but this one is different!  The bulb part comes apart!  Mind blowing.  I love this one because you can actually wash the inside so easily.

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

This might seem like a silly thing to put on a newborn essential list but let me tell you, you’ll need them.  Between hour long feedings, waiting for them to go to sleep, and thousands of pictures you take, you’re going to be on your phone a lot. 

Maybe it’s just me!  I could be wrong.  But there’s a lot of chill time, recovery time for mom and you’ll need some protection for your eyeballs if you’ll be on your phone a lot.  

These are the items that I use almost daily!  Obviously I use a few more things like diapers and wipes and soap and things like that but these are those fun extras that you either don’t think about or are nice to have links to!

For an added bonus I’m going to link my favorite Instagram page for the perfect guide to being a new mom.  Her name is Cara and her page is takingcarababies.  Her main goal is to help your baby sleep well but she has advice on so much more!  I highly recommend checking her out!  My pediatrician is the one who referred me to her!

Good luck to all you new mamas out there and those just looking for that perfect baby item!  If you want to check out my other Amazon lists here’s a link to my Hospital Bag post and one to my Favorite Amazon Finds.