Bringing a newborn home is a thrilling and overwhelming experience. From diapers to swaddles, it’s easy to feel lost in the sea of baby products. To help you navigate the essentials, this guide highlights the more unconventional, “Oh! I wish I thought of that!” newborn items that will make those early weeks and months smoother for both you and your baby.
1. Disposable Puppy Pads
Now I know what you’re thinking but stay with me! Disposable puppy pads are the PERFECT alternative to a changing pad. When you’re out and on the go, lay that puppy pad down on a changing table or trunk of your car and when you’re all done just wrap it all up and throw it away! They’re also great for those midnight changes. I would lay one on the bed at night, change the diaper, wrap everything up and back to bed we’d go!
2.Resinol Medicated Ointment
All babies are notorious for a spontaneous chapped rear end. I felt like nothing on the shelf at wal-mart would help. I took my son for a check up and the Doctor provided a sample of this cream. IT. WAS. AMAZING. Within 3-4 hours his rear was nearly cleared up! I recommend this ointment to all new moms because it was such a lifesaver for me. NOTE: currently, the only place to buy Resinol is Amazon.
3. Aveeno Baby: Hand and Face Wipe
The Aveeno baby body wipes are perfect for fresh newborns. Their first bath is a few days down the road and you just wanna wipe underneath their neck after they burped up their milk at 4 am. This is perfect for that! Also states it’s safe for sensitive skin.
4. Aquaphor
Reason number one love aquaphor – if youre in a bind and don’t have the resinol handy this is a good alternative. Reason number 2 – DROOL. when my son was teething I would slather this on his chest and under his neck as a protective barrier so when his chest and neck was wet with drool it would not chap!
5. Moon Jax
Speaking of teething, this is an AMAZING teether. I bought many teethers and many were too small and a potential choking hazard! I found moon jax and love it. It’s small enough for baby’s hand and the way it is made, the teether can only go so far. Additionally, this can be given to little one as is or you can throw it in the freezer for a couple hours to assist with relief.
6. Metal utility Cart
Keeping important items by your side the first few weeks you’re home from the hospital seems like such a hassle. In comes the utility cart!!! A place for hand sanitizer, wipes, nipple cream, breast pump, burp cloths, pacifiers, diapers! The list goes on and on. It’s unlimited possibilities. And when you no longer need it, repurpose it for a book cart for your little one!
7. Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder
With the Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder, you can let your little experience a variety of foods without worrying about choking hazards. It features a mesh design that allows babies to chew and suck on soft foods like fruits or steamed veggies while keeping large chunks safely contained. This is ideal for teething babies who enjoy gnawing on cold, soothing snacks.
8. Ingenuity Smart Clean Highchair
Make mealtime a breeze with the Ingenuity Smart Clean Highchair! this easy-to-clean highchair features a wipeable seat pad and dishwasher-safe tray, saving you time and effort. Designed to grow with your kiddo, it transitions effortlessly from a highchair to a booster and a toddler chair, providing a long-lasting solution for every mealtime!
9. Bumco Diaper Cream Spatula
This diaper cream spatula is a game-changer for diaper changes, offering a gentle, mess-free way to apply cream without getting it all over your hands. Its soft, flexible silicone tip is designed to glide smoothly across your baby’s skin, helping you create an even, soothing barrier against diaper rash. Plus, it’s super easy to clean! Compact and portable, this little tool keeps things cleaner and more convenient, making it a must-have for every diaper bag. Note: There are multiple variations of this tool and they are just as great as this one!
Final Thoughts: Customize Your Essentials
While these are my must-have newborn essentials, every baby (and parent) is different. Feel free to customize your list based on what works best for your family. You may find that certain items are more important than others depending on your lifestyle and preferences.
What are some of your favorite baby items?
