Newborn Essentials: What Babies Truly Need
Bringing home a newborn can feel overwhelming, especially when social media, the internet and other peoples opinions make it seem like babies need everything.There are constant trends, ads and marketing strategies to get you to buy something that your baby absolutely “needs”, but in reality, newborns have very simple needs.
Food
Newborns need to eat frequently, about every 2–3 hours for the first few months. Essentials can include:
- Breast milk or formula
- Bottles (if bottle-feeding)
- Burp cloths: rags, simple cloths or hand towels also work just as well.
You may need to try different types of bottles, nipples or milk pumps and storage supplies to see what works best for you.
Clothing
Newborns grow fast and mostly sleep so don’t feel the need to spend hundreds of dollars on fancy outfits for them. Essentials include:
- Simple onesies or sleepers: Onesies with zippers are going to be your best friend for simple and efficient changes. Onesies that have buttons often take longer to get on and off and can be a hassle when changing a fussy baby.
- Weather-appropriate layers
- Sweaters
- Long sleeve onesies
- Socks
- Hats
- Mittens
- Socks or booties
A Safe Place to Sleep
Safety matters more than style. Whatever sleep method you and your family choose to practice, safety should be the main focus. Essentials include:
- Crib, bassinet, or safe co-sleeper
- Firm mattress
- Fitted sheet
While cute pillows and stuffed animals are fun to have, bare is best. Avoid excess blankets, pillows and decorations on and around the baby's sleeping area.
Diapering
Newborns go through a lot of diapers during the first year of life. Fun Fact: The most used sizes are 3 and 4. Essentials include:
- Diapers (cloth or disposable)
- Wipes
- Diaper cream
Changing tables and pads are completely optional. As long as you have a safe, clean, flat surface that is all that you need! Most diaper changes happen on the floor or couch!
A Car Seat
Most hospitals will not discharge you if you do not have an appropriate car seat for your baby so it's important to do your research and find one that suits you and your family’s needs and space. Essentials include:
- Rear-facing infant or convertible car seat
Comfort & Care
Babies mostly need connection, love and safety. We can get caught up in wanting to have the latest and greatest gadgets for our baby that we often forget that our babies are naturally hardwired to want and need us. As parents it is important that we are cared for so that we may properly care for our littles. Essentials include:
- Loving, regulated caregivers
- Skin-to-skin contact
- A safe, calm environment
What your baby does not need:
A Fully Decorated Nursery
- Newborns don’t care about decor. A safe, clean sleep space is enough.
Every Baby Gadget
- Most gadgets are convenience items, not necessities. Many parents never use half of them and if you do use them it is not for long.
A lot of clothes
- Babies outgrow sizes quickly and spend most time in a few favorite outfits.
Toys Right Away
- Newborns are stimulated by faces, voices, and light.Talking and interacting with your baby is more beneficial than any toy on the market. Toys become useful later when your baby can engage and learn to play with them.
Everything Before Birth
- Many items can be bought later once you know what your baby actually needs and it may be more helpful to wait till your baby is here to see what you will actually use.
Ultimately, whether you have a few necessary items or a room full of baby gadgets, there is no shame! Do not feel pressured to purchase everything on your registry because the reality is, babies truly need very little. If you or your partner are in need of necessities for your baby, check out these resources:
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