Newborn Essentials: What You Actually Need (and What You Can Skip)

Those exciting first moments of preparing for your newborn essentials are truly special 😍

As you start shopping for your baby, it’s completely normal to feel excited — and tempted to buy everything in sight. Newborn baby items are adorable, after all, and very hard to resist.

I don’t blame you at all.

But take this gentle advice from someone who’s been there: if you don’t pause and plan, you may later regret spending money on baby items you don’t actually need.

So before filling your cart with all these newborn essentials, let’s take an honest look — do you really need all these baby items?

Things You Might Not Actually Need

Before we dive into the essential newborn items, let’s take a quick look at what you might buy but don’t really need in the first few weeks:

• Extra newborn clothes
  (0–3 months usually enough) Avoid size 0; most newborns are too big for it, so stick to 0–3 months for better fit and less waste.
• Fancy “going out” outfits: Newborns stay home most of the time, so focus on easy, practical outfits.
• Multiple lotions, soaps, or bath products : Newborn skin is very sensitive. Stick to one gentle, fragrance-free product rather than using many different lotions or soaps.
• Over-the-top sleep accessories
  (bumpers, pillows, or extra blankets)
• Large amounts of diapers
  (usually 3 packs is more than enough for the first few weeks)
  If you need more, don’t worry, the stores have you covered! 😁
• Expensive gadgets, swings, or high-tech sterilizers
• 👉🏼(washing and simple sterilizing bags work fine)

• Too many toys or play items
  (newborns don’t need much stimulation)
• Newborns only need high-contrast visual cards

By knowing what you can skip, you’ll save money, reduce clutter, and focus on the essentials for your newborn.

What You’ll Actually Need

Every baby is different, but here we’ll cover what most newborns really need in their first weeks.

This is an average guide, so you can adjust based on your little one’s needs — some babies may need a bit more or less.

Now let’s take a look at the essentials for Clothes & Laundry.

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. 💜

This list focuses on 0–3 months newborn essentials.

👕 Best Newborn Clothing Essentials for the First Month

• Bodysuits / Onesies (8–10) – Short or long-sleeved.
  Tip: Choose soft, breathable fabrics and easy snaps for quick changes.
• Kimono-style bodysuits are especially helpful in the newborn stage since they snap at the side — no pulling over baby’s delicate head, which makes dressing much easier for both of you.
• Footed Sleepers / Pajamas (5–7) – Preferably zip-up.
  Tip: Zippers save time during nighttime changes.
• Socks / Booties (5–7 pairs)
  Tip: Keep an extra pair handy — newborn feet get cold fast!
• Hats / Beanies (2)
  Tip: Great for short outings or keeping baby cozy after baths.
• Scratch Mittens (2–3 pairs)
  Tip: Protect delicate skin and avoid little scratches on the face.
• Burp Cloths (6-10)
• Tip: Keep one in every room and your diaper bag. High-absorbency fabrics like flannel or muslin are best for protecting your clothes.
• Drool Bibs (4–8)
• Tip: Opt for absorbent fleece-backed bibs to keep baby’s outfit dry and prevent skin rashes.
• Gentle Laundry Detergent (1 bottle) – Unscented, baby-safe.
  Tip: One bottle is usually enough for the first months.

👉🏼 We recommend this gentle, baby-safe detergent — perfect for newborn clothes and widely trusted by new moms.Dreft stage 1 Available on Amazon!

😴 Sleep & Nursery Essentials

• Crib or Bassinet (1) – Safe, firm sleeping space.
  Tip: Keep the area minimal with just a fitted sheet for safety.
• Firm Mattress (1) – Must fit snugly.
  Tip: Make sure there are no gaps around the edges to prevent hazards.
• Fitted Crib Sheets (3–4) – Easy to swap and wash.
  Tip: Extra sheets make laundry days easier and stress-free.

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• Wearable Sleep Sacks / Swaddles (2–3) – Safer than loose blankets.

👉🏼 Check out these safe, zip-up swaddles — widely used by new moms, available on Amazon!

• Changing Pad (1) – With waterproof cover.

👉🏼 We recommend this excellent, safe changing pad with cover and strap to secure your baby — available on Amazon!

• White Noise Machine (1) – Helps soothe and improve sleep.
  Tip: A gentle white noise can calm your newborn during nap times.

👉🏼 Want your newborn to sleep a little easier?
Check out our guide: Newborn Sleep: Gentle, Real-Life Ways to Encourage Better Sleep (Without Strict Schedules) — practical tips that actually work for real parents!

🛁 Bath & Health Care Essentials

• Baby Bathtub (1) – Small and newborn-friendly.
  Tip: Choose a tub that supports your baby safely and fits in your bathroom easily.

👉🏼 Check out our guide: Newborn First Bath: Safe Baby Bath Essentials Every Mom Needs ✅

• Hooded Towels (2) – For drying and warmth.
  Tip: Soft, absorbent towels keep your baby cozy after bath time.
• Soft Washcloths (3–5) – Gentle for cleaning delicate skin.
  Tip: Use one cloth per bath to avoid irritation.
• Unscented Baby Wash / Shampoo (1–2) – Mild formula for sensitive skin.
  Tip: Fragrance-free products reduce the risk of irritation and allergies.
• Digital Thermometer (1) – For checking temperature.
  Tip: Quick and accurate readings make monitoring baby’s health easier.
• Baby Oil – Helps moisturize newborn skin after bath or during gentle massage.
• Tip: Choose products specifically made for newborns and sensitive skin, fragrance-free and dermatologist-tested.
• Infant Nail Clippers / Trimming Device (1) – Safe for tiny nails.

👉🏼 This gadget may seem like a luxury, but I consider it essential — it saved me from the anxiety of trimming my newborn’s nails! Highly recommended for new moms.

👉🏼 Tommee Tippee Electric Nail Trimmer — safe, gentle, and perfect for anxious new moms. Available on Amazon.

• Nasal Aspirator & Saline Drops (1 each) – For stuffy noses.

👉🏼 A nasal aspirator is essential, whether electric or manual, to keep your baby breathing comfortably.

• Baby Hair Comb / Soft Brush (1) – Gently detangles fine newborn hair and massages the scalp. Look for soft-bristled brushes safe for delicate skin. This natural goat hair brush is perfect for newborns — view it here.

• Gum Cleaning Brush – Soft cotton tool for gently cleaning newborn gums before teeth appear . 👉 Gentle gum care starts here

👶 Diapering Essentials

• Newborn Diapers (2–3 large packs) – Expect 10–12 changes a day.
  Tip: Start with a few packs; you can always buy more as needed. Most newborns quickly grow out of size 0.

👉🏼 Keep an extra pack handy — new babies go through diapers fast!

• Sensitive Baby Wipes (5–6 packs) – Unscented.

👉🏼 Choose gentle, fragrance-free wipes made for sensitive skin — perfect for daily use. Stock enough because they can run out quickly.

• Diaper Rash Cream / Ointment (1) – For prevention and treatment.

👉🏼 I recommend a trusted, gentle diaper cream A+D — perfect for soothing irritation and preventing rashes. Must-have for every changing station!

• Diaper Bag (1) – For outings.

👉🏼 Look for a budget-friendly, multi-compartment bag with space for bottles, food, diapers, and wipes — practical for busy moms on the go. Moclever 5PCS Diaper Bag Tote Set for Baby Essentials – Large Baby Bags for Mom

👉🏼 Download the Ultimate Diaper Bag Checklist 👜

🍼FEEDING ESSENTIALS

• Baby Bottles (2–4 bottles)
• Even if you plan to breastfeed, having a few bottles on hand is helpful for flexibility.
• Bottle Cleaning Brush (1)
• Designed to clean bottles and nipples thoroughly.
• Infant Formula (1 small can, if needed)
• Useful as a backup or for mixed feeding. There’s no need to stock large quantities at first.
• Choose newborn-safe bottles and feeding products made from BPA-free materials.

Your little one is growing so fast — the days are long, but the years are short. 💛

By choosing only the essentials, you’re not just saving money — you’re keeping your home calmer and your mind at ease.

Pick what truly makes life easier for you and safe for your baby, and let the rest wait. These first weeks are precious — soak up every cuddle, every tiny milestone, and enjoy these magical moments without the stress of unnecessary stuff.