Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Newborn Essentials I Wish I Knew Earlier
10
items The first weeks with your newborn are beautiful, hazy, and overwhelming. This gentle, mum-tested list gathers simple essentials that truly help — from muslins and sleepsuits to white noise and bath supports. No clutter, no gimmicks, just the things I...
Sections
4
Everyday Newborn Basics
Bath & Skincare
Health & Comfort
Sleep & Changing
Everyday Newborn Basics
You don’t need every product the internet tells you to buy. You need comfort, simplicity, and tools that make those early days feel a little softer. These are the things that genuinely helped me — pick what fits your family and let the rest go. 💗
Popper buttons at 3am are not fun. Zip-up sleepsuits make night changes faster and calmer for both you and baby.
Cotton, footed sleepsuits (ideal for night changes). Inverted Zipper
Many babies sleep better when they feel gently contained. I like swaddles that close with Velcro or a zipper so there’s no stressful wrapping at bedtime.
HALO Supersoft Rayon from Bamboo Sleepsack Wearable Blanket - Storm Gray - L
My #1 newborn essential. I use muslins for burping, spills, shade over the stroller, makeshift changing mats — everything. I like having at least 8–10 in rotation so I’m never caught short.
A pack of large, breathable cotton muslins.
Bath & Skincare
Newborn skin is sensitive and doesn’t need perfumes. I look for simple, gentle formulas and use just a tiny amount.
Aquaphor Baby Wash & Shampoo, Fragrance Free and Tear Free for Baby's Sensitive Skin, 16.9 fl oz
A bath support made early baths so much less stressful. I could use both hands to wash and talk to baby instead of worrying about slipping.
TUMAJUP Collapsible Baby Bathtub for Infants and Toddlers with Bath Net and Thermometer
Perfect for little bonding moments after bath time — and gentle enough to help loosen cradle cap over time.
Frida Baby Infant Comb and Hair Brush
Health & Comfort
Tiny babies can’t blow their noses, so when they get stuffy it can really affect sleep and feeding. A nasal aspirator is one of those “thank goodness we have this” items.
Safety 1st Improved Nasal Aspirator, White, Infant
Having a thermometer you trust matters so much for peace of mind. I prefer a quick-read one so I’m not waiting forever when baby is fussy.
Vicks SpeedRead Digital Thermometer with Fever InSight
Sleep & Changing
Womb-like sound helps many babies settle and stay asleep through light sleep cycles and household noise.
Love to Dream White Noise Sound Machine
I like keeping one in the diaper bag and one in the car. It makes changes easy anywhere — friends’ houses, park benches, trunk of the car, you name it.
KeaBabies Ezee Portable Diaper Changing Pad, Portable Diaper Changing Mat, Waterproof Foldable Diaper Changing Pad (Pets & Paws)