Becoming a new parent is overwhelming, but these are the exact items that saved me in the newborn stage. From soothing to feeding, these are the baby must-haves I recommend to every new mom or dad.
Sections
6
Swaddles
Baby sleeping sound machines
Pacifiers & Bottles
Teething toys
Strollers And Car seats
Baby formula
Swaddles
Swaddles are great for babies because they help recreate the safe, snug feeling of the womb, which can comfort newborns and make them feel more secure. The gentle wrap can reduce startle reflexes that often wake babies, helping them sleep longer and ...
Why it’s great: This one wins for versatility—you can swaddle tight or transition to arms-out as your baby grows. Trusted by many editors and included in “best of” lists.
Pink Cotton Muslin Swaddle - Newborn - Halo Sleep
Why it’s great: Ultra-soft bamboo and AAP-safe design help babies sleep through nighttime transitions. A standout pick for transitioning out of a tight swaddle.
Sleep Bag Swaddler in Blush 1.0
Perfect for babies who hate having their arms tucked in — it lets them sleep with arms UP in a safe way so they can self-soothe by touching their face. Super easy zip-up design, no complicated wrapping!
Love to Dream Swaddle Up™ Cotton 1.0 TOG Baby Sleep Sack, Arms Up Design, Twin Zipper, Small 8-13 lbs, Deep Olive
Why it’s great: Known as the easiest wrap ever—double zipper and quiet Velcro make nighttime diaper changes a breeze. Parents (and reviewers) consistently call it a “game-changer.”
Sleepea® 5-Second Baby Swaddle
Baby sleeping sound machines
Baby sleep sound machines create soothing sounds like white noise, lullabies, or nature sounds that help little ones relax and drift off to sleep. The consistent background noise can block out household distractions, reduce sudden wake-ups, and mimic...
“Love that it has backup battery—no stress during power outages! Combines white noise, night light, and toddler wake-up cues all in one.”
Hatch Rest+ 2nd Gen All-in-one Sleep Assistant, Nightlight & Sound Machine with Back-up Battery
“This one grows with baby into toddler years. From newborn white noise to a time-to-rise clock—super helpful for building routines.”
Hatch Rest+ Baby Sound Machine, Night Light, Time-to-Rise Plus Audio Monitor, White Noise Soother, Toddler Sleep Trainer, Kids Alarm Clock, Nightlight
“Uses real fan noise instead of a loop—so it sounds natural and helps baby (and me!) fall asleep quickly.”
Yogasleep Dohm® Classic White Noise Sleep Sound Machine, White
“White noise plus a customizable night light in one. Great for middle-of-the-night feeds without turning on big lights.”
Yogasleep Dohm® Nova Sound Machine and Night Light, White
“Tiny, portable Hatch that clips onto strollers and diaper bags. A lifesaver for naps on the go or travel days.”
Hatch Noise Machine
Pacifiers & Bottles
Pacifiers give babies a natural way to soothe themselves by satisfying their instinct to suck. They can provide comfort between feedings, help calm fussiness, and even support better sleep. For parents, pacifiers can be a lifesaver during car rides, ...
“Set includes multiple sizes + nipple flows, plus a bonus pacifier—perfect starter bundle.” 
Tommee Tippee Natural Start Baby’s First Bottle Set, 2 x 5oz and 2 x 9oz Anti-colic Bottles, Slow and Medium Flow Nipples, 0-6 month Pacifier, Pink
Teething toys
“When those first little teeth start pushing through, babies want everything in their mouths. Teething toys give them something safe and soothing to chew on—helping with sore gums, cranky moods, and endless drool. From silicone teethers you can chil...
“Cute remote-control look draws babe in, and the pacifier clip keeps it from hitting the floor. Chewy and fun—my go-to for on-the-go relief!”
2Pack Remote Control Shape Teething Toys Teether f with Pacifier Chain Silicone Chew Sensory Toys
“Freeze the inserts, swap them in and out—cool but still comfy to hold. A lifesaver when those gums hit full crank mode.”
Frida Baby Not-Too-Cold-to-Hold Teether Toy for Infant Sore Gum Relief, 3 Pieces
“Soft ridges and cool gel make these perfect for front and back teeth. My babe chews peacefully—and I stay sane.”
“Easy for tiny hands to grab thanks to the bar handle and wrist-hugging design—slips into grip, stays in hand, so fewer drops.”
Frida Baby Get A Grip Teether
“Classic for a reason—natural rubber, squeaker inside, easy-to-hold legs and neck. My go-to teether when nothing else works.”
Sophie la Girafe Teether
“Silicone tube with multiple textures—great for gnawing on molars and designing bite relief. Plus, shaped like a carrot—cute and functional!”
Nuby Tube Carrot Teether
Strollers And Car seats
“Affordable all-in-one setup—stroller, bassinet, and infant car seat included. Smooth ride and huge storage—perfect for newborn through toddler stage.” 
Graco Modes™ Pramette Travel System
“Lightweight and travel-savvy with a compact fold and sun visor. Easy to maneuver and ideal for busy errands.”
Dream On Me Vista Moonwalk Stroller, Lightweight Infant ...
“One seat from infancy to booster mode—it really grows with your kid. Budget-friendly and solid ratings.”
Safety 1st Grow and Go Sprint All-in-One Convertible Car ...
“Lightweight and easy to carry—great for quick exits and short trips. Stylish and practical for newborns.”
Evenflo NurtureMax Infant Car Seat (Dallas Blue)
Baby formula
“Choosing the right formula can feel overwhelming, but these trusted options make feeding easier and healthier. From organic and European blends to gentle tummy-friendly choices, these formulas are designed to support baby’s growth, brain development...
“US-made, USDA organic, and made with whole milk instead of skim—one of the closest formulas to breast milk. No palm oil, no corn syrup.”
Grass-fed Whole Milk Infant Formula
“Trusted everyday formula with brain-supporting MFGM and DHA. Gentle on sensitive tummies and great for gassy babies.”
Enfamil NeuroPro Powder Infant Formula - 20.7oz
“Made in the U.K. with whole milk fats. Organic, no palm oil, and a creamy texture babies love
Kendamil
“Made with 5 HMO prebiotics to support immune health—closest Similac option to breast milk. No artificial growth hormones.”
Similac Baby Formula - Walmart.com
“Clean-label, organic, and designed to mimic breast milk proteins. No corn syrup or palm oil—highly recommended by pediatric dietitians.”
Whole Nutrition Formula For Babies, Infants, And Newborns