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Newborn Necessities: Mom-Approved Gear That Makes Life Easier
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items As a mom of four, I’ve tried it all—from newborn must-haves to toddler essentials, and I’m sharing the products that actually make life easier. These are the items I swear by, use every day, and recommend to friends: baby gear, sleep solutions, feedi...
Sections
11
Bath
Sleep
Travel
Breastfeeding
Need in your diaper bag
Play time
Bath
Bath time can be a fun and relaxing routine for both baby and parent with the right essentials. From gentle cleansers to supportive tubs and soft towels, having the right items makes every bath safe, easy, and enjoyable.
It constantly circulates fresh water (clean in, dirty out) and has a built‑in color‑coded digital thermometer so you can easily see if the water’s in the comfort zone. Excellent daily tub that actually refreshes water instead of just draining.
4moms Cleanwater 3-in-1 Baby Bathtub
Designed for newborns, it supports baby in a semi-reclined position, keeping them safe and comfortable. The perforated bottom allows water to drain easily, and the soft mesh insert is gentle on skin.
Angelcare Baby Bath Support Gray - Under 6 Months
I highly recommend Burt’s Bees Baby Bubble Bath! It’s gentle, tear-free, and made with natural ingredients that are safe for baby’s sensitive skin. It cleans without drying, has a light, soothing scent, and makes bath time fun with gentle bubbles. Pe...
Bath Care
This baby grooming kit is super handy for everyday care. The soft brush, gentle comb, and safe nail tools make bath time and nail trimming way less stressful. Compact, easy to store, and everything you need in one place—definitely a must-have for new...
Baby Grooming Kit with Hair Brush, Comb, Nail Clipper
As a mom, I love these hooded towels for bath time, they’re thick, super absorbent, and keep my little ones cozy from head to toe.
Toddler Hooded Bath Towel for Boys & Girls
Sleep
Sleep is everything for both baby and parent, and having the right essentials makes bedtime smoother. From swaddles and sleep sacks to sound machines and more, these items help little ones, and you, rest easier through the night.
Zipadee-Zip sleepers are one of those baby items you don’t realize you need until you try them. They’re cozy without being restrictive, great for babies who like having their hands free, and perfect for easing the transition out of a swaddle. Soft, b...
SleepingBaby's Zipadee-Zip Transition Swaddle
If you’re looking for a versatile spot to soothe and relax your baby, the Graco DuoGlider is a solid choice. It has three recline positions, a safety harness to keep baby secure, and a smooth gliding motion that many babies find calming. It’s perfect...
Graco DuoGlider Electric Baby Swing, Infant, Grey, Safe and Comfortable
If you’re looking for a sound machine that actually works, the Hatch Sound Machine is hands-down my favorite. I’ve tried plenty of others, and nothing compares. It’s super customizable, grows with your baby, and the app control makes adjusting sounds...
Hatch Baby - Your go-to for baby sleep support
The DockATot is one I absolutely recommend. It’s cozy, portable, and perfect for supervised lounging, tummy time, or naps. The soft, cushioned sides make baby feel snug and secure, and it’s lightweight enough to move around the house or travel. Just ...
Dockatot
I highly recommend Little Sleepies! The fabric feels amazing, soft, cozy, and breathable, making bedtime extra comfortable. My kids love the designs, and the patterns are fun and playful without being over the top. They’re durable, easy to wash, and ...
Little Sleepies
I highly recommend Caden Lane pajamas! They’re soft, high-quality, and comfortable, making them perfect for a cozy night’s sleep. The designs are stylish and fun, and my kids love wearing them. They’re also durable and hold up well in the wash, so th...
Bamboo Pajamas for Babies, Toddlers & Kids
This innovative swaddle lets babies sleep with their arms up, supporting their natural startle reflex while helping them self-soothe and sleep more comfortably. As a mom of four, I’ve tried a lot of swaddles, and this one stands out for its quality, ...
Arms Up Swaddles for Infants
This zip-up swaddle is easy to use, soft, and keeps babies snug and secure, helping them sleep more comfortably. The adjustable arm options allow for swaddling with arms in or out, making it perfect for newborns who startle easily. As a mom of four, ...
SwaddleMe Compression Baby Swaddle Pod
These muslin swaddles are a staple in our house. Super breathable, soft, and just get better with every wash. Big enough for a proper swaddle but also perfect for stroller shade, spit-up, tummy time… you name it. One of those baby items you’ll reach ...
Muslin Swaddle Blankets 3 Pack Soft Newborn
Travel
From car seats to strollers, these travel essentials keep kids secure and comfortable while making outings and errands stress-free for parents.
I’ve used the Graco 4Ever Seat with all my kids, and I highly recommend it. It’s incredibly versatile, growing with your child from infant to booster, and it’s packed with safety features you can trust. Easy to install, comfortable for long rides, an...
4Ever® DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat
If you’re in the baby-wearing season, the Tula Grow With Me carrier is one I genuinely recommend. It’s super comfortable, easy to adjust, and actually grows with your baby, so you’re not constantly swapping carriers. Supportive for your back and shou...
Free-to-Grow Ergonomic Baby Carriers | Baby Tula US
I’ve used Graco products with all my kids and I highly recommend them. They’re reliable, durable, and practical, from car seats to strollers. Graco consistently combines safety features with ease of use, making everyday life with kids a lot smoother.
Verb™ Click Connect™ Travel System
It’s perfect for babies 7–35 lbs, distributes weight evenly, and supports ergonomic positioning. Machine washable and easy to adjust once you get the wrapping technique down, it’s a cozy, everyday carrier for bonding and multitasking.
Newborn Boba Baby Wrap Carriers
If you want a child carrier that’s comfortable without feeling bulky, this one is a great pick. It’s lightweight, compact, and much easier to maneuver in crowded places or while traveling, but still has the solid support Osprey is known for.
Osprey Poco LT Lightweight Child Carrier Backpack
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be easier and more comfortable with the right support. Fr⁹om pumps and nursing pillows to handy accessories, these essentials help make feeding time smoother for both mom and baby
I definitely recommend the Boppy Nursing Pillow! I’ve used it with all my kids, and it’s been a game-changer for breastfeeding and bottle feeding. It provides comfortable support for both baby and parent, helping reduce strain on your arms and back. ...
Shop the Best Nursing Pillows Collection
This is gentle, safe for baby, and incredibly effective at soothing sore or cracked nipples. I’ve used it with all my kids, and a little goes a long way, no need to wash it off before nursing, which makes feeds much easier. It’s a must-have in any br...
Medela Purelan Lanolin Nipple Cream Relief
I highly recommend the Spectra Breastfeeding Pump! It’s powerful, quiet, and comfortable, making pumping at home or on the go much easier. The adjustable suction and speed settings let you find what’s most comfortable and efficient, and the closed sy...
Spectra
I’ve been wearing these for 16 months postpartum, and they’re still my go-to for everyday comfort and easy nursing. Super soft, supportive enough, and perfect for lounging or layering.
SUIEK 3 Pack Maternity Nursing Tank Tops
Need in your diaper bag
Here’s my list of diaper bag recommendations to make outings smoother and stress-free. These are the essentials I rely on to stay prepared no matter where we’re headed.
Our pediatrician recommended it, and it has been a lifesaver for soothing and healing diaper rashes. It provides a protective barrier while calming irritation, helping baby’s skin recover quickly. I’ve found it especially effective for red, sensitive...
Calmoseptine, Inc.: Home
I recommend Desitin Diaper Rash Cream for keeping baby’s skin healthy and rash-free. It’s a classic, trusted barrier cream that soothes irritation and protects against moisture. I’ve used it with all my kids, and it works quickly to calm redness whil...
Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Rapid Relief Cream
I highly recommend Pampers Swaddlers! I’ve tried every brand out there, and Pampers has never let me down. They’re super soft, absorbent, and gentle on baby’s skin, keeping little ones dry and comfortable. The wetness indicator is also a lifesaver fo...
Pampers: Swaddlers
Mild and fragrance‑free, hypoallergenic, and designed to help protect delicate skin during diaper changes. These are soft but effective and work well for everyday use on sensitive areas.
Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes Unscented, 2 Pack, 168 Total Count ...
Soft, gentle, and unscented enough for sensitive skin, they’re great for cleaning sticky hands, smudged faces, runny noses, or post-snack cleanup without irritation.
Boogie Wipes Gentle Wet Wipes for Baby & Kids
Play time
Here are my recommendations for infant playtime, focusing on activities that stimulate their senses and support early development. These ideas help little ones explore safely while having fun.
I highly recommend the Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym! This activity mat is perfect for tummy time, kicking, and reaching, helping babies develop gross motor skills, coordination, and sensory awareness. The interactive piano plays musi...
Fisher-Price Glow and Grow Kick & Play Piano Gym Baby Playmat with Musical ...
A classic wooden activity cube that keeps toddlers engaged with bead mazes, peek‑a‑boo doors, alphabet spinners, and zigzag tracks. It’s sturdy, encourages fine‑motor skill development and imaginative play, and gets great reviews from parents for lon...
Zany Zoo | Wooden Activity Cube
The Tummy Time Baby Mirror is a fantastic first toy for newborns (0–3 months). It encourages visual tracking, self-recognition, and sensory development while making tummy time more engaging. The mirror keeps little ones entertained and helps build ne...
Tummy Time Baby Mirror Infant Toys 0-3 Months
The Skip Hop Baby Activity Center is a versatile, 3-stage play center designed to grow with your baby. It starts as a stationary activity station for infants, helping develop motor skills, coordination, and sensory exploration. As your little one gro...
Skip Hop Baby Activity Center 3-Stage
It’s great for giving babies a little independence to sit and play, eat, or interact with others while staying supported.
If you want, I can also list some of the
bumbousa
It’s great for giving babies a little independence to sit and play, eat, or interact with others while staying supported.
Sit Me Up Chair
Soft, cuddly, and perfectly sized for little hands, it’s more than just a plush—it plays gentle music and has textures that keep newborns curious and engaged.
Baby Sensory Toy 0-6M Music Animal Caterpillar
Soft, crinkly, and the tags keep little hands busy without being too much. Clips right onto a car seat or stroller, doesn’t take up space, and actually gets used.
Baby Jack & Co 8x8” Forest Woodland Lovey
This little gadget is a lifesaver. It keeps pacifiers, teethers, and small toys from constantly hitting the floor—no more endless chasing. Clips easily onto strollers, high chairs, or car seats, and is super easy to clean. Simple, practical, and some...
Baby Buddy Secure-A-Toy Safety Strap
These Montessori-style sensory toys are perfect for little hands. Soft, safe, and easy for babies to grab, chew, and explore. They keep tiny fingers busy, help with teething, and are great for developing early motor skills—honestly, they get pulled o...
Baby Montessori Sensory Teether Toys 0-12M
These wrist rattle socks are such a fun little toy for newborns! They’re soft, lightweight, and make just the right amount of jingle to catch baby’s attention without being overwhelming.
Infinno Baby Wrist Rattle Socks & Foot Finder
This wooden play gym is a total win for keeping babies entertained. The foldable design makes it easy to store or take on the go, and the hanging toys are perfect for batting, grabbing, and exploring. Simple, sturdy, and stylish—my little one spent h...
little dove Foldable Wooden Play Gym with 6 Toys
This spiral activity toy is such a simple win. It wraps around strollers or car seats easily, and the little toys hanging from it keep baby busy and curious. Soft, lightweight, and easy to move from one seat to another—definitely one of those “actual...
Car Seat Activity Toy - Itzy Bitzy Spiral
Baby books
These picks make storytime fun and engaging for little ones.
Goodnight Gorilla is such a charming, playful bedtime story! The mischievous little gorilla follows the zookeeper around, letting all the animals out in the funniest way. The illustrations are bright and full of detail, and kids love spotting all the...
Good Night, Gorilla (Picture Puffins)
Timeless, soothing bedtime book with gentle rhymes.
Goodnight Moon: Margaret Wise Brown, Clement Hurd
Hello, Ninja is a fun, interactive board book that introduces little ones to ninja moves, friendship, and problem-solving in a playful way. The bright illustrations and simple text make it perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, and kids love imitatin...
Hello Ninja: N. D. Wilson, Forrest Dickison
A sweet, fun board book that looks at the world from a baby’s perspective where everything is mama, great for read‑alouds and early words.
Everything Is Mama by Fallon & Ordóñez
It’s a playful, interactive board book that looks at the world through a baby’s eyes, highlighting all the ways “Dada” is everywhere. Perfect for read-alouds, it’s funny, sweet, and a great way for dads to bond with their little ones.
Your Baby's First Word Will Be DADA
These little crinkle books are perfect for tiny hands. Soft, safe, and full of textures and sounds that keep babies curious and engaged. They’re lightweight, easy to grab, and great for tummy time, stroller rides, or quiet moments—definitely a go-to ...
hahaland Baby Toys 0-6 Months Crinkle Books 2-Pack
These high-contrast toys are awesome for newborns. The black-and-white patterns immediately grab baby’s attention, and the crinkle sounds, soft textures, and little mirror make tummy time way more fun. Simple, engaging, and perfect for those early se...
Black & White High Contrast Baby Toys 0-6M
Clothes and Shoes
Mejal shoes are a total win for kids—super durable, comfy, and built to keep up with everything from playground chaos to running errands. They’re easy for little ones to get on and off, sturdy enough for rough-and-tumble play, and still cute enough y...
Mejale: Baby Shoes
Safety
Here are my recommendations for safety, helping you keep little ones secure at home.
This is one of those baby items you don’t realize you need until you really need it. The 6-panel setup lets you block off a big area or turn it into a play yard (about 18.5 sq ft), which is perfect when you’re trying to keep a baby safe but still let...
6 Panel Baby Gate
Monkey Locks are one of those why didn’t I buy these sooner safety items. They’re super easy to install (no tools, no drilling), but strong enough to actually keep curious little hands out of cabinets, drawers, and even the fridge. I love that adults...
DOOR MONKEY Child Proof Door Lock & Pinch Guard
The Optics baby monitor gave me so much peace of mind, especially once naps and bedtime became less predictable. The picture is clear, the sound picks up even the tiniest fuss, and I love that I don’t have to rely on Wi-Fi for it to work. It’s easy t...
Infant Optics
Teething
Here are my recommendations for teething designed to sore gums more manageable. These essentials help keep little ones comfortable and happy.
This little banana teether is such a favorite in our house. Soft, easy for tiny hands to hold, and the textured surface soothes sore gums perfectly. Simple, safe, and somehow always ends up in baby’s hand—definitely a teething lifesaver.
Nuby Nananubs Banana Massaging Teether
These teething mittens are a game changer. Baby can chew on them safely without you worrying about dropped toys, and the silicone is soft but durable. The mittens stay on surprisingly well, and having two packs means one’s always ready while the othe...
2 Packs Silicone Baby Teething Mitten
Feeding
Here are my recommendations for feeding, designed to make mealtime more manageable.
This high chair is such a space-saver, literally. Easy to clean, lightweight, and perfect for small kitchens or on-the-go meals—definitely a mom favorite.
Fisher-Price SpaceSaver High Chair Navy
These spoons are great for starting solids and baby-led weaning. The shape helps food stick better, so baby actually gets something in their mouth, and they’re easy for little hands to hold.
Gentle Dip™ Multistage First Spoon Set, 3 Pack - Munchkin