Must haves for a new born are simpler than you might think. While baby stores suggest you need everything, the reality is your newborn only requires a few core essentials for their first months.
Essential Newborn Must-Haves:
Many parents feel overwhelmed by vague or influencer-driven checklists. As one Reddit parent put it: "I can't seem to find a clear list of what I actually need for my baby... I'm kind of just looking for something that I can follow and feel prepared."
The truth is, newborns have basic needs: they sleep about 16 hours a day, use around 70 diapers a week, and drink only breast milk or formula. Focus on these fundamentals first.
I'm Gary Harutyunyan. After my own newborn's sleep challenges, I learned which must haves for a new born truly matter. My experience as a father and creator of innovative sleep solutions taught me to focus on essentials that actually work.
Basic must haves for a new born terms:
These are the absolute must haves for a new born that cover daily survival and basic care. Think of these as your baby's non-negotiable needs from day one.
Whether you breastfeed, bottle-feed, or combine both, a functional feeding station is a lifesaver. Newborns only need breast milk or formula, so you can keep it simple.
If you're breastfeeding, stock up on burp cloths and bibs. We recommend muslin drool bibs and budget-friendly muslin burp cloths. A hands-free breast pump like the Medela hands-free pump is a game-changer, along with milk storage containers.
A good nursing pillow, like the My Brest Friend nursing pillow, provides crucial support. You'll also need nursing bras and pads (buy one cup size larger than your pregnant size). Choose disposable or washable nursing pads. For soreness, nipple balm like Green Forest Lady organic nipple balm can be a lifesaver.
For formula feeding, start with a few different bottles and nipples to see what your baby prefers. A bottle and nipple brush like the OXO bottle brush is essential for cleaning. When choosing formula, opt for a pediatrician-approved brand like Enfamil GentleEase to help reduce gas. Always check expiry dates.
For gas troubles, try gentle tummy massages, bicycle legs, and frequent burping. For more solutions, see our guides on Baby Gas Relief and Relieving Gas Pains Quickly.
Newborns can use 70 diapers a week (6-9 changes daily), so being prepared is essential. A waterproof changing pad like this contoured changing pad is non-negotiable. Always keep one hand on your baby on a raised surface.
You'll need baby wipes for sensitive skin (a 72-pack of sensitive wipes is a good start) and diaper rash cream like doctor-approved Aquaphor. A diaper pail contains odors, and portable changing pads are great for on-the-go.
For disposable diapers, don't overbuy newborn sizes. Start with one or two boxes of Swaddlers. For cloth diapering, you'll need several dozen white cloth diapers, diaper covers, fasteners, and cloth washcloths.
Baby clothes should prioritize comfort and practicality, as they grow incredibly fast.
Finally, use a gentle laundry detergent like this fragrance-free option from Babyganics to protect sensitive skin.
Newborns only need about three baths a week. Keep it simple and safe with these items.
Creating a safe sleep environment is one of the most important must haves for a new born. Your baby will spend around 16 hours a day sleeping, so getting this right is crucial. The good news is that safe sleep is more about what you don't put in the crib.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines are simple: babies should sleep on their backs, alone in their sleep space, with no loose items. This dramatically reduces the risk of SIDS and suffocation. For details, see Healthy Children: Reduce the Risk of SIDS & Suffocation.
For safe co-sleeping, use a firm mattress like the Zinus memory foam mattress with fitted sheets and place waterproof bed pads under the baby. Keep all pillows and loose bedding away from the baby.
Modern sleep aids can be game-changers. While some older white noise machines can be unsafe, modern safety-rated devices present white noise at safe, low-decibel levels. Some can even be placed on the baby's chest for localized comfort. Sleepy Baby's rhythmic tapping devices mimic a caregiver's comforting pat, working hands-free to soothe babies. The gentle rhythm helps regulate breathing and heart rate, promoting deeper, longer sleep and helping establish independent sleep habits.
For more on creating a sleep sanctuary, explore our guides on Best Sleep Aids for Your Newborn and Newborn Sleep Solutions.
These must haves for a new born prepare you for life outside your front door.
Knowing what to buy is as important as knowing what to skip when it comes to must haves for a new born. This section helps you prioritize wisely and save money.
These items aren't strictly essential, but many parents find them incredibly helpful for maintaining sanity during the beautiful chaos of new parenthood.
Avoid common new parent spending traps. These items might seem appealing but are unnecessary or can wait.
The key is remembering your newborn's needs are simple. Focus your budget on true must haves for a new born—safe sleep, feeding, diapers, and clothes.
A baby registry is a smart way to communicate your needs, guide gift-givers, and avoid duplicate items. It ensures you get the must haves for a new born you actually need.
Focus on the non-negotiables first. Start with a safe place to sleep (crib or bassinet), an installed infant car seat, your chosen feeding supplies, and daily care items like diapers and wipes. Once these core items are covered, you can add nice-to-haves like a rocking chair or baby carrier.
For more inspiration, check out our guides on Top Baby Gifts for Every New Parent and New Baby Gifts Guaranteed to Impress. A well-thought-out registry is a gift to everyone involved.
The number depends on your laundry frequency. A good starting point is 5-8 onesies (mix of sleeve lengths), 4-8 one-piece zippered sleepers (zippers are a must for night changes!), 5 pairs of pants, and 5-7 pairs of socks. Plan for at least two outfits per day. Avoid overbuying newborn sizes, as babies grow incredibly fast.
The non-negotiables you need before leaving the hospital are an installed infant car seat, a safe sleep space (bassinet or crib with a firm mattress), a small supply of newborn diapers and wipes, a few basic outfits and swaddles, and your chosen feeding supplies (bottles/formula or breastfeeding support items).
No, it's best not to. Babies grow quickly, and some may even be too big for newborn size at birth. Start with one or two small packs of newborn diapers. You can always purchase more if needed, which prevents you from getting stuck with a box of diapers your baby has already outgrown.
Preparing for a newborn is about being equipped with the right tools, not owning every product. By focusing on the must haves for a new born we've covered, you can confidently meet your baby's needs for safety, comfort, and care without breaking the bank.
Sleep will likely be your biggest challenge. While a safe crib is essential, sometimes babies need extra help settling. This is where innovative sleep aids can make a difference.
Modern, safety-rated white noise machines can provide soothing sound at safe, low-decibel levels; some can even be placed on the baby's chest for localized comfort. Sleepy Baby's rhythmic tapping devices offer another layer of support by mimicking a caregiver's comforting touch. The gentle, consistent patting helps regulate your baby's breathing and heart rate, reducing fussiness and promoting deeper, longer sleep. This provides that familiar womb-like comfort hands-free, giving both you and your baby the rest you deserve.
These devices can also soothe colicky babies and help develop independent sleep skills. Take a deep breath and trust your instincts. With these essentials and the right sleep support, you're ready to welcome your little one with confidence.
Explore our full range of newborn sleep solutions to find the perfect aid for your family and transform challenging nights into peaceful rest.
