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Bringing a newborn into the world is SUCH an exciting experience, but it also comes with its fair share of challenges. As a new parent, ensuring you have the right baby essentials for the first 3 months will help to make that transition just a little bit easier. In this blog post, we’ll explore 15 must-have items that will make those initial months with your little one a breeze.
This post is all about baby essentials for the first 3 months.
1. Soft and Cozy Onesies
Babies go through about a million outfit changes in a day, especially in those first couple of months and having comfortable onesies will keep them snug and happy. I also think zipper onesies are an absolute must, especially the ones that zip from the top and bottom. I absolutely love both of the Little Sleepies and Posh Peanut brands for super soft bamboo onesies.
2. Swaddle Blankets
Swaddles are a lifesaver for both parents and babies and are an absolute baby essential. They help create a sense of security and warmth, promoting better sleep (which is greatly lacking in the beginning stages). For sleeping, zipper swaddles are great and super easy to use. During the day, or for cute photos, the fabric swaddles are a nice option. There is a bit of a learning curve for these though, so be sure to look up a YouTube video for the best way to swaddle using these blankets.
3. Diapers and Wipes
Stock up on diapers and wipes – these are non-negotiable first 3 months baby essentials. We’re a Pampers Swaddlers family, but I also love Target’s Millie Moon brand for both diapers and wipes too!
4. Baby Skincare Products
Gentle baby shampoo, lotion, and diaper cream are essential for maintaining your baby’s delicate skin. Tubby Todd has the absolute best cream for whenever your little one has skin irritations. Their All Over Ointment was life-saver when my son had some baby acne in those first few weeks. Target’s Pipette brand is also a great natural option and super affordable too!
5. Infant Car Seat
A safe and secure infant car seat is a must for any new parent. Ensure it meets safety standards and is properly installed before your little one arrives. The Doona is an absolute must-have as it can be both your car seat and stroller for at least the first year, but it is a little on the pricey side. The Nuna PIPPA and Maxi-Cosi Mico have great reviews as well.
6. A Sound Machine
A good sound machine will totally save your life when it comes to your baby’s sleep. Research does support the effectiveness of sound machines. If you want to do your own research, I highly recommend taking the Taking Cara Babies course and reading The Happiest Baby on the Block. Proven studies show that babies find comfort in the noise produced by a sound machine, mimicking the sounds they heard in the womb. Hatch is the most popular choice for sound machines (we have 3 in my house and I LOVE them), but Amazon also has some other excellent options, especially for travel.
7. Diaper Bag
A well-equipped diaper bag is essential for parents on the go. Ensure it has enough space for diapers, wipes, changing pads, and extra clothes, making outings with your baby stress-free. Backpacks are a great option especially for the newborn stage when you need to bring a million things with you. Freshly Picked is the brand I chose for my diaper bag, and I absolutely love it. A few other popular options include the Lululemon New Parent Backpack (great for either mom or dad to carry!), Dagne Dover, and Fawn Design.
8. Burp Cloths
You will go a TON of burp cloths throughout the day, and honestly they’re great for a lot of uses (besides the obvious). Try to stick with muslin cloth options as they are the softest and most absorbent. Amazon has some amazing sets (this one in particular has over 37,000 5 star reviews!), and this is another great option if you want a few different colors. Also, if you want to get some aesthetically pleasing options I really like these from Parker Baby.
9. Bathtub
Once your newborn is out of the sponge bath stage and ready for a real bath, you’ll want to have a bathtub that is fit especially for newborns. This Angel Care tub was great for us and we used it until my son was around 8 months old, so it lasted us for a while too. Frida Baby and Skip Hop also have some nice options that adjust as your baby gets older.
10. Baby Monitor
Keep a close eye on your little one with a reliable baby monitor. There are a lot of different opinions on Wi-Fi vs. non Wi-Fi monitors – we actually have both in our house and I like using each of them for different reasons. The Eufy Security Spaceview non Wi-Fi monitor is fantastic and great for traveling. I personally like having a separate screen to watch my son instead of using my phone. However, like I said there are other times when I really like having a Wi-Fi monitor, so we do also have the Owlet camera. I highly recommend purchasing the Owlet sock for an added peace of mind as well. If you’re interested, Amazon has a bundle that includes both the Owlet camera and Owlet sock together. Both are linked below!
11. Baby Clothes in Different Sizes
Babies grow quickly, and having a variety of clothing sizes on hand will save you from last-minute shopping trips. Make sure you have a mix of newborn and 0-3 months sizes. You can get baby clothes from tons of retailers, but Old Navy, Baby Gap, and Target are awesome options for affordable clothes.
12. Pacifiers
Pacifiers can provide comfort and soothe a fussy baby. Make sure to have a few on hand, and choose ones designed for newborns as well. Each baby will have their own preference for pacifiers so definitely grab a few brands. We’ve used the Nuk for Nature brand since my son was born and he still loves them, but these other brands from Target are all great options as well!
13. Changing Table and Diaper Pail
A changing table and diaper pail are definite must-have baby essentials. If your home has multiple levels, it’s beneficial to have a separate changing table on the main floor while also having a changing pad or additional changing table in the nursery. This Graco changing table from Target is a great neutral, affordable option that has the additional storage space for all of your accessories. I personally am also a big fan of this Skip Hop changing pad to throw on top of the dresser in your nursery for quick and easy changes. When it comes to diaper pails, there are a lot of options out there that all do essentially the same thing. Both Munchkin and Ubi are really popular brands right now (pro tip: invest in some of these scented bags and throw those #2 changes directly in your outside garbage can).
14. Soft Baby Blankets
Keep your baby warm and cozy with soft blankets. Whether used for swaddling, tummy time, or cuddling, having a few quality blankets is a must. Little Giraffe is a really great, high quality brand for stroller blankets. For the best everyday, muslin blankets I really love the Mushie swaddle blankets, aden + anais Essentials, and Little Unicorn.
15. Baby Basics Kit
The final important baby essentials for the first 3 months is definitely a baby basics kit. Frida Baby is my favorite brand for all things baby basics, and they have a great baby essentials kit. For keeping up with those tiny little nails that grow so fast, this Amazon nail grinder is the best, and a worry-free option as well.
Preparing for your baby’s arrival involves thoughtful planning and gathering the right baby essentials. The first 3 months are a crucial period of adjustment, and having these 15 must-have items on hand will help make the transition smoother for both you and your newborn. From comfortable clothing to safety gear and feeding essentials, ensuring you’re well-equipped will allow you to focus on creating beautiful moments with your new bundle of joy.
This post was all about baby essentials for the first 3 months.
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