The Only 7 Items You Really Need for Your Newborn (and what you can skip!)

Let’s be real—preparing for a new baby can feel like you need to buy an entirely new house just to fit all the “must-have” baby gear that’s plastered across your Instagram feed. Wipe warmers? Bluetooth swings? Designer diaper bags with charging ports? Sure, those things might be cool…but are they essential?

If you're expecting a baby and feeling overwhelmed by all the stuff out there, don’t worry—we got you. At Baby Nest Birth Boutique, we’re all about keeping things real, intentional, and simple. We’re here to help you focus on what really matters in those first six weeks after bringing your newborn home—your comfort, your baby’s safety, and your sanity.

So, take a deep breath (and maybe a sip of that raspberry leaf tea), and let’s dive into your go-to newborn essentials checklist—the only 7 things you actually need for a newborn.

1. Diapers & Wipes (Because...obviously)

Stack of soft, disposable newborn diapers — a must-have item for baby care and postpartum essentials.

Let’s start with the obvious. Diapers. Your baby is going to go through a lot of them—like 10+ a day. Whether you’re all about cloth diapers or you’re rolling with the convenience of disposables, have at least:

One pack of newborn diapers (in case baby is teeny tiny),
One pack of size one (some babies skip newborn sizes altogether).
As for wipes, skip the scented ones (those tiny bums are sensitive!) and stick to something unscented and gentle.

POSTPARTUM DOULA TIP: Don't buy one year's worth of diaper sizes! Baby's come in all different shapes, and while Pampers might work well for one baby, another down to the road could have a blowout every time and need Huggies or .

DOULA TIP: Your baby’s first few poops are wildly sticky (thank you, meconium). Throw our Prepare Down There Balm into your hospital bag and use wipe on baby's bum. This helps that sticky tar-like poop slide right off, saving your sanity during diaper changes, and reducing your baby's stress.

2. Soft, Multi-Use Receiving Blankets (Swaddle, Burp, Wipe, Repeat)

Folded cotton receiving blankets in soft, neutral colors — essential for swaddling, burping, and everyday newborn care.

Flannel or muslin receiving blankets are MVPs on any solid newborn essentials checklist. Trust us—you'll use them for everything:

Swaddling baby burrito-style
As a nursing cover
Over the car seat to block sun
For diaper changes on the go
Catching spit-up
Even as emergency burp cloths

We recommend grabbing at least 6–8 of these soft multitaskers.

3. Minimalist Baby Wardrobe (Because They Grow Fast)

Simple baby wardrobe with neatly arranged clothes in neutral colors.

It’s tempting to go all out on those adorable baby outfits, but let’s be real: most of them won’t make it out of the closet before your baby outgrows them. You don’t need a closet full of newborn clothes. Keep your newborn essentials checklist tight with a few soft gowns, onesies, and zip-up jammies

Here’s what you actually need:

Knotted baby gowns - babies live in a frog position and getting tiny legs into clothes is a challenge. Baby gowns that tie are brilliant and so underused! This brand is so soft and amazing!
Easy onsies for your weather. Depending on the time of season, you will use the onesie sleeper jammies or outfit. But here's a hint....you don't need a billion white "under" onesies. Most parents don't even bother and just put their baby in a cute giraffe long sleeve onesie and then swaddle to keep warm.

Postpartum Doula Tip: Buttons and snaps are TIME-WASTERS! For the first month, keep your baby in outfits that go on with speed with magnets, ties, and zippers! You’ll thank yourself during that 3 AM diaper change.

4. A Safe, Cozy Place for Baby to Sleep

Cozy baby bassinet with soft bedding and a sleeping newborn.

Whether you’re a co-sleeper or a bassinet-by-the-bed kind of family, your newborn needs a safe sleep setup.Choose a sleep space that works for your lifestyle—this is a top item on any real-deal checklist of newborn essentials. Here are some great that don't require a crib:

Bassinets next to the bed or can be moved to the living room when your Postpartum Doula spends the night
Moses baskets (like this cozy one)
In-bed co-sleepers with raised sides

Your newborn will wake up multiple times during the night, so choose a setup that makes night feeds easier for you. And no, you don’t need a fancy smart crib with white noise and app syncing. Keep it simple and sleep-focused.

Doula Tip: Many parents are shocked, but your baby does not need a crib to come home to. It's recommended that the baby sleep in the same room in the first months. So you can save your time and money and not invest in a crib till months later (when they start to roll over)!

5. A Car Seat (Your hospital won't let you leave without it!)

Infant car seat with ergonomic padding and side-impact protection, ready for travel.

You can’t leave the hospital without one. Seriously. This one's mandatory—and firmly on every newborn essentials checklist.

Car seats are non-negotiable, and there are two main types:

Infant bucket seats (great for portability)
Convertible car seats (grow with your baby)

Do a little research on what works for your lifestyle. If you’re an active parent or city walker, look into a car seat-stroller combo.

Doula Tip: Get your carseat professional installed or inspected by a local resource. Sometimes the Fire Department will do a check, or there are local specialists you can hire to ensure it's safely installed.

6. Feeding Essentials (No Matter How You Feed)

Soft, supportive nursing bra designed for breastfeeding.

Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, your baby essentials checklist should include tools that make feeding comfortable

If you’re breastfeeding:

A couple of good nursing bras
Nipple cream (seriously, don’t skip this—our Baby Nest Nipple Rescue Balm is a life-saver)

If you’re bottle-feeding:

Bottles and nipples (some trial-and-error may happen here!)
A bottle brush for cleaning
Formula or donor milk

Planning to pump?

A powerful pump like the Spectra if you’re going back to work
A more compact option like the Medela for part-time use

Doula Tip: Did you know you can prepare your breasts to make milk before your baby is born?! Don't worry, the milk doesn't flow till your baby is born, but our herbal Lactation Tincture can be used in pregnancy to get your milk factory ready and primed! Read how to Prepare for Breastfeeding in PREGNANCY here!

7. A Baby Carrier (Because You Still Have to Make Coffee)

Ergonomic baby carrier designed for comfortable front and back carrying.

We all love the idea of sleeping when the baby sleeps. But...sometimes, baby only sleeps on you. And sometimes, you need two hands. Baby carriers are a top pick on every practical newborn essentials checklist, especially for multitasking and bonding!

Enter: the baby carrier. Here's a list of uur faves:

Solly Wraps: Soft, breathable, perfect for the newborn phase.
MomCozy: More structured, good for longer wear.
Ring slings: Quick, beautiful, and breastfeeding-friendly.

Try a few on if you can—many boutiques (like us!) offer carrier try-ons. Need help feeling confident to carry your baby, hire a postpartum doula to guide you through!

Still not sure? Read our guide: “Which Baby Carrier is Best for You?”.

What Parents DO NOT NEED TO BUY

Here are a few examples of what not to include on your checklist of newborn essentials—we’re here to help you keep it real, not overwhelmed. And heck, lets save some money!

🚫 Don’t Stockpile Diapers for a Year (Tempting, but just don’t)

We get it—diapers feel like one of those things you can never have enough of. And those warehouse-size boxes of newborn, size 1, and size 2 diapers are so tempting to stock up on while you're nesting. But here's the truth:

Babies come in all shapes and sizes, and what fits one baby like a dream might cause another to leak or blow out every. single. time.

Some babies do great with Pampers—others need the snug fit of Huggies, or even sensitive-skin options from brands like Coterie or Hello Bello. You won’t really know what works for your baby’s booty until you try a few.

❌ Skip the Bulk Box of Breast Pads

Breast pads are one of those things everyone tells you to stock up on… but guess what? You might not even leak! Or, you may only need them during the first few weeks and then never again.

Buying a mega box of disposable pads before your milk even comes in can be a waste—not to mention many of them can be itchy, crinkly, or bulky under your clothes. Start with a small pack, or go green with a set of reusable bamboo breast pads that are soft, washable, and eco-friendly.

Bonus: Our Postpartum Recovery Bundle includes a soothing nipple balm that makes those early nursing days way more manageable.

🚫 Lanolin Nipple Cream. The 1970s Idea We Need to Retire

We’re gonna say it: Lanolin nipple cream is outdated. It’s petroleum-based, sticky AF, and spoiler alert — it’s not even that healing. The whole “rub sheep’s wool grease on your nipples” thing? That’s been around since your mom was breastfeeding. Time for an upgrade.

Here’s why you should skip Lanolin:

It’s petroleum-derived or comes from sheep’s glands — ew.
It just sits there without nourishing or healing damaged skin.
A lot of moms are allergic to Lanolin.
Some babies (and boobs) react to it with irritation.
It stains your bras and feels like you’re wearing glue.

DOULA TIP: Prepare your breastfeeding station ahead of time with a Organic Nipple Cream, that is safe for baby AND HEALS FAST!

Our hand-crafted Organic Nipple Cream is full of healing herbs and a powerhouse for healing sore, cracked and overworked nipples. Benefits include:
🌿 Calendula and plantain to actually heal damaged skin
🧈 Shea butter and coconut oil for rich, deep moisture that absorbs fast
🫶 A smooth, creamy texture that glides on like silk (no scrubbing required before baby latches!)
✨ 100% lanolin-free, fragrance-free, and totally baby-safe

Grab your Organic Nipple Cream here!

why not to use lanolin | organic nipple cream that is a newborn essential

❌ Say No to Newborn Denim Overalls

We know. Tiny baby jeans? Adorable. But unless you want to spend all day wrestling your baby like a burrito, skip the overly fussy outfits with buttons, snaps, collars, or tight waistbands.

Stick to:

Zip-up or knotted gowns
Soft onesies
Stretchy sleepers

You'll be changing your baby 8+ times a day. Ease > fashion in those first weeks. Add a few cute pieces for pics or visits, but keep it real for daily life.

🚫 You Don’t Need a Giant Registry

When you’re pregnant, everyone wants to buy you cute stuff—and we get it, it’s fun! But the truth? Your baby doesn’t need much beyond food, sleep, love, and clean diapers.

If your friends or family insist on getting you something helpful, point them toward:

A postpartum doula package (they’ll help you rest and recover!)
A soothing herbal sitz bath or postpartum recovery spray
A meal train or frozen meal drop-off
DoorDash or GrubHub Giftcards
Postpartum massage gift cards

You deserve support, not just stuff. And these gifts hit right at a new moms heart.

Keep It Simple, Sister ❤️

You made it to the end, so here’s your big takeaway: Don’t stress yourself out with a million baby gadgets. Your newborn essentials checklist should support bonding, feeding, sleep, and sanity. You’ve totally got this.

And if you ever need a hand, advice or a Toning Tummy Balm that doesn’t suck, Baby Nest Birth Boutique is here for you—with all the essentials (and none of the fluff).