Must-Have Newborn Essentials Checklist (0-3 Months)

To save moms time and money, I have gathered a list of newborn essentials your baby will need for the first three months.

If you add all these items to your Amazon Baby Registry whatever you don’t receive at your baby shower, you can purchase at a discounted rate!

1. Bassinet

If you can’t fit a crib in your room I highly recommend purchasing a pack n play.

Newborns can sleep in the bassinet and when they are older they can sleep and Pack N Play, play yard.

American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:

• Placing the baby on his or her back on a firm sleep surface such as a crib or bassinet with a tight-fitting sheet.
• Avoid the use of soft bedding, including crib bumpers, blankets, pillows, and soft toys. The crib should be bare.
• Share a bedroom with parents, but not the same sleeping surface, preferably until the baby turns 1 but at least for the first six months.

Room-sharing decreases the risk of SIDS by as much as 50 percent

2. Diapers

After trying many different diaper brands our favorite diapers are the Amazon Mama Bear brand diapers.

I love that these diapers are fragrance-free, have a wetness indicator that lets you know when to change them, and seem to fit more comfortably than other diapers.

You can add them to your registry or your Amazon Subscribe and  Save subscription so you can save money and never run out of diapers.

3. Baby Wipes

We tried several brands of baby wipes, but our favorite are Water Wipes. We love that they are unscented and are mostly made of water making them great for babies even with the most sensitive skin. 

You can also use them to clean your babies toys or to remove your makeup.

4. Diaper Pail

The Ubbi Diaper Pail works great for masking odors, and you can use regular trash bags for this one. They have many colors options. (We used the pink one of course!)

This isn’t a “must” but it does help mask the smell of poop diapers for those of you who are sensitive to smells. 

5. Carseat

Every family must have a car seat. You can’t leave the hospital without one.

I recommend purchasing a car seat/stroller travel system. We used the KeyFit Magic Carseat. What we loved about this car seat is lighter than some of the other models making it easier to carry, and fits in most of the Chicco strollers, making traveling with a newborn easier.

You will never have to wake your baby up just pop her car seat onto the stroller and go.

More features:

• Seat interior lined with EPS energy-absorbing foam for improved impact protection
• Reversible infant insert with fabric or mesh for smaller babies (4-11 lbs)
• Tailored, easy-open boot for all-season comfort
• 5-point harness with one-pull tightener
• Extra-large, adjustable canopy with extendable mesh panel

6. Stroller

We got the Chicco Tre Jogging Stroller because it is easy to maneuver and fold. It can be used from birth and on with most Chicco infant Carseats.

• The child seat removes easily to create a frame carrier for the KeyFit during the first 6 months
• Sporty fabrics are wipeable, durable and water repellent. Full-coverage, extendable canopy with flippable tinted window/mesh vent
• One-hand fold with three folded configurations: self-standing fold for the garage, flat fold for the trunk and compact fold for storage
• Adjustable, Flex Core suspension allows you to choose between a soft ride for bumpy strolling or a more firm ride for jogging
• The child seat removes easily to create a frame carrier for the Key Fit during the first 6 months

The only downside to this stroller is that is large and doesn’t fit well in stores, but it’s great for taking your baby on outdoor walks and hikes.

 

*UPDATE Our daughter is 2.5 now and we are still using this stroller!

7. Healthcare and Grooming Kit

This Fridababy Bitty Bundle of Joy Mom & Baby Healthcare and Grooming Kit is a must-have!

Inludes:

• the Nose Frida SnotSucker
• 20 Nose Frida Hygiene Filters
• 10 Windi the Gas Passer instant gas relief tubes
• Nail Frida Snipper Clipper set with clippers and a newborn file
• Fridet Mom Washer
• Waterproof Fridet pouch

We had to use the Nose Frida (with baby-safe Saline spray) every night to clear our baby girl’s nose, so she could breathe. She did NOT like it, but it was the quickest way to clear her congestion.

Your baby’s nails will grow quick and they may scratch their face. The nail file included in this kit is the easiest and safest way for you to shorten your babies nails.

8. Cool Mist Humidifier

Many newborns are congested for the first month and a cool-mist humidifier will help loosen their mucus. Humidifiers are great to use when your baby is sick or congested.

Features:

• 7 Color LED Changing Lights: It can keep changing colors or stay on one color. Makes a great night light.
• Can also be used as an oil diffuser.
• Can prevent dry skin during the winter.
• You can choose the Running Time with 1H/3H/6H and continuous mode.
• For the mist mode, you can choose high mist mode and low mist mode, the unit can run 10 hours on high mist mode, 15 hours on low mist mode.

9. Muslin Blankets

Muslin blankets have so many uses!

They can be used to swaddle your baby, as a nursing cover, car seat cover, burp cloth, and more.

Aden & Anais is my favorite brand. They are a little pricey but worth it because they are made from breathable 100 % cotton fabric and come in many different designs and colors.

*Budget Tip Sometimes you can find Aden and Anais muslin swaddle blankets on clearance or at a low price at Marshalls and Tj Maxx.

10. Baby Pajamas

We were surprised when our baby broke out of her swaddle day 1 because we were told that most babies love to be swaddled.

This made bedtime very difficult.

We tried putting her in many different baby pajamas and they were either too big or too small.

After reserching alternatives I found the Love To Dream Swaddle Up on Amazon.

The first time our daughter slept in it, I cried happy tears because we both finally got sleep, and I didn’t have to worry about her being too cold or crying all night.

11. Healthcare Kit

I received the Summer Infant Complete Nursery Care Kit at my baby shower. It includes 21 grooming and health care items essential for any nursery. A durable storage case is included so parents can keep each item conveniently close at hand at home or on the go.

This kit includes:

• Medicine syringe and pacifier medicine dispenser help parents measure and easily administer the proper dosage to baby.
• Nasal aspirator relieves baby’s nasal congestion.
• Forehead thermometer and digital thermometer for an easy, accurate temperature reading.
• Emergency information card for quick reference to doctor’s number.
• Nail clippers and emery boards (5), just the right size for tiny, newborn fingers.
• Comb and brush.
• Teether, gum massager, and finger brush provide relief for teething baby.

12. Hand Mittens

Babies are usually born with long, thin, sharp nails. My baby scratched up her face in the hospital. I wish I brought these mittens in my hospital bag.

These mittens help ensure those sharp little fingernails stay tucked safely away from her face for safer sleeping. An assortment of prints and colors provide a fun variety of choices.

13. Burp Cloths

Some babies spit up every time they are fed. When my baby was a newborn she would spit up a little every time I burped her.

You will burp cloths in every room.

These burp cloths absorb moisture and won’t slip off your shoulder. You can find them at Target.

14. Baby Wrap or Carrier

Most Newborns love to be close to their parents because It makes them feel secure which is why Every mom should have a baby wrap or carrier.  

I love the Tula Baby Carrier because I could get things done while my baby snuggled on my chest. I would also use it to carry her when I had to run a quick errand and used it to put her down for naps when my arms were to tired to carry her.

15. Night Light

A portable nightlight is essential for those late-night diaper changes and feedings. The VAVA night light  Is portable, dimmable, and responds to touch so you can easily nurse your baby or change their diaper and put them back to sleep without turning on the lights.

17. Pacifier

If you are breastfeeding I wouldn’t recommend using a pacifier until after your baby has established breastfeeding. (At least 4 weeks).

If your baby does use a pacifier I recommend the WubbaNub Infant Pacifier

• Easy for your baby to grasp.
• May assist baby to self soothe
• Made with medical-grade silicone pacifier. Latex-free, BPA, PVC, and Phthalate free.
• Recommended for newborns through six months. (Not suggested for babies with teeth or in teething stage)

18. Baby Swing

When our baby was a newborn she would nap in her Graco swing while I cleaned or cooked meals.

She loved to stare at the stars above her head

The Graco Sway Swing includes:

• 10 classic melodies and 5 nature sounds to soothe and calm baby
• Gentle, side-to-side swaying motion soothes and comforts baby. 2-speed vibration to help keep your baby calm and relaxed
• The deep, plush seat with removable head support keeps your little one cozy and comfortable while in the baby swing

Mama essentials

19. What to Expect the First Year

This book has the answers to so many questions and concerns for new moms.

It’s like a baby encyclopedia.

20. The Bump App

I used this app since I was in my first trimester. I loved reading the daily articles, and when I was pregnant it would give me weekly pregnancy and baby development updates.

21. What To Expect: The app

I used the What to expect app since I was pregnant too. I enjoyed reading their daily articles and tips. Especially, when I was breastfeeding at 2 AM.

22. Mama Baby

This app is the perfect tool for breastfeeding. You can track which side you are on and use the timer to track how long and when you feed. It also allows you to track when the baby pees and poops which is very important during the first couple of months.

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23. Diaper Bag

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A post shared by Itzy Ritzy | Modern Mom & Baby (@itzyritzy)

Every new parent needs a diaper bag to carry all your baby essentials when your on the go. 

Originally I used a cheap diaper bag I got from target but it wore out fast. We bought another one and that one ripped. I decided to invest in an Itzy Ritzy Diaper Bag and I LOVE it! 

Features:

the mini backpack has eight pockets (four internal and four external) and includes a matching changing pad. It also features Itzy Ritzy’s signature rubber feet that protect the base of the bag from dirty surfaces and wear and tear. The comfortable backpack straps allow you to be hands-free and ready to explore with your little one!

I also love that it is a family owned brand.

24. Dock A Tot

25. Utility Cart

I highly recommend purchasing a rolling utility cart, especially if you’re breastfeeding.

On my rolling cart, I have baby essentials that I use daily.

During the day, I have it in the living room, and at night I roll it next to my bed, so I always have everything I need close by.

Easily move around the storage space in your home where you need it most.

You can find similar utility carts in a variety of colors at Target, Michaels, and Ikea.

If you enjoyed this post you may like these:

3-6 Month Baby Essentials

How To Bathe Newborn

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Having A Baby

Amazon Baby Registry

Largest Selection

-Universal Registry: Add products from any website to your Baby Registry with the Amazon Assistant.

-90-Day Returns

-Completion Discount: Get a one-time 10% discount (15% for Prime members), compliments of Amazon Family, on select remaining items from your registry. 

-Free Welcome Box: Qualifying customers can receive a free welcome box with items for parents and baby, valued up to $35.

-Prime Member Limited Time Offers: Prime member Baby Registrants are eligible for additional rotating limited time offers.

Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime is a must-have for new parents!

There have been many times that I needed diapers or wipes asap and I didn’t have time to go to the store.

With Amazon Prime, you can get same day, next day, or 2-day shipping on most items.

Instagram

What is your favorite newborn essential? Follow me on Instagram, post a photo of your favorite newborn essential, and tag #thrifty_brittany I would love to see!