There are a million lists out there telling new parents what things they absolutely must have for their baby. And some of these lists are huge! But babies aren’t really that complicated. Being second-time parents does mean we will only mostly need to be replacing some baby items this time. But I want to share with you my complete m i n i m a l i s t list for what you need for a baby (0-3 months, specifically).
nursing cover – I adore this nursing cover SO much!! Honestly, I think every mama should have one! I found that other covers are easily moved by baby, and when you’re a new mom, keeping the cover on right can be quite difficult to manage while keeping baby positioned correctly. I l o v e the sleeves–it keeps it on just how it should be, no matter how wiggly baby is. Plus, it’s very roomy, and the fabric is also pretty breathable. When you’re done nursing, just flip it up to be a cardigan–no need to have a jacket, too! Definitely one of my favourite products.
swaddles or a Halo Sleepsack – swaddles are more traditional, and are often prettier. Plus, the stretchy fabric of muslin swaddles is easy to work with, and really breathable for baby. However, if you want simple option that’s sure to stay on, and extra warm for winter, we loved the sleepsack. You can strap baby’s arms down, or leave them out. Plus, the zipper and velcro make re-swaddling after nighttime diaper changes much faster (and requires a lot less effort). But you probably don’t need both.
burp cloths – these were our favourites, because they don’t feel dirty after just one day of light use, and they absorb really well! No grabbing a sopping used cloth. Plus, they have cute prints.
Blooming Baby Bath – this allows you to sit baby up in the sink—so our backs aren’t hurting—and all the petals provide ample cushioning. Dries quickly, and is machine washable. Our first got ruined by a bad washing machine, but we’ve gotten another for baby #2.
soft washcloths – these really are super soft, and get softer each wash. Very gentle for baby, and great make-sift nursing pads for when all of mine are in the wash.
bouncer – This bouncer is quality (which it ought to be for the price), and looks great in my house (no ugly safari or zoo prints here!). We also got this Flying Friends toy with it. Yes, it doesn’t have a motor for movement (so all you get is you bouncing it, or a baby ab workout), but I like that baby can use it actively, or we have to be there—instead of setting them up with a machine and walking off; but that’s just me. I accidentally shrunk the seat on our first one (don’t put it in the dryer!), so we’ll be purchasing another for our second kiddo.
receiving blankets – I’ll be honest, with my first baby, I had no idea what to do with these originally. Every baby items list I read had them on there. All I could gather, though, was that they could be anything….which seemed pointless, because all the things a receiving blanket could do, another item, that was more specific, could do. But wait! After having large amounts of spit up end up on me, I discovered that a receiving blanket could be tucked under cami or bra straps to make a huge burp cloth. No more mess on me. And they’re great for changing table covers. Also, I put them over my torso to prevent drips and spit up from getting on my clothes. Bingo.
baby monitor – everyone has different criteria for what they want here–but definitely get one. For me, it just makes things less stressful when, say, you’re hanging out in another room after baby’s in bed. Less stress is always good, plus baby will probably appreciate you noticing them sooner (sometimes you can soothe them before they really wake up!).
outwear one-piece – that’s not exactly what we have, but it is a one-piece hooded outerwear with ears. This is one of the best things for a Fall/winter baby. Even in 20-something-degree weather, we can bundle baby up, and go. It’s also not too bulky, so baby can be in the car seat and wear this. Also useful if your baby doesn’t like waring hats.
bassinet – with baby #1, we just bought a Baby Box. This time, I wanted something that would be off the ground, because: cats. We went with a mosses basket and stand. I just like having a safe and secure place for baby to rest that I can take with me into any room.
diaper subscription – we personally use Honest Co., but it’s just so convenient to have everything delivered; diapers, wipes, rash cream, soap. I highly recommend it.
pajamas – Our first baby l i v e d in these until 3 months old. Being a Fall baby, and so young, I didn’t see the point in dressing her up in clothes. Putting things over their head is a pain, tight pants can be uncomfortable on their tummies, and they just need to be warm. Stick to a (footie) pajama wardrobe! Baby #2 will be enjoying a pj wardrobe for sure.
baby carrier – I think rings slings are the ultimate baby-toddler carrier, but there are also woven wraps, and soft-structured carriers. Skip the Solly/Moby, as they don’t last long at all. This will allow you to do a little more, since you’ll have your hands free, but it’s also great for bonding, and helping with postpartum anxiety. Check out my babywearing guide to find the right carrier for you!
Maybe list:
nursing pillow – I used this a l o t with ym first baby in the ‘fourth trimester’, but not much past that. If you’re wanting solid baby support during nursing, then go for it. If you’re fine with different nursing positions, and just using pillows, feel free to skip it.
hats – get one or two if you think they’re cute, but otherwise hooded outwear will be perfectly fine.
And, just to be thorough, here’s some specific things I really don’t think you need before baby arrives…
Nope list:
baby powder – Honestly, I’m not even sure what to use this for. If you just change baby when they need it, rash cream seems sufficient.
hair bows – I bought one that I thought was really cute for my first baby’s announcement. But I hated bows when she was a baby. And she hated things on her head. Save it for later.
socks – Babies don’t’ keep socks on (unless you pull them up to almost their knees). It’s practically impossible. Go footie pjs if you’re concerned about cold feet.
shoes – For a baby so young, and who can’t even walk, these are cute, but totally a waste of money. I bought some cute kitty booties, and I knew they wouldn’t stay on long. You know how long they stayed on? Less than 30 seconds. I was going for at least a few minutes. Nope.
weather-inappropriate clothes – We got a lot of this at our first’s baby shower. In all fairness, it’s hard to get appropriate things a season ahead of schedule. However, we use almost none of it, because it would have required putting another layer on over anyway.
over-the-head onesies – I was really nervous about having a newborn, because of the wobbly head thing. Even when I was less nervous, or my husband was dressing her, we didn’t put her in these, because they are so much more difficult to wear with that a snap, or sip-up pajama.
other toys – At first, you’re really the only the baby is interested in. There is especially no need to get out toys for when they are 1 or 2 years old, or older (the ones I have are just ones from my childhood). They just take up space, and are useless right now.
Obviously, you’ll also need somewhere for baby to sleep at night, and a carseat, but, otherwise, that’s everything!
