A Vogue Mom-To-Be Shares Her Newborn Baby Essentials

The news is out, the medical appointments are locked in (well ahead of time), and the baby’s gender has been disclosed (be it privately shared or over FaceTime with family). But ahead of welcoming your little one, there’s one primary mission that all new parents need to undertake: going through the essential checklist for newborns.

Searching for crucial baby necessities—especially as a new mom—can be just as daunting as it is thrilling. It’s so exciting to shop for your little bundle of joy, yet it’s challenging to distinguish between absolute necessities and mere wants. What will genuinely enhance your parenting experience, versus what might just add to the chaos? Navigating the multitude of choices available is like having a full-time job—the vast variety from cotton swaddles to monitors to diaper pails represents the choice dilemma.

I’m a fan of trusted recommendations, and my husband thrives on spreadsheets. Hence, we documented every product our friends and family suggested upon learning we were expecting, sorting them into categories, and ranking them based on frequency. This process allowed us to separate the truly essential items from those that were more optional. After identifying the must-haves, we then proceeded to select the secondary items.

Here’s an extensive compilation of the best essentials we’ve found—ranging from top-rated bottle pumps and high chairs to popular travel gear, safe-sleep solutions, and innovative gadgets worth the investment; them all are listed below.

For Sleeping

Newborns typically clock in around 12-16 hours of sleep throughout a 24-hour cycle and are usually unaware of the difference between day and night—they’re cute little creatures akin to baby bats that must be awakened every two hours for feeding. The primary newborn essentials that seasoned parents rave about include the Hatch Baby lamp for those midnight feedings, cozy swaddles, bedside bassinets, and a lounger that’s both breathable and machine washable.

For Feeding

Tiny infants require little for feeding, aside from you and a comfy space in bed. However, there are several tools that are lifesavers for new mothers. The Mom Cozy wearable pump facilitates hands-free pumping, while the Boppy provides a cozy perch for feeding. The go-to bottle? Philips Avent natural response bottles are tailored to mimic your baby’s natural suckling rhythm for smooth, complete feedings.

For Wake Windows

Wake windows are those periods between a baby’s sleep intervals, lasting generally between 30 to 60 minutes—these moments are brief yet crucial for bonding and playtime. Yes, even little bundles of joy need downtime activities! Use a play gym, contrasting cards for visual engagement, a busy board, or a Maxi Cosi swing for entertainment.

For Traveling

Urbanites, take note. Traveling with an infant requires specific items—like a hands-free carrier from Artipoppe designed for comfort, and a robust yet compact stroller. Additionally, safety seats are just as critical as the 7 A.M. Enfant’s stroller bunting for those crisp morning journeys to appointments.

For Bathing

Bathtime is one of the most cherished moments—providing an opportunity to bond with your little one and soothe them with warm water along with quality soaps and lotions. La Bonne Brosse’s baby blue brush, made in France from responsibly sourced materials, enhances the experience. Also, consider adding a water filter to your bath-time kit.