Newborn Baby Must-Haves

You may have the nursery impeccably decorated and all the onesies washed and folded and waiting to be worn, but you aren’t really ready for baby until you buy your first jumbo box of diapers.

The Swaddlers newborn size has a special cutout for baby’s healing umbilical cord. New parents will appreciate the blue line wetness indicator that lets you know when your baby is wet (so you don't have to guess or make an unnecessary trip to the changing table). The Absorb Away Liner helps to keep baby’s skin protected from wetness and poop.

Size: 234 diapers

Your peanut starts growing nails during week 12 of pregnancy, and they pretty much never stop growing from there. Trimming or filing baby's nails can be tricky — and a chore to maintain.

These scratch-proof mittens keep your little one's hands covered and are an easy solution to prevent scratches on her sweet face. The mitts are made of soft 100 percent cotton, come in a variety of colors and are machine washable. Plus, the gentle elastic helps them stay put on her tiny hands and wrists. You'll get three pairs in a package.

Though it’s undeniably hard to pass up all those adorable — and often expensive — baby clothes, all your newborn really needs is a basic set of onesies. These are tagless and have a lap shoulder neckline with minimal seams so there’s less fabric to potentially irritate baby. The crotch snap closure makes for easy diaper changes, and they're light enough to layer under leggings or a sweater on colder days. You'll get five in a pack, so there will always be a clean one handy.

Soothe and prevent diaper rash, moisturize dry skin ... is there anything Aquaphor can’t do? The extra-large 14-ounce tub definitely deserves a spot on your changing table. It’s made of 41 percent petrolatum, plus panthenol and glycerin to protect skin. All that and it’s preservative- and fragrance-free. Parents like to use Aquaphor, too, for chapped lips, rough cuticles and dry feet.

Size: 14 ounces

Yet another multitasking must have, these absorbent, 100 percent organic cotton burp cloths won’t just absorb any spit up and other baby-related spills — they're also big enough (16 inches by 12 inches) to double as on-the-go changing pads. Plus, they’re soft on baby’s skin and completely cover your shoulder for mid-meal burps. The tri-fold towels easily fit in your diaper bag, and the buzz-y bee patch adds the right touch of sweetness. You'll get two cloths in a set.

Size: 16 x 11.8 inches

Becoming a new parent means there are plenty of diaper changes in your future. To tackle a dirty diaper near or far from home, there's the Skip Hop Pronto portable changing pad. You can fit wipes and up to four diapers in the pockets, and the on-the-go pad can easily be wiped clean. 

Size: 23.5 x 21.75 inches (open); 11.75 x 4 x 8.25 inches (closed)

If you're planning on breastfeeding, you’ll probably want to start pumping at some point, whether to increase your supply, have a few hours away from baby, build up a stash for later use or all of the above. And after you pump, you’ll want to make sure you’re storing your breast milk as airtight and safely as possible.

That’s where these breast milk storage bags come in. They have double-sealed seams and a patented double Click ‘n’ Secure zipper seal, so you can be 100 percent certain they’re closed tight. The bags attach directly to Lansinoh pumps (and work with Medela, Evenflo and Ameda with an adaptor that’s sold separately) and are freezer-safe and BPA-free. Each box includes 100 bags.

You won't be able to bring baby home from the hospital without one. An infant car seat is a lighter option that’s only meant for the first year of baby’s life, but it may be a better option if you don’t have your own car. Otherwise, a convertible car seat is heavier but adaptable to grow with your baby.

Graco’s 4-in-1 convertible seat transforms from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing toddler car seat, high-back booster seat and a backless booster seat to accommodate your little one from 4 pounds all the way up to 120 pounds.

Weight limit: 4 to 40 pounds (rear-facing); 22 to 65 pounds (forward-facing); 30 to 100 pounds (highback belt-positioning booster); 40 to 120 pounds (backless belt-positioning booster)

Height limit: From head reaching 1 inch below handle in rear-facing to 57 inches tall for booster (varies depending on car seat position)

Weight: 22.75 pounds (with base)

Dimensions: 21.5 x 24 x 20 inches

Babies spend a whole lot of time snoozing — and they need a safe place to do it. You can opt for a crib from the get-go, but a bassinet is more portable in those newborn days. And since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends sharing a room with your baby for the first six to 12 months, bassinets are a practical space-saving option.

The Halo bassinet has an adjustable height and a side that lowers to simplify late-night feeds. No matter what sleep surface you choose, be sure it has four sides, a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheets. Verify the weight limit, and always avoid adding accessories like blankets, bumpers and stuffed animals to your baby’s sleep area.

Age/weight limit: Up to 20 pounds (around 5 months) or when infant shows signs of pulling up, rolling over, pushing up to kneeling position

Weight: 45 pounds

Dimensions: 12 x 19 x 35 inches 

Full-size strollers have tons of storage, making them the go-to for suburban parents. Umbrella strollers have less storage but may be more practical if you live in the city or travel a lot.

The Babyzen Yoyo+ is sturdy and easy to maneuver, but since it’s about as wide as a person, it fits on even the narrowest sidewalks. The seat converts from a flat carrycot for infants to a seated position for older babies. It comes with adaptors, so you can attach select infant car seats. Plus, it’s approved to take on airplanes — and folds to the size of a briefcase in a couple of quick moves.

Weight limit: 16 to 40 pounds

Weight: 13 pounds

Dimensions: 42 x 17 x 34 inches

Baby carriers are the easiest hands-free way to transport your baby for the first few months, both outside and at home. Look for a carrier with plenty of support, a wide comfy seat for baby and a comfortable base strap to distribute your baby’s weight and protect your back.

Although many parents prefer structured carriers when their little ones get a bit bigger, wraps are ideal for newborns. The Moby wrap combines the comfort and versatility of a wrap carrier with the adjustable features of a soft-structured carrier for babies from 8 to 33 pounds.

Weight limit: 8 to 33 pounds

Weight: 2 pounds

Dimensions: 5.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches

Swaddling is an age-old soothing technique that replicates the safe feeling of being in the womb. Swaddle blankets can do the job, but the original Halo Sleep Sack Swaddle makes swaddling so much easier, thanks to an inverted zipper and Velcro arms to keep your little one snug.

Pacifiers can work magic at soothing a fussy baby and are recommended by the AAP when you put your little one to bed, as they may reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). We're fans of the Philips Avent Soothie, which is made from hospital-grade silicone with a nipple that supports the natural development of your baby’s teeth and gums. You'll get four in this package.

Whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle-feed (or both), you’ll want a stash of bottles handy. Philips Avent Natural bottles are designed to echo the breastfeeding experience, and the vented liners and angled-neck bottles can help reduce gassiness. You'll get four 9-ounce bottles with slow-flow nipples that are ideal for young babies.

Size: 9 ounces

A video monitor helps you check in on baby without disturbing her sleep, whether you’re home in the other room or leaving her with a sitter. Look for one with two-way audio, a secure WiFi connection, a high-res camera that tilts and pans, and noise alerts. The Nanit camera props with a wall mount or floor stand and allows you to keep an eye on your baby from your smartphone or handheld device.

Weight: 1 pound

Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.5 x 1 inches