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Are you wondering what items should go on your baby must haves list? I got you mama. I made the list for you!
Making a baby must haves list is essential when preparing for a baby. It helps ensure that we mamas are organized and ready for our new baby. Trust me, you do not want to worry about needing ANYTHING once your baby arrives. If you are anything like me, you are probably pulling your hair out trying to make sure you have everything your baby will need. Relax. I am giving you the absolute necessities for your baby must haves list!
You are going to get the ultimate baby must haves list from baby registry must haves, baby essentials first 3 months, baby essentials first year, baby shower must haves list, and more!
After learning about all the baby must haves, you are going to have no trouble shopping AND you will make it so easy for friends and family to shop for you.
This post is all about a baby must haves list.
The Best Baby Must Haves List
If you are a new parent, you will quickly discover that you need more than you initially thought you did. As your baby grows, the list changes. Let’s get into it. What’s on the baby must haves list?
Bathing
1. Bath Seat
You will need two bath seats. The first one should be used when your baby is a newborn and the second one will come in handy when your little one is able to sit on their own.
This is the bath seat we used when my daughter was a newborn. I love this bather because it is lightweight, it can be adjusted to three different positions, and it makes bath time with a newborn simple.
Once my daughter was able to sit up, we bought this seat. It has a non-slip soft mat, which provides comfort for your baby. Like the other bath seat, it is light. It also suctions to the tub. It was important for me to find a bath seat with a little cushion. I want my baby girl to be as comfortable as possible. Don’t we all?
2. Baby Bath Caddy
We all know babies come with a lot of stuff. Take my advice and purchase a baby bath caddy to store all of your baby’s bath things. There are so many bathtime essentials. At first, we stored our baby girl’s bath items in the shower. We quickly learned this doesn’t work. It is way too easy to knock things over when they are not contained. This tote organizes all the essentials! It cleans nicely and it is easy to move from location to location. You can also store this easily in the bathroom vanity if you wish.
3. Rinsing Cup
A rinsing cup is definitely a must-have that I initially overlooked. After giving a few baths without one, I quickly realized how necessary a rinsing cup is.
4. Toy Organizer
Once your baby is able to sit up on their own, bath time becomes more fun! Now bring in the toys! A toy organizer is an absolute must! Who wants toys lying around in disarray? Not me! I am pretty sure nobody does!
Care Items For Your Baby Must Haves List
5. Baby Monitor
We LOVE our baby monitor. We have this monitor and we love it for so many reasons. It was important to buy a monitor that does not require Wi-Fi. One of my best friends recommended this baby monitor and I am so glad I listened to her and bought it. The video and audio are very clear. This is truly a great product!
6. Clothes
We all know babies need clothes. We are so lucky that my parents and in-laws are always buying my baby clothes. She is quite the fashionista. What we might not think of though is just how important it is to have plenty of clothes in each size. Blowouts are a real thing. Some blowouts leak out of the diaper and it is very helpful to have backup clothing ready so you are not having to constantly do laundry. Us mamas do laundry frequently enough. Invest in several clothes in each size.
7. Lotion
I am OBSESSED with this lotion. We have been through plenty of lotions and this is the ONLY one that helps with my daughter’s eczema. Seriously. I use this on her skin four times a day and it leaves her skin super hydrated, soft, and most importantly flare-up free! This was a total game changer for us and I swear by this product.
We used to use the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing lotion in the bottle, but it is too thin. It doesn’t give her skin relief like the one in the tub. The one in the tub is heavy-duty! I use this cream on my skin as well.
PRO TIP: Tubby Todd All Over Ointment is another game changer. My daughter suffers from eczema. Whenever a rough, red, or dry patch appears I rub this ointment on it. After just a few applications, her skin clears up. The combination of lotion and this ointment has been magical for her skin.
8. Medicine Dropper
When we bought Little Remedies, which is a great product to help with gas, it came with a medicine dropper. A medicine dropper is great to keep with your baby care kit.
(RELATED POST: 13 Baby Must-Have Items That Are Perfect For Your Little One)
9. Ear Dropper
Adults use Q-tips to clean out ear wax. Pediatricians advise against using Q-tips to clean wax out of babies’ ears.
We noticed our daughter was building up quite a bit of wax and the pediatrician told us to use an ear dropper to release a drop of hydrogen peroxide in her ear. This worked the wax out of her ear safely. It just fell out.
Feeding
10. Bottle Warmer
You will want to buy a bottle warmer! It is so convenient to be able to pump milk, store it in the fridge or freezer, and be able to warm it when you need it. Did I mention this warms milk in just 2 minutes? You are going to want to leave the house eventually and having a bottle warmer is crucial!
11. Burp Cloths
Babies spit up a lot in the early days. You are going to definitely need burp cloths, burp cloths, and more burp cloths! Like clothes, you are going to want plenty.
12. Milk Storage Bags
So you’re going to definitely want a breast pump, but you will also need milk storage bags. These are the storage bags I use and LOVE.
13. Waterproof Bibs
I made the mistake of buying so many cloth bibs and was so frustrated at how impossible it is to remove stains. It took me a minute, but eventually, I got waterproof bibs with a food catcher. Goodbye, frustration! They are SO much better than the cloth ones. Here are some more items that need to make it on your baby must haves list.
Nursery Items For Your Baby Must Haves List
14. Changing Table Covers
These are a must! Babies have lots of messes. I think it is smart to have a handful of changing table covers. Trust me, there will be a day or several when your baby makes a mess during a diaper change. Having clean changing table covers at arm’s length is the way to go.
15. Changing Pad Covers
You can’t go wrong with an extra layer of protection. I have these (which come in a 3 count) and absolutely love them. They clean up so well and do a great job of protecting the changing table covers.
I keep one of these pads in my diaper bag. This way when I change my daughter while we are out and about she has a comfy and clean area to lay on.
16. Rocking Chair
I spent FOREVER looking for the perfect rocking chair. Shopping for furniture in person is important to me because I like to test it out and make sure that it is comfortable before pulling the trigger. I ended up buying mine at Havertys and I am obsessed with it. I rocked in it for quite a long time before buying it. Comfort is so important! Especially since you will spend many hours in your rocking chair.
(RELATED POST: 17 Insane Baby Essentials First 3 Months That Will Simplify Mom Life)
Outdoor
17. Stroller Blanket
We have a couple of stroller blankets. One is lightweight and perfect for warmer days and we have another that is heavier and better for chilly days. We received this stroller blanket as a gift and we LOVE it. It is super soft and adorable. You can’t beat that. The one below is the one we have but you have other equally adorable options with this brand! You can buy a blue dog or other cute animals. You have to check it out!
18. Stroller Organizer
A stroller organizer is so convenient. I love them because they provide additional storage. I love my stroller organizer because it has a few zippered pockets, is adjustable, and easy to clean. Another perk is that it looks very stylish. Don’t you think?
Car Item For Your Baby Must Haves List
19. Car Window Shade
You will want a car window shade in your car! This is something that I didn’t think of when preparing my baby must haves list while I was pregnant. Your baby needs shade during car rides, so be sure to place them in all of your family vehicles.
Everyday
20. Big Blanket
Okay, I love a good blanket. We have many baby blankets but you will also want to buy a big blanket for when your little one becomes more active during tummy time. If you have read any of my previous posts you know that my daughter has eczema. The pediatrician recommended using a blanket during tummy time. When she became more active, we began using a larger blanket. Honestly, a comforter works great.
I know what you are thinking…it is impossible to ensure that a baby only stays on the blanket. You’re right. She will go off-roading and crawl off the blanket and of course, that will happen. Babies are on the go. I just think having a blanket is just an extra way to protect their skin. Especially if your child has eczema or sensitive skin.
21. Floor Seat
We love our floor seat. This is perfect to use at home or to bring along with you if you are traveling. We leave ours at my parents’ house since we visit once a week. My baby girl loves sitting in her floor seat because it is so interactive. She will entertain herself with the attached toys forever! A cool feature is that the tray rotates. So if you want your baby to have a snack break and want to take away the distractions, just turn the tray.
Tip For New Mamas
Set up your baby registry in advance. This will allow your friends and family plenty of time to check items off of your baby must haves list!
(RELATED POST: Beyond the Basics: What To Put On Baby Registry For The Modern Parent)
This post was all about a baby must haves list.
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Great information! So much has changed since I’ve had little ones!
I sure wish I saw this list when my son was a baby! I sure could have used some of these.. But even some would be great now with him being 4!
The stroller organizers are so handy !
I’m glad you listed gripe water. It’s an all-natural way to help soothe your baby’s tummy and can be a lifesaver when they’re colicky or have gas. We always kept a bottle of it in the fridge and used it whenever our daughter was feeling uncomfortable. It worked like magic!
Great post!
You really took time and research this topic. Great insight and depth! This is a gold mine for any new mom!
This was a great, timely post as I’m just beginning to shop for my first grand baby in seven years! Now, I know exactly what to buy!