The Ultimate List of Must-Have Baby Items

I don’t know if it’s just me, but I found it overwhelming to choose what baby items to buy before our first, Ellie, was born. Not only did I have to fill out shower registry lists, but I also had to figure out what we should have on hand before baby’s arrival that we would be buying ourselves. Don’t get me wrong; I had so much fun doing it, but it’s also hard to know if you’re focusing on the right things. I mean, how the heck can you really know until you know, ya know? 

Fast forward to today, and Miguel and I are expecting our second babe sometime within about the next month. (Eek! There is so much more to say on that topic but for today, let’s stay focused on this one.)

Necessary Baby Items

We’ve been thinking lately about what we’ll need for Bean 2 (our last name is Lima after all, pronounced like Lima, Peru, but still). And as we brainstormed together, we started laughing about alllll the baby items we thought we’d need the first time around… and we also agreed that there were certain other things that would’ve been really useful to have on hand that we simply didn’t know about until we got there. 

So because of that, I thought I’d ask the mamas in my Facebook group (join us there!) what their essentials were, and then combined with Miguel’s and mine, compile a list of the most common baby items. I hope you find it helpful! And if you’re a seasoned mama and want to add something to the list, put it in the comments below.

Affiliate

Just a heads up that I’ve included some Amazon links to the various items I recommend to make it easy for you to find. I’ll receive a small fee if you end up buying baby items from those links at no extra cost to you. I only included the actual products I’ve used myself (or that fellow mamas recommend, as you’ll read about) because those are the ones that I loved and worked so well for me.

Now, it must be said that just because we found these the most essential (and not-so-essential) items for us entering parenthood, doesn’t mean that these lists are the be-all and end-all. We each have unique preferences and you’ll really only know what’s best for you when you get there and as you go through it. But, at the very least I’m hoping that this post will give you a starting point and something to think about.

And finally, I’m also going to include a list of items we mamas collectively could’ve done without, because that’s important too, am I right?

Okay, so let’s start with the must-haves. I’ll give you the list first (which I’ve put into categories to hopefully make it easier to peruse), and then below it I’ll go through each item and give a few deets about each.

Must-Have Baby Items

Sleep

White Noise Machine
Blackout Blinds/Curtains
Sleep Sack
Baby Monitor with Room Temperature Reading

On-The-Go

Diaper Backpack
Plain Onesies
Baby Carrier

Health & Wellness

Digital No Touch + Forehead Thermometer 
Snot Sucker
Calendula Salve
Camilia
Fennel Tea

Breastfeeding

Nipple Shield (and Nipple Cream)
Washable Breast Pads
Haakaa Breast Pump
eReader

Formula Feeding

Baby Brezza

Mama’s Well-Being

An Outlet
A Community

Bonus Must-Have (leaving you in suspense here!)

Sleep

White Noise Sound Machine

Oh, the trusty white noise sound machine (or simply, sound machine). My bestie, Emilie, recommended this and at the time, I didn’t know why she thought it was so important. But oh boy, did I find out! A sound machine not only provides comforting constant background noise to your babe and is something they get used to as a part of sleep really quickly (meaning when they hear it, their body gets into sleep mode more easily)…

BUT, it also blocks the noise coming from the rest of the house. And even though babies typically sleep soundly, once they enter the around-4-month-old mark, they start to wake fully between sleep cycles, meaning loud noises have the potential to make them want to get up. No, thanks! So, a sound machine has absolutely become one of Ellie’s most important sleep associations, and I now totally get why my bestie was so adamant. Thanks, Em.

Blackout Blinds/Curtains

Ah, another of the positive sleep associations that have become so important for us… a pitch-black room! In fact, we started with just blackout blinds, but light was still getting in around the sides… so we upgraded to the curtains as well. And even then there was still some light getting through the sides on sunny days during naptime. (Side note on that: A great tip I read was to spray a bit of water on the window then place sheets of aluminum foil on top. Works like a dream! (Pun intended, since we’re talking about sleep. I know, I’m good!)

So yes, I now have three layers of coverage… and I ain’t ashamed to admit it. Ellie is one of those kids that wakes up easily with light exposure in her room (which I found out after much trial and error), so I was willing to do whatever it took for her to get a good sleep. And my friends, it helps. A lot.)

Sleep Sack

Okay, I promise we’ll leave the “positive sleep associations” category soon, but honestly, how important is sleep?! Both for baby and for parents?! In my mind, it’s one of THE most important things ever, since virtually everything is better after a good night’s sleep. So that explains why I’m admittedly crazy when it comes to ensuring Ellie gets the best sleep possible, and hence why my list of must-haves includes so much sleep stuff. 

Also, obvi newborn sleep is way different than, well, after they’re out of that stage and on a more predictable schedule. But, having all of these on hand now will help to instill good sleep habits for both you and baby, IMO, and plus you’ll need them before you know it.

Okay, back to the sleep sack. It’s like a swaddle and blanket all mixed into one that baby wears and is suitable for babies right up to toddlers. Ellie, for one, never liked her arms being held down in a swaddle, so we started the sleep sack early on so her arms were free. And she’s slept in one ever since, both for naps and for overnight. Once they start to move all around the crib during the night, a sleep sack is so helpful because unlike a regular blanket, it moves with them so they never get cold.

Baby Monitor with Room Temperature Reading

I am also obsessed with having the proper temperature in Ellie’s room. Not only so she’s comfortable (obvi), but yes, also to make sure she’s able to get a good sleep. So, even though a temperature reading wasn’t on my baby monitor essentials, I’m so glad we happened to get one with it. (Thanks, mom and dad!)

Oh, and on the note of baby monitors, get one with video. Please. (I mean, why are there even any without a video option??) I know that’s how our parents used to do it (and I guess they didn’t know any different, so it worked for them), but I can’t even imagine.

On-The-Go

Diaper Backpack

Oh man, this is a big one! Note the word “backpack” (as opposed to bag). With my purse, diaper bag, tea (let’s be real), often shopping bags… oh yeah, and the baby… there just aren’t enough hands. Get that diaper bag secured on your back so at least that’s one thing down. Seriously so helpful (though I guess I could say that about all of these items, so this will be the only time.)

Plain Onesies

Both short-sleeved and long-sleeved, these were awesome for both keeping her warm and preventing the inevitable poo-splosions from getting all over her main outfit. And if the stain doesn’t come out, who cares since they go underneath their clothes anyway!

Baby Carrier

I feel like this one will be especially essential once baby #2 arrives for us and I become a mom of a toddler and a newborn, but it was still so helpful with Ellie. I loved the closeness it gave us, while allowing me to use both hands for whatever I needed to do, and she loved it too (and would often fall asleep in it). There are so many different types and brands out there, so if you’re looking for a recommendation, ask in our Facebook group! I’ve linked below to one of the ones I have that I’ve found to be pretty awesome.

Health & Wellness

No Touch + Forehead Thermometer 

We started out with one of those $15-ish ones that go under the armpit or under the tongue, and it worked okay, I guess (who knows if it was accurate since we had nothing to compare it to). But we’ve since invested in the $90-ish digital no touch thermometer, and we swear by it. You can use it by either touching the forehead just above the eyebrows, or by using the no touch option up to 2 cm away (which of course is ideal if you need to keep checking their temperature during the night). It has a little light so you can see what you’re doing in the dark, and you can turn off the beeping function. And of course, it’s likely way more accurate than the other one we had. Peace of mind is worth it!

Snot Sucker

What a name, eh? But it’s actually quite appropriate given that’s exactly what it does. Since babies don’t understand when you ask them to sniff or blow their nose (I mean, the nerve, right?), the snot sucker is a helpful way to get rid of the mucous buildup. And don’t worry, you won’t get any in your mouth because there’s a handy dandy shield to prevent that. I know… they’ve thought of everything!

Nail Buffer

If you’re anything like me, cutting your baby’s nails will freak you the eff out. I was just always afraid of hurting her with one wrong move (on either of our parts). And you guys, I used to be an aesthetician! (Read: I did this for a living at one point in my life.) No matter… a baby is just a different story. I’d wait until she was asleep and do it then, but even still, I was freaked out.

Enter the nail buffer. I actually can’t remember how I came across it, but when I did, I was like, THIS is my answer! The one we got has a few different tips to choose from, and I just always used the softest one. It gently buffs the nails, no clipping necessary. Serious SANITY saver!

Calendula Salve

Who doesn’t want a remedy that triples as a diaper cream, wound healer, and defence against infection? Well, that’s exactly what calendula is. Kind of like a natural version of polysporin. It’s fantastic and is the only thing we’ve had to use for Ellie’s bum, or any other rashes for that matter, both for her and for us.

Camilia

Ah, teething. Some babies (and therefore the parents) breeze right through it, and others… not so lucky. We’ve found that the homeopathic remedy called Camilia (brand is Boiron) works wonders for not only relieving the pain but also calming her down. And I love that there aren’t any colours, sugars or flavours in it… besides the three homeopathic ingredients, the base is simply water.

Fennel Tea

Though we were lucky to avoid the really bad colic that some babies have, Ellie still did have her tummy trouble moments. We chatted with our midwife who suggested fennel tea… and we’ve been using it ever since whenever those issues pop up. We make a weak cup of tea and then give her a few spoonfuls or droppersful (these days we just put a bit in a sippy cup).

Side note: I love fennel tea for myself too… it’s a fantastic digestive helper!

Breastfeeding

Nipple Shield (and Nipple Cream)

I, for one, found the nipple shield incredibly helpful… essential, in fact, for allowing Ellie to latch properly. (And yes, we had multiple visits with a certified lactation consultant and even had her tongue tie released.) For nipples that are flat or inverted, a nipple shield is so helpful as it gives baby something to latch onto. Plus, it’s also helpful for those whose nipples are raw and sore. This is one item you won’t usually know you need until you need it, so it’s one to keep in mind during that time you’re getting breastfeeding established.

Just an FYI that the nipple shield link below is for a 24mm size, and it also comes in 16 and 20mm. Be sure to get the right fit for you… which is tough to know before you try it obvi. I started with the 24, tried it for a bit, and went from there.

Let’s talk about those sore nipples for a second. Nipple cream was so helpful for me when things got rough (literally and figuratively), and was even helpful in preventing soreness in the first place. The one I used is called Earth Mama Nipple Butter, and I loved it because it’s natural and doesn’t have to be wiped off before the next nursing session. I’d apply it once or twice a day (more if needed), and loved it.

Washable Breast Pads

Speaking of nipples, girl, they’re gonna leak! And before I even knew washable breast pads were a thing, I bought the disposable ones. Here’s why those ones aren’t my favourite: A) They’re a one-time use, and especially with new breastfeeding boobs, you’re going to need a LOT of them. Environmental waste for sure. And B) When your nipples are sore, those pads can feel rough and irritating.

So when I discovered washable breast pads, I was immediately like, “I’M IN!” You throw them into your bra and when they’re wet, you simply put ‘em in the laundry basket and grab another pair. Love love love.

Haakaa Breast Pump

Since we’re in the breastfeeding section, I thought I’d include something that was mentioned by a mama in my Facebook group but that I never actually used with Ellie (though I meant to).

It’s the Haakaa breast pump, which you can use on the breast opposite the one your baby is nursing on to catch any leaking milk (rather than it simply being absorbed into your breast pad and washed away). This is fantastic because it can potentially collect so much extra milk that you can then freeze for a bottle later.

So here’s what I mean when I say I “meant to” use it with Ellie. Literally, I went to my local baby shop and they were sold out, and I just never followed up thereafter. BUT I’ve heard such great things about it, so it’s definitely one of my must-haves this time around.

eReader

Why is an eReader in my breastfeeding category, you ask? Well, because of the many hours you could spend breastfeeding! And when you’re sitting there for long periods of time and are “phoned out” (i.e. you are just DONE with scrolling through social media yet again), having a book on screen is so awesome. And why on a screen vs. an actual book? Way easier to hold! AND for those middle of the night feeds, you don’t need to have a light on to read it, so it’s perfect all around.

On that note, an audiobook is a great idea too. I would just put one earbud in so I could stay tuned in to baby’s (and other) noises, and off I went into storyland. For an avid reader like moi, these two options just brightened my day (or night).

Formula Feeding

Baby Brezza

I don’t have personal experience with this one but I’ve heard many great things about the Baby Brezza when it comes to formula feeding. You put the formula in the feeder at the top, select whichever amount of liquid you want to make, then press start. Bottle ready. Done and done. It definitely sounds worth it to me!

Mama’s Well-Being

An Outlet

Yours may be a walk (with or without babe), a Zumba class (once you’re cleared for exercise), yoga in the living room, or maybe a guided meditation. Whatever it is, you must have an outlet. An outlet for your frustration, overwhelm, fatigue, stress… any of those things that inevitably happen and can otherwise build up inside us.

Whatever your thing is (and maybe it’s a mix of them), be so intentional about making space for it in your life. I know that, especially at first, it may seem like you’ll never have time for that stuff again, but trust me, you will. And that’s also why I recommend being intentional about it. Make it known that this is something you have to do for your well-being, and even if it’s just 5 minutes you have to spare on a given day, take those minutes and use them for YOU. After all, if we wanna show up as the best mama, partner, friend etc. (and who doesn’t), then we must start by filling our own cup first.

A Community

Community is so important to feel connected and supported at all times, really, but especially during such a huge transition of life such as that which defines motherhood. The ability to chat with like-minded mamas and ask questions and sometimes just commiserate… well, it’s essential and so very helpful.

I encourage you to join my Facebook group to connect with other mamas, ask questions and get supported (and support them right back!).

I also joined a community called Moms Hamilton that, in their words, revolutionizes mat leave. They plan fun events and outings both with and without babe, and their community of like-minded mamas is just awesome. I highly recommend following them on Instagram and checking out one of their events.

Bonus Must-Have

My final baby must-have actually has more to do with mindset, which I know may seem odd, but hear me out.

Wanna know what it is?

Honestly? It’s the knowledge that “this won’t last forever.” It helped me, yes, get through the hard phases but also appreciate them more (knowing exactly that… that they wouldn’t be here forever so bask in the closeness and bonding that they brought). I remember thinking to myself (and still do, actually): Remember this moment. Be cognizant. Her little body in my arms, falling asleep as I rock her while humming gently… or, her head on my shoulder and her arms around my neck, with her (or me) not wanting to be anywhere else. You get the point. As tough as it may be to be rocking them yet AGAIN during those early months, I found it so nice (and helpful) to list the things in my head that I noticed and loved about those moments, as they were happening and I was “in it.”

And now, let’s switch things up and chat briefly about those items we found that we could’ve done without.

Not-So-Essential Baby Items

Crib Mobile

You know those things that you attach to their crib that have hanging toys or stuffies on them? And they often turn in a circle and play music when wound up? That’s what I’m talking about here. We literally used one for Ellie for about a week before it came down. Personally, we just found that we wanted the crib to mean “sleep,” not stimulation of any kind (like that which could come from a toy). So down it came… and that seemed to work way better for us.

TONS of Blankets

If my postpartum doula, Erika (AKA The Maternal Sidekick – fabulous… in fact, she should be a must-have “item” all on her own) is reading this, she’ll get a kick out of this one because she definitely pointed this out to us as she saw how many blankets we had.

I mean, more and more just kept appearing as we were organizing Ellie’s closet.

And truth be told, we really only used a handful at a time – typically two for her stroller, one big one in the family room, one often wrapped around her… and that was pretty much it. We still have that same pile of blankets folded in her closet that we haven’t even touched.

You were right, Erika, you were right.

Hooded Bath Towel 

I mean, we just use a regular bath towel, and it has done the trick every time. I think this is a nice-to-have, but not a NEED IT.

Baby Lotion (and Bubble Bath)

I’ve never loved the idea of slathering Ellie’s delicate bod with lotion (even the most natural), since our skin is meant to excrete toxins and, well, breathe. So if she had sections of skin that were a bit dry, I would rub in some coconut oil and call it a day.

As for bubble bath, we haven’t really made bubbles a part of her baths so she’s good without them. However, if we want to jazz it up a bit once in a while, we’ll just squirt some of her body soap into the running water and that in itself creates just enough bubble fun.

Wipe Warmer

I never used one of these but funny enough, it was definitely something I considered buying in those early days of changing her bum when she did NOT appear to be enjoying it. I mean, we just want our babes to be as comfy as possible, right? But from what I’ve seen, they get used to bum changing pretty darn quickly, no warm wipes needed. This one was on a list of not-so-essentials that a mama in my Facebook group shared, and I thought it was a good idea to include it here.

Whew, that was a lot. I truly hope these lists have helped you out in some way. If you have questions or something to add, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.

Happy shopping and baby registering!