Top 10 Essential Things Needed for a Baby: What Do You Really Need?
The process of preparing for your baby’s arrival starts well before the due date. Every parent wants to spend as much quality time as possible with their long-awaited newborn, knowing that these first days are crucial for helping the baby adapt and grow strong in the new environment.Some parents feel anxious, worried they won’t manage their new responsibilities. In an attempt to calm their nerves, they may buy every baby product in sight, thinking these purchases will make them better prepared for the changes ahead.
However, this is not the case. Impulse purchases often turn out to be unnecessary or impractical. To help new parents, a list of essential items for newborns has been created. It highlights everything truly needed during the first months.
- Diapers, wipes, and swaddling clothes
At first, caring for your baby will focus on washing, feeding, and comforting them. It can be difficult to maintain your baby's hygiene during the first days in the hospital when you’re still learning how to hold your newborn and change diapers.
Babies urinate and have bowel movements frequently, sometimes just minutes apart. It can be frustrating to finish cleaning and swaddling your baby only to find they’re wet again. Using a special cream with zinc and vitamin E can help prevent skin rashes and diaper dermatitis. - Stroller, crib, and dresser with a changing pad
These are the essential larger items to buy before your baby arrives. Even if you don’t think you’ll use the stroller or crib right away, choosing and buying these can take time—a resource new moms often lack.
A baby needs their own safe sleep space, so a crib is essential. It’s not always safe to let your baby sleep in your bed, especially as they start to move around. Make sure to get a cot bumper made of soft foam to protect your baby’s head from bumping the sides.
Today’s manufacturers offer a wide range of cribs—from simple designs to models with rocking features and more. When buying, check the wood quality, smoothness of the handrails, and adjustable crib base. Invest in a comfortable mattress, and use a dresser to organize your baby’s things. Changing tables are very convenient for diaper changes, daily care, and dressing your baby, even if you don’t plan to swaddle. - Mini-medical kit
It’s hard to predict whether your baby will experience colic, allergies, or diaper rash, but most parents find these items useful in the first months: an electronic thermometer, anti-colic and anti-allergy remedies, diaper rash cream, saline solution for cleaning the nose, antiseptic for the belly button, and baby powder. Don’t forget a water thermometer, baby scissors, cotton pads, and swabs. Your first aid kit should also include: disposable syringes, hydrogen peroxide, and hypoallergenic adhesive Band-Aids, each in its own packaging. - Bathtub and bathing essentials
You’ll use the baby bathtub daily from the first days at home. Remember to get a hypoallergenic baby detergent and a cozy towel with a hood for drying your baby’s head.
While you can use the full-sized bath to teach your baby to swim and play, a smaller tub is easier and more practical for newborns. Parents often add herbs, sea salt, or gentle disinfectants to the water. Small tubs require fewer products and help your baby feel secure. It’s also easier to control water temperature in a small tub. - Highchair
A highchair is a valuable, though sometimes pricey, item if you have a child under three. Feeding your baby while holding them or placing them on a pillow can be uncomfortable and unhygienic. Highchairs are not only for feeding but also for creative activities like coloring and modeling. Most highchairs are easy to clean and have wheels so you can move your baby between rooms.
Advice:
The birth of a baby is not just an exciting and joyful time for your family, but also the beginning of a new stage. This requires thoughtful preparation from parents. Our unique Parenting Mentor Test will help you cut through the worries and be ready for surprises during your child’s early years. The results provide detailed advice for maintaining your baby’s health and confidently managing tricky situations as parents. - Sling or baby carrier
These items are very useful for active moms who don’t want to stay home all the time. In summer, you can go for long walks or visit friends. At home, a sling lets you keep your hands free while caring for your baby and managing other chores.
A sling lets your baby rest in a natural position, just like being in your arms, and most can be used from birth. However, slings might not suit every baby. Some parents prefer structured carriers. Choose whichever option is most comfortable for you and your child. - Rattles and hanging toys for the crib or stroller stimulate your baby’s focus, vision, hearing, and coordination. Hanging carousels teach your baby to track moving objects.
- Toy pyramids and blocks
Choose toys with various shapes, sizes, and ways of connecting. Different types of pyramids help keep your child engaged and teach them to match pieces by shape and color. Classic educational toys improve fine motor skills, focus, imagination, and the precision of movements.
Geometric pyramids are great for children over 18 months. These are more challenging and teach colors and shapes. Toy blocks are also important—from early experimenting (throwing, rolling, touching) through basic construction, and later for storytelling and role-play games. - Soft toys: dolls, bunnies, and teddy bears are essential for every child. Psychologists say even boys benefit from playing with dolls, as it helps develop social skills. Doll and plush toy play also teaches domestic skills like using the potty, dressing, and feeding. Role play with “animated” toys helps boost imagination and communication skills.
- At least one remote-control toy
Remote-control toys will entertain your child for years—often up to age eight. They offer your child’s first exposure to technology, making it easier to teach concepts like right/left or fast/slow. Flying toys also develop spatial thinking.
Other development essentials include paints, pencils, modeling clay, or plasticine. Drawing is a wonderful way for children to creatively express themselves while boosting fine motor skills and imagination.