Nowadays we all face this pressure of decking our baby out with the latest in everything. Consumerism has definitely targeted moms-to-be, hardcore! But, we all know that some of the bigger, pricier items (while they may be nice) aren’t completely necessary. So, here are the most essential things a newborn baby needs without you splurging on unnecessary fluff and blowing your baby budget before they even arrive!
Adding to this list of things you need for baby is great, but I want to give you the most essential things a newborn needs. This way, if you are on a tighter budget, or just want to take a more simple and minimalist approach to motherhood, you have a good head-start.
This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure for more info.
Most Essential Things a Newborn Needs
Transportation
Convertible Car Seat
Safely transporting your newborn is obviously one of the most essential things a newborn baby needs. A great way to save some money is to skip the infant car seat and go straight to a convertible car seat. After all, you will need to upgrade to the convertible eventually and actually, the convertible car seats are safe for most newborns too.
This is the one we have and we love it. It’s aesthetic, safe for babies 5-40lbs, affordable, and will grow with your child all through their car seat and booster days!
You can order this one on Amazon for $150.
Diaper Bag
If you are trying to go really minimal, you could honestly just throw some diapers and wipes in your purse as you head out the door! But…that may get old after a while. For a pretty meager investment, you can have a nice diaper bag that will easily carry everything you and your baby for every outing.
I’m a huge proponent for diaper bag backpacks. This one is only $20!
Sleep
Crib/Bassinet
One of the most important items you will need for your baby is a crib. While this is definitely a bigger ticket item, investing in a bed for baby is something that will be a perfect bed for years. Lots of cribs, like this one, go from crib to toddler bed, to full-size bed with headboard. Making this a small investment for years of sleep for your little one.
This one has great reviews, comes in several colors, is stylish, and only $150.
Baby Bedding
This is simple. In fact, adding extra blankets, crib padding, etc is actually not recommended or deemed safe for babies. Just put a fitted sheet on your crib mattress and you’ll be safe and set to go!
These sheets are soft and come in tons of adorable colors and patterns. They start at only $18.
Clothing
Onesies
These are great for the winter especially to help keep your little one warm under their outfit. I recommend 5-10 onesies for 0-3 month and 3-6 month.
You can buy a pack of (5) white ones for $10.
Outfits
Between body suits and sleepers, keep your newborn stylish and comfy. I recommend at least 10 outfits for 0-3 month and then 3-6 month.
Swaddle blankets
Keeping your baby swaddled the first few weeks will definitely help your newborn stay warm and feel safe. Muslin blankets are breathable, safe and perfect for swaddling.
You can get a 3 pack of muslin blankets for $25.
Bibs
These little bandana bibs keep your little one warm and dry. Baby’s can drool a lot, especially as they get a little older. These bibs will help keep their chest nice and dry and prevent them from soaking their outfits!
You can get a cute pack of 8 for only $15, here.
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Diapers/Wipes/Ointment
Diapers, wipes, and baby ointment are at the top of the most essential things a newborn baby needs. If you shop for diapers and wipes on Amazon, you can sign up for their subscriptions and save on each order!
Subscribe and save up to 15% on each diaper order!
Subscribe and save up to 15% on these wipes.
Natural diaper cream you can also subscribe and save with!
Baby Thermometer
Always good to have a baby thermometer on hand in case your little one starts to feel warm. This can help you decide if its time to make a trip to the doctor or not!
This is a very simple, digital baby thermometer. This one’s $10.
Gentle Bath Soap
Of course, your little one will need to bathe. This is a very gentle, all natural shampoo and body wash which is perfect on their very gentle skin.
Feeding
Bottles/Milk Storage Bags
If you plan to exclusively breastfeed, you can save lots of money and skip this section. But, few of us can or choose to do that so here are a couple of items you may need.
I have had good luck with Medela bottles, but you really can’t go wrong! These are 3, 8oz bottles for only $13.
If you plan to pump, these milk storage bags work well and seal tight. You can get 100 bags for $14. But these also have a subscribe option to help you save some $.
The “Nice” to Haves
Wrap/Baby Carrier
If you can’t do this right now, maybe save up for a future purchase or definitely register for it and pray someone buys it for you as a gift. You can obviously make-due without a baby carrier or wrap but they are amazing to have!
My favorite wrap. Totally worth the $40.
My favorite baby carrier. Order now for $27.
Swing/Bouncy Chair
This is more of an extra, but my babies have spent lots of time and really enjoy their swings.
This swing is amazing and the best one for the price. Order now for $120.
Stroller
A stroller is great for errands, zoo days, trips outside. This one is only $77!
I love these strollers with the bicycle tires. I call it my off-roading stroller. Whenever we are at the zoo or a carnival or fair and we have to drive on gravel or dirt, this stroller can handle it, no problem.
How to Save Money on Baby Essentials
- Create a registry early so you will have plenty of time to share with family and friends as well as move your budget around. Both Amazon and Babylist are great registry options.
- Look for items second-hand before you purchase brand new
- Ask for baby items for holidays from family and friends
- Purchase baby items as you need them. You won’t be needing a high-chair for a few months so no sense on blowing your budget for something you won’t need for a while.
Hopefully, after reading through this list, you have a sense of simplicity. Just remember, the most essential things a newborn baby needs are food, sleep, safety, and love.
Did I miss something? What are your newborn essentials?
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