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With all the suggestions and product options, it can become overwhelming to sort through what baby essentials you actually need to buy. The first most important thing is to take a deep breath! It doesn’t have to be stressful.

I have learned that you will know what works or can work best for you after your first baby. It is a bit of trial-and-error. After baby #1 you will have a foundation of experience to build on. Babies that come after this will more than likely require you to tweak your systems a little.

I tried my best to keep the baby essentials at a minimum because having too many things can also be very mentally overbearing (not to mention financially draining too!).

You want to plan according to the time of year your baby is born – that may change what is needed a little, at least in timing (e.g., clothes sizes, car seats, walkers).

Here are the baby essentials I found very useful and would buy again. They are good gifts for a baby shower or items to request on your baby registry:

1. Onesies

Onesies are my favorite clothing articles for babies, especially for the first 3 months. It makes things so much easier to manage without having to worry about all the outfit options.

There are a variety of onesies you can choose from depending on what you need.

Consider the Coverage and Closure Types:

Short Sleeve & Long Sleeve Onesies
Footie Onesie/Pajamas
Footless Onesie/Pajamas/Rompers
1-way Zipper
2-way Zipper
Snap Button
Flat Button
Magnetic Closures

Many parents online prefer the 2-way zipper or magnetic closures, especially for nighttime diaper changes.

I, personally, did not have any trouble using the 1-way zipper and snap/flat button onesies.

Silicone Baby Bottles

I tried plastic baby bottles, like Dr. Brown, and I did not like them for my babies. Dr. Brown bottles leaked and didn’t help to reduce gas intake – in my experience.

My two favorite bottle brands were:

We now only use Tommee Tippee because they seem to last longer. I use the same bottles for all my babies and just replace the nipples.

Note: You may have to try out nipples with different flow levels. It may depend on your breastfeeding flow so baby won’t have trouble alternating, if needed. I prefer to stick to the extra slow flow or slow flow nipples to prevent overfeeding with formula.

Diaper Cart

I purchased a cart from Michael’s for my breastfeeding equipment – great idea from Karrie Locher!

Consider the cart and accessories below:

When I was unable to continue breastfeeding, I used it as a diaper cart. This is very helpful to keep some diaper ointment, toilet paper, wipes, etc. on the top tier of the cart. Then I organize the 2 different size diapers on the bottom 2 tiers.

It makes it easier to transport, if needed, to change a diaper on the bed or couch, etc.

Bath Tub/Mat/Seat

Bath equipment will probably be a bit of a trial-and-error for you.

It depends on where you will bathe your baby – the sink or bath tub. I don’t use the kitchen sink because I find that the kitchen is too cool and the bathroom sink is too small.

I prefer to bathe my babies in the bathroom since I can close the door to trap the heat for a warm bath experience.

So, I have tried the following bath items:

Sink Flower Bath Mat

I really loved using the bath mat. It was very helpful with my first born and used it for 2 years. My mom helped me bathe my first as a newborn since I had lower back pain (hello, weak core), so I wasn’t sure how it would go using it for my second baby.

Baby Bath Tub

The baby bathtub was very helpful because it helped to elevate baby a little and keep him from slipping as much. The tub moved a bit which was frustrating.

Baby Bath Seat

When my baby boy turned 5 months old, I needed something more stable. So, I purchased a baby seat that suctioned to the bathtub. The seat suction pads seem to come undone at times, but overall, I love it for both my kids (the infant and toddler). My sister recommended the seat since her son moves a lot during baths.

Large Towels

For towels, I did not like the baby towels because many of them attract lint very easily.

Not to mention they are often very small, and the baby outgrows them quickly. I purchased a couple of bigger regular towels.

Consider the following:

These will cover your baby more than enough and keep them warm – especially the bath sheet towel. If you want the towel to have the hood, you can probably have someone add it for you. I, personally, did not really need it.

You can use the towels as the child grows.

Bassinet

We purchased the Halo Bassinet the day we were discharged from the hospital. We did not know if we wanted to buy it.

I am so glad we purchased it. It was helpful to me while I had little space in my room. I used it for naps with our first born and she mostly co-slept with me every night.

We used the bassinet in the living room with our second baby. Our room was too small to have it by the bed. My second also co-slept with me most of the time after a few weeks post birth – he was okay sleeping by himself for the first few weeks.

The Halo Bassinet was also very useful as a diaper changing station since it is high enough. I, definitely, do not regret this buy. I also love the fact that it spins around.

The newest version is available online:

Halo Bassinet

Sound Machine

I purchased this one with our first born. It is helpful because noise is less likely (or not as easy) to wake up my babies. Although each baby’s noise tolerance is also a factor.

The sound machine noise helped level out any additional creeks and sounds from the house.

Consider one like this:

Portable White Noise Sound Machine

Thermal Bottle

I did not have a chance to travel with breastmilk because neither of my kids latched. I tried exclusively pumping but it did not work for me.

I would recommend having a thermal bottle to keep warm water for the formula – if you go this route. You can buy a formula container for the go, like this one.

If not, that is totally fine. There are many ways to warm your breastmilk on the go. Consider the following:

Baby’s Brew – portable electric bottle warmer
Ceres Chill – breastmilk storage/cooler

Infant Rocking Chair

This one was a gift to me. I really appreciated this one because I did not know I needed it.

We have the Fischer Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker; however, it seems it may have been discontinued. I was unable to locate it online.

Consider the following option if you want to try it:

Ingenuity Keep Cozy 3-in-1 Grow with Me

I have not tried the Ingenuity brand, but it seems like a good option – it can be a bouncer or rocker! I was also gifted the Fischer Price bouncer and my first born loved both. I did not try the bouncer with my second born. But I do use the rocker all the time – it is so convenient.

Note: From what I have seen with other moms, not all babies like bouncers, rockers, swings, etc., which means this may be a trial-and-error item as well.

Travel System or Stroller/Car Seats

A stroller and car seat travel system are convenient; however, you will have to consider your needs.

It is convenient to have a travel system because all you have to do is transfer your baby with the car seat onto the stroller.

However, if you won’t need the stroller as often, you may be better off choosing both separately.

I used the stroller more often with my first born so it was helpful to have the travel system. However, she outgrew the car seat fairly quick. I really love the jogger stroller from Baby Trend.

With my second born, I did not use the stroller as much. We mostly need adjustable car seats that grow with the child and a multiple sibling stroller. We like our Graco car seat for the toddler even though it is a bit bulky.

Consider the following: