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Updated October 2026
Quick answer: The five things that gave me the most peace of mind as a new mom were a breathable crib mattress, a bassinet in my room, a video monitor with audio, a wearable baby monitor, and reminding myself that I’m doing a good job. Here’s why each one helped, and what to look for as you choose what’s right for your family.
When I had my first baby I had so much anxiety. Granted I didn’t necessarily have an “easy” start to motherhood. My blood pressure sky rocketed after birth and after being sent home for a night I had to be readmitted to the hospital for postpartum preeclampsia. Our daughter, Ada, had jaundice when she was born and was losing too much weight too fast, which put a lot of stress on breastfeeding. All of this coupled with suddenly being the primary caretaker for this new tiny human sent me spiraling if I’m honest.
I’m a firm believer in controlling the things you can and letting go of things you can’t. Luckily there are trustworthy baby companies out there that have created products to help alleviate the stress of new parenthood. Be sure to add these baby must-haves to your baby registry. You can grab a copy of my free baby registry checklist here.
Here are five of my favorite things that have given me peace of mind with a newborn, for the second time.
A breathable crib mattress
I will shout my praise for this product from the rooftops. The mattress is easy to clean, and Newton’s breathable design gives me peace of mind. We got one for baby #1, and since we’re keeping her in a crib for a while, we bought a second crib mattress for baby #2. What to look for: a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly in your crib, plus a cover that’s easy to wash.
A bassinet in our room for the first several months
I liked being able to hear and check on our baby throughout the night. Like their crib mattress, the Newton Baby bassinet is designed to be breathable. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing without bed-sharing in the early months, so a bassinet is a great way to keep baby close. Talk to your pediatrician about what’s right for your family.
A video monitor with audio
Moving the baby out of our room into the nursery was super intimidating for me because I was used to having the baby sleep right next to me and hearing their every sound. Having a baby monitor with audio was helpful to hear the baby wake at night to feed. We have the VAVA baby monitor, which has the ability to connect up to 4 cameras in case you want to use the same screen for multiple kids in the future. What to look for: clear night vision, two-way audio, a long-lasting battery, and a reliable connection.
A wearable baby monitor
For our family, the Owlet gives us a lot of peace of mind. I like being able to check in without waking baby, and I don’t hover over the bassinet or crib nearly as much. A wearable monitor is a peace-of-mind tool, not a replacement for safe sleep practices, so always follow your pediatrician’s safe sleep guidance.
Reminding myself I’m doing a good job
Whew, this is a big one. With the postpartum anxiety that came with my first baby, I had to remind myself often that I was a good mom and my baby was healthy, safe, loved, and cared for, and to give myself grace as I learned the ropes of motherhood and evolved as a person. If worry ever feels constant or overwhelming, reach out to your doctor. You deserve support too. For more encouragement, read my thoughts for the first-time mom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I feel less anxious with a newborn?
Setting up your space ahead of time helps a lot: keeping baby close at night, using a monitor you trust, and having essentials stocked so you’re not scrambling. Small steps like meal prepping before baby arrives help too. Just as important is giving yourself grace. If anxiety feels overwhelming, talk to your doctor.
Do I need a baby monitor if baby sleeps in my room?
Not always. Many parents start with a bassinet in their room and add a video monitor once baby moves to the nursery, or for naps in another room.
Are wearable baby monitors worth it?
For many parents, they add peace of mind and make it easier to rest. They aren’t a replacement for safe sleep practices, so think of them as an extra layer of reassurance.
What should I buy before baby arrives for peace of mind?
A safe sleep space (a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress), a monitor that fits your setup, and household essentials stocked ahead of time. See my guide to what to stock up on before baby, and grab my free Baby Registry Checklist. You might also like the items you’d never know you’d need to prepare for baby.
Final Thoughts
Peace of mind with a newborn comes from a mix of the right setup and a lot of grace for yourself. Start with a safe sleep space and a monitor you trust, and remember that you’re doing a great job.
