The 5 Products You'll Use Most During The First Week With A Newborn
Do you ever feel like there are just so many baby products? As a first time mom preparing for a new baby, you’ll get so much first time mom advice and it can be hard to know what’s actually helpful. The first week home with a baby there’s a lot to learn, but not a lot you need. During that time you’ll be focused on your postpartum recovery and learning to breastfeed, while adjusting to life with a baby. Here are my most used newborn essentials for your baby registry, so you know exactly what to expect the first week home with your newborn.
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Newborn Baby Essentials
Swaddle Blankets - Our first was never a great sleeper so in my desperate state of sleep deprivation I ordered a ton of swaddles to try: everything from the easy velcro swaddles to arms up swaddles. I’ve aways come back to traditional swaddles for the newborn phase. Lou Lou & Company newborn swaddles are the highest quality I’ve come across. They are super stretchy and soft, which is important for a good swaddle.
Two-Way Zippered Footies- For the newborn phase, I am all about the two-way zippered footies for both night and day wear. Onesies are hard to get over a tiny baby’s head and arms and I don’t love pants that are tight around their little bellies. Plus, you are constantly changing diapers and zippered footies make that process so much easier! My personal favorites are Kyte Baby Footies because they are super soft and I find them to fit our babies best during the newborn phase.
Burp Clothes - Whether you are breastfeeding or feeding formula, you’re going to want lots and lots of soft muslin burp cloths and keep them everywhere - in the nursery drawer, nursing cart, living room, car, etc.
Sound Machine - Having a toddler who doesn’t quite understand how to whisper yet, I love the Hatch Rest Sound Machine for the ability to adjust the volume level and light from my phone. If the toddler starts getting loud I can easily turn the sound machine sound up so we (hopefully) don’t wake the baby.
Infant Lounger - Highly recommend having some sort of baby lounger so you have a safe space to set baby whenever you need to be hands free. Obviously the baby’s bassinet or crib works too but I like having a couple of baby items that you can move around the house with you. For example, to the kitchen if you need to cook or do dishes or to the bathroom while you shower. We have used both the DockATot and the Snuggle Me Infant Lounger. I really like the Snuggle Me for the newborn phase but the DockATot is better apt to grow with your baby. I don’t think you need both; just pick whichever you like.
How to Prepare and What to Expect the First Week Home with Your Newborn
If you’re a first-time mom wondering what you actually need to prepare for a newborn, you’re not alone. It’s easy to get caught up in endless baby product lists and Pinterest-perfect nursery plans, but when it comes to baby prep, practical wins every time. That’s why I put together my Baby Prep Quick Start Guide — a free, no-fluff resource to help you focus on what really matters as you get ready for your baby’s arrival.
Inside the guide, you’ll find my 3-step system to feeling more confident about what to expect in those first few days with your newborn. Whether you're in your third trimester or just starting to plan, this is the perfect first step for any new mom who wants to feel prepared and ready to bring baby home. Grab your copy completely free and get ready to bring baby home.
