WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR A NEWBORN? OUR GUIDE TO ESSENTIAL BABY ITEMS

By: Door Buddy Editors | Published: 30 March 2025

So, you’re about to welcome your little bundle of joy into the world - exciting times ahead! But before the sleepless nights, endless cuddles, and baby giggles, there’s the prep. Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding another little one to the family, it can feel like there are a million things to buy and get ready for, but don’t stress! We’ve rounded up a fun and helpful newborn checklist, full of newborn essentials straight from some of the new moms here at The Door Buddy team. We’ve got you covered, from practical must-haves to those little touches that will make your life easier and more enjoyable as you begin this new chapter.

1. SOUND MACHINE/NIGHT LIGHT: THE SLEEP SAVIOR

Newborns sleep a lot (thankfully!), but it’s not always the most peaceful sleep - enter the sound machine. Not only do they help drown out background noise, but they also create a calming environment for your baby. Some even come with built-in night lights, which makes those late-night feedings and diaper changes a bit easier on your tired eyes. Trust us, you’ll thank us later!

Our Top Pick - Hatch Rest 2nd Gen

2. BURP CLOTHS: BECAUSE BABIES ARE MESSY

Let’s face it: newborns are messy eaters. That’s where burp cloths come in! You’ll need a bunch of these handy little cloths to catch any spills or spit-ups during and after feedings. Keep them close by, because you never know when your little one will need a quick clean-up!

Our Top Pick - Burt’s bees Burp Cloth

3. DEEP CLEAN BEFORE BABY ARRIVES: LESS STRESS, MORE CUDDLES

This one might not be a “baby item,” but it’s a total lifesaver. If you’re feeling wiped out toward the end of your pregnancy, consider having a cleaning service come in for a deep clean before your baby arrives. This little pre-baby pampering will give you peace of mind and help you feel more prepared.

4. BOTTLE STERILIZER (WALL PLUG-IN): CLEAN BOTTLES, HAPPY BABY

If you’ll be bottle-feeding or using a pump, a sterilizer is a must-have. Sure, you can go with a microwave sterilizer, but the one that plugs into the wall? Total time-saver! It’ll sterilize bottles quickly, and some even have the added benefit of warming milk, making it super convenient.

Our Top Pick - Philip AVENT Advanced Electric Steam Sterilizer

5. NURSING PILLOW: SUPPORT FOR YOU AND BABY

Even if you plan to bottle-feed or do a combo of feeding methods, a nursing pillow is incredibly helpful. It offers great support for both you and your baby, especially in those early days when you’re trying to get the hang of everything. You’ll appreciate the added comfort for both of you!

Our Top Pick - Bobby Nursing Pillow

6. NAPPY CADDY: KEEP EVERYTHING HANDY

A nappy caddy is a must-have for every room you spend time in with your baby. It holds all the essentials - nappies, wipes, bum cream, and a change mat - so you can change your little one on the go, whether you’re in the living room or their nursery. It’s so much easier than running back and forth to the changing table all the time!

Our Top Pick - Munchkin Diaper Caddy

7. BABY WRAP/CARRIER: KEEP BABY CLOSE WHILE YOU GET THINGS DONE

You’ll be surprised at how often you’ll need your hands free while still wanting to keep your baby close. That’s where a baby wrap or carrier comes in! Many parents here at Door Buddy swear by their wraps, which helped them get things done while their baby naps snugly against them. Whether you’re going for a walk or need a free hand to cook dinner, a carrier is an absolute lifesaver.

Our Top Pick - Ergobaby Omni Dream Baby Carrier

8. GLOW BABY APP: TRACK FEEDING, SLEEP, AND MILESTONES

Keeping track of feedings, naps, and milestones can get overwhelming. Enter the Glow Baby app! It helps track feeding times, milk amounts, and sleep schedules - all in one place. Plus, it’s a great way to capture memories like your baby’s first bath with notes and dates. No need to carry a notebook around - your phone is all you need!

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9. DOOR BUDDY: SAFE, EASY ACCESS

Door Buddy is a simple yet effective safety device designed to prevent your baby from accessing rooms or areas they shouldn’t be in and getting into the cat food or litter when they start exploring around, like kitchens or bathrooms, without the need for bulky baby gates. It works by keeping doors slightly ajar, giving you easy access while keeping your little one safe and secure. Perfect for narrow doorways or places where you don’t want to install a full gate. Non-invasive and easy to install, it’s a great tool for parents looking for a quick and effective way to baby-proof their home.

You may also want to check out our infant safety guide and babyproofing checklist as you enter the toddler phase!

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10. DIAPER DISPOSAL SYSTEM

A diaper disposal like Diaper Genie can be a total game-changer for managing odors and maintaining hygiene. It’s a must-have for any nursery or changing area! Curious about how many diapers do i need for a newborn? Check out this article here for all the details!

11. BABY MONITOR (AUDIO & VIDEO): PEACE OF MIND FOR PARENTS

We all know those moments when you want to check on your baby, but don’t want to risk waking them up. A baby monitor with both audio and video is an absolute must-have. It’s the perfect way to keep an eye on your little one while you take a break or get a few things done around the house. Plus, it’s great for those middle-of-the-night checks when you don’t want to go into their room and risk disturbing them.

Our Top Pick - Nanit Pro Case

12. BABY BAG: YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND

You'll be carrying this bag everywhere - from the hospital to every outing. Choose a well-designed baby bag that's practical but also stylish. Trust us, you'll get a lot of use out of it!

Our Top Pick - Skip Hop Diaper Bag

NEW INNOVATIONS AND TRENDS IN BABY PRODUCTS

There are so many cool new innovations and trends in the world of baby products that you might not know about yet! Here are a few cutting-edge items that could make your life as a new mom even easier:

Smart Baby Monitors: These high-tech monitors go beyond just showing you a live video feed. Some can track your baby’s breathing, heart rate, and even sleep patterns, sending you alerts if anything seems off. A great way to have peace of mind at night or when you’re out of the room!
Organic Baby Products: Organic Baby Products: Parents today are more conscious than ever about what their babies come into contact with. Organic brands like Earth Mama Organics are non-toxic and eco-friendly, offering everything from baby lotions to organic diaper balm. These options help reduce exposure to harsh chemicals and are better for the environment too.
Tech-Driven Baby Care: Products like smart bassinets that rock your baby to sleep or bottles that warm milk to the perfect temperature are becoming more popular. These items offer convenience and help make those long nights just a little bit easier.

NON-PRODUCT ESSENTIALS: THE REAL MVPS

Now, while products are great, there are a few non-product things that are even more valuable during those first few weeks. Think things like:

Pre-made meals: Having a freezer stocked with meals for the first week or two can make all the difference when you are exhausted and just want to focus on your baby.

Scheduled time with Dad: Get some mental break time with planned help from your partner. It’s important!
One-way communication group: Create a family chat or broadcast list to keep everyone updated with your baby’s progress (and keep the well-wishers at bay).
No-visit period: Consider setting a no-visit rule for the first 2-3 weeks after birth. It’s surprisingly helpful in giving you time to adjust.

CONCLUSION: WHAT DO YOU NEED FOR A NEWBORN?

So, whether you’re creating your newborn checklist or just preparing for the big day, these are the things you need for a newborn that made life a whole lot easier for us new moms at the Door Buddy team.

We hope this list of essentials for newborns helps you get ready for your own little one! Download our PDF on What Do You Need for a Newborn here to get a handy checklist to guide you through your preparations.

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