Must-Have Newborn Essentials for the First 30 Days

Those first 30 days with your newborn can often feel like a whirlwind of love and sleepless nights, so it's essential to have the proper gear at your side, ready to lend a hand. 

This guide focuses on the newborn essentials that will help make the initial month with your little one more manageable!  

Whether you're compiling your baby registry or simply planning ahead, this article will help you decide what items your baby will need, so you can focus on what truly matters— bonding with your new bundle of joy!

On the Move 

As you introduce your newborn to the world, safety and comfort are key.  

An infant car seat is one of the items you will use first — in fact, you'll need one to leave the hospital. To get started on your shopping journey, be sure to check out our article on the top-rated infant car seats. 

Alternatively, you can pick up an all-in-one convertible seat that grows with your child. These seats are essentially an infant car seat, convertible seat, and booster, all rolled into one. To learn more, check out our breakdown of some of this year’s best options, here. 

For moments when you're moving around the house but still want to keep your baby close, a baby carrier is indispensable. The BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Mini is an excellent choice for the first month and is usable until your little one reaches 25 lbs. It's easy to use for brief babywearing sessions, crucial for the times when your newborn demands constant closeness. The carrier's thoughtful design includes soft fabrics that gently cradle your baby's back, legs, and hips, supporting their natural C-curve. 

Available in 3D jersey, 3D mesh, and satin-woven cotton, it's a comfortable and practical option for your newborn's early days. To learn about the brand’s wide range of carriers, check out our BabyBjörn Baby Carrier Round-Up article or discover more great options in our top structured carrier round-up. 

Sleepy Time 

A good night's sleep is as essential for your newborn as it is for you. To create a soothing environment similar to the womb, consider a noise machine like the Portable Sound Machine TravelCube by YogaSleep. Its whitenoise feature is not just for the nursery; it's perfect to use anywhere, helping your baby feel at home while masking distracting noises. With six sound options and a handy timer, it’s conveniently portable for any outing! 

Sleep Sacks are another naptime essential, offering safety and comfort. They prevent the risks associated with loose blankets (SIDS), while keeping your baby snug as a bug! Read our Everything You Need To Know About Sleep Sacks article for more information or check out our top picks of the year, here.  

You will also want to have some socks, hats, and sleepers on hand. The Bamboo Footed Sleepers from Pip + Phee are a dream. Mixing soft bamboo fabric with a double zipper design, they’re ideal for easy diaper changes and tender skin-to-skin moments. Their temperature-regulating material ensures your baby stays cool yet cozy — perfect for sensitive baby skin! 

For the first few months, a bassinet is also a must! Products like the Iora Bedside Bassinet from Maxi-Cosi ensure your little one rests comfortably close by at all time. This model features a supportive mattress, breathable mesh siding, and can easily be moved from room to room. For more parent-favourite bassinet picks, click here. 

From crib sheets to mattress pads, Snuggle Bugz offers a wide range of age-appropriate bedding options to meet your child’s sleep needs! Discover more, here. 

Diaper Duty 

Navigating diaper duty efficiently requires a well-packed diaper bag. Essentials like diapers, wipes, creams, spare clothing, and linens are just the start (get a full list, here!). A diaper bag acts as your on-the-go nursery, ensuring you’re prepared for any baby-related challenge.  

At home, you’ll definitely need a diaper pail. Consider placing it strategically on the main floor of your home for convenient disposal of the seemingly endless amount of dirty diapers you’ll go through! Doing so will add a touch of convenience to daytime changes while keeping odours from spreading throughout the house. For more great tips, click here.  

For nighttime changes, the Skip Hop Light Up Diaper Caddy is invaluable. Its illuminating feature simplifies diaper changes in the middle of the night, and its compartments keep essentials organized right beside your baby’s bassinet. 

Lastly, investing in a good changing pad can streamline diaper changes. It provides a comfortable, hygienic surface for your baby and can be a real sanity-saver during those not-so-smooth diaper moments!  

Baby’s Comfort 

Keeping your little one comfortable and soothed is a key part of parenthood, especially during outings or visits. A versatile swaddle works splendidly for this, and the Muslin Swaddle 3-Pack from Little Unicorn is a top pick. These high-quality swaddles are perfect for snuggling your baby, using them as a burp cloth, or providing a clean surface to lay your child on. 

When it comes to in-home comfort, a rocker, swing, or bouncer is a godsend. The BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss stands out for its baby-friendly design. It's fun for your little one and conveniently lightweight, making it easy for parents (including those recovering from C-sections) to move between rooms. This bouncer provides a safe and engaging space for your baby while giving you a well-deserved break! 

For your nursery, investing in a comfortable glider is a wise choicce (check out our buyer’s guide here.) Paired with a pacifier, it creates a tranquil environment for soothing your baby during the night. 

An outstanding addition to baby’s relaxation is the Snuggle Me Organic Infant Lounger. There are many reasons why we love this plush pad, but none more than its unique design which emulates the coziness of being in mom or dad's arms. This comforting embrace allows your little pea to feel secure and content, making it an essential item for peaceful moments. 

Food Fun 

Breastfeeding is a special journey for many mothers, and having the best products can make it more comfortable and manageable.  

Burp cloths are essential for managing spills and spit-ups post-feeding. A nursing cover offers privacy when breastfeeding in public, while a quality breast pump allows you to store milk for times when direct feeding isn't possible. Remember, keeping your breast pump clean is crucial; regular sterilization ensures your baby’s health and safety! For a round-up of our top pumps, click here. 

A nursing pillow can be a lifesaver, providing support and comfort during feedings. If breastfeeding isn’t an option or you choose to go a different route, bottles and formula are essential. A good bottle brush, sterilizer, and drying rack (like the creative Lawn, Twig and Stem Drying Rack) will make cleaning and preparing bottles a breeze, ensuring everything is hygienic and ready for baby’s next meal!

Primp & Preen 

Bath time is not just about cleanliness; it’s an experience filled with delightful giggles and bonding between you and your little!  

The Baby Bath Support Seat by Angelcare is perfect for newborns. It’s ergonomically designed for baby’s comfort, ensuring safety and hygiene during bath time. The seat’s durable plastic maintains its shape, while an anti-slip base ensures stability and safety. 

For gentle cleaning, the Shampoo and Body Wash from Baja Baby is an excellent choice. This gluten-free, allergen-free formula nourishes with essential vitamins and fatty acids, making it perfect for your baby’s sensitive skin and hair! We love this brand and encourage you to explore more of Baja Baby’s products for comprehensive baby care. For more useful bath time must-haves, click here. 

Post-bath, it's important to keep your baby's nails trimmed to prevent scratching. The NailFrida SnipperClipper is perfectly designed for this delicate task, with curved blades and silent snipping action. Its S-file is specially shaped for baby's nails, ensuring a safe and smooth finish! Learn more about Frida Baby’s range of products for more baby care insights. 

The First 30 Days 

During first 30 days, the right newborn necessities can make all the difference. From the comfort of a well-designed baby carrier to the tranquility of a soothing bath time, each product you choose plays a pivotal role in creating a nurturing environment for your tiny wonder. Embrace this time with love and patience, knowing you have the tools to make these early days as smooth and joyful as possible. 

Here's to a wonderful start to a beautiful journey with your newborn!