I’m about to have my second child, and I’ve been thinking a lot about the best baby products for newborns—especially the things I wish I had the first time around. There are so many things that we think we need (and companies are really good at selling), only to realize later that there actually isn’t much that’s truly necessary.
This is my honest, mama-to-mama list of what I personally found essential, and what I’ll be using again with this next little one. I hope it’s helpful!
This post has affiliate links. This means that my links lead to an amazon product that, if you buy it, I gain commission from the purchase. This comes at no cost to you!
Baby Lounger
Honestly—buy two of these. I used one at all times throughout the house for the baby to sleep and relax in, but the most important place for it? The bathroom.
I can’t tell you how often I needed to use the bathroom every single time the baby woke up (hello, keeping your water intake up for breastfeeding!). And it’s no easy task to try and carry a baby, use the bathroom, wipe, and apply all your postpartum vajayjay healing products. That’s where the lounger came in.
Having a dedicated baby lounger in the bathroom was such a blessing. I could place the baby in it, take a deep breath, and take care of myself for a few quick minute. It was seriously one of the best baby products for newborns I’ve ever used. I used to use a pillow, but buying one like this one is totally worth it.
And of course, beyond that, it’s the perfect cozy little spot to keep baby comfortable and close during the day. Highly recommend—you’ll be so glad to have one (or two!).
Cloth Diapers
If you’re a toxic-free kind of mama like me, you probably already know the kind of stuff that gets put into disposable baby diapers. I’m not a huge fan, and even though there are some really amazing clean diaper brands out there, they tend to be pricey. That’s why we went the cloth diaper route.
I use 100% cotton diapers and give them a good wash before their first use. That’s it—just cotton. No additives, no chemicals. It feels so good knowing exactly what’s touching my baby’s skin. They’ve been wonderful for preventing bum rashes, and even better—they’ve helped our daughter potty train quicker, too. They’re not the most comfy thing in the world (which means your kiddo wants to get out of them), but that works in your favor! And if you’re into EC (elimination communication), they’re extra helpful.
My absolute favorite brand is Mother-ease—they’re Canadian-made, and the quality is just amazing. I’ve also used AppleCheeks diapers that were gifted to me, and while they’re still great, they don’t quite compare to Mother-ease. (Mother-ease isn’t even an affiliate link, it’s just a favourite of mine).
Yes, the upfront cost is a bit of an investment, but in the long run, you save so much. Cloth diapers are definitely one of the best baby products for newborns if you’re aiming for a frugal, toxin-free lifestyle.
Cloth Wipes & Homemade Cleaner
If we’re talking toxic-free and saving money, cloth wipes are a must. I make my own simple cleaning solution with mostly water and a gentle, clean soap. I dip, wipe, toss in a little hamper, and wash. That’s it.
Now I will say—when it comes to poopy diapers, I do keep some wet wipes on hand. They really help when things get a little more intense down there. But even with that, we save so much by using cloth wipes the majority of the time.
My favorite cloth wipes are from Cheeks Ahoy. Their wipes are soft, durable, Canadian-made, and just the perfect texture for cleaning up little bums and faces alike.
Yes, it means a little more laundry—but yes, it is absolutely worth it. These wipes are hands-down one of the best baby products for newborns if you’re looking to keep things simple, natural, and cost-effective.
Comfy Baby Carrier
I tried to be a super thrifty new mama with my first—buying everything second-hand—and let me tell you, that does not always work out. I ended up with a carrier that looked okay on the outside, but it was hard to get on by myself, and my little girl was never comfortable in it. Neither was I.
Eventually, I invested in a Ergobaby Carrier, and it changed everything. It’s sturdy and supportive but still soft and comfortable for both baby and mama. The design makes it easy to wear for long stretches, and it’s so much easier to put on without a second pair of hands.
Of course, I still use those soft, long wraps for at-home comfort (they’re not ideal for travel, but they feel like a cozy hug). Both types of carriers have their place, but a good, supportive carrier is essential.
It might not be the cheapest option, but a quality baby carrier is one of the best baby products for newborns, especially if you want to move freely and keep your baby close.
Easy Cleaning Diaper Changing Mat
When you don’t have a baby, you don’t quite understand the amount of poos and pees that explode on you. My original diaper changing mat either needed a cloth around it, or it was too cold for my daughter to use. Don’t just get a cheap plastic mat—they’re cold and uncomfortable for those poor little babies!
And when you lay a cloth down, you usually end up needing to wash it right after because poop or pee (or sometimes vomit) finds its way on there. I recommend a changing mat like this one. It doesn’t need anything on top, doesn’t get cold easily, and wipes off so easily with a wet cloth. It’s one of the best baby products for newborns because it’s both practical and gentle for your baby.
Breastmilk Catcher
A friend once told me that when she was breastfeeding on one side, the other side would just start leaking—yes, this happens! Both breasts let down at once, and suddenly you and your baby are soaked in milk.
Most people will tell you to get a Haakaa to help, but I could never get that thing to work for me. It made breastfeeding awkward and always got in the way—where was my daughter’s head supposed to go with that long thing hanging off me?
My lifesaver was the Elvie Curve Breast Pump. It gently suctions on and quietly catches all that let-down milk—no weird angles or awkward positioning needed. It’s easy to clean and pour, and by far one of the best baby products for newborns I’ve ever owned.
Comfy Baby Bouncer
These were a game-changer when my baby was awake and just wanted to look around. She loved watching me clean or cook, so I’d pop her in the bouncer to safely hang out nearby. Sometimes I’d place her by the window to look outside, which she absolutely loved.
It gave her something to do and gave me the freedom to be hands-free for a moment—like when I needed to grab a bottle, cook a meal, or even take a shower. The one we had was great, but I wish it had a bit more cushion like this one. Either way, our bouncer kept our daughter safe and comfy. Definitely one of the best baby products for newborns, especially when you need a trusted extra set of hands.
Tallow Lotion
The beautiful thing about an all-natural tallow lotion is that it’s not toxic—in more ways than just what’s on the label. With kids, hands go where they shouldn’t, and mouths end up exploring everything, even things you’d never expect.
I have a dear friend who makes me homemade tallow balm, and it has truly healed my daughter from so many rashes. It makes me feel at peace knowing that even if it ends up in her mouth, I’m not reaching for the poison control number.
It’s incredibly healing and deeply nourishing on your baby’s delicate skin—especially if your little one struggles with eczema or irritation. Truly one of the best baby products for newborns if you want something safe, effective, and comforting.
Good-Quality Formula
If you’re anything like me and breastfeeding is a challenge (or even if it’s just not what your body can do), then choosing a high-quality formula is one of the best decisions you can make for your baby.
I wish I had made the investment with my first. My daughter struggled with gut issues from the start, and the formula we used made constipation so painful and hard to manage. The formula you feed your baby can truly shape the health of their little digestive system—alongside what you eat during pregnancy and postpartum, of course.
The Holle Goat Milk Formula or Kendamil Organic are some of the cleanest, easiest-to-digest options out there. Look for A2 protein and organic milk sources when you can. Yes, it costs more upfront, but your baby’s health is absolutely worth it. Without a doubt, this is one of the best baby products for newborns that you can feel good about using.
A Pack-And-Play
We have family all over the country and even into the USA, which means we do a lot of travelling. A Pack-and-Play was one of the best investments we made. It’s an easy setup, an easy takedown, and made life so much smoother on the road.
We never used it as a little playpen or to keep our baby contained—no way, José! Instead, we used it purely as a portable crib. It made packing for trips so simple, and it gave us peace of mind knowing our daughter had a familiar sleep space wherever we went.
My sister had one and raved about it, and she eventually converted my brother and me into getting our own. I now fully believe that a Pack-and-Play like this one from Graco is one of the best baby products for newborns, especially if your family travels often or even just does the occasional weekend away.
BONUS: A Portable Breast Pump
This one’s for you, mama.
If you’re planning to pump—please, please get yourself a real portable breast pump. If you’ve still got wires, tubing, and a giant generator hanging off of you, it’s not portable, it’s a trap. I’ve been there, and it is the worst.
I suggest something from MomCozy or Elvie. These are actual game-changers. You just pop them into your bra and keep going about your day—fold laundry, prep dinner, play with your toddler, whatever you need to do.
I wish I had bought this the first time around. I hated being stuck on the couch, unable to move or multitask. Now, with a toddler running around and another baby on the way, a hands-free pump like this is absolutely essential. It’ll save your sanity, your time, and honestly your shoulders.
It’s 100% one of the best baby products for newborns—but especially for the moms who are loving and feeding them.
So there you have it—my real-life list of the best baby products for newborns that have saved me time, stress, and the occasional emotional meltdown. These aren’t just trendy must-haves; they’re the things that actually made life with a little one easier, calmer, and more peaceful.
Every mama and baby are different, but my hope is that this list helps you feel a little more equipped, a little more ready, and a whole lot less overwhelmed. You don’t need all the things. But you do deserve to have a few things that genuinely help.
Check out my Survival Guide For New Moms Post for more support!
You’ve got this, sweet mama. You’re doing better than you think.
Leave a Reply