A new Grandma’s honest opinion on ALL the “new” essential must-haves for newborns. What’s changed and what’s worth it.

The Hubs and I just returned from the ultimate trip: becoming grandparents!

It’s been an absolute joy to be there for our kids, the new parents, as they bring their/our precious baby home, and navigate the early days of parenthood. 

I remember how overwhelming it was when we brought our first baby home. Newborn needs haven’t changed a bit. But the essentials for newborns list and baby must haves has grown extensively.

One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is the sheer variety of newborn products and baby supplies available today. Plus, access to such a wide range of supposedly must-have baby items.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options and feel like you need to have everything to be a good parent. But let’s be honest, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.

Remember, every family is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Don’t feel pressured to buy the latest and greatest baby necessities. Sometimes, the simpler options are the best!

And don’t be afraid to consider second-hand items, especially for things that will only be used for a short time.

I’m sharing decisions our kids made in preparing for their baby’s arrival. And then tacking on this Grandma’s perspective from just the first three weeks. Let’s see what’s worth the hype and what’s just taking up valuable space.

This is a culmination of what our kids thought they needed given that they both have well-paying, high responsibility (and pressure) jobs. Their home is a three story historic row house — so we’re talking lots of stairs!!! 

For perspective, I was also a working mom for the first year of being a mom. But we had a small house all on one level. And my budget was significantly tighter.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

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Must Have Newborn Items

Information (so critical and often overlooked)-

So much more information than we ever had available. Our sources were two books Dr. Spock and Dr Christoferson. That’s it!

Let me start with an app, The Bump, that I totally love and still reference daily — yes as a grandma!

Make a free account and enter the due date of your special someone, then follow along the fascinating journey of growing a little human being.

I want to share an eye-opening book called Cribsheet by Emily Oster. Emily is an economist and researcher, not a health care provider. She approaches every single idea, theory, component of “Parenting from Birth to Preschool” with a mindset of “show me the numbers”. The result is a Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool. 

This approach appeals to both of the kids and they are referencing it often. They really, really appreciate the clear-headed  way the information is presented and conclusions reached to support or discredit a parenting do or don’t.

Baby Registry-

The easiest way to get the word out to your village, especially before a baby shower, is with a baby gift registry. You can read about Katie’s Next Chapter baby shower here.

Katie used Baby List and was very pleased with the ease of use. You can add anything from any store to your registry and it compares prices across dozens of stores. It’s a great way to consolidate all the baby gear you are thinking about in one place.

Newborn Baby Essentials for Transportation

Infant Car Seat/Stroller Combo–

This was the item that took the greatest research on the kids’ part. The section of DC they live was chosen for its extreme walkability and access to everything. So a good stroller is a high priority item.

And a good car seat that can grow with their little one is critical too.

It came down to four critical features they wanted:

• Real rubber tires with suspension (for uneven city sidewaklks)
• Must collapse with one hand and have a handle to carry
• Large storage area (for urban errands and adventure supplies)
• Can be rear-facing and front-facing

That sure didn’t seem like too much to ask for, but it was tough.

They landed on the Graco Premier Luxe Stroller (at a great sale price at the time of this writing)with this Graco car seat. As expensive as it was, it was still way less than “premium” lines that had half the features.

Car Seat Mirror-

It’s a simple addition, but a true must-have. This one is wide angle and has a rotational hinge for best viewing.

Diaper Bag-

This is the one Katie chose. It is lovely and very well made with all the function she needs without going overboard. For the amount of time she’ll be using it, the price is not bad. It’s just more than I would have spent.

But in my day, diaper bags were. Well, they were either downright ugly or extremely cheesy.

There was nothing cute or fashionable about them. They were designed for the kids with circus animals or cartoon characters printed on them. Not for the mom.

So I found a fun carpet bag, that I loved and turned it into my diaper bag.

Today is different. Katie will be carrying it into the office as part of her work attire. So she deserves to have a professional looking bag that functions well too.

Diaper Bag Accoutrements-

This binky/pacifier holder is brilliant — and dishwasher safe!

This portable charging mat is perfect — and essential (or at least one like it)!

The first visit to the pediatrician enlightened them to the need for a wet/dry bag. She had registered for ordered this one, so she quickly ordered it in the car on the way home and it’s exactly what is needed.

Baby Wearing Wrap-

I had an early version of a baby sling and loved it. 

The Solly Wrap looks to be an even better way to carry babe around the house and out on adventures and errands.

In truth, we have not put it to the test yet because it is recommended for 8 lbs and up (although many use it earlier). Our little one is closing in on that number. I’ll be sure to update this post when we’ve been able to put it to the test.

Harkening back to my sling experience of old, my babies all preferred the sling to being placed in a baby bouncer while I was handling two handed tasks. And I loved the support it gave my back while holding my babes close!

If the Solly wrap is beyond your budget, I would strongly suggest this one or this one or this one. I have not used them, but they are all very well reviewed. I just know how much both our babies and I enjoyed sling/wrap carrying.

Baby Carrier-

A carrier is a must, especially when hopping on and off mass transit. Be sure to consider versatility — facing forward, facing in, leg positions, newborn neck support that can be released when no longer needed. And you definitely want a carrier with good back support, and easy on and off — particularly when baby is asleep.

This is the one the kids chose.

Baby Must Haves for Feeding

This might be where I see the biggest changes in infant supplies and equipment.

Feeding App-

A truly essential (and FREE) tool for both parents to communicate and track feedings. Our app, the Nara Baby Tracker, can track a whole lot more, but the kids are using it primarily for feedings and diapers (at least the first couple of weeks).

As the nights get long and sleep short, it is easy to confuse and forget how much formula or milk baby took and when. 

When you can quickly log all those details, you will easily see patterns emerging and begin to predict when babe will need the next round. 

For our kids, it is also serving as a great source of humor and laughter. Dad, a very gifted and funny writer, has taken to leaving very descriptive notes of the dark hour feedings and diapers for Katie’s (and my) enjoyment once Katie has taken over in the morning.

For Nursing Moms-

Our daughter started with one of these hands free pumping bras. Then quickly ordered two more after realizing how amazingly well they worked for her.

And these nursing pads are great —  eco-friendly, comfortable, machine washable.

Nursing pillow-

She swears by this nursing pillow!!! I honestly don’t know how she would have been able to nurse our little bundle after her surprise surgery if not for this pillow. At the time, she chose this one for the back support, never dreaming how indispensable it has been for her just holding and bonding with her babe. 

She received this breast pump from her Dr. It seems to work fine. Easy to use, hands free, efficient and easy to clean.

Bottles–

They’re using these Comotomo hand-me-down baby bottles from a friend. Our little Evie is the third, maybe fourth baby, to use them and you would never know they weren’t brand new! Highly, highly recommend these. Easy to hold. Unbreakable. So far, spill-proof. With separate ring style with handles for when she’s old enough to hold her own bottle.

The nipple system is revolutionary from my days. The bottle nipples vary by levels of flow. We are only using slow flow at the beginning and using the paced feeding method.

GRANDMA TIP:  Use blue painter’s tape or frog tape with a sharpie to mark bottles of milk in the fridge with the pump date and use by date.

We started with scotch tape and a pen. But our sleep-deprived brains and eyes needed something more visual so it would be removed before going through the bottle washer.

And now we get to the fun stuff!!!

Formula Mixer-

Have you heard about the “Baby Keurig”? It’s a bottle prep machine from Baby Brezza. And in my book, a true life-altering-game-changer.

Its sits on the counter. Holds a large resevoir of water (we filtered ours). And on top is a large containter for the dry baby formula.

Beneath this is an adjustable height ledge to set the bottle. You set your desired temperature and the level of formula powder to water. You set your default for those once.

The ounces, (from 2 – 10 ounces) we changed more frequently. It defaults to the last bottle made.

Place an empty bottle under the dispenser, change the ounces if needed, then touch start.

Literally 5 seconds later your bottle is filled with perfectly mixed formula at the perfect temperature. No clumps, no measuring, no guessing at how hot is too hot. 

True Story: The friend who handed this down to Katie had scoffed at one she had received from a well-to-do cousin who didn’t need it anymore. Then one day it broke, our friend quickly determined that it was worth piling two toddlers and an infant into Walmart to get a replacement immediately. Didn’t think she could make it through one night without it.

Bottle Washer-

Yes, I can’t believe I’m saying this. This is amazing.

Do you need it? No!

Do you want it? YES, Yes, yes!

Honestly when I saw it on Katie’s registry, I eye-rolled! Yep, I sure did!

But then again, using it and knowing what their work and lifestyle is like, this was a worthy investment in household harmony and anxiety reduction.

If your child or grandchild will be going to day care, as an infant, they will want four bottles brought each day, Add a possible 2 or three bottles at home plus, if nursing, all the pump parts daily. 

That’s a lot of hand washing!

This countertop wonder puts an end to all that. Cleans and sterilizes the bottles, nipples, pump parts and pacifiers with minimal effort!

If you’re in a hurry, you can hand wash some and run them through the 9 minute sterilizer and then let them air dry on the drying mat.

So future grandparents, if both parents are working full time with babe in day care, and if this does not fit in your kids’ budget. This would be a wonderful “extra”, non-essential item, that could make their few quiet hours together much more enjoyable and relaxed.

Drying Mat-

Truth be told, Katie knew a drying mat was important, but really picked this one for aesthetics.

However, by day 3, we had all come to realize a good drying mat and a system shared by all care providers is essential.

The house rule quickly became: if something is on the drying mat it is clean and sterilized. Nothing goes on the mat (or its trees) without first going through the bottle washer/sterilizer.

New Baby Items for Sleeping

This is where safety standards have changed the most over the last 30 years, all to make cribs and bassinets a safe space. Certainly no bumper pads anymore, but also no loose blankets, stuffed animals etc. Instead of blankets, today’s standard is swaddling garments, or safe swaddled blankets or a sleep sack.

Bassinet- 

A bassinet in the parents’ bedroom is probably where you’re baby will start sleeping.

Who ever thought a cradle on the floor was a great idea? Thank goodness you now have practical alternatives.

Katie received a hand-me-down bassinet that doesn’t have any of the fancy whistles and bells. But it’s perfect for them. It’s a safe place and is sturdy, but the selling feature for Katie is that it collapses flat to store. (Their rowhouse oozes with character and charm, NOT storage space).

Don’t forget a minimum of two bassinet sheets.

Crib- 

If a crib is being marketed today, you can trust it meets safety requirements. Your choice boils down  to aesthetics, budget and convertibly. 

The kids picked this clean-lined Baby Gap Tate crib that converts to a toddler bed. They ordered the crib, mattress, dresser/changing table and rocker as a package from Delta Children.

Crib Bedding-

My advice is to have two mattress pads and multiple crib sheets.

GRANDMA TIP:  Layer a pad, then crib sheet, then another pad and sheet. Then when the inevitable 2 AM leakage happens, just remove the wet sheet and pad and you’ll have a fresh bed ready.

They love these Burt’s Bees organic cotton crib sheets. Although the crib has not actually been used yet. I can attest to their softness!!! and they fit well and look like they will stay nice and snug to the mattress.

And this waterproof mattress pad is great.

Swaddle Blankets-

Our sweetie was quite little when she came home and none of the hand-me-down swaddlers worked for her. We struggled with swaddling blankets. These flannel blankets were too thick and not big enough. I’m sure they are good for other things. But they do NOT work for swaddling.

A dear friend had made a beautiful gauze blanket that worked great. Based on that lovely handmade one,  we found these gauzy blankets that we all love! We have two of them and they are on constant rotation. And the wash and dry wonderfully. The colors did not bleed and they did not seem to shrink significantly. We highly, highly recommend these as true baby essentials.

Sound Machine-

Huge one on the kids’ list was this sound machine. Every new parent they know, swears by them. 

We never had one, so I’m not sure I would list it as essential, but anything that helps a baby develop a good sleep routine is wonderful.

What I do appreciate is that it also has an optional soothing light included, which gives off just enough for diaper changes and feedings.

As I write this, it is just now occurring to me that maybe the sound machine is more for the parents. It may help cover how surprisingly loud a newborn can be while sleeping. Maybe the sound machine helps the parents get more sleep. Perhaps it actually is a must-have item — for newborn parents.

Baby Monitor-

This can be a hot button for many! My best advice is to follow what’s right for you. How much detail do you really need?

We were quite smitten with our first monitor even though it sounded very much like a CB radio — and it often picked up the family three doors down, rather than our kiddos upstairs.

Monitors have come a long way. For some, too far. Our kids chose to go with this Babysense monitor. Honestly, it’s still in the box as the nursery is still waiting to be put into use.

New Baby Items for Changing

Changing Table-

A 6-ft folding table with a changing pad is serving their needs temporarily in their room, until they transition Evie into sleeping in her room. 

As a last minute thought, Katie ordered this Graco changing table, amazingly for less than $100, for a corner of the first floor. 

What a difference that has made for everyone!

Sure you can use a folded towel on the floor or the sectional for diaper changing, but they really needed a place to corral all the baby supplies on the first floor. This table is perfectly made for that, and it’s sturdy. It’s also easier for a recovering momma to care for her baby standing up straight.

When no longer needed for diapers, it can hold baskets of toys.

OR add casters and a wide handle and you have a bar cart!

Changing Pads-

This changing pad is great — for significantly less than a very popular one on the market — and for now it serves perfectly on the 6-ft table until it moves to the dresser in Evie’s room.

And this narrower one is perfect for the 1st floor changing table. 

There are all kinds of covers you can buy for any of the pads, but honestly we are’t using any. These pads wipe up super easy after diaper blow-outs and without a cover, they don’t slide around.

No need to also buy and clean pad covers!

Spend the pad cover $ on one of MY favorite newborn baby items — these wipe warmers!

Wipe Warmer-

Back in my baby parenting days, I tried, and tried, to hack wipe warmers for our little ones. Nothing worked well. So I am thrilled to see they are now available and very reasonably priced. One of these is stationed next to each changing pad.

Rash Cream-

This is the one we, as well as just about everyone we know, are using to prevent diaper rash.

I love the little silicone spreader. 

It’s really nice to not be spreading whatever goo you choose to use, with your fingers, especially if a sink is not close by.

GRANDMA TIP: After living through a pandemic, we are all too familiar with hand sanitizers. a pump bottle at your changing station is a great idea!

Diaper Pail-

Assuming you are using disposable diapers, some kind of a odor containment pail is optimal. 

Back in my day, Diaper Genie was a cutting edge development for dirty diapers. They are still available plus more brands with their own versions. There doesn’t seem to be that much of a price difference. 

The kids have this Munchkin diaper pail next to each changing pad. 

I don’t see any big advantages of one over the other. I would suggest using any that you can find as hand-me-downs or second hand.

Newborn Care Essentials

Bath Time-

I love this bathtub — such an improvement over the hard flat plastic baby tub I used for bath time.

Skip Hop has thought of everything with their Moby whale tub. It’s safe and comfortable with a 3-stage Smart Sling. I’m sure Evie will learn to love bath time in her whale. 

You need super soft towels, preferably hooded, for bath time. The kids couldn’t resist this triceratops and this fox. But a more budget friendly option will do perfectly well.

Health and Wellness-

New moms need and deserve time and help recovering physically. They may feel bad or even be embarrassed about asking. They may not even know what to ask for or about.

GRANDMA TIP: If you are a new Grandma, in the gentlest terms, make sure your daughter, your daughter-in-law, your niece, even your daughter-by-choice neighbor has the information and supplies she needs for a smooth recovery.

Frida is a great brand that has made a name for itself with revolutionary baby care and momma care products that actually work!!!

Do not neglect the new mom’s care also. Frida has a postpartum kit filled with their most popular products, as well as a C-section kit. So many products I sure wish we had many years ago.

For general baby care, this Frida Baby Basics Kit is awesome. The nail file is genius and works so well on those tiny nails. And when babe is a bit bigger, they have nail clippers with a window to actually see what you are clipping.

Friends were all attesting to the snot-sucker and the windii. Have not had to use those yet, but I’m sure  the day is coming.

Thank goodness there is a new alternative to the awful old bulb suckers!

Baby’s skin is very soft and tender, but also delicate. A dab of gentle lotion will easily take care of any peeling, flaking skin. This is the one kept on the first floor changing table right where most of the clothing changes take place.

Clothing Essentials For Newborns

Keep it simple — onesies and sleepers!!!

We found these preemie sleepers were there best for the first 10 days or so, then she was able to move into the newborn onesies. The softer the better and only use ones that zip. And best if they zip from both directions. We also appreciated onesies that had the built in fold-over mittens.

Beyond a cute lineup of onesies (and plan on minimum two per day), you’ll want a sun hat like this that is similar to the hand-me-down we are loving.

If any of the onesies are footless, you may want sox or booties.

It’s sad to say, but save all the cute little outfits for a bit further down the road.

I will be updating this post every time I return to my sweet little family for a visit. But I hope my observations and the kids’ researching helps you and yours too!