Newborn Must-Haves That Actually Made Life Easier

When you’re preparing for a newborn, the amount of stuff you’re told you need is overwhelming. Everyone has an opinion, every registry list is different, and somehow you still end up ordering things at 3 a.m. while holding a baby who refuses to sleep.

So instead of another “everything under the sun” list, I wanted to share the newborn must-haves that genuinely made life easier for us — products I reached for daily, reordered, or wished I had sooner. These are the items that simplified routines, saved time, and helped us survive those early weeks with a little more sanity.

If you’re a new or expecting parent, I hope this list helps you skip the trial-and-error phase and go straight to what works.

Newborn Essentials I Truly Love

Bathtime & Cleanup Essentials

Large Hooded Baby Bath Towels

Those tiny newborn towels? Cute, but completely impractical. Large hooded bath towels are cozy, absorbent, and actually last beyond the first few weeks. They keep baby warm post-bath and make the whole routine feel calmer and less rushed, especially helpful during those early sponge-bath days.

Muslin Cotton Burp Cloths

These deserve a permanent spot in every room. Soft, absorbent, and endlessly useful, from feedings to spit-ups to quick cleanups. Buy more than you think you’ll need.

Feeding & Bottle Prep Must-Haves

Philips Avent Bottle Warmer

This took all the guesswork out of warming bottles, especially during middle-of-the-night feeds. It heats evenly and quickly, which matters when your baby is hungry now.

Momcozy Bottle Washer

A total sanity saver if you’re bottle feeding or pumping. It washes, sterilizes, and dries bottles automatically, meaning fewer dishes and more time for literally anything else.

Bottle Washer Detergent Tablets

Pair these with the bottle washer and you’ve got a super simple, low-effort cleaning system. No measuring, no mess.

Distilled Water

Not exciting, but incredibly useful. Having this on hand made bottle prep and cleaning routines easier and eliminated one extra decision during already busy days.

Dr. Brown’s Glass Baby Bottles

Sturdy, easy to clean, and great if you prefer glass over plastic. They don’t hold odors or stains and felt like a high-quality, long-term option.

Boom Milk Collector

If you’re breastfeeding or pumping, this is such a smart addition. It catches letdown that would otherwise be wasted and adds up to real milk saved over time.

Portable Baby Bottle Warmer

Perfect for travel, outings, or even moving around the house. Being able to warm bottles anywhere made feeding on the go stress-free.

Bedtime & Sleep Helpers

Infant Optics Baby Monitor

Reliable, clear, and not Wi-Fi dependent. This gave me peace of mind during naps and overnight and made it easy to check in without disturbing sleep.

Magic Merlin Sleep Suit

This was a lifesaver during the swaddle transition. It helped baby feel secure while still allowing movement, and we noticed better sleep almost immediately.

Clothing, Comfort & Everyday Essentials

Burt’s Bees Double Zip Onesies

Double zippers are a must for diaper changes, especially overnight. These are soft, breathable, and held up beautifully after lots of washes.

Colorful Pacifiers

Bright colors made these easy to spot in the crib, car, or diaper bag. A simple but effective soothing tool.

Newborn Baby Girl Hats

Perfect for keeping baby warm in those early weeks and an easy way to add comfort (and cuteness) to everyday outfits.

Health & Safety Must-Haves

Frida Baby Rectal Thermometer

Not glamorous, but essential. When you need an accurate temperature for a newborn, this is the gold standard, and something you’ll be glad you already have at home.

These newborn essentials didn’t just look good on paper — they actually made daily life easier. Whether it was simplifying feedings, improving sleep, or cutting down on cleanup time, these are the products I reached for again and again.

If you’re building a registry, shopping for yourself, or gifting a new parent, this list is a great place to start.

More honest favorites coming soon.