When you’re expecting a baby, it can be overwhelming to figure out which baby products you actually need. It seems like every product is marketed as a “must-have,” but you’ll probably question what’s a necessity and what’s not.
Since every baby has their own preferences, they all respond differently to items designed for them — and parents will give you conflicting advice! Some parents swear by wipe warmers, while others say they never use them. Some babies need their milk to be warmed to the perfect temperature, while others couldn’t care less. Some newborns like to be swaddled to sleep, while others want to stretch their tiny limbs.
Of course, there are some baby products you really can’t live without. Here are some of the items you’ll use every day.
1. Momcozy KleanPal Pro Baby Bottle Washer and Sterilizer
$299.99
from
If you’re bottle feeding (whether you’re using pumped breastmilk or formula), you’ll go through a lot of bottles. Instead of spending time hand-washing all those bottles or running the dishwasher when it isn’t even full, use a dedicated baby bottle washer. The Momcozy KleanPal Pro Baby Bottle Washer and Sterilizer automatically washes, sterilizes, and dries bottles, pump parts, pacifiers, sippy cups, and more. With 26 spray jets and nine cleaning modes, you can feel confident that your baby’s bottles will always be in great condition.
2. Diaper Genie Platinum Stainless Steel Diaper Pail
Babies go through diapers like nobody’s business. In those first few weeks (or months), you should expect to go through dozens of diapers every week — and unless you want to take the garbage out every day, an odor-controlling diaper pail is going to make a huge difference. This pail, made of stainless steel, has a soft-closing lid for quiet middle-of-the-night diaper changes and a foot pedal for hands-free operation. The odor-locking clamp closes the top of the bag to keep the room smelling fresh.
3. Momcozy 2-In-1 Hip Seat Baby Carrier
Holding your baby is such a special part of being a new parent. It’s so nice to snuggle with them and hold them close… but it’s also hard to do anything else or leave the house when you’re holding a baby. That’s where a baby carrier comes in! This 2-in-1 hip seat baby carrier is ideal for busy parents who want to go on easy outings — not only does it serve as a great hands-free strap carrier for newborns and infants, but it also works as a standalone hip seat for older babies and toddlers. (For babies under 5 months, it’s recommended to use the waist seat in the cradle position to better support your baby’s weight and ensure comfort.) Plus, the 3D abdominal support and the X-shape back support provide true ergonomic relief, reducing strain on the back. Getting out of the house and enjoying the sunshine and fresh air is necessary for parents and babies, and this 2-in-1 carrier makes outdoor activities much simpler. This carrier allows babies to be held six different ways, which makes it an everyday essential. The simple yet elegant design — with spacious storage for on-the-go convenience — ensures ease of use while maintaining practicality and versatility for various outdoor activities.
4. Skip Hop Wipe-Clean Changing Pad
Although you can technically change diapers anywhere, it’s good to be able to put your baby in a safe, easily-cleanable place. This changing pad has a non-skid base, an adjustable safety belt, it doesn’t absorb liquids or odors, and it’s easy to wipe clean. Plus, it’s made of a cushioned foam material, so your baby will always be comfortable. The best part? There’s a tuck-away toy bar that keeps babies entertained so you can change their diaper more efficiently.
5. Dreft Newborn Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent
Gone are the days of doing laundry once a week — with a newborn, you’ll be lucky if you can get away with doing laundry once a day. When you’re washing baby clothes (and sheets, towels, blankets, burp cloths, bibs, etc.), you want to make sure you’re using a gentle, hypoallergenic detergent that’s safe for babies’ sensitive skin. Dreft has been a favorite among parents for a long time because it has no added dyes, chlorine, or phosphates. The 3-in-1 formula handles some of the most common newborn stains, like milk and spit-up.
6. Carter's Newborn Caps
There’s a reason hospitals put hats on newborn babies: It helps them maintain their body temperature. Babies lose heat much faster than children and adults, so keeping them warm is important (even babies born in the summer). Keeping a few adorable caps on hand lets you switch out of the hospital hat when you get home. These Carter’s hats are produced without harmful chemicals and held to the strictest standards for product testing, which means they’re perfect for newborns (and preemies).
*Psst: if you choose to purchase an item from this post, Mom.com may receive a small cut. Each item and price is up to date at the time of publication; however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
