One of the most intimidating aspects of being a new parent is coping with the sheer magnitude of baby related you need to raise a tiny human being. From diaper bags, to pack and plays, to change stations, each one is a crucial necessity that can quickly overwhelm new parents unready for what the stork demands. It’s all just too much, made even more stressful by the fear of choosing the wrong product that doesn’t work as well as advertised. But new parents fear not! Because our simple shopping guide for the 10 most important baby essentials for new parents covers all the bases on what you’ll need and includes our picks of the best products in each category so you can focus on the important stuff. Like picking out an inspiring middle name. Or deciding what color nursery walls will best stimulate cognition.
1. Diaper Change Station
Our Choice: Dream On Me Ashton Changing Table
It goes without saying, but new parents can expect to spend a lot of quality time with their newborn at the diaper changing station. And because of this, a quality changing station is one of the most important baby essentials for new parents. Key things every changing table needs is a sturdy and easy to assemble construction with high guard rails to keep baby secure. In addition, ample shelf space is needed for storing spare diapers, wipes, blankets, and butt balm. Our favorite is the Dream On Me Ashton Changing table for it’s durable frame, affordable price, and wide assortment of available colors to match any nursery.
2. Diaper Pail
Our Choice: Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail
Take it from us, not all diaper pails are created equal! Most popular diaper pails on the market require the use of expensive proprietary plastic bag dispensers, that, though convenient, are pricey and a hassle to purchase. The award winning Ubbi steel diaper pail removes that headache by using regular plastic trash bags in it’s sealed steel container to lock in odors and save money! Other plastic diaper pails can still release a goof whiff because of the porous plastic molecules in the container. A problem, Ubbi’s steel pail doesn’t have which means your nose, and wallet, will thank you! Available in a assortment of colors.
3. Baby Play Mat
Our Choice: Bright Starts Zippy Zoo Activity Gym
As baby grows and develops, tummy time and play time are crucial for growing motor skills. Which means having a quality play mat for baby to explore their world safely is as important as anything else. The Bright Stars Zippy Zoo Activity Gym is perfect for fun play time because of it’s large mat space, soft and safe materials and fun activities with animal friends! Even better, the Bright Stars Activity Gym is lightweight and simple to transport as it folds easily to store in the closet or car. Did we mention it’s machine washable so spills and messes will never stop the fun.
4. Baby Bottle Warmer And Sterilizer
Our Choice: GROWNSY 6 In 1 Baby Bottle Warmer
Save money and valuable counter space with this amazing 6 in 1 bottle warmer from GROWNSY. Not only is it a bottle warmer and sterilizer, but this handy device also functions as a food heater, fast warmer, fast defroster and a constant defroster. With the GROWNSY, new parents can heat up milk or food to make feeding easier for the baby and parents. Bottles are quickly sterilized for safe use with the powerful effect of steam! And it’s simple push button controls make selecting the proper temperature and mode a convenience, not a chore.
5. Baby Monitor
Our Choice: Cubo AI Baby Monitor
Baby monitor’s have made huge strides in recent years thanks to advances in digital cameras and smart devices. And although there are many on the market, our personal pick has to be the Cubo AI baby monitor, not only for it’s advanced technology, but its versatility. This smart monitor’s face scan technology automatically detects and alerts parents if baby rolls over or has it’s mouth covered. The 1080p camera delivers high definition picture straight to a parent’s smart phone and comes with both night vision and photo capture for saving the most adorable moments. But our favorite feature has to be the shared account settings so even grandparents can watch their newest grandchild sleep and play!
6. Baby Pacifier
Our Choice: Wubbanub Infant Pacifier
Even something as simple as a pacifier is a lifesaving must have for new parents. Fussy babies are often calmed by a soothing pacifier that stops them from crying. And when it comes to baby pacifiers, there’s none babies love more than the playful fun ones from Wubbanub. The soft BPA free medical grade silicone helps to soothe upset babies and is easy to grasp and hold, with even the smallest hands! Babies love the cuddly cute animal friends that add an extra sense of comfort and security that regular pacifiers can’t. Parents will love a happy and calm newborn and the small break of peace and quiet that brings! And because you can never have too many, Wubbanub pacifiers also make great baby shower gifts!
7. Baby Seat and Stroller
Our Choice: Doona Infant Car Seat & Stroller
More than meets the eye, the Doona baby seat and stroller legitimately is both a stroller and baby seat at the same time! Most baby seat combos often come with a heavy and unwieldy stroller component that eats up car space and is a pain to constantly fold and unfold when going outside. The Doona’s unique design eliminates all of those clunky issues as the stroller’s legs compactly fold up into the recesses of the car seat! This ultimate car seat provides safety and comfort for babies while the compact stroller easily weaves in and out of tight spaces. And with it’s included base, the Doona snaps securely in place as easily as it converts into a stroller, all with the push a button!
8. Baby Swing
Our Choice: Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing
A sturdy baby swing is one of the most important baby essentials for new parents. The Graco Simple Sway Baby Swing provides a comfortable and engaging swing thats a safe place to keep little ones entertained while parents sneak in some house cleaning or even just take a break to relax. The gentle swinging provides relaxation through 6 speeds settings, vibration control, calming music, and fun star shapes that rotate for hours of enjoyment. We love the Graco though because it’s small frame fits easily into any room while many other swings end up becoming giant contraptions that gobble up floor space.
9. Diaper bag
Our Choice: Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack
Newborn babies on the go require so many accessories that we’re surprised nobody’s invented a diaper suitcase yet. But until that day comes, our choice for a quality diaper bag is Petunia Pickle’s Boxy Backpack. New parents don’t realize how important a good diaper bag is until they need to use one. It becomes your one stop for anything and everything your baby needs quickly. Spare diapers, an extra pacifier, emergency wipes, clean socks, butt balm, wash cloth, tissues, it’s always there. We love the Petunia Pickle though because of its stylish versatility as mom can wear it over the shoulder as easily as dad can strap it on like a backpack. Either way, it looks great and still has room to spare for everything baby needs in addition to a pull out changing mat. Oh baby!
10. Pack And Play
Our Choice: Joovy New Room 2 Pack And Play
Portable pack and plays are essential for any trips with baby to visit friends or family. Ideally, parents want an easily transportable pack and play that converts quickly while providing a safe and secure place for baby to sleep or rest when away from home. The Joovy new Room 2 has all of those qualities plus another important one, it’s BIG, nearly 50% larger than most other options. One of the most important baby essentials for new parents, a pack and play allows newborns to sleep and play safely when not their crib.