As a mom of four, I’ve learned that when it comes to baby essentials, prioritizing quality over quantity makes all the difference. Over the years, I’ve leaned on a few thoughtfully chosen items that stand up to daily use and make life with a newborn more manageable. A reliable, easy-to-install car seat and a durable stroller are always at the top of my list, as they’re investments that see constant use. I’ve also come to appreciate items like glass bottles, which feel timeless and clean, and versatile pieces such as a bassinet basket that doubles as stylish storage later on.
Practical additions like a waterproof mattress pad are non-negotiable, making late-night accidents easier to manage, and a portable sound machine ensures smooth naps whether you’re at home or on the go. For the nursery, I’ve found joy in choosing pieces that blend utility and charm, like a wooden bookshelf with cane detailing or a glider that I reupholstered after a decade of use. These small details create a space that’s both functional and inviting, perfect for quiet feedings or storytime.
With each baby, I’ve fine-tuned my essentials list, keeping only what truly adds value to our daily routines. Whether it’s a timeless diaper pail that still works perfectly after 10 years or Honest diapers that I’ve used with every one of my children, these tried-and-true products have earned their place in my home—and my heart.
For the Nursery
- Crib: I’ve had this crib for years and it’s held up so well. It’s really affordable, gender-neutral and pretty much goes with everything.
- Crib Sheets: These sheets are a great pop of color for the nursery, nontoxic, and soft!
- Crib Rail Cover: Love this simple blue one with the bows.
- Mattress: This is the one I used for all my littles. I’ve tucked them under their larger beds and they’re great for sleepovers as the kids get older.
- Waterproof mattress pads: I recommend having two of these on hand for late-night accidents!
- Glider: I bought a simple glider for my oldest over 10 years ago and recently reupholstered it in this adorable fabric from Elliston House
- Rug: We put a custom Annie Selke woven wool rug in this space. I love these rugs so much as the quality is unmatched and you can create a custom size for unique rooms.
- Lamp: I had been eyeing this rattan standing lamp from Calini Costal for a while and am so happy it found a spot in our nursery. I love adding this dimmer switch to lights. They allow you to control the brightness of any lamp as long as it has a dimmable light bulb. And they’re in arms reach!
- Bookshelf: I love the cane detailing on this wooden one!
- Wall hook and shelf: I searched high and low for a piece and found this one! Love that it can display cute outfits and other pieces of decor!
- Baby Monitor: I like that this monitor is mounted above the crib and is visible on your phone. We’ve been using our OG one from my first so nothing fancy over here!
- Portable sound machine: this one does the trick and easy to transport for on the go!
- Bookshelves: I always love adding bookshelves in the nursery not only for books but other treasures and photos.
- Changing pad waterproof liners: These are an absolute must, makes keeping your changing pad clean a breeze! I have two packs of these in the house and am constantly rotating through them.
- Frames and Artwork: I was looking for something simple in terms of art so I went with these frames and this artwork!
- Side table: Was thrilled to find this little tiered side table. Truly all that you need to keep a few essentials nearby.
- Diaper Pail: I swear by this over others as it allows you to use normal trash bags instead of having to buy special ones. We still have our original pail from 10 years ago and it’s as good as new.
- A warm light for the nursery: Having a warm light in the nursery is a must! It makes those late-night feedings and changing a bit easier – I will also bring this to the hospital with me.
- Diapers / Wipes: We’re big honest diaper fans and have used them with all our babes!
- Wipe dispenser: not an absolute necessity but it does make it a bit easier when changing. The packs of wipes work just as well!
Gear
- Bedside Bassinet: this one is also popular among friends.
- Bassinet basket and rocker: I bought this basket for my third and love that you can use it for storage after. I like that you can easily bring it around the house and can also order the stand for rocking.
- Snuggle me lounger: this fits perfectly in the bassinet basket and keeps the baby nice and snug. I added the snuggle me nursing pillow to my collection this year. I thought it would be great to have for the kids so they can easily hold the baby and help with bottle feeding. I also love that you can use it to support your baby sitting up or for tummy time as your baby gets older.
- Bouncy chair: Hands down the number one most mentioned baby product when I polled followers and couldn’t agree more. A safe and minimalist spot for your baby when you need a few minutes to hop in the shower, cook dinner, etc! They’re able to bounce it as they get older and it provides plenty of entertainment.
- Counter Top High Chair: While we won’t need this for a bit I’m excited to have it at our counter so baby can be with their siblings. It’s also great for traveling as it’s packable. We still have ours from our oldest and it’s held up great!
Feeding
- You can usually request a breast pump via your health insurance so definitely start there!
- Reusable breast pads. These are a must if you plan to breastfeed. I love these organic cotton, reusable ones that you can just throw in the wash.
- Manual pump. I only found out about this pump with my last pregnancy and it’s one of the best things for breastfeeding. It makes is so easy to collect extra milk and help build up your freezer supply.
- Hand pump. Another great pump! I’ve been able to get away with just bringing this when we travel or if I’m out for the day without the baby. It’s so easy to use and takes up minimal space.
- Bottles. I try to avoid plastics whenever possible so kept the same mentally for baby bottles. I purchased these glass bottles for my oldest and they’re still in great shape. I just purchased new nipples. I’m also trying these silicone bottles this time around – I think they’d be great for travel and come in so many fun colors.
- Silicone cleaning brush. This is a new one for me. Love this over the traditional brushes where they can fall apart over time!
- Colostrum Collector. Another new one for me this pregnancy. These pre-sanitized bottles make it easy to collect colostrum before the baby arrives or in the first few days.
- Milk mixer. I ordered this for this baby per the recommendation of a friend. We’ll be using formula occasionally and I wanted something on hand to make mixing bottles a breeze.
- US clean baby formula. I ordered a European baby formula to have on hand but also wanted something I can buy locally in the event I’m in a pinch. Here’s the US formula I’m using and here’s the European formula I’m using in the even I need to supplement.
- Bottle sanitizer. Another great one to have on hand for quickly sanitizing bottles!
- Bottle sanitizer bag. I’ve used microwavable sanitizing bags in the past and they’re great – especially while traveling. Was thrilled to find this new silicone version that I can use over and over again!
- Freezer bags for milk storage. These are a must if you’re breastfeeding and are fortunate enough to have extra supply. You can store them in a container like this so they can freeze flat and stay in chronological order.
- Highchair. This is a great highchair to have from 6 months through early childhood and is aesthetically pleasing!
Out & About
- Carrier: Having a hands-free carrier is a must. I know its a splurge but I ordered this one for my little one and have been loving it! Worth every penny! This is another great option.
- Everyday Stroller: I did a lot of research to determine which one to go with this time around! I ended up going with the uppa baby vista ( and bassinet) as they are ergonomic, lightweight, and light so its easy to travel with. They also have a great resale value which is also a plus.
- Travel Stroller: Ease of folding up and weight were top priorities when I was looking for a travel stroller! This one checks all the boxes.
- Car seat – Safty was my number one priority here and this uppa mesa baby max is just what I was looking for! I love how secure it is in the car and easy to pop the car seat in and out!
- Cup Holder/ Organizer – how to all the things organized in the stroller.
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