Baby Essentials First 3 Months & Beyond

Wondering what do babies need for the first 3 months and beyond? I’m sharing a complete list of all the first-year baby essentials you need. Is there a right or wrong answer as to what baby essentials you should buy for your newborn?  Or can you buy entirely too much and never use it? 

After listening to friends and family members, I had these same questions.  I was so unsure about what I needed and what was truly necessary to buy.  I don’t think I purchased too much, but I ended up buying things or receiving items I never used.

What some thought was a complete waste of money I found to be incredibly useful, such as a bottle warmer and a wipe warmer.  Matter of fact, those 2 items, in particular, we could not live without. 

Your friends will give you a baby needs checklist which worked very well for them, but you may find them useless.   For example, I might be the only one in the world that found white noise machines unnecessary, like a waste of money unnecessary. It’s used mostly in our house as a night light.  It never helped my son fall asleep or stay asleep. 

When getting ideas about baby essentials for first 3 months and beyond, you also need to consider whether the high-tech baby gadgets are worth the purchase or should you start with the basics.

In the beginning, especially if you’re a new parent, it’s all so overwhelming and honestly a little confusing when listening to so many voices.  When thinking about things you need for a baby, I highly suggest starting with the basics, which is what I am sticking to in this list of essentials for baby. 

Newborn stages, well the entire first year is pretty messy and full of learning about what works for your household and your baby’s needs.

So let’s get into my list of essentials for newborns and baby must-haves for first-time moms and experienced moms too!

Related: Baby Keepsake Box & Printable Option

Baby Shopping List For First-Time Moms

• Breast and Bottle feeding essentials 
• Cloth diapers vs Disposable diapers
• Bath time essentials
• Baby clothing essentials
• Newborn and beyond travel gear 
• Baby essentials for playtime & development
• Sleepy time baby essentials
• Health and wellness baby items
• Safety items
• Items you need to start solids
• Baby essentials for summer

Baby Essentials First 3 Months

Bottle-Feeding Essentials

Let’s start with the first 3 months of baby essentials for feeding. Consider the different formulas available to you to choose from.  Be sure to check for any recalls on formulas you may decide to use.

Bottles

The best baby bottles to use are Avent natural baby bottles.  You can purchase a single bottle or up to a 4 pack.  You should purchase 6-8 bottles and nipples starting with 4 and 8 ounces. It will take some time for your baby to work their way up to eight ounces, but having various size bottles on hand as your baby grows is always a good idea. 

It may also be helpful to purchase a few different bottle brands such as Dr. Brown or Nuk.  Over time, you will learn your baby’s bottle preference.

The Avent

• Wide bottle nipples that help with a natural latch.

• Soft nipples.

• Reduces colic and discomfort.

• Various nipple flow rates.

Whether breastfeeding or not bottles are first-month baby essentials.

Bottle cleaning brush

Best Budget-Friendly Bibs–

Neat solutions feeder bibs and Gerber birdseye cloth diapers

These are the best bibs I have used before starting solid foods.  They are very absorbent, affordable, and easy to clean by machine washing.

The cloth diapers can be easily tucked in your baby’s onesie to collect any spit up or thrown across your shoulder when attempting to burp.

Bibs are basic but necessary baby essentials for the first 3 months.

Breastfeeding Essentials

The good news is if you are breastfeeding there’s not much equipment you need. Your list of baby essentials will be a lot shorter. Unless you are pumping or getting ready to return to work.  You can set up your own breastfeeding station at home and learn about public stations when out and about. 

Related: Breastfeeding Essentials Every Mom Needs

How Dads Can Support Breastfeeding

Kiinde Twist Breast Milk Feeding System

This was my absolute favorite and most used gift received from my Amazon Baby Registry. There are so many goodies that come with this set; it is truly all you need when you’re on the go without the baby and someone else needs to feed him, storing and warming milk, all the accessories are there for you.  The bonus is the feeding system grows with your baby to include introducing solid foods.

• Pump adapters, which allows you to pump milk directly into storage bags.

• Twist cap BPA-free storage bags

• Bottle nipples

• Bottle warmer- As I mentioned above, there will be people who say bottle warmers are unnecessary.  The Kiinde bottle warmer is a must have, and it actually warms the milk.

• Milk organizer shelf

Haakaa

A Haakaa is a breastfeeding essential for moms and a must-have in your breastfeeding station.  You can read all about What is a Haakaa?, where I discuss what it is, the benefits, a step-by-step on how to use it, and comparisons to other forms of a Haakaa.

Breast Pump

I used Aeroflow to order my breast pump through insurance.  The company does everything for you once you have submitted your application.  If you can, I would order your breast pump as soon as your insurance allows because you never know how early you may need it, even though early delivery is never the plan.  I ordered the Spectra S2 Breast Pump.

Our breastfeeding journeys are different and you may not need to pump right away but make sure it’s a part of your baby essentials first 3 months.

              Related: Breastfeeding Tips for First-Time Mothers

      Black Women and Breastfeeding: Q&A w/ IBCLC

Best Pacifiers

If you are breastfeeding, it’s recommended to avoid early introduction of pacifier use.  The reasoning for this is to allow the establishment of breastfeeding.  Some great pacifier options are Nuk and MAM.

Cloth Diapers and Disposable Diapers

Oh, the joys of changing diapers and deciding what’s the best option for your baby.  So be sure to add them to your newborn baby shopping list.

Side note, diaper changing is a great way to include your partner in the daily baby activities.

If you decide on using cloth diapers, 6 newborn cloth diapers is a good start or you can purchase 6-12 one size fits all adjustable diapers.  This is a good start if you are washing your diapers every other day.

I will list our wash routine at the end of this post.  Hopefully, it is helpful.  Cloth diapers are on the pricey side, so you don’t need to purchase them all at once you can slowly build a diaper stash.

Wet Bags

Alvababy wet bags will hold in the smell and or any leakage from dirty cloth diapers.  Even if you are not using cloth diapers, kids’ clothes get soiled while out just toss them in your wet-dry bag and carry on. These are great travel essentials for families as well. 

Disposable Diapers

Purchase one box of diapers.  It will take some time to learn the best diapers that work for your child. 

Things to consider:

• Fit

• Overnight hold

• Skin sensitivity

• Leakage

We moved to disposable diapers around 7 months and it truly took some time to find the right diaper.

Wipes

The best baby wipes are Water Wipes.  You will use a lot of wipes, so it’s a good idea to purchase a large box of wipes.  Water wipes have limited ingredients, are unscented, and are great for sensitive skin.

Another basic baby item for your list but a true first-year baby essential.

Diaper Cream

My all-time favorite diaper cream and one that I swear by is Weleda Baby.   It contains Calendula to soothe the skin and 12% zinc.  It’s thick and creamy and works like a charm.  Another good option is Destin baby diaper rash cream.

Bath Time Essential List For Baby

Bathtub

Whenever I think of bathing a baby, the thought “slippery when wet” always comes to mind.  Bathtubs are an essential part of newborn care because they provide a greater sense of safety and have a little more control over the area.  

A baby bathtub should be included in baby essentials first 3 months because a bathtub is entirely too large for a newborn to be in without being inside of a smaller tube and the kitchen sink, well it’s the kitchen sink! We started with the Grow With Me bathtub and moved on to the Munchkin Inflatable Duck. The Duck tells you if the baby’s bath water is too hot. It is also great for a traveling tub.

Shampoo

Mustela

Fridababy dermafrida

AMAZING for cradle cap, tear-free and unscented. The best for newborn use.

Washcloths

Lotion

We battled with mild eczema, sensitive skin and California Baby always did the trick! Even now as a toddler we only use this lotion for our son.

Baby Essentials First 3 Months Clothes

Cuteness overload!  We all can’t wait until it’s time to dress the baby in cute outfits and shoes.  Even in the hospital, we want to put the baby in the cutest outfit for visitors to see.  I’m guilty of purchasing all the cute outfits, but what I quickly learned is that it’s not necessary until you start taking your baby out and about.  In this list, I’m only listing 3-month-old baby essentials. Basic clothing essentials.

2-newborn gowns– Put these on your amazon baby registry or purchase them on your own as things that you need for a baby. I promise you won’t be disappointed.  In the middle of the night, when you are sleep-deprived and changing diapers with one eye open, you will be thankful for this gown’s quick and easy access for diaper changes.

2-Footed onesies with zippers– Footed onesies are great for colder nights and also provide easier access for diaper changes and take up less time.

2-Button down onesies

8 Short sleeve with bottom button closure– You truly cannot have too many basic short sleeve onesies for baby essential clothing.  They are great for summer and winter months under winter clothing.

Pants

7 Socks

3 Newborn Outfits

1 Mitten– I do not think mittens for newborns are 100% necessary if you can keep your baby’s nails filed.  If you can’t then I would get a pair.

Newborn and Beyond Travel Gear

One of the best things you can do is purchase a car seat travel system.  It’s essential for babies. A travel system will make things run a little smoother.  I went against my advice and purchased a different brand car seat than the stroller, and I quickly regretted that decision.

The Best Car Seat Travel System

We purchased the Uppababy Vista and there is absolutely nothing we didn’t and still don’t love about this stroller.  It even comes with a bassinet.   No need to keep buying new travel systems, this one will grow with you.

• Bassinet and toddler seat
• 3 months to 50 pounds
• Allows for Mesa car seat placement
• Can be configured multiple ways (i.e. bassinet and toddler seat in place at once)
• Large basket (I have packed lots of groceries in the basket area).
• Able to fold

Mesa Car Seat

The Mesa is so incredibly easy to install like you just can’t go wrong with the installation.  It also pops right into the Vista or the Cruz so if your baby is sleeping while you are running errands, no need to wake your child and remove him out of the car seat.  Weight recommendations 4-35 lbs.

Uppababy Minu

We quickly learned a lightweight stroller was necessary to have.  When you are doing a quick run in the grocery store, strolling around the park, or domestic/international travel a lightweight stroller is a much better option than your normal everyday stroller.  You won’t always want to use the heavier stroller.  As I mentioned in travel essentials, the Minu was amazing to have on my son’s first flight to New York, it was just the two of us with my 2 hands and 2 arms.

*note- be sure to read your car seat manual from front to back, register all of your travel items and check for recalls.

JJ Cole Bundleme

The JJ Cole Bundleme bunting bag is great to have for cold days and nights when out and about.  It’s so cozy and will keep your little one nice and warm.  The Bundleme fits most strollers and car seats; it’s super easy to put in place.  Although I always keep a smaller blanket in our diaper bag, the Bundleme makes life a little easier because you won’t need to always carry around heavier blankets to keep them warm.  This will do!

Don’t forget about winter baby essentials first 3 months and beyond.

Best Budget Baby Carrier

As new parents, you will quickly learn the importance of having your hands free.  The Infantino Baby Carrier is affordable with multiple ways to wear it.

The weight range is 8-32 lbs.  It’s also washable.  The downside to this carrier, our son was a butterball he outgrew this one rather quickly.

Honest Company Diaper Bag

Vegan leather diaper bag, which carries like a backpack. Lots of storage and includes a changing pad.

Shopping Cart Cover– Baby Essentials First 3 Months & Beyond

Some may think a shopping cart cover is unnecessary because you can just wipe a grocery cart or high chair down.  I consider this a baby essential for the first 6 months range.  Especially considering the current times we’re in.  It’s washable, expands to completely cover the cart or high chair, and has a crinkle toy to keep them busy.

Baby blankets to throw in the diaper bag or to have on the go.

My all-time favorite baby blanket is the cotton muslin swaddle blanket.  I used this blanket for everything, as a breastfeeding cover, to swaddle my son, to cover him on cooler days or just to block a little sun.  It has been washed sooo many times, and it’s still in great condition.

You will receive lots of baby blankets as gifts more than you probably will ever need.

Winter hats

Beanies

Summer hats

Snowsuit

Don’t forget a separate baby laundry detergent like Babyganics or Dreft.

Baby Essentials First 3 Months Sleep

The nursery!  Putting together the nursery and deciding on colors and furniture is the fun part.  The part that’s the least stressful in all the decision-making you need to do when expecting. To be clear, you do not have to set up the nursery right away; you can slowly put it together.

Some things to consider for first-month baby essentials:

1. Do you want a crib that will grow with the baby?

2. Will you co-sleep?-  If the answer is yes, there is really no need to purchase a fancy expensive crib that will end up collecting laundry!

3. Extras- You don’t need any! No bumpers or toys, just a firm mattress and a fitted sheet. You can read the American Academy of Pediatrics for a detailed safety list.

4. Consider cost- The crib and crib mattress add up, never mind everything else that’s needed.  Put some items on your baby registry for your friends and family to chip in together to purchase as a gift.

Crib

Delta Children Lancaster 4-in-1 convertible baby crib.  The Delta crib offers 3 different mattress heights, it converts to a toddler bed, daybed and a full size bed.  It’s very similar to the 4-in-1 we purchased, but not the exact design.

Crib Mattress

The best crib mattress is the Newton Crib Mattress. The mattress is firm, lightweight, breathable, and hypoallergenic.  I’ve crawled in my son’s crib many times trying to get him back to sleep, and I can tell you the Newton is a very comfortable and sturdy mattress.

2-3 Crib sheets

Carter’s and Burt’s Bees fitted crib sheets are great options if you are looking for 100% cotton and/or organic sheets.  They come in a variety of designs, colors, and are a great fit for most cribs.

Rocking Chair or Glider

A nice comfortable chair or a glider is an optional baby essential for the first 3 months and beyond.  The days and nights can be exhausting and sometimes long.  It’s important to have a comfortable space to snuggle, feed and comfort your baby.

Changing Table

Delta Changing Table.  The best changing table option is one with dresser drawers.  You will have the ability to have easy access to clothing if you need to change your baby.  We also stored our cloth diapers in the top draw for easier access.

1 Summer Changing Essentials Kit

Instead of purchasing these items separately, you get everything you need in one kit.

• Changing pad
• Waterproof changing pad liner
• Changing pad cover

All 3 items are baby things you need.  I consider these to be baby items you need right away.  I also think 3 changing pad covers are a good start.

Baby Monitor

One of the most important purchases you will make will be a baby monitor!  I found comfort in knowing I always had eyes on my son while he was asleep.

*note the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests room share without bed-sharing for at least 6 months.  If you are following these recommendations, a bassinet would be essential.

Baby Must Haves 3-6 Months

Teething Toys

When your baby actually starts,teething varies from child to child.  Some start “cutting teeth” as early as 4 months and other babies start later.  Having a couple of options to get them through the discomfort is so helpful for their little gums.

Sophie The Giraffe

I absolutely swear by Sophie!  She’s large enough for your little one to nibble on, easy to clean, sturdy and makes for a good squeaky toy. Add her to your baby item list!

You can never have too many teething toys, so I’ve added a few more we love in our house.

Teething Mitten

Banana Teether

Rattle & Sensory Teether

Rattle Wrist & Sock Toys

These adorable wrist and socks toys are wonderful to help with hand and eye coordination.  They run on the smaller side.

Clip-on book

Activity gym

The activity gym is great for tummy time and sensory stimulation.  The gym grows with your baby into toddlerhood.

Health and Wellness Baby Essentials

High on the list of most essential things a newborn baby needs are health and wellness items such as a thermometer, nasal aspirator, medicine syringes and nasal drops to name a few.  I am listing two of my favorite complete kits filled with baby essentials for the first 3 months and beyond that you will find extremely handy and so very necessary.

These are all things you need for a newborn and the first full year.

Baby first-aid kit

The Summer complete nursery care kit has everything you need to get you started.

• medicine syringe
• nasal aspirator
• pacifier medicine dispenser
• forehead thermometer
• digital thermometer
• emergency information card
• nail clippers
• nail file
• teether
• gum massager
• finger brush

Healing Kit

The Little Remedies new baby essentials kit has commonly used products that many moms love, including me.

• gas relief drops
• butt paste
• saline spray/drops
• gripe water
• fever & pain reliever (tylenol)
• nasal aspirator

6-12 Month Baby Essentials

Baby Proofing Essentials

Once your baby starts crawling and walking, it’s time to childproof your home.  They are on the move at this age; they get into everything if you blink it might be just enough time for them to get into something they probably shouldn’t. 🙂

Regalo Baby Gate– Regalo baby gate is recommended for ages 6 months – 24 months, it is adjustable in width and very easy to set up.  We placed ours on the stairs.

Safety Essential kit– This kit includes plug protectors, cabinet & drawer latches,, and door knob covers.

Baby Proofing Kit– This is an easier set to work with because there are no screws involved.

Door Child Lock– These cabinet locks are easy to put in place but difficult for a child and even some adults to undo.

Baby Essentials For Summer

Lekebaby Breastmilk Cooler Bag– The cooler contains a cooler bag, shoulder strap, and a contoured ice pack.

• Can hold up to 6 bottles
• BPA Free
• Bottles can be kept warm or cool

Hiccapop Omniboost Travel Seat

• Washable cover
• Portable
• One hand release buckle
• Attachable, detachable and dishwasher safe tray
• Ages 6 months to 3 years old.

All-Terrain Cruiser Wagon

• Seats 2 with 3 point safety harness
• Able to fold.
• Cruiser, 2 cup holder, snack and drink tray.
• Each seat holds up to 55lbs.
• Provides pockets and storage.

The Baby Dome

• Portable
• Folds flat and has handles.
• UPF 20 canopy
• Can be used indoors or outdoors.
• Minimum weight 5.5lbs

Stroller Fan

• Portable
• USB or battery operated
• Bendable legs to secure where you need it.

Baby Sun Hat

Baby Sunglasses

How many kiddos can you get to keep their sunglasses on? The pleasant part about Tuga baby sunglasses is they come with 2 straps and will grow with your child. One strap for ages up to 2 years old and another for 2-5 years old.

Swim Diapers

Alvababy cloth diapers are one of my favorite brands. As mentioned above, we were a cloth diaper family for about 7 months. Eco-friendly, adjustable, and holds everything in.

Water shoes

Sunscreen

Float

• Works well for babies 3 to 9 months
• 3 point harness

Beach blanket

Extra-large beach blanket that is sand proof and water-resistant. Comes with 6 stakes to keep in place.

The Step2 Splash Bond Water Table– Is one of our all-time favorite summer baby essentials for outside play. You can place it in your front yard, driveway or your backyard and your child will have a blast with all the features. You can see it in action on Instagram in my highlights titled “Outside Play”.

Water Table

Educational water table for summer play.

Beach Tent

Who doesn’t love a good beach trip? When you have a little one to take with you, adding a little more protection from the heat comes to mind. This beach tent is water-resistant and has UPF 50+ sun protection.

• Lightweight
• Compact
• Large windows
• Carry case, sand pockets & stakes

Car Window Shade

• 4 pack
• Lightweight
• Sun protection
• Fits most car windows

These are excellent baby beach essentials and 1 year old beach essentials.

What Do You Need For Starting Solids? 

• Highchair 
• Booster seat when it’s time to move on from the highchair
• Bibs that are easy to clean
• Sippy cups
• Spoons
• Plates with suction
• Bowls with suction

As parents, we pretty much only have 3 choices.  Make our own or purchase store-bought.  And then there’s the option to do a combination of both store-bought and homemade.

For most of us, it is so important to start them off right with good wholesome foods because after all their growth is taking off so good quality foods are important.  You do not need to be a superb cook or even have patience because making homemade baby food is incredibly easy. 

However, you need to have the time to make the food, highchair, or a booster seat when your baby can sit up unassisted.  You will also need plates and bowls with suction, utensils, don’t forget a sippy cup, and an easy-to-clean bib.  

Homemade baby food was a straightforward choice for us because it is cost effective and you know you will give your baby all-natural ingredients if that is important to you.

What Are Stage 1 Foods?

• Apples
• Apricots
• Avocados
• Bananas
• Mangoes
• Peaches
• Pumpkin
• Sweet potato 
• Green beans
• Carrots
• Peas
• Sweet potatoes

A good way to think of stage 1 baby foods are thin, smooth and runny.    Be sure no chunks are present because of tongue thrust.  They are foods that are lower allergy risk. Stage 1 baby foods are also usually those that are better tolerated and easily digested by little ones.

What Are Stage 2 Foods?

• Spices
• Eggs
• Meats

Stage 2 adds more texture and thickness.  Later in this stage, depending on what is discussed between you and your child’s pediatrician, you will add spices around 8 to 9 months.

If you don’t know, I am every bit of a recipe follower and I am very good at it! Lol There isn’t much I’m making from scratch without a recipe to follow.  As I stated above, we knew we would feed our son organic foods because it is what we eat, so it was great to find this book.  There are some great tasty options and as you advance, you will find recipes for the entire family. If you are looking for recipes for homemade baby food, this is a splendid choice.

You also don’t need any special equipment geared toward baby food prep.  We used the blender and food processor we already had.  That’s it, easy peasy!

Newborn Must Haves And Regrets

I don’t have many regrets about newborn items received.  I made every attempt to purchase the essentials and only registered for the essentials.  There are only a couple of items I found to be wasteful, which were a sound machine, all the thousand baby blankets we received, a bottle drying rack, and the type of bassinet we had.  These to me were not baby must-haves.

Baby Essentials, Not Just The Basics

Sit me up floor seat

Pack & Play

Pacifier holders

Rock n play

Baby robe

Diaper pail  

DockATot or Snuggle Me Organic

	DockATot	Snuggle Me
Covers	✘	✘
Portable	✘	✘
Light Weight	✘	✘
Age 0-8 months		0-9 month
Raised sides	✘	✘
Organic		✘
Washable	✘	✘

DockATot vs Snuggle Me

Can Newborns Sleep In Snuggle Me?

Your baby should only sleep in the Snuggle Me while supervised.  It is not to be used as a co-sleeper.

Do You Really Need A DockATot?

No, you don’t need a baby lounger at all.  It is not a baby essential item. Whether you purchase a baby lounger is a personal choice.  You may find your little one may love being in it, but it’s not a necessity.

Is There A Cheaper Version Of DockATot?

Snuggle Me Organic!  The reason I purchased the Snuggle Me Organic was that it is cheaper and organically made.

Is A Snuggle Me Worth It?

It is totally worth it.  My husband and I always felt comfortable with our son sleeping in it during nap time while we did other things around the house.  The raised sides made it great for tummy time and he enjoyed playing in it once he started sitting up.

That’s it! My complete list of baby essentials for the first 3 months and first-year baby essentials. The ultimate list of everything you need for a baby.

Baby Essentials For The First 3 Months FAQs

You may also enjoy:

Postpartum Essentials List For Mom & Baby

Useful Products To Make Mom’s Life Easier

Post C-Section Recovery Kit

Best Free Apps For New Moms