Oh, baby! Are you preparing for a new addition to your house? Don’t get it twisted: Newborns are adorable (and they smell so good) but they require a lot of stuff. And, I don’t just mean physical stuff; I’m talking about patience, understanding, and general ability to perform basic tasks without enough sleep or caffeine. (Looking at you, 2 a.m.!) Of course, physical stuff is imperative, too. Why does someone so little require so many things? It’s a mystery of the universe, that’s for sure. This list is all about those physical items, though, because — last I checked — Amazon doesn’t sell patience or understanding. (Get on that, Amazon!) I’ve included everything from cute socks for tiny feet to snuggly covers and waffle-knit blankets to best bets for bathing, feeding, and diaper-changing. Get ready to outfit your nursery from top to bottom with the best baby buys I could find on Amazon.
Seriously Sturdy and Cozy Booties
If you have ever put socks on a baby once, twice, three times an hour, you will understand the appeal of these cozy fleece booties. Not only are they cute and warm but they are also secure thanks to the hook and loop closure. These come in sizes from newborn to 24 months and have non-slip bottoms for those just learning how to walk.
Wardrobe Dividers for Organized Closets
Baby clothes are the teeny-tiniest, most ovary-bursting things on the planet but boy, are they hard to keep organized in a closet or chest of drawers. These closet dividers separate apparel into categories like “newborn” up to “18-24 months.” So, now, you’ll have no excuse to put your little one in that hideous handmade onesie your ancient aunt Ethel crocheted the minute you found out you were pregnant.
Make Change Times Tantrum Free
Newborns are a lot like potatoes, but they don’t stay that way long. Before you know it, they will be scrunching and twisting and generally all over the place. This changing pad with a secure strap will keep them safe when you are trying to navigate the serious business of a dirty diaper. It’s also waterproof because trust me, you will want that.
The Ultimate All-in-One Baby Care Kit
Don’t tie up one of your gift registry items asking for brushes, combs and booger-suckers. (Yeah, that’s a thing.) Grab this 24-in-1 healthcare set for roughly $1 per piece and you’ll have everything you need, including a finger toothbrush, nail clippers, thermometer, nasal aspirator and more. This set comes in blue, pink and green.
Give Your Kid Support With These Knee Socks
Your little girl is going to be obsessed with these knee socks as soon as she puts them on. Much like the other socks listed, they have non-slip grips on the bottom to give them extra support. They’re also super soft and breathable, so they can wear them year-round.
Be Prepared for Laundry Day
Babies go through a lot of clothes — a lot of clothes. Spit-up, blowouts, leaky diapers, the possibilities (unfortunately) are endless. This laundry hamper is the perfect accompaniment to a nursery so you can toss the dirties quickly. It can also double as an organizing basket or toy storage once your need for a hamper is replaced by your need for cleanliness.
Create Your Own Keepsake Gifts
They are going to take your baby’s hand and foot prints in the hospital, O.K.? But, that does not mean they are going to remember to ask if you want extras for your baby book or gifts for grandparents. This inkless stamper costs only a few dollars and comes in a variety of colors so you can add it to keepsakes and gifts you are considering.
Keep the Cradle Cap At Bay
Babies have all kinds of sensitive skin and hair issues, which seems unfair since they have only been on the planet for a short time. One of those issues is cradle cap, which produces crusty or oily scaly patches on a baby’s scalp. This cradle cap brush will fight that condition which is, by the way, totally normal in new and tiny humans.
Make Them A Nest
Are you even a new parent if you haven’t heard of the DockATot? It’s designed to be an all-purpose nest/lounger for newborns to babies around nine months old. They also cost money — a lot of money. This newborn baby nest gives DockATot a run for its money. It’s great for newborns to 12-month-olds and is less than half the price of its name brand competitor.
Make Baby Into A Burrito
Pretty as a picture! That’s what they will say about your newborn and your hospital photos that will look like a professional was in charge. These receiving blanket and headband sets are brightly colored in florals, animal prints, feathers, and more with no zippers, velcro, or snaps to contend with. Between $7 and $10, you can afford to buy a couple to make up your mind later.
La Petite Creme For La Petite Bottom
Who better to go to for all of your baby needs than moms themselves? La Petite Creme was made in the USA by two French moms using the traditional French diapering lotion and balm recipe. The formula contains only organic ingredients ensuring the safety of your baby’s sensitive skin. They even threw in a travel size lotion for your diaper bag! All of this is available at an affordable price. What’s not to love? Grab a set for your friends too while you can!
This Handy Multi-Purpose Cover is Essential
You may not believe me right now, but there will be about a million times in the first year that you want to keep your baby under wraps — literally. This multi-use cover is ideal not only for securing over a car seat while dodging raindrops or some privacy for sleeping but also brilliant for breastfeeding in public or those times you don’t want Karen breathing all over your baby at the deli counter at Walmart.
Deliver the Correct Dose of Medicine
Nobody likes it when a baby is sick but brace yourself because it’s coming. This pacifier-style medication dispenser sends any liquids to the side of the cheek, as recommended by doctors, to prevent spit-up. Whether you are dispensing meds, gripe water, or vitamins, this tool will take a lot of the anxiety out of: “Did she get enough of that?” or “Should I give him more?”
Cart This If You Are Short on Space
Short on space or storage? This door-hanging organizer will give you extra storage space where there wasn’t storage space before. This over-the-door storage solution has four large mesh pockets and three PVC pockets, all of which you can see through quickly to grab exactly what you need. It comes in different sizes and colors to match a variety of decor.
Natural Fibre Sponge For Bathing Tender Skin
Only the best will do when you are a new mom (or dad), including the softest, natural things you can put on your baby’s skin. This natural bath sponge earns high marks from reviewing parents with accolades like this: “The only sponge I will buy from now on.” This set of two is made from sea wool, which is especially good for delicate skin.
Have A Splash With This Princessea Baby Water Pad!
Tummy time has never been so bubbly! Take your baby on a deep sea adventure with this 100% leak-proof Princessea baby water pad that was mer-made to learn. This travel-friendly set is built with BPA-free materials, making it the perfect baby shower gift. It comes with sensory toddler-safe toys that boost brain development and plenty of colorful space to strengthen their arm muscles. Did I mention it also comes with 1 hairband and 1 fruit pacifier feeder? They truly thought of it all. Better grab yourself a few sets while you can!
Don’t Waffle On This One
Baby blankets are a dime a dozen, but this waffle baby blanket from Simka Rose caught my eye because — hello? — shades like hunter, ocean, pear, and sienna? Those just sound lovely. Warm and cozy but lightweight enough for everyday use, this blanket is sure to become your new favorite. Lucky for you, it comes in brilliant colors and can also double up as a towel.
Pop Up This Playpen Anywhere
There is no better time to snag a portable playpen than right now. You will find yourself using this more than you think — inside, outside, and at the beach, ball field, or park. This one uses pop-and-fold technology for easy set-up and tear-down and can be secured into the ground with tent stakes. A compact travel bag is included for supreme portability.
Cute Elephant Baby Shower Head
Those of us who passed the childbearing days a long time ago (and I mean long) would’ve killed for this baby bath shower head. Some of us used plastic cups from ballgames gone by — ahem. This shower head is just like the real deal but in an appropriately-sized package for tiny bathers. Use it in a baby tub, real tub or sink.
Make the Perfect Swaddle
The only thing better than a baby is a sleeping baby, and, in case no one has told you, you never wake one who is sleeping. This magic sleepsuit is designed to bridge the gap between swaddling a tiny newborn and training an older baby to self-soothe and sleep through the night. These come in 3-6 and 6-9 month sizes and various colors.
Dress Up Any Look With Tights
Is there anything cuter than a little one in baby tights? Especially the pink ones, I mean, c’mon. Cuteness overload. This set includes one pair of white tights and one pair of pink tights in newborns to 5T. There are also other color combinations to consider, including burgundy, gold, and vanilla set perfect for cooler months.
Establish A Dental Hygiene Routine Early
It can be hard to think about caring for a new human’s teeth… when they are only just poking through. But, good oral care starts early. This double-sided toothbrush will get them accustomed to brushing those pearly whites from six months on. This set includes a handled brush with a choke guard and an adult finger brush before tiny hands grip a toothbrush.
Don’t Toy With Me
Don’t think that just because your baby can’t move around and play with toys at first that they still won’t accumulate a hoard of them. This soft-sided extra-large toy box is a perfect nursery addition because it flip-top lid and plenty of storage for stuffed animals, dolls, books, clothes and more. Choose from three neutral designs with easy-care handles on the sides.
A Diaper Caddy is the Ideal Baby Shower Gift
Prepping and decorating your baby’s nursery is one of the most fun aspects of getting ready for a baby. But, no one tells you that there will simply be times it will be easier to change their diaper on the living room sofa. This diaper caddy organizer will keep your necessary supplies close at hand, whether you are in the living room or your own bedroom.
Gently Soothe Baby to Sleep
Skip the rocking, walking and pleading — and that’s the manufacturer talking, not yours truly. This sound machine is so much more than a white noise distraction to put your little one to sleep; it also functions as a sleep trainer, offering colors, songs and experiences that keep your growing child in bed until they doze off. It’s cry sensor-activated, which is super helpful.
Make The Change
We have already talked about a lot of baby gear and we are only about halfway through this list! This diaper change organizer is a great addition to your nursery to keep things like powder, cream, diapers and more organized and within reach. The flat top holds a baby wipe dispenser or wipe warmer, with removable side bins to organize bottles and tubes.
Ultra-Plush Swaddle Blanket
Let’s all just take a minute and say, “Awwww,” at this too-cute-for-words sherpa baby swaddle blanket. Suitable for babies up to six months old, you can adjust the swaddle size with the hook and loop closure. A separate entry point for feet means baby can kick without kicking off their cover. The windproof cap is a smart add-on and those ears? Fuggedaboutit.
Create Homemade Organic Treats
I know plenty of parents who opt to make their baby’s food from scratch… If you opt for homemade, though, these silicone food storage trays will save you a ton of room.
Hit The Bottle
One of the decisions that will require the most research is the concept of baby bottles. The choices are endless, small ones, large ones, bags, and no bags. This Tommee Tippee advanced anti-colic feeding set is a new parent’s favorite, thanks to a design that draws air away from the milk, resulting in minor discomfort. A bottle warmer, pacifiers, and a host of bottles and accessories are included.
Get Carried Away
If you are expecting a baby or just welcomed one, be prepared to never have your hands to yourself for, oh, the next 18 to 20 years. This baby carrier with two carrying positions will give you your hands back for a while, anyway, while keeping your infant close. It’s an excellent method of bonding for moms and babies up to 20 pounds.
Make Baby’s Closet A Work of Art
Speaking of closets, hangers are of the utmost importance, whether you’re brand new to this world or you have been here for a minute. Of course, if you are brand new, you don’t know you need hangers. That’s where you come in. These velvet baby hangers will accommodate the most petite wardrobe without pieces falling on the floor. This set includes 15 hangers in either blue or gray.
Brush Your Bottles to Germ-Free
When you are not feeding your baby, changing your baby or trying to get your baby to sleep, you are going to be taking care of follow-up tasks related to baby like washing bottles. This bottle brush was developed by one of my favorite companies, OXO, with bristles for gentle cleaning and firm ones for serious scrubbing. A nipple-cleaning brush is also included — for your bottles, of course.
Excuse Me, Did You Just Burp?
When does burping cease being so dang cute? This five-pack of organic urban burp cloths has fun and unusual patterns and colors like stars and arrows or solids in “hunter” or “muted pastel.” These are made with the softest and most absorbent organic cotton, which is as safe for your baby’s sensitive skin as it is unique in design—a five-pack costs just around $20.
Cutest Tootsies in the Nursery
I haven’t decided if I like chubby baby cheeks or adorable baby toes more, but these baby sock gift sets have me leaning one way for sure. Designed with cute sayings like, “If you can read this… bring me some milk,” you will be giving your little one swag before they are even old enough to spell it. Each set comes with four pairs in size 0-12 months with grippy bottoms for new walkers.
Get Them Into Music Early
I grew up in a musical household so I love the idea of introducing your baby to music as early as possible. This kick and play piano is from the baby geniuses at Fisher-Price and features three smart stage levels and a bonus piano play mode with real music notes. Toys that grow with your little one give you the most bang for your buck.
Let’s Get Wiped Out
Every once in a while, an invention comes along that causes me to go, “Why didn’t I think of that?” That’s these Water Wipes, which are exactly what they sound like: Baby wipes that are 99.9 percent water for sensitive and delicate skin. They are also fragrance-free so just go on ahead and snag that “pack of 12” because you are going to put them to good use.
Celebrate Milestones
I know, I know, you have been stalking Etsy for the past six months trying to find just the right milestone blanket to capture your baby’s, well, milestones so that you can share them with the ‘gram. This one? This one is just $21, made from 100 percent flannel fleece, and comes in a large 40-inch by 50-inch size. This creates a unique baby shower gift as well.
Feed Me
Once the baby is old enough, natural fruits and vegetables are best—foster their love for both with this feeder pacifier. Twist off the top, add solid food to the textured sac and watch their face light up with joy. This all-in-one feeder also soothes the baby’s teething discomfort by massaging the gums through chewing. These dismantle easily for thorough cleaning.
A Natural Solution
This natural baby brush and comb set has everything you will need to take care of your baby’s hair and scalp from the first moment you walk through the door with them. The goat hair bristles are gentle and fight off the cradle cap (which we discussed earlier) while soothing and massaging the scalp.
Smile, You’re On Camera
You don’t have to spend a million dollars equipping your nursery with high-tech options. This baby monitor with digital camera comes in at less than $40 and is packed with features including two-way talk, automatic night vision and temperature monitoring. Eight LED lights help constantly monitor baby’s activity when you have to do something else… like wash your hair for the first time in two weeks.