As I eagerly await the arrival of my fourth baby, I’ve found myself reflecting on how much my approach to newborn prep has evolved over the years. With my first baby, I had an extensive registry and countless items that I thought were essential. Fast forward to now, and I’ve adopted a much more minimalist approach. Here’s a look at what I’ve prepped for my newborn this time around, in hopes that it might help others streamline their preparations too.
1. Baby Clothes: Keep It Simple and Practical
For my newborn’s wardrobe, I’m sticking to the basics. I’ve learned that less really is more. While I do have some new outfits, many are hand-me-downs from my previous children. My rule of thumb: zippers over buttons and snaps! I’ve found that zippers make nighttime changes so much easier. My favorites are from Little Sleepies—they’re soft, stretchy, and breathable, which is ideal for a newborn.
I haven’t gone overboard with the zero-to-three-month sizes because babies grow so quickly. Instead, I’ve opted for stretchy clothes that can accommodate a little extra growth. This way, I’m not overwhelmed with clothes that will be outgrown in the blink of an eye. I also prefer to buy clothes as needed, rather than stockpiling for months ahead. I know sometimes that is easier said than done!
2. Burp Cloths and Receiving Blankets: Essential for Cleanup
Milk spills, spit-ups, and little accidents are part of newborn life. I’ve stocked up on receiving blankets and burp cloths because they’re much softer on baby’s skin than paper towels or regular towels. They’re easy to toss in the wash and I have them stashed all over the house.
3. Baby Gear: Practicality is Key
Carriers: For the newborn phase, I’m all about the ring sling. It’s supportive, easy to use, and allows for a snug hold. Brands like Wildbird, Solly Baby and Sakura Bloom offer great options. As baby grows and gains more head control, I’ll transition to a structured carrier. My go-to for that phase is the Sakura Bloom Scout Carrier.
Resting and Play Areas: I have a Dock-A-Tot for safe placement on elevated surfaces like the bed or couch. It’s not meant for sleeping, but it’s handy for keeping baby secure in areas where there’s a lot of activity. For tummy time and play, I’ve invested in a thick play mat that we can move around the house. We’re loving the Piccalio Play Mat and we even use it with our Lovevery play gym. These create a designated, safe space on the floor, which is important for baby’s development and helps keep baby away from the hustle and bustle of our busy household.
Strollers and Car Seats: We have a couple of strollers, including the UPPAbaby with a bassinet and the Alston Entourage, which converts from a seat into a bassinet. Both offer flexibility and give little ones a bit more room to wiggle around in. For the car seat, we’re going with the 4-in-1 Graco, which transitions from an infant seat to a booster. This choice eliminates the need for an additional infant seat and suits our needs perfectly. This is what works for our family, but if you prefer an infant seat that you click in and out of the car, many of those are available with compatible strollers.
4. Diapering Essentials: Less is More
Sticking with the theme of “less is more”, the same goes for diapering. You will go through a lot of diapers, but I prefer to buy them as I go, instead of stocking up on tons of boxes of each size. Your baby may end up growing out of that size before you ever get a chance to use them.
With our previoius children we have done cloth diapering, but I’m starting with disposable diapers because they’re more convenient during the early, chaotic days. Again, I’m not stocking up on too many sizes because babies grow out of them quickly. I prefer Pampers Pure, but Huggies are also a good option. For diaper changes, I have a portable changing pad and a basket with wipes, diaper cream, and extra clothes, so I can easily change baby wherever I am in the house.
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5. Breastfeeding Support: Stock up on the Essentials
Breast Pads: Disposable or reusable pads are super helpful for managing leaks during the early days of breastfeeding. I like Momcozy disposable nursing pads because they keep me dry and comfortable.
Manual and Electric Pumps: I have a Haakaa silicone pump for collecting letdown and building a freezer stash, along with a manual Medela pump and an electric Spectra pump from my insurance. I prefer manual pumps, but the electric one is a good backup.
Nipple Care: Silverettes are a game-changer for sore nipples. They have healing properties and are incredibly soothing. I also use a nipple balm from Motherlove, which helps with soreness and stickiness.
Nursing Bras: I’ve opted for Bodily’s Everything Bra, which is supportive without being compressive, reducing the risk of clogged ducts. I also have some bralettes for variety and comfort.
Hydration: Staying hydrated is key and my favorite tools to help me with that are the EasyJug with its long straw and LMNT hydration salts to keep me refreshed and support milk production.
Final Thoughts
As I prepare for baby number four, I’ve embraced a minimalist approach to newborn essentials, focusing on what I know will truly be useful. This streamlined preparation allows me to be more organized and less overwhelmed. However, every family is different, and what works for one might not work for another. I hope these tips were helpful for you! If you have any additional tips or think I might be missing something crucial, please share in the comments!