As Arlo approaches four months, I wanted to share a thoughtful list of newborn essentials — the items we used from the day we brought him home through about three months old. I’m writing this while everything is still fresh so I can explain what worked for us and why. Some items are classics every parent knows, and a few were things I didn’t even know existed before becoming a mom.
Feeding
Dr. Brown’s bottles — we’d heard these were great for babies with gas, and they were a lifesaver for us. They have several parts, so a drying rack specifically for small bottle pieces is helpful.
Microwave sterilizer bags — after Arlo developed thrush early on, we learned the importance of sterilizing bottles regularly. We wash with warm soapy water and use these bags to sterilize between uses.
Formula dispenser — this is brilliant: pre-measure formula so you can grab it for outings or avoid fumbling with scoops at 3 a.m.
Brita pitcher — we keep filtered water ready on the counter so bottles are quick to make.
Air-tight food container — some powdered formulas don’t come stored airtight, so we transfer them into a container to keep them fresh.
Burp cloths — Arlo is a frequent spitter, so stock up. You’ll go through a lot.
Sleeping
SNOO bassinet — this is a major investment but was incredibly helpful. We don’t always rely on motion and sound now, but the secure swaddle feature has helped keep Arlo safely contained since he’s so active.
Moses basket — Arlo napped in this almost constantly during his first month. It’s portable, low to the ground, and easy to move from room to room.
Baby Bjorn Pack & Play — perfect for travel and for naps away from home. It folds compactly into a carrying case yet provides a roomy sleep surface for months.
Owlet monitor — this monitor tracks heart rate and oxygen levels and gives us peace of mind at night. It has a charging routine: wear at night, charge during the day, and the base alerts you if something is off.
Zip-up swaddles — we prefer zip swaddles to Velcro-only options because Arlo can’t wriggle out of them.
Video monitor — we chose a clear, easy-to-control camera with zoom and pan. The battery life can be short, so we usually keep the parent unit plugged in.
Bathing
Blooming Bath flower — it fits in the sink and makes newborn baths cozy and secure; Arlo really enjoyed it.
Tubby Todd hair & body wash and body lotion — gentle, pleasant-smelling products we used from his first bath and afterward for moisturizing.
Hooded baby towel — practical and adorable, especially if it has little ears.
Travel & On the Go
Fawn Design diaper bag/backpack — stylish, functional, and roomy; it looks like a regular bag and converts to a backpack when needed.
Reusable snack and everything bags — we use a small one for pacifiers and a larger one for dirty diapers or soiled items.
Pacifiers & pacifier clips — Arlo struggled to keep a pacifier in his mouth early on. Having multiple types and clips to attach them to clothing was essential.
Solly Baby wrap — indispensable for soothing Arlo during the witching hour and for early outings. It’s cozy, portable, and my favorite way to carry him close.
Baby Bjorn carrier — a more structured carrier that’s easy to take on and off. Arlo is beginning to face outward in this one and enjoys the view.
Car mirror — a large mirror makes it easy to check on a rear-facing baby from the driver’s seat.
Travel changing pad + wipe container — a compact changing pad that folds and fits wipes and a few diapers is a lifesaver. It keeps baby off dirty surfaces when you can’t use a changing table.
Playtime
Mamaroo — starting around six weeks, Arlo began loving the Mamaroo swing. He enjoys the gentle motions and the hanging black-and-white plush toys.
Play gym — a high-contrast play gym kept him engaged during tummy time and while we handled chores. Many babies love this one.
Oball toy ball — lightweight and easy for tiny hands to grasp; one of the first toys Arlo could actually hold and play with.
High contrast books — simple black-and-white illustrated board books captured Arlo’s attention early on and encouraged visual tracking.
Diapering & Healthcare
Windi gas relief — recommended by another parent, this tool helped relieve Arlo’s gas when formula changes and drops didn’t. Always check with your pediatrician before use.
NoseFrida — a suction nasal aspirator that, while it sounds odd, quickly cleared newborn congestion. We pair it with saline drops to loosen mucus first.
Changing pad & covers — practical essentials you’ll use every day.
Munchkin diaper pail & refills — a sleek, effective diaper pail that blends into the room; keep extra refill bags on hand.
Pampers Swaddlers — our preferred diaper for newborns; they have a wetness line that changes color when wet.
One of the best gifts we received after Arlo was born was prepared meals. In those early weeks we barely had time to cook, so meal deliveries and prepared food were invaluable. They made life feel a little more normal and relieved a huge burden.
That’s everything for now. I haven’t included clothes here because I’ve had a lot of questions about Arlo’s outfits — I’ll do a separate post about baby clothes soon.
Items marked with an asterisk in other lists were gifted to us. These are all products we genuinely used and liked.