Before I had my baby, I was overwhelmed by endless product recommendations, blog lists, and registry guides. Everything seemed essential — wipe warmers, bottle sterilizers, baby bath cushions, and more. But after my baby arrived, reality hit differently.
In those first few weeks, I realized that my newborn’s needs were much simpler than the marketing suggested. Here are the only six things we truly used — and loved — during the first month:
Swaddles:
Forget the fancy ones with Velcro or magnetic closures. My baby hated being swaddled tight in those. What worked best? Basic muslin wraps. They were soft, breathable, and could be adjusted easily. Swaddling helped him sleep better and reduced those startling reflexes that kept waking him up.
White Noise Machine:
This was something I didn’t even think about until week two, when I realized my baby would fall asleep during vacuuming or while the faucet was running. A simple white noise machine mimicked those sounds and became part of our nightly routine. It calmed him and helped me avoid spending hours bouncing and rocking.
Footed Zip-Up Onesies:
Those adorable snap-up outfits from my baby shower? Completely impractical. At 3 a.m., with a crying baby and no sleep, trying to match snaps was a nightmare. Zip-up onesies (especially two-way zippers) made diaper changes quick and hassle-free.
A Baby Carrier:
My baby wanted to be held constantly. That’s beautiful — but exhausting. A wrap-style baby carrier was a lifesaver. I could do laundry, make tea, or walk the dog while keeping him close and comforted. Bonus: it helped with his colic too.
Nipple Cream:
Even if you’re not breastfeeding, you might still experience sensitivity. My nipples were sore, dry, and cracked from the very first days of feeding. A lanolin-free nipple cream (I used one with coconut and calendula) soothed the pain and prevented bleeding.
Support Pillow for Mom:
This one’s for you. Feeding, sitting, even sleeping after childbirth can be uncomfortable. My C-shaped pillow became my best friend. It supported my back, helped with breastfeeding posture, and just made life more comfortable.
Everything else? We barely touched it. Fancy swings, sterilizers, pacifier clips — they were nice to have, but not necessary. My biggest lesson? Focus on comfort, not clutter. You can always buy more later if you really need it.
