5 Game-Changing Newborn Essentials to Make Life a Little Easier

The fourth trimester—those first three months of your baby’s life when they’re adjusting to being residents of the real world instead of the womb—can be a real doozy. Because they’re accustomed to the near-constant motion they experienced in utero, most newborns aren’t big fans of being put down. They love to be rocked, bounced, swayed, shushed and just about anything else that prevents you from getting other things accomplished during your days. (And nights…sorry.)

Babywearing can be a godsend during these challenging weeks—and the Solly wrap is our favorite way to get it done, especially during the first few months. The Solly boasts two features we think are clutch when it comes to baby carriers: a quick learning curve and a high degree of comfort for both you and your baby.

The wrap is simple to use and you’ll be able to get the hang of it after just a few tries. (These great tutorials can help.) The fabric is ultra soft and forgiving yet also supportive, so it’s comfortable against your baby’s skin while also keeping them snug in the proper babywearing position. And the Solly does a phenomenal job of evenly distributing your newborn’s weight so you can wear them for hours without having to worry about a sore back or shoulders.

Having a newborn is sort of like riding a roller coaster in the dark—you have some idea of what’s ahead but you’re never quite sure what’s around the next turn or when the bottom may drop right out from under you. Feeding is one thing babies are born having strong opinions about—and you won’t know what to expect until you’re in it. Unlike most bottle gift sets that contain different sizes of the same brand of bottle, the Babylist Bottle Box features five of our most popular baby bottles, each from a different brand. It gives you plenty of options to try if you’re struggling with feedings and lets your baby find a preferred bottle before you commit to a full set.

The Box is great if you are planning to bottle feed, of course, but is also a good add if you’re hoping to breastfeed and want a backup plan in place. Lots of new parents struggle with breastfeeding, especially in the beginning, and having a plan B can take some of the pressure off and give you some peace of mind.

It probably goes without saying, but we are big fans of any product that helps newborns (and their parents) safely get more sleep. And while there are many types of blankets, wearable swaddles and sleep sacks to choose from, the Swaddle UP consistently ranks as one of our favorites for both babies and their parents.

A swaddle helps your newborn feel more secure and calms their startle reflex so they can stay asleep longer. (They’re also a much safer option than loose blankets, which are a definite no in your baby’s crib through at least the first year.) We love the Swaddle UP because it’s easy to zip right on—no tricky baby burrito techniques required here. The unique design offers the benefits of a snug swaddle but lets your baby sleep with their arms up, a preferred sleep position for many newborns.

We recommend including this swaddle as part of your bedtime routine from day one until your little one starts showing signs of rolling over.

The reality of new parent life is that you’re going to spend the bulk of your time holding your baby. But what if you need to get something done or just need a moment to yourself to shower? Nuna’s Leaf is one of our favorite baby seats that provides a safe and comfortable spot for them to hang out.

There’s lots to love about this beautifully designed, modern bouncer + swing hybrid, but we think the best features are its natural swaying movement (no batteries required) and that it grows with your newborn well into toddlerhood. The seat gently sways from side to side with one simple push, offering a soothing spot that’s perfect for calming a fussy baby. Once your baby is able to sit up independently, you can lock the seat in place and transform it into a seat that will take you through the toddler years.

Zippers are the only way to go when your baby is a newborn, especially when you consider all of the diaper changing you’ll be doing. These footies are practical, simple and cute enough for them to wear both around the house or out and about. They’re made with 100% cotton—soft and breathable for delicate newborn skin—that’s durable wash after wash. We also love that they come in so many basic colors and different multipacks, making them more affordable when stocking up.