Baby Essentials 2024

Baby Essentials 2024

As you get ready for a new baby, it might seem like there are endless decisions to make about baby essentials and gear before their arrival. Do you want a convertible crib or a traditional one? Which car seat is best? Will this type of swaddle work? Stocking up on must-have baby essentials can be part of the nesting fun, but as seasoned parents (I just went through this with my second child), are here to help you decide which items are really worth it—and which are not. After speaking with doulas, parents and perusing our own well-stocked baby drawers, we’ve compiled this checklist of dozens of the best baby essentials.

Here are the baby essentials that are worth stocking up on and adding to your registry.

Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers

Doula and childbirth educator Lauren Hulit in Los Angeles told me that when it comes to preparing for baby’s arrival, it’s actually quite important to focus on the necessities. “I’m a less is more person when it comes to baby gear,” she explains. “Certainly having enough onesies to get through at least a week is advisable.” She adds that “you’ll want lots and lots of burp cloths and a few swaddles.”

In addition to stocking up on baby gear, Hulit also recommends taking a parenting class to help “understand normal newborn behavior,” hiring or asking for support from loved ones, connecting with others who have young children and setting yourself up for success ahead of time by freezing meals or relying on meal delivery services. “This is your time to bond with your baby. You need people to care for you,” she says.

See the best baby essentials to complete your baby’s nursery, wardrobe and mealtime arsenal, sorted and counted into categories below.

Baby Essentials At A Glance

Baby Essentials: Clothing

If this is your first baby, you might be surprised by how many outfits they go through—in a day. To be on the safe side, it’s best to stock up on baby clothing essentials, so you always have a fresh outfit to pull from the drawer. It can also reduce your need to constantly run to the washing machine to put another load in, or trips to the laundromat.

Hulit recommends “the footed zipper pajamas that have the double zipper (easier for diaper changes)” and shares that “you don’t need too many cutesie clothes for the newborn stage.” You also don’t need shoes for babies who aren’t walking yet.

Here’s a general estimate of what you need:

  • 7 to 10 sets of pajamas
  • 7 to 10 onesies or bodysuits
  • 7 to 10 pairs of socks
  • 5 to 7 pairs of pants
  • 1 to 3 jackets or sweaters
  • 1 to 3 hats (for warm and cold weather)

WildBird

Acadian CloudBlend Footed Pajamas

Wildbird’s footed pajamas stand apart thanks to the quality stretchy fabrics, double zipper and the elastic at the heel of the pajama’s feet. While this may seem like an insignificant detail, it’s especially useful in keeping younger babies’s legs and feet in the proper place of their clothing, even when they’re doing the newborn scrunch.


Amazon

Simple Joys By Carter’s Long-Sleeve Thermal Bodysuits

You can’t go wrong with basic onesies, but Simple Joys by Carters ones are especially useful because they have stretch, which makes them easier to pull on or off and allows babies to wear them for longer. Stock up in multipacks of its long-sleeve or short-sleeve bodysuits.


Old Navy

Old Navy Unisex Ankle Socks 4-Pack

Socks this small are bound to get lost, so it’s best to stock up on inexpensive multipacks. That said, there’s nothing more irritating than a low-quality sock, is there? Old Navy pairs are tried and true among our editors—and budget-friendly, too. Burt’s Bees and Fruit Of The Loom also offer quality options.


Honest Baby

Honest Baby Organic Cotton Joggers (2-Pack)

Joggers are great for babies, so they can move their bodies and progress toward their milestones. These harem-style baby pants from Honest come in a range of fun prints and at an affordable multipack rate.


Baby Essentials: Sleep

Sleep is precious to all parents but especially hard to capture in the beginning with a new baby. In order to ensure (or at least try for) an optimal sleep environment, you might need the following baby sleep essentials:

  • 1 crib
  • 1 bassinet (if desired; can skip)
  • 3 swaddles (smaller sizes for newborn stage)
  • 2 sleep sacks (larger sizes for older non-swaddled babies)
  • 1 sound machine
  • 3 to 5 crib sheets
  • 1 crib mattress
  • 2 to 4 pacifiers

MOST POPULAR

Pottery Barn Kids

Babyletto Hudson 3-In-1 Convertible Crib

When shopping for a crib, think long-term about whether you’d like a convertible crib or traditional one so you make the right investment. Babyletto is a staff-favorite brand given the number of styles of cribs it offers, all at a midrange price with timeless look.


Happiest Baby

Snoo Smart Sleeper Baby Bassinet

The Snoo is beloved by parents, because it provides soothing noise and sensations to help babies sleep longer and more deeply. It was developed by pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp and is almost like having a night nurse. After testing, a mom to five and Forbes Vetted contributor found it to be the absolute best bassinet, but also recommended a couple more options depending on your needs and budget.


Amazon

SwaddleMe By Ingenuity Original Swaddle (3-Pack)

The best swaddle for your baby will depend on their preferences, but the SwaddleMe is an easy-to-use option—even at 3 a.m. in the morning. It’s also an affordable pick to try before investing more in case your infant ends up not enjoying the swaddle. Hulit notes, “swaddling and white noise are great sleep cues” that tell babies it’s time to snooze.


A noise machine is key to helping your baby get the rest they need while still being able to move throughout your home without worrying about waking them. The Hatch is a favorite of our parent testers and of Hulit, who explains that it “helps let baby know it’s time for a longer stretch of sleep.” She also encourages parents to remember that in the beginning it’s “normal for babies to wake every few hours at night and to need help going back to sleep from their caregivers. Newborns cannot ‘self soothe,’ this a skill that they learn by being soothed by their parents thousands of times before they can do it themselves.”


Amazon

Philips Avent Soothie Pacifier (4-Pack)

Having some pacifier options on hand is a good idea to help soothe your baby. These basic Soothies tend to be a crowd-pleaser pick.


Baby Essentials: Transportation

A good stroller and car seat, optimally ones that work together are key throughout toddlerhood and infancy. For your newborn, you’ll want to have an infant car seat ready and purchased ahead of their arrival, but a lightweight stroller that works with your car seat is also ideal to have on hand as a minimum. You might also consider adding a travel stroller or a jogging stroller at a later date, or a double if you’re having twins or a second baby.

While a baby carrier might not be an absolute baby essential, legions of parents find them essential for calming babies and allowing them to get something else done while keeping their little one close, including me, so I do recommend adding at least one to your registry. You may find you have a contact napper on your hands.

Suggested baby gear essentials:

  • 1 infant car seat
  • 1 full-size stroller
  • 1 baby carrier

Amazon

Uppababy Cruz V2 And Mesa V2 Car Seat

This is our favorite single, full-size stroller for many reasons, from the smooth push and stroll to the easy features. Pair it with the brand’s Mesa infant car in this bundle and call it a day on your big ticket baby gear purchases, or consider another infant car seat that might be compatible with the Cruz.


Amazon

Ergobaby Omni Breeze

A baby carrier isn’t necessary for each family, but I’ve certainly found them to be invaluable with both of my sons (especially the second). “Babywearing is a great way to give your baby the physical contact they love,” adds Hulit. She recommends the Ergobaby (which was also named best carrier all around in our extensive testing) and the Moby for a wrap. I’m also partial to the Líllébaby, Artipoppe and Wildbird options.


DOONA

Doona Car Seat And Stroller

Suitable for babies and toddlers up to 35 pounds, this car seat and stroller combo makes getting out and about with a baby a seamless experience, especially in those early months. I tested it during my review of 15 travel strollers and found it to be the best travel system overall.


Amazon

Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta Backpack

Having tested nearly two dozen diaper bags personally, I found the Petunia Pickle Bottom Meta Backpack to include everything you need in an easy to use and lightweight bag that’s ideal for everyday use.


Baby Essentials: Diapering

Having diapers and wipes on hand, a place to store and carry clean ones and a bin to toss dirty ones away in (optimally one that truly contains the smell), is of the utmost importance. You’ll also want a designated spot to change them in. Check out the best options below.

  • Diapers (5 to 10 per day)
  • Wipes (10 to 30 per day)
  • 1 diaper rash cream
  • 1 changing table
  • 1 changing pad
  • 1 diaper pail
  • 1 diaper bag

Amazon

Huggies Size Little Snugglers Baby Diapers (148 Count)

If there’s one thing you’ll need a lot of during the first few years of a baby’s life, it’s diapers. The Vetted team tested a multitude of brands and these Huggies diapers came out on top across a panel of baby and toddler testers. Be sure to have at least one pack of newborn, size 1 and size 2 diapers available for the first couple of months, because your baby might just grow faster than you expect.


Amazon

WaterWipes Original Baby Wipes (12-Pack)

Like diapers, you’ll go through a lot of wipes so it’s helpful to stock up—and buy in bulk. WaterWipes are a parent favorite, because they’re made almost entirely from water and don’t include anything that might irritate baby’s skin. If you’re interested in other options, these baby wipes also have their fans.


Amazon

Weleda Baby Calendula Diaper Cream

Diaper rash is inevitable for most, so it’s useful to always keep a top-notch cream on hand at home. Parents swear by this Weleda option, because it contains 12% zinc oxide (the best pediatrician-recommended ingredient for treating diaper rash). I also like the Honest Company Diaper Rash Spray, because it’s easy to apply. Another Forbes Vetted parent tester also recommends these diaper rash creams.


Wayfair

Babyletto Sprout 3-Drawer Changing Table

Having a good changing table, especially one that provides storage like the popular Babyletto Sprout, is a must as you’re building your nursery. While there are plenty of changing table options for all aesthetics and needs, this model continues to be a parent favorite. Top it with a changing pad and you’re ready and prepared for those endless diapering sessions that will suddenly feel like second nature.


Things can get smelly with so many diapers being changed, but the Ubbi diaper pail blocks odors efficiently, can be used one-handed and is extra durable. That’s why our parent tester named it the best diaper pail overall.


Baby Essentials: Feeding

Whether you intend to breastfeed or bottle feed, it’s helpful to have a bottle (or more) on hand just in case you need to supplement or so a family member or caretaker can help out with feedings. It may also be useful to have a breast pump (most insurance companies provide a basic model), as well as some bibs, burp cloths and a bottle warmer. And, once baby progresses to solid foods between 4 to 6 months, you’ll want a high chair and feeding set at the ready to start the process.

  • 1 to 8 bottles
  • 1 high chair
  • 8 to 14 burp cloths
  • 1 to 5 bibs
  • 1 bottle warmer
  • Formula (if desired, but also helpful to have just in case)
  • 1 to 5 baby plates, bowls, forks and spoons
  • 1 breast pump

Amazon

Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle (4-Pack)

Like the Philips Avent Pacifiers, babies tend to take well to the shape of these Avent bottles, which we named the best baby bottle overall. They’re also one of few brands that you can purchase in glass or plastic, and thanks to the natural response nipple, they’re helpful for combination-feeding families who alternate between breast and bottle, as well as those who are strictly formula based.


Pottery Barn Kids

Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair (Cushion And Tray Bundle)

You’ll need a high chair once baby starts solid foods between 4 to 6 months of age until possibly toddlerhood or even preschool. The Stokke Tripp Trapp is one of the best high chairs, according to our testing—and certainly one of the most ergonomic. It converts into a toddler and later a big kid or adult chair if you like.


Baby Essentials For The Nursery

Aside from a safe space for your baby to sleep and be changed, your nursery might benefit from a glider or recliner and baby monitor to round out your big ticket baby essentials. When selecting either, be sure to consider your space, your budget and if you’re looking for something with some extra features or purposes (like a glider with a cell phone charger or monitor with a sound machine). You’ll also want to add in some toys, books, teethers and possibly storage options.

Amazon

Babyletto Kiwi Electronic Power Recliner And Swivel Glider

A nursery glider becomes essential for many families by making feeding and comforting babies easier—and this power recliner Babyletto is our top pick for most families. Hulit also recommends that new parents “invest in is a quality rocking chair or glider,” explaining that “this is where you will spend a lot of time nursing or bottle feeding and contact napping. You want to be comfortable.”


Amazon

Chillax Giraffe Pro Baby Monitor

A baby monitor can put your mind at ease that your baby is sleeping soundly, especially if you’re in another room while they’re napping. Whether you decide on a low-fi audio monitor or prefer a feature-ladden Wi-Fi monitor like this Chillax Giraffe Pro, which offers sleep analytics, 2-way audio, a high-quality picture and more, there are a multitude of monitors out there. After testing 10 baby monitors, the Vetted team found this Chillax Giraffe Pro to be the best Wi-Fi pick, and the Eufy SpaceView Pro the best overall (and the best non-Wi-Fi pick)


Baby Care Essentials

In addition to all the fun baby gear, it’s imperative that you have an arsenal of goods at the ready for cleanups, teething, illness and everything else that may come your way. Here are some of the items you should have your home stocked with to be prepared:

Walmart.com

Frida Baby Quick-Read Digital Rectal Thermometer

Hopefully you’ll never have to use it, but having a baby thermometer is a must. A temperature in a newborn can mean a trip to the ER. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that a rectal thermometer provides the most accurate reading for children under 3 years of age. Read about additional reliable kid and baby thermometers that our team prefers, too.


Blueland

Blueland Laundry Starter Set

Because babies have sensitive skin, you might consider adding a baby-specific laundry detergent to your laundry room. This Blueland detergent really works and without all the additives, plus it eliminates the waste of those plastic bottles, because the starter package comes with this clever storage tin. The Vetted team offers additional favorite baby laundry detergents, and these nontoxic picks, too.


Amazon

Pipette Baby Shampoo And Wash

Regardless of what brand you choose for baby’s bathing needs, you’ll ultimately want something gentle that won’t irritate their eyes or skin. We’ve rounded up some of the baby shampoos most recommended by staff and experts, including this fragrance-free Pipette shampoo and body wash.


Amazon

Munchkin Sit & Soak Baby Bath Tub

While they’re still small, baths can easily be done in the sink. However bath time solutions like this Munchkin baby tub make for an easier bath time. This option specifically allows babies to sit upright comfortably (with parental support until they’re able to hold their head up) and is compact enough to be used on the countertop or in your normal bathtub or shower stall.


Baby Essentials: Safety

You have some time before your baby will be mobile enough to require baby proofing, but it’s often helpful to knock it all out before their arrival. The best babyproofing essentials are dependent upon your space and family’s needs, but these options provide a great place to start.

  • Baby gate
  • Outlet covers
  • Furniture anchors
  • Corner guards
  • Cabinet locks
  • Toilet locks

Amazon

Safety 1st Ready To Install Baby Gate

This product tops our list of the best baby gates, because it’s easy to install and JPMA certified. One of our contributors (a mom of four) says she appreciates the design’s ease of use, and found it easy to install.


Amazon

Coverplug 2-Pack Paintable Electrical Outlet Cover

Babies are inherently curious and electrical outlets are about eye level for them once they’re on the move. So, it’s imperative to use some form of electrical outlet covers. These cover the entire outlet so baby won’t be tempted to explore.


Why Trust Forbes Vetted

Our team of parenting contributors and editors are devoted to highlighting the best baby and kids gear out there—everything from kids mattresses to maternity clothes to humidifiers—so you don’t have to spend your precious time researching.

  • Forbes Vetted writers and editors in the baby, maternity and kids realm are all parents ourselves, so we know how important it is to find the right options for your family. The baby and kids gear section is overseen by Margaret Badore, an editor with over 15 years of experience covering health and science topics.
  • Our team has spent thousands of hours researching, testing and using baby gear ourselves. We leveraged our testing and research to build this list.
  • We read extensive online reviews and interview a wide range of parents, industry professionals and health experts to provide the most detailed and best picks possible. For this article, we interviewed doula Lauren Hulit to provide insight and additional recommendations.
  • We regularly update this list, to ensure items are in stock and are still the best options on the market. This article was last updated in June 2024.

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