My Top 10 Baby Products: Must-Haves for New Parents

As a new parent, having the right baby products can make all the difference in managing the chaos and creating a comfortable experience for both you and your little one. Please keep in mind that you should always consider what works best for you and your family as what works for me may not work for you. And that is TOTALLY okay! I have linked the few items I have purchased and used from Amazon, if you are interested in purchasing these items. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Over time, I’ve come to rely on a few key items that have helped simplify day-to-day life with a newborn. From diapering essentials to sleep solutions, here are my top 10 baby products that every new parent should consider! 

1. Diaper Cart: Keeping Essentials Within Reach 

A diaper cart is an absolute game-changer for staying organized. Having a rolling cart with compartments to store diapers, wipes, creams, and other changing necessities means everything is always within reach. This also helps prevent Dad from opening a cream or another box of diapers when he becomes temporarily blind and "didn't see it anywhere".  (I call this Dad-Brain. They can have that too, right?)  You can easily move it from room to room, making diaper changes more convenient no matter where you are in the house. It’s perfect for those middle-of-the-night changes when you need quick access to everything!  

2. Bassinet: A Cozy Spot for Newborn Sleep 

For those early months when your baby is sleeping in your room, a bassinet is essential. It provides a safe, cozy sleeping space close to your bed, so you can easily check on your baby or feed them during the night without having to leave your room. Many bassinets are also designed to rock or glide, which helps soothe your baby to sleep. To be honest, my bassinet was not fancy. I know there are some that are crazy expensive. I used one that just stayed next to the bed and didn't rock, glide, or cost a mortgage payment. I waited on getting one for a long time because we had a crib and a spare bed in the nursery. I delusionally thought that I could just go check on him at night and if I felt like being next to him I could sleep in the spare bed we had. After using a bed side bassinet in the hospital, it was so convenient and easy! Plus once the postpartum soreness and the severe new-mom postpartum anxiety, there was no way I could feel okay with my baby sleeping in another room or for me to sleep in another bed that was not mine. I for sure underrated a bassinet but here we are doing my 'Top 10  Baby Must-Haves' and there was no way this was going to be left off.  

3. Crib Camera: Keeping an Eye on Baby from Anywhere 

A crib camera offers peace of mind like no other. Being able to monitor your baby while they sleep, no matter where you are in the house (or even away from home), is incredibly reassuring. Look for one with clear night vision, two-way audio, and a secure connection to ensure you always have an eye on your little one while they’re in their crib. I personally, chose a camera and monitor set because even if they have an app to use, sometimes you cannot use your phone and watch the baby on the app at the same time. I also did not like that if I need someone to come by and watch my son while I was away, they would then have access to the app login even when they are not at my house. (I love my in-laws but I can promise you once some of them had that login, there was no way we would be able to get it off their phone without us removing it ourselves). I chose one that had a monitor for when we are at the house but also was able to login to the app. This was perfect for the first time I left my son with my husband and went grocery shopping with my mom. I was so anxious and nervous to be away from him, even with a husband who is so confident with our baby. I knew he was safe but that first few times being without your baby can be really tough. Having the option to have a monitor and use an app was seriously one of the best investments.  

4. Car Camera: Safe Travels with a View of Your Baby 

Traveling with your newborn can be stressful, especially when they’re rear-facing in the car seat, and you can’t see them. A car camera eliminates that worry by giving you a live view of your baby from the driver’s seat. Instead of craning your neck or using mirrors, a car camera lets you see if they’re sleeping, fussing, or need your attention while on the go. I can assure you that the first time driving alone with your fragile little baby feels like a dangerous adventure through a world apocalypses all while trying to stay focused and still abide by all driving laws (Okayyy...I might be exaggerating but again that postpartum anxiety is no joke). Having a car camera is a life saver. After I went back to work and we were using both cars for daycare drop off and pick up, we got one for the other car.  

5. Velcro Swaddles: Wrapping Made Easy 

Swaddling is a fantastic way to soothe your baby and help them sleep, but getting the perfect wrap with a traditional blanket can be tricky. Velcro swaddles simplify the process, giving your baby that snug, comforting feeling without the hassle of folding or wrapping. I personally LOVED using a regular swaddle but my husband was on the struggle bus. When I was healing and severely needed uninterrupted sleep, I relied on him for middle of the night changes/bottle feedings. We had to use something that Dad could easily use and was effective against the little escape artist we created. Velcro Swaddles for the save! #DadHack 

6. Shower Support: Safe and Comfy Bath Time 

Did you know babies are slippery?! Bathing a newborn can be nerve-wracking, but a shower support or bath seat designed for infants takes away the stress. These supports cradle your baby securely in the water, allowing you to wash them safely and comfortably. Look for one that’s slip-resistant and dries quickly for easy storage between baths.  

7. Smart Light Bulbs: Control the Ambiance with Ease 

Smart light bulbs are a surprising but incredibly useful tool for new parents. You can control the brightness and color temperature from your phone, meaning you can dim the lights for nighttime feedings without fully waking yourself or your baby. Set them on a timer or adjust the light based on your baby’s sleep schedule to create the perfect calming environment for naps and bedtime. Set it and forget it! Every night at 8 o'clock the lights would dim enough that we could sleep through the light and not fully wake up the baby when we would get up to change him. Also, it has been over 6months since we have even touched the settings/app and it is still working flawlessly. The best brand we've found is Enbrighten (found on Amazon or at www.byjasco.com) as they are both affordable as well as full of cool smart home features. 

8. Hatch: The Ultimate Sleep Aid for Baby and Parents 

The Hatch is a must-have for creating a soothing sleep environment. It’s a sound machine, nightlight, and time-to-rise alarm all in one. The ability to control the sound, light color, and brightness through an app makes it easy to set the perfect conditions for sleep, whether your baby needs white noise, gentle rain sounds, or a calming nightlight.  

Side Note: We started using the white noise with our Hatch when I was still pregnant. That way, both of us did not need to get used to the constant noise once we brought our baby home. I slowly turned the volume up until we were completely able to use it without even noticing if it was on!  

9. My Brest Friend Pillow: Nursing Made Comfortable 

Breastfeeding can be physically demanding, and the My Brest Friend pillow offers crucial support. Unlike traditional nursing pillows, it wraps around your waist for full back support and provides a stable surface for your baby to rest on during feedings. The pillow's design helps you maintain proper posture while nursing and ensures both you and your baby are comfortable. 

10. Rocking Chair: The Ultimate Soothing Spot 

A comfortable rocking chair is a lifesaver for late-night feedings, soothing your baby to sleep, or simply bonding during quiet moments. The gentle rocking motion is calming for both you and your baby, creating a peaceful environment for feeding, cuddling, or winding down after a long day. Choose a chair with good lumbar support and soft cushions to make those frequent nursing or comforting sessions more comfortable. I totally felt like I could cheap out on a rocking chair and didn't think much about comfort. It was my husband grandmother who encouraged us to get a comfortable one and I can tell you that while you are recovering and healing, you will want a comfy chair. My best advice for a rocking chair is go for comfort over everything. Your future self will thank you.  

My Final Thoughts 

These top 10 baby products have made navigating life with a newborn so much easier for me, and I highly recommend them to any new parent. Each product serves a specific purpose, from keeping your baby safe and comfortable during sleep and travel to helping you stay organized and calm. Parenthood can be overwhelming, but having the right tools can make all the difference in creating a smooth, happy experience for you and your baby!