18 Must Have Baby and Postpartum Items I Wish I Bought Before My First Baby
Updated: Sep 10
The first few weeks with a newborn taught me something very quickly: the right baby gear is not about having the prettiest nursery. It is about making the middle-of-the-night feeds, contact naps, healing days, and “how has it already been three hours?” moments feel a little less chaotic.
Before my first baby, I bought the obvious things. Diapers, onesies, bottles, burp cloths, the cute little outfits. What I did not fully understand was how much I would need comfort, convenience, and easy access. I wish I had prepared more for my own recovery and for the repetitive parts of newborn care.
This list is not about buying everything on the internet. It is the stuff I genuinely wish I had ready before baby came home, from feeding supplies to postpartum care carts to the cozy things that made long nights more manageable.
A quick note before we get into it: this is based on personal experience and is informational only. For medical questions, feeding concerns, postpartum healing, safe sleep, or product safety, always check with your doctor, pediatrician, or lactation consultant.
The comfort items I wish I had ready from day one
1. A comfortable rocking chair
I underestimated how much time I would spend sitting down with a baby in my arms.
Feeding, burping, rocking, scrolling at 3 a.m., waiting for a tiny person to finish grunting themselves back to sleep. A good rocking chair quickly becomes more than nursery decor. It becomes your little command center.
If I could go back, I would prioritize comfort over looks. The chair needs to support your back, arms, and neck. Bonus points if it has a high back, soft armrests, and enough room to tuck a pillow beside you.
A rocking chair is especially helpful when baby is fussy but not fully crying. Sometimes that gentle rhythm is enough to settle them, and sometimes it is just enough to help you stay calm too.
What I would look for:
A soft but supportive seat
Armrests at a comfortable feeding height
A washable or easy-to-clean fabric
Enough room to sit with a nursing pillow or baby blanket
A smooth rock or glide that does not squeak
This is one of those items that feels optional before baby arrives, then feels essential once you are living the newborn routine.
I did not have hundreds to spend on a rocking chair but I found an affordable one on Amazon that would suit my needs.
Here is the Amazon link to the exact chair I have: https://a.co/d/0csmsSAs
This chair was simple for my husband to put together, the back leans almost all the way flat, the pockets on the sides were helpful for placing burp cloths, my phone, and the tv remote, the foot swing up and down easily and has everything a simple rocking chair should have.
2. A baby swing
A baby swing is not a replacement for holding your baby, and it is not meant for unsupervised sleep. But for awake time when you need to eat, fold laundry, pump, or just rest your arms for five minutes, it can be such a relief.
I wish I had one set up earlier because newborns often want constant motion. A swing can provide gentle movement while you sit nearby, sip coffee while it is still warm, or get a few things done.
The best swing is not always the fanciest one. Some babies like side-to-side motion. Some prefer front-to-back. Some hate swings entirely. If possible, choose one with a few speed settings and a washable seat cover.
Use it safely, follow the weight and age limits, and move baby to a safe sleep space if they fall asleep.
I was lucky enough to have a mom from church give me her swing when she no longer needed it. Im going to an electric swing and a nonelectric bouncer as two good options. Both are the exact brands I have and still use.
Here is a link to the baby bouncer: https://a.co/d/07W3H3ub
Electric Baby Swing: https://a.co/d/0blLVuOX
3. A soft baby wrap
A soft baby wrap is one of those items I did not fully appreciate until I needed both hands back.
Newborns love being close. A wrap lets baby feel your warmth and heartbeat while you move around the house. It can be especially helpful during the witching hour, when baby wants comfort but you still need to eat dinner or pour a glass of water.
There is a learning curve. The first few times you wrap it, you may feel like you are folding a fitted sheet around your body. Practice before baby arrives. Watch tutorials from the brand, try it with a doll or stuffed animal, and make sure you know how to keep baby’s airway clear and positioned correctly.
A soft wrap is great for:
Contact naps while supervised
Fussy evenings
Short walks around the house
Having your hands free
Bonding in those early weeks
If you are recovering from birth, be gentle with yourself. Start with short periods and check with your provider if you have concerns about babywearing during recovery.
Here is the link for the wrap I have: https://a.co/d/0aTgiksw
4. A Hatch sound machine
I wish I had a sound machine ready before the first night home.
A Hatch sound machine, or any reliable white noise machine, can help create a consistent sleep environment. Newborns are used to a noisy womb, so a completely silent room can actually feel strange to them. White noise can soften household sounds like doors closing, dogs barking, dishes clinking, and older siblings moving around.
The Hatch is popular because it combines sound and light. I especially like the idea of having a gentle night light for diaper changes and feeds so you are not blasting the room with overhead lights.
My favorite uses for it:
White noise during naps and nighttime sleep
Dim light for feeds and diaper changes
A consistent bedtime cue as baby gets older
A soft glow that helps you move around safely
Keep the volume at a safe level and place the machine away from baby’s head. You want background noise, not a speaker right beside the bassinet.
This item is a slurge but I have had mine for more than 2 years and still use it to this day.
This is the new design (I have the old one) but this is truly a great product.
Here is the Amazon link: https://a.co/d/06nUGFrN
5. A bedside bassinet
A bedside bassinet would have made those early nights so much easier.
Newborns wake often. Feeding, diaper changes, soothing, more feeding, more soothing. Having baby close by saves you from getting fully out of bed every single time. A bedside bassinet makes it easier to check on baby, respond quickly, and still follow safe sleep guidance.
Look for a firm, flat sleep surface and breathable sides. Make sure it meets current safety standards and fits your bed height if you want the bedside style.
I would also pay attention to how easy it is to clean. Spit-up, diaper leaks, and milk drips happen. Removable, washable pieces are a real gift.
Safe sleep matters here. Baby should sleep on their back, on a firm mattress, with no loose blankets, pillows, bumpers, or stuffed animals in the bassinet.
I used this bassinet, it allowed me to pick up my baby without getting up out of bed, and I could still see and hear them while ensuring I was following safe sleep standards.
The version I have is a few years old and doesn't come with the new sound buttons, however, the swivel stand, and adjustable height are the same and very useful. I have used it for two babies and will use it for more.
Here is the Amazon link: https://a.co/d/03V6GEfP
(This was a gift to me when I had my first baby, this is a good item to put on a baby registry)
The little stations that make newborn care easier
6. Organizers for diapers and essentials
Before baby, I thought diaper supplies belonged at the changing table. After baby, I realized they belong wherever you are at 2 a.m.
A bedside table organizer is such a simple thing, but it can save your sanity. Stock it with diapers, wipes, bum cream, and anything your pediatrician recommends for gas, such as Mylicon drops. Then when baby wakes up, everything is within reach.
The key is to make it small but complete. You do not need the whole nursery beside your bed. You just need the items you reach for over and over.
I would keep:
A few diapers
A pack of wipes
Bum cream
Hand sanitizer
Burp cloths
A small trash bag or diaper disposal bags
Mylicon drops if approved by your pediatrician
This is especially helpful if you are recovering and movement is uncomfortable. Fewer trips across the room can make a big difference.
The bedside table organizer->https://a.co/d/0i6n6sSO
7. A meal delivery subscription for the first few weeks
I wish I had planned food with the same seriousness I planned the nursery.
The first few weeks are tender and tiring. Cooking can feel impossible, and relying only on snacks can leave you feeling depleted. A meal delivery subscription can take away the pressure of figuring out dinner and make it easier to rest.
My favorite has been CookUnity because it feels like real meals without the work of cooking from scratch. Having something ready in the fridge can be the difference between eating a full meal and surviving on crackers over the sink.
This also makes a great baby shower gift if people ask what you need. Instead of more tiny clothes, meals are practical and deeply appreciated.
If a subscription is not in the budget, a freezer meal day before baby arrives can help too. Think soups, breakfast burritos, pasta bakes, shredded chicken, muffins, and anything you can heat with one hand.
I do not receive any type of compensation from CookUnity for recommending them. After trialing different subscriptions, I have found that their meals are easy to choose and order and taste the best! If you give them a try, please let me know what you think.
8. A baby blanket that smells like mom
This one sounds small, but I wish I had thought of it earlier.
Before baby arrives, sleep with a baby blanket or hold it close while resting so it picks up your scent. After baby is born, that familiar smell can be comforting during supervised snuggles, stroller walks, or while another caregiver holds baby nearby.
The important safety note is this: do not place a loose blanket in a newborn’s crib or bassinet for sleep. Loose blankets are not recommended in infant sleep spaces. Use this as a comfort item while baby is awake, supervised, or being held.
I liked the idea of having something soft that smelled like me because newborns are so connected to scent. It can help bridge those moments when someone else is soothing baby and you need to shower, eat, or rest.
If you you use washable breast pads that catch drips, these can be useful too. But a soft blanket that your baby will use, you can order weeks or months before their arrival and sleep with it.
Here is the blanket I bought and used for my son, it is less than $10, so you could buy multiple in different colors.
Here is the Amazon link: https://a.co/d/0hI54VJN
Here is an option for washable bamboo breast pads since I mentioned those-> (I have a set I have used in both my pregnancies, they are very durable)
Here is an Amazon link: https://a.co/d/09zwez5a
9. A soft minky set of swaddle sleep sacks
Swaddling can be magical when baby likes it. It can help with the startle reflex and make those early stretches of sleep feel smoother.
I wish I had a soft minky set of swaddle sleep sacks ready before coming home. The set matters because one will be in use, one will be in the wash, and one will somehow disappear right when you need it.
Sleep sacks with Velcro or zipper designs can be much easier than traditional swaddle blankets, especially during sleepy nighttime changes. You do not want to be learning a complicated wrap at 4 a.m. while baby is hungry and furious.
A sleep sack that swaddles when you want it to and doesn't when you do can make your purchase last longer till your baby grows out of the product.
Stop swaddling once baby shows signs of rolling, or whenever your pediatrician recommends. At that point, transition to an arms-out sleep sack.
Here are the sleep sacks that I have purchased with two kids an din multiple sizes as theyve grown. They are simple and not the most expensive ont he market, but for me theyve done the job.
Infant-6 month minke swaddle sleep sacks: https://a.co/d/0bkqOy45
Fleece sleep sacks for colder weather: https://a.co/d/0ifzFkts
Minke sleep sacks for older kiddos: https://a.co/d/06FLSGYG
The feeding supplies I wish I had before the milk came in
10. An insurance-covered breast pump and milk storage bags
If you plan to breastfeed or pump, order your breast pump before baby arrives.
I wish I had treated this as a pre-baby task instead of something to figure out later. Many insurance plans cover a breast pump, and it can take time to choose one, place the order, and receive it. My favorite pump has been the Spectra because it is reliable, comfortable for many people, and popular for regular pumping.
Breastmilk storage bags are also worth having on hand, especially if you end up with an oversupply or need to build a small freezer stash. Even if you do not know what your supply will look like, having one box ready saves you from a last-minute store run.
A few things I wish I had known:
Pump flange size matters for comfort and output
Storage bags should lay flat to freeze
Label bags with the date and amount
Pump parts need frequent washing
A lactation consultant can help if pumping hurts or feels confusing
Feeding can be emotional and unpredictable. Having supplies ready does not lock you into one path. It simply gives you options.
I highly recommend seeing if your insurance will cover the cost of a breast pump but this is the pump I swear by and use every day.
Here is the Link to the Spectra Breast pump I use: https://a.co/d/00JLKVwA
11. Absorbent bra pads for leaking
Leaking surprised me.
I knew it could happen, but I did not realize how annoying it would be to wake up with wet pajamas or soak through a bra during the day. Absorbent bra pads are a small, inexpensive item that can protect your bras and make you feel more comfortable.
There are disposable and washable options. I liked having both. Disposable pads are convenient for the diaper bag or busy days. Washable pads can feel softer and save money over time.
Keep a few by your bed, in the bathroom, and in your diaper bag. When you need them, you need them quickly.
I already mentioned reusable nursing pads above, but if you are on the go or prefer to be able to toss the nursing pads I recommend the Lansinoh disposable nursing pads
Here is the Amazon link to the Lansinoh Disposable Nursing Pads: https://a.co/d/0eVQS6fb
12. Pumping bras and nursing bras
A regular bra is not built for postpartum feeding life.
Nursing bras make it easier to feed without fully undressing. Pumping bras let you pump hands-free, which is a huge deal when you are tired, hungry, or trying to text someone back with both pump bottles attached.
I wish I had bought a few soft nursing bras and at least one good pumping bra before baby came. Comfort matters more than anything. Your body changes a lot in those early weeks, so avoid anything too tight, stiff, or complicated.
My ideal setup would be:
Two or three soft nursing bras
One hands-free pumping bra
One sleep bra
A few absorbent pads nearby
Skip underwire in the very beginning if it feels uncomfortable or puts pressure on tender spots. Soft and stretchy is the goal.
I have these same bras linked in my blog post titled "10 Must Haves for Breastfeeding and Pumping."
This is the bar I wear out when I still want to be able to nurse but I don't want to show the harsh lines of a pumpin bra. Amazon link: https://a.co/d/013XGgGd
These are the bras I lived in the first few weeks coming home. They are a double nursing bra and pumping bra, there is no underwire, and I've purchased them with both of my pregnancies. Here is the Amazon link: https://a.co/d/009ABOYi
The best part about these multipacks is that you get 3 bras for the same price as 1 of the name brand nursing bras, so they are a good purchase for your money.
13. Loose and soft pajama sets
I did not need beautiful postpartum outfits. I needed pajamas that were soft, loose, and easy to feed in.
The first weeks after birth are full of leaking, sweating, bleeding, feeding, and resting whenever possible. Tight waistbands and scratchy fabrics are not it. A few pajama sets that feel good on your skin can make you feel more human.
Button-down tops are helpful for nursing and skin-to-skin. Loose pants or shorts are helpful for comfort during recovery. Dark colors or forgiving patterns can hide leaks better than light solids.
I would pick pajamas that are:
Soft enough to sleep in
Loose around the belly and hips
Easy to nurse or pump in
Machine washable
Comfortable enough to wear around visitors
This is one of those postpartum items that feels like self-care but is truly practical. I put some sets on my registry and when my baby shower came, all of them had been gifted to me! Here are links to some of the sets I received.
14. A maternity pillow for pregnancy and postpartum
A maternity pillow is useful long after pregnancy.
During pregnancy, it can support your belly, hips, knees, and back. After baby arrives, it can help you get comfortable while resting, feeding, or recovering. I wish I had thought of it as a postpartum comfort item, not just a pregnancy purchase.
Depending on the shape, you can use it to support your back in bed, prop your legs, or make side sleeping more comfortable. Some people also use it as extra support while nursing, though it should not replace safe positioning for baby.
Postpartum recovery can make normal sitting and sleeping feel awkward. A big, soft pillow gives you more ways to adjust without stacking every pillow in the house around you.
Here is the Amazon link to the maternity pillow I used: https://a.co/d/0aeVfPWr
15. A bedside or couchside phone and Kindle stand with a Bluetooth page turner
This sounds extra until you are trapped under a feeding baby for the fifth time that day.
A phone and Kindle stand with a Bluetooth page turner would have been one of my favorite “why didn’t I buy this sooner?” items. During breastfeeding, pumping, or contact naps, your hands are often busy. Having a stand lets you read, scroll, watch a show, or text without balancing your phone on a pillow.
The Bluetooth page turner is especially helpful if you read on a Kindle. You can turn pages without moving your arms and risking waking the baby.
Set one up near the bed or couch, wherever you feed most often. Add a long phone charger and a water bottle, and suddenly that corner becomes much more comfortable.
Here is the link to the stand that I have: https://a.co/d/05CT8KDi
Here is the kindle page turner I use: https://a.co/d/025BbBsw
If scrolling is your thing here is a highly recommended phone scroller: https://a.co/d/0exH2z9u
The postpartum care items and carts I wish I set up early
16. Vagisil feminine wash
Postpartum hygiene can feel intimidating at first, especially when everything is sore and sensitive.
I wish I had a gentle feminine wash ready in the bathroom. Vagisil feminine wash is one option some people like for feeling fresh, but use it only as directed and avoid anything that irritates your skin. Postpartum bodies can be extra sensitive, so fragrance-free or gentle formulas may be better for many people.
Also, check with your provider about when and how to use any wash after birth, especially if you have stitches, tearing, a C-section incision, or irritation. In the very early days, many people rely mostly on warm water in a peri bottle because it is gentle and soothing.
The point is not to overdo it. The point is to have simple, gentle products available so you are not searching the bathroom cabinets while uncomfortable.
Vagisil: https://a.co/d/0bTBvXJI
17. A rollable cart for the living room
A rollable cart in the living room is one of the smartest newborn setups.
In the early weeks, you may spend a lot of time on the couch. Feeding, contact naps, diaper changes, pumping, eating, resting. Having a cart nearby means you are not constantly getting up for diapers and wipes.
I would stock a living room cart with:
Diapers
Wipes
Bum cream
Burp cloths
Extra baby clothes
Pacifiers if you use them
Hand sanitizer
A small trash bag
Snacks and a water bottle for you
The best part is that it moves. If you shift from the couch to the bedroom or another room, the cart can come with you. It keeps the house from feeling like baby supplies exploded everywhere.
A cart also helps visitors or partners find things without asking you where every single item is. That alone is worth it.
In between baby #1 and #2 I converted one into a rollable library with my daughters books and a few toys. All in all, these are great if you have room for them.
Here is the Amazon link: https://a.co/d/0av5ZLwM
18. A second rollable cart for the bathroom
If I could go back, I would set up a bathroom postpartum cart before going to the hospital.
Those first bathroom trips after birth can feel overwhelming. Having everything in one place makes it easier to care for yourself without bending, searching, or calling for someone to bring supplies.
A bathroom cart can hold:
Peri bottle
Ice packs
Adult diapers or postpartum pads
Tucks pads
Perineal spray if recommended
Extra underwear
Feminine wash
Hand towels
Any provider-approved postpartum care items
This cart is for you, and it matters. So much baby prep focuses on swaddles, bottles, and nursery items, but postpartum recovery deserves just as much planning.
Place the cart where you can reach it easily from the toilet. Keep it stocked before baby arrives. When you come home tired and tender, you will be so glad it is already there.
What I would buy before baby arrives
If I were preparing for my first baby again, I would focus less on cute extras and more on the items that support daily life. The things I reached for most were the things that made repetitive tasks easier.
Newborn care is a loop of feeding, changing, soothing, resting, and doing it all again. Postpartum recovery happens inside that loop. When your essentials are nearby, meals are handled, and your body has soft things to rest in, everything feels a little more doable.
My personal priority list would start with:
A safe bedside bassinet
A comfortable rocking chair
A sound machine
A feeding setup with bras, pads, and a pump if needed
A living room diaper cart
A bathroom postpartum cart
Easy meals for the first few weeks
Soft pajamas and recovery comfort items
You do not need every product on the market. You do need support. Sometimes support looks like a partner taking a shift. Sometimes it looks like a friend dropping off dinner. Sometimes it looks like a rolling cart full of diapers and wipes parked beside the couch.
The best baby and postpartum items are the ones that reduce effort when you are exhausted. Prepare for the baby, yes, but prepare for yourself too. You are also coming home from birth, and you deserve comfort, care, and a house that makes recovery easier.
With Love,
Hannah
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