Life as a new parent can be completely overwhelming. The second your baby arrives in the world, you’re hit with a million emotions and worries. Just one example: “Do I even own all the crap this child needs??”
Lucky for you, we have product reviews and sage advice from seasoned parents who’ve been there and tried that. Considering how small they are, newborns often use a lot of products — nursery kits, baby monitors, diaper pails, swaddles and more. That said, you don’t have to stress about buying everything new; in fact, there are plenty of items you’re better off sourcing as hand-me-downs — or skipping entirely.
As for the rest, we scoured the internet to round up the 17 trendiest newborn essentials. Click through to find out which ones come with that all-important seal of approval from new parents in the know.
A version of this article was originally published in June 2017.
Complete Nursery Care Kit
This nursery care kit from Summer Infant has it all: a nasal aspirator, a forehead thermometer, an emergency information card, nail clippers and emery boards, a comb and brush, a teether, a gum massager and finger brush, and more necessities.
Summer Infant complete nursery care kit, $16.19 at Amazon
Owlet Smart Sock 2 Baby Monitor
Track your infant's heart rate and oxygen levels with Owlet's Sock 2 smart baby monitor, which has a four-star rating on Amazon and nearly 500 reviews.
Owlet Smart Sock 2 baby monitor, $299.99 at Amazon
Ubbi Diaper Pail
Diaper pails aren't generally the most stylish additions to the nursery — or, at least, that was the case before Ubbi came along with its sleek, colorful range. But rest assured that this puppy isn't all style and zero substance. The pail's steel body and tightly sealed lid keep that dirty diaper smell where it belongs. Another plus? The Ubbi takes regular old kitchen trash bags.
Ubbi diaper pail, $69.99 at Amazon
Grass Drying Rack
If you don't want a mess of baby bottles on your kitchen counters for months, you'll love the cute Boon Grass drying rack. It also comes in Winter Clear if bright green isn't your thing.
Grass countertop drying rack, $15.99 at Boon
Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller
Baby Jogger's City Select LUX stroller grows with your child (the bench seat configuration seats a child up to 65 pounds) and with your family (it can convert from a single to double stroller). Other welcome features include all-wheel suspension, a hand brake and a range of matching accessories, including a shopping tote. Most importantly, it folds down to a compact size, making it easy to transport and take on trips.
Baby Jogger's City Select LUX stroller, $543.49 at City Select Strollers
Moby Sling
The 100 percent woven cotton Moby Sling is fully adjustable for all body types and sizes thanks to its easy-fit aluminum sling rings and will see your little one from newborn to the toddler years. To tighten or loosen the sling to create a custom fit with each wear, simply lift up on the rings.
Moby sling, $45.49 at Amazon
Béaba Babycook Pro 2X
Anything that keeps kitchen clean-up to a minimum gets a huge thumbs up from new moms. The Béaba Babycook Pro 2X is a compact countertop appliance that steams, blends and reheats baby's food with a mere turn and push of a button. It comes with two bowls, meaning you can make double the amount of food at once.
Béaba Babycook Pro 2X, $199.94 at Amazon
4moms MamaRoo 4
The 4moms MamaRoo is truly a lifesaver as it mimics the movements parents make when comforting their babies. This fully reclinable infant seat bounces up and down and sways from side to side; it also features five speed options, four soothing built-in sounds and the ability to connect to any MP3 device.
mamaRoo 4, $249.99 at 4moms
Halo Sleepsack Swaddle
The Halo Sleepsack swaddle is the only three-way adjustable swaddle that adjusts to a baby's sleep style — choose from swaddling arms in, hands to face or swaddling with one or both arms out. The Halo is used in hospitals nationwide and is recognized as hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Halo Sleepsack swaddle, $21.99 at Amazon
Pipila Portable Pacifier Sterilizer
If your little one loves a pacifier, keep germs at bay with the Pipila portable UV pacifier sterilizer. It does its job in minutes and is small enough to take with you on the go.
Pipila portable pacifier sterilizer, $37.42 at Amazon
Jonathan Adler Deluxe Rock ‘n Play Sleeper
The Jonathan Adler and Fisher-Price Deluxe Rock 'n Play Sleeper is referred to in reviews as as the "dream machine." Its SmartConnect technology means you can control sounds, music, rocking speed and vibrations from your smart device anywhere in the house without disturbing your baby.
Jonathan Adler Deluxe Rock 'n Play Sleeper, $149.99 at Fisher-Price
Blooming Bath Lotus Baby Bath
This little lotus baby bath is super-soft and cuddly, and the four-petal design fits sinks perfectly.
Blooming Bath Lotus baby bath, $39.99 at Amazon
7 A.M. Enfant Blanket 212 Evolution
The 7 A.M. Enfant Blanket is a great investment. Thanks to its zippered length and width extensions, it grows with your child from infancy through preschool. It also adapts to any stroller or car seat and converts into a large blanket; it's basically the coziest thing in the world.
7 A.M. Enfant Blanket 212 Evolution, $189.99 at Buy Buy Baby
SNOO Smart Sleeper by Happiest Baby
A bassinet that promises a good night's sleep for everyone is priceless, right? Meet the Snoo, which is based on Dr. Harvey Karp's famed five S's: swaddle, side or stomach, shush, swing and suck. The mattress produces white noise and "swings" up to 1/2 inch in each direction to help settle babies to sleep. It even has hidden microphones that detect a waking baby and respond with increased sound and motion. Plus, the Snoo is possibly the most beautiful sleeper we've ever seen.
SNOO Smart Sleeper by Happiest Baby, $870 on Amazon
Fisher-Price Dance and Move BeatBowWow
The colorful, musical Dance and Move BeatBowWow from Fisher-Price will stimulate your baby's senses with its funky moves and multicolored LED tummy.
Fisher-Price Dance and Move BeatBowWow, $22.74 at Amazon
Peg Perego Siesta High Chair
The Peg Perego Siesta is the only high chair you'll ever need. As your child grows, adjust the height and recline positions — this genius chair can be adjusted to suit different table heights as well. When it's not in use, fold it flat and easily store it out of sight.
Peg Perego Siesta high chair, $299.99 at Amazon
Aden + Anais Cactus Swaddle Blanket
If it's good enough for Kate Middleton, it's good enough for all new moms. The Aden + Anais swaddle is 100 percent breathable, soft cotton muslin — and comes in so many gorgeous patterns, you'll struggle to pick your favorite. It's also probably the most versatile item you'll ever have in your changing bag; it can be used as a stroller cover, burp cloth, nursing cover or blanket.
Cactus blooms swaddle blanket, $16 at Aden + Anais
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