51 Must-have Handy Tools when taking care of Newborn

What's Covered

Obtaining gear and essentials for the new baby can be overwhelming and confusing, especially if it is your first time. New parents may don’t have a clue what to buy or where to start. Shop smart, and don’t just buy everything that the baby registry suggests. Think and weigh if the item is essential to the baby. Make sure that the things you bought will make your job as a parent a whole lot easier.  Listen to the suggestions of the experts or other parents because it might help you put a list.

Baby Care Basics

Pacifiers

BIBS BPA-Free Natural Rubber Baby Pacifier
The baby pacifier helps in self-soothing by sucking the pacifier since it resembles the shape and softness of the mother's breast. Do not forget to sterilize the pacifier first before giving it to the baby. It can be helpful to parents since it provides comfort to the baby, therefore, less crying.


Nasal Aspirator

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Braun Nasal Aspirator
Nasal aspirator helps in clearing the nasal passages when the baby has a stuffy nose. This aspirator has an electric suction with two types of excellent tips for both toddlers and infants. It has an ergonomic design that allows suction from different angles.

Thermometer

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Safety 1st 3-in0 Nursery Thermometer
The thermometer can measure the temperature through oral, rectal, or underarm. It has an accurate reading within 30 seconds. It is comfortable to use because it has a flexible tip. It is cheap, durable, accurate, and calibrated easily. Knowing the temperature of your baby is important so you can monitor it and pass the information to the pediatrician.



Nursery

Baby Crib

A crib is essential to have since your baby needs a safe place to sleep. Parents can feel comfortable since the baby has a safe sleeping environment.  When purchasing a crib, always remember that it should have a firm mattress covered by a fitted sheet. Parents will not be worried about sudden infant death syndrome. Do not put many items besides the baby since this is one reason for suffocating and sudden infant death. Try to put the baby beside you or near you to fully monitor him or her. Check if there are defects in baby cribs because they can cause injuries or, worst, death. [1]

ACRABROS Safety Baby Crib Tent Bed Canopy
This crib is practical to use because it prevents the baby from climbing out of bed. You will never be worried if the baby falls from the crib since it comes with a canopy and cover that are stable and durable. Plus, it has a net that keeps out insects away from the baby. This crib is convenient for both the baby and parent because it makes the baby safe.

Changing Table

A changing table is convenient because it keeps your nappy-changing supplies in one place. The primary benefit of having a changing table is adjusting the height that is comfortable for you. Changing a baby can put a considerable strain on your back and knees since you will be changing several times a day.

EGREE Baby Changing Table Portable Folding Diaper Changing Station with Wheels
This changing table is adjustable that makes it convenient to the parents. It can reduce the risk of having knee and back pain due to bending and kneeling. It is also sturdy and long-lasting to use. You can quickly move it because it has built-in wheels. The fabrics are safe and skin-friendly. The changing table can be easily folded thus saving  up more space.

Humidifier

Humidifiers have two types: warm mist humidifier and cool mist humidifier. Pediatricians recommend a warm mist humidifier since they emit warm air that can kill germs and viruses. Warm air also helps the baby breathe by minimizing the mucus build-up and opening the respiratory passages. Cool mist humidifiers, on the other hand, releases cool or room temperature air. Doctors will only recommend a cool-mist humidifier when the baby is suffering from croup. Croup is a common illness for children that causes hoarseness. Treatment with moist air is highly recommended as a home treatment and is widely used.[2]

Air Humidifier for Bedroom Top Fill 6L Large Capacity for Large Room Warm & Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier with Humidistat
This humidifier regulates the level of humidity for your room. It has both a cool and warm setting. It is simple to use because it has smart features. It is also convenient because it can scan the environment and automatically regulate the mist output.

Vaporizer

Vaporize creates warm mist by boiling the water and releasing the air as steam. Vaporizers and humidifiers are somewhat similar, but a vaporizer is better for people that have indoor allergens. It creates a mist that has fewer contaminants than a humidifier.

Vicks Nursery 1 Gallon Vaporizer with Night-Light Warm Steam Vaporizer for Baby Room
This vaporizer creates moisture to the air. This vaporizer is a good tool for the baby because it can help them sleep better, especially when they have a cold. The Vicks vaporizer gives temporary relief from congestion and cough caused by colds or allergies.

Baby Rocker

Owning a baby rocker can help the baby sleep easily. These are designed to have the same sensation as if they are still in their mother’s arms. It also comes with toys that the baby can enjoy. The sway movements of the baby rocker resemble the feeling inside before the baby was born.  Your kid is perfectly safe since it comes with a safety belt.

Dresser

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Sorbus Dresser with 7 Drawers
This dresser is suitable for nursery. The design of this dresser is kid-friendly. You can organize the baby supplies or clothes since it has seven drawers.

Hamper

Munchkin Laundry Hamper with Lid
You can store the baby's laundry in it. It is lightweight and has a large capacity. Very convenient and easy to use since you can fold it flat when you store it.  You can move and lift it easily because it has soft padded handles.

Baby Monitor

Having a baby monitor can reduce the anxiety and stress of the parents. This baby monitor helps the parents monitor the baby easily. It also avoids the risk of waking up the baby.

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Motorola Connect40 by Hubble Connected Video Baby Monitor
It comes with a subscription that helps parents track the growth and development of the baby. It has a mic you can use to communicate. The camera allows you to capture a bright video at night, so you won't have to open up the lights that can wake up the baby. This is good for monitoring the baby with health issues.

Breastfeeding Gears

Electric Breast Pump

This product is convenient for mothers that are working. This breast pump is also beneficial if you have baby twins. Consider these things when purchasing a breast pump: double pumps, easy to use, clean, assemble, and speed. 

Electric Breast Pump with Strong Suction Power and Pain-Free
This double electric pump provides comfort, therefore, lessens the pain. It also aids in unblocking the mammary glands of the breast.  It has an LCD touch screen that displays the screen even at night.  The pump creates a low noise so it cannot disturb the baby. You can bring it anywhere with you. Since it is a double pump, you can pump milk simultaneously, giving less time on pumping.

Breastmilk Storage Bags

Nursing Pillow

Nursing Bras

There is a huge difference between a regular bra and a nursing bra. The nursing bra does not have an underwire that causes aching and swelling of your breast. This is good for the health of both the mother and baby because it can reduce the risk of having mastitis. In a study conducted by Fetherston, at least fifty-one percent have mastitis within the first two postpartum weeks. [3]

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Hands Free Pumping Bra
It can be used when you are breastfeeding, pumping or both.  This nursing bra can hold bottles securely and comfortably. This also serves as privacy when you are breastfeeding.  Overall, it gives you comfort, good for the health, and convenient.

Nursing Pads

There are five nursing pads: disposable, reusable, silicone, homemade, and hydrogel pads. The best option is reusable nursing pads.

Bamboobies Nursing Pads for Breastfeeding
This nursing pad is great for newborn nursing and heavy leaking.  It is reusable and washable. This is the most cost-effective among the other types of nursing pads. It is environmentally friendly because you can use it again instead of the disposable ones. Buying a few pairs can be convenient.

Cotton Bibs

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Organic Baby Bibs for Boys & Girls
This cotton bib is super absorbent and made purely from organic cotton. It covers the baby's torso and chest at all times. The size of the bib is adjustable according to the size of the baby's neck. Bibs do not cost too much and protect the clothes from getting stained. It also protects the baby from getting rashes caused by food pills.

Burp Cloths

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Muslin Burp Cloths 6 Pack Large 100% Cotton Hand Washcloths 6 Layers Extra Absorbent and Soft
Burp cloths protect the clothes from the sticky messes of the baby. It can also serve as a cover when the mother is breastfeeding. This is convenient for the baby since it provides cleanliness and good hygiene.

Nipple Cream

This is helpful when the nipples are dry, sore, and cracked.  This is safe for both mother and baby since it is purely organic.

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Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream for Breastfeeding
This is clinically tested and safe to use. Lanolin can protect sore nipples, and it relieves pain. This is the most recommended nipple cream by doctors because it is made naturally. You won't have to remove the nipple cream during breastfeeding since it is safe for the baby.

The use of lanolin showed a better result than any other creams in the study conducted in Brazil. It lessens the pain of the nipples when using lanolin cream. [4]

Formula Feeding Gear

Baby bottles with newborn nipples

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Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Baby Bottle
These are breast-shaped nipples. Your baby won't have a problem since the nipples are made of smooth silicone.

Bottle Sterilizer

Sterilization of the baby’s bottle is necessary for your baby’s health. It can reduce the risk of having infections coming from bacterias and germs.[5] It is a top priority when it comes to the health of the baby.  In the United Kingdom, a statistic was conducted in 2010 that the primary method for sterilizing baby bottles is using a sterilizer.

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Philips Avent Microwave Steam Sterilizer for Baby Bottles, Pacifiers, Cups, and More
This bottle sterilizer uses natural steam to kill the germs and bacteria. It is chemical-free, so it is safe to use. It only takes two minutes to sterilize the bottle, which is convenient. The bottle sterilizer is lightweight that you can use it when you are traveling or visiting someone.

Dry Formula Dispenser

Philips Avent Powder Formula Dispenser and Snack Cup
This formula dispenser can hold 3 to 260 milliliter of powder. This is convenient since you will not worry about if you counted the right amount of formula, especially at night when you are still half asleep.

Bottle Dying Rack

nanobebe Slim Drying Rack
This product is handy because you can dry baby bottles whatever their size. It comes with an adjustable peg and a dry mat. A drying rack is essential since it prevents the bottle to be exposed to mold and mildew, which is not safe for the baby.

Bottle Cleaning Brush

OXO Tot Bottle Brush with Nipple Cleaner and Stand
The bristles of the brush are gentle for cleaning and scrubbing. The neck is flexible, which fits any size bottles. It comes with a silicone nipple cleaner to clean the tight spaces and for the bottle nipples, breast pump parts and sippy cup.

Insulated Cooler

Breastmilk Cooler Bag Insulated Baby Bottle Bag
Having an insulated cooler is suitable when you are going out with the baby. It can store breastmilk or formula milk. This is also waterproof and leakproof to protect the items inside.

Solid-food Feeding Items

High Chair

Infant Feeding Spoon

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NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils Baby Spoon Set (First Stage + Second Stage)
The spoon is designed for two stages: First Stage and Second Stage. Stage one is for beginners, while Stage two is for babies that know food-to-mouth motion. It is safe for the baby to use since it is not made from harmful chemicals. Pediatricians even recommend this baby spoon.

Infant Bowl

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Baby Bowls with Guaranteed Suction
This baby bowl is perfect because it has a bottom suction that can prevent spilling of foods. This means it is not messy and less cleaning time for the parents.

Baby Food Mill

Baby Food Maker
This food maker is multifunctional. It can steam, blend, heat, stir and preserve the food. It has smart functions that can keep the food temperature optimal, which is good for the baby's health. This is worth the money because it is all in one.

Bathing Necessities

Bath Seat

Summer My Bath Seat with Toys
The bath seat serves as a support for the baby while taking a bath. It can be set-up, remove, and store easily without hassle. It has suction cups on both sides to provide security and stability. It also comes with toys so the baby can have fun with it.

Baby Comb and Brush Set

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Safety 1st Easy Grip Brush and Comb
The brush have soft bristles. Easy to handle for both the parent and baby. The comb has two types: thick for wet hair and thin for dry hair. Combing the hair of the baby can prevent having tangles.

Bath Thermometer

Faucet Guard

Boon Flo Water Deflector r& Faucet Cover with Bubble Bath Dispenser
This faucet guard can create a waterfall effect. The purpose of this item is to deflect water thus protecting the baby from bumps and bruises.

Baby Clothing

Baby Hangers

Baby Nest Designs grey Baby Hangers for Matching Closet Dividers and Nursery Organizer 15x Velvet Hangers for Baby Clothe
Baby clothes tend to slide and fall to the ground. These hangers can grip the clothes firmly. You can easily organize the baby clothes using hangers.


Diapering Gear

Diaper Pail

Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail
This diaper pail is cost-effective and easy to handle. You can put the dirty diapers into the diaper pail. A diaper pail is different from regular trash cans because they take away the foul smell coming from the dirty diapers.


Changing Pad Cover

Kizua Changing Pad Cover For Fast, Easy Diaper Changes with Diaper Grip
This is convenient when changing a diaper because it has a diaper grip taps that can hold a diaper in place. Changing diapers can be easier when you have this changing pad cover. It is machine washable, water-resistant and dryer safe.


Grooming Gear

Nail Set

Baby Nail Filer and Baby Nail Clippers with Light Set
This a set you can use to groom the nails of your baby. It comes with a soft nail trimmer, which is safe to use. It has a built-in front light and a whisper-quiet motor, so you can easily trim the nails even at night while the baby is sleeping. The set also has an electric nail file that even adults can use. Trimming the nails is important to prevent having wounds due to scratching.

Babyproofing

Childproofing can make the house much safer for the baby. It can prevent the baby from having injuries. Try to check your place on the baby’s perspective to know what to babyproof.

Gates for Stairs

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Regalo 2-in-1 Extra Tall Easy Swing Stairway and Hallway Walk Through Baby Gate
It can be put on top or bottom stairs, hallways and doorways. The gate is adjustable, durable, and convenient. It can prevent falling injuries.

Cabinet, Drawer and Furniture Latches

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20 Pack Magnetic Cabinet Locks Baby Proofing
Install the magnetic locks in the kitchen, bathroom, pantry room, bedroom, and storage area. The baby will now be safe from the dangerous chemicals and tools. It is easy to install without drilling a hole on the cabinets and drawers.

Outlet Covers

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Outlet Covers Babyproofing 50-Pack by Wappa Baby
Easy to install, plug it in the outlet. It serves as protection from having electric shocks. The plugs are difficult to remove by the children.

Corner Guards

BlueBurps Furniture Edge and Corner Guards Table Edge Protectors for Baby Proofing Bumper for Fireplace, Stair, Cabinet, Countertop
It is strong, tear, oil, and water-resistant. It can protect your children from accidents like hitting a sharp corner.


Toilet Lock

Baby Travel Gears

Car Seat

In 2016, Alexander Kunst surveyed to determine if there is brand awareness for car seats. It shows that 58% of the United States respondents know the baby car seat brand Evenflo.

Evenflo EveryStage All-in-One Car Seat
This is a reclining car seat and has an EasyClick Latch system which gives tight installation. It includes a rear-facing harness, a forward-facing harness, and a belt-positioning booster for the baby's safety. This car seat can be used for up to 10 years. Having a car seat is beneficial to the baby because it can prevent common car injuries like head and spinal injuries.

Baby Stroller



Baby Carrier

Unichart 360 All Carry Positions Baby Carrier Baby Hip Seat Carrier (Grey)
The baby is comfortable in this carrier because it has a hip seat that helps in the development of having a proper hip. The shoulder strap is adjustable to the baby's weight, thus reducing the strain. It is made up of breathable cotton, so it is soft and comfortable for the baby. The carrier can soothe the baby since they feel their parents with them. It can be useful for the social development of the baby since they are learning and interacting with the environment.

Diaper Bag

SunShades for Cars

Car Sun Shades for Side and Rear Window (4 Pack)
This sunshades protect children from UV Sun rays. The sunshades can be placed quickly and easily on windows.  Children can be comfortable traveling because they are protected from the heat of the sun.

Other Baby Necessities

Infant Seat

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Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat
The infant seat can support the baby in an upright position. The seats are soft, cozy, and comfortable for the baby. It comes with toys so the baby can have fun while sitting. This infant seat is completely recyclable. 


Heavy Blankets to Lay on the Floor

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Burt's Bees Baby – Reversible Blanket
This heavy blanket is durable and soft. This is comfortable for the baby since they will start crawling and walking. It prevents the baby to have injuries.

Teether



Basket for Toys

Silanto Grey Storage Baskets Bins
This basket is a perfect storage for the toys of the baby. It can be easily lifted and transported because it has two rope handles on both sides. This basket can also store other things like blankets, towels, shoes, clothes and other things.


Final Thoughts

Being ready is part of being a parent. You will need things to provide for the necessities of your baby. It can be expensive, but it is worth it because it can provide your baby’s comfort and safety. Start purchasing the essentials one by one if the baby is still not born. Having this essential can lessen the parents’ stress and tiredness, which means more time for bonding. It will give joy and fulfillment to the baby and parents. Try to put a list for your baby essentials. Since some of the items are expensive, try to ask your family, friends, and colleagues to give them as a gift to the baby shower, or they can hand over some secondhand items.


[1] Mummalaneni, Vaibhav, et al. “Social media analytics for quality surveillance and safety hazard detection in baby cribs.” Safety science 104 (2018): 260-268.

[2] Moore, Michael, and Paul Little. “Humidified air inhalation for treating croup: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Family practice 24.4 (2007): 295-301.

[3] Fetherston, C. “Characteristics of lactation mastitis in a Western Australian cohort.” Breastfeeding review: professional publication of the Nursing Mothers’ Association of Australia 5.2 (1997): 5-11. Fetherston, C. “Characteristics of lactation mastitis in a Western Australian cohort.” Breastfeeding review: professional publication of the Nursing Mothers’ Association of Australia 5.2 (1997): 5-11.

[4] Mariani Neto, Corintio, et al. “Comparative study of the use of HPA Lanolin and breast milk for treating pain associated with nipple trauma.” Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia 40.11 (2018): 664-672.

[5] Towle, D., et al. “Baby bottle steam sterilizers for disinfecting home nebulizers inoculated with non-tuberculous mycobacteria.” Journal of Hospital Infection 92.3 (2016): 222-225.

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Author

Vivian Perry

Vivian Perry

Mother of 3 kids. Enjoy reading parenting books and studied child care degree. Vivian loves to learn and write about parenting tips and help her kids to grow positively with grit mindset.

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