Everything first-time parents need to buy and prepare before the baby arrives

Prepare for your baby’s arrival with these top must-haves

It’s easy to become overwhelmed when preparing for the arrival of your first baby, whether you’re pregnant or adopting a precious little one. While friends and family love to offer unsolicited advice about their must-have gadgets, and you can walk into any store and get lost in its many baby aisles, you might still wonder what you need.

While the number of items you need to care for your little one is pretty short, there are a ton of helpful tools that will make your life easier. We’ve consulted BestReviews baby and child expert Dr. Aimee Ketchum to help us figure out everything first-time parents need to buy and prepare before the baby arrives.

In this article: Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Baby Carrier, Boppy Nursing Pillow And Positioner and iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer.

How to prepare for the arrival of a new baby

• Gather baby gear: “Babies seem to require so many accessories, but it can actually be quite simple,” Ketchum said. “There are a lot of extras that take up space and are not necessary for a newborn baby.” Instead of getting overwhelmed, opt for the “less is more” approach, especially during those first few months when your baby isn’t doing much. Then, you can figure out what will make your life easier and the gear your little one will love. To start, Ketchum said, “The most important things to have on hand before the baby is born besides clothing and diapers are a new car seat, a bedside bassinet, formula and bottles (even if you are planning to breastfeed, a little bit of formula is a good idea in case supplementation is needed) and I recommend a Boppy, a baby carrier and some baby health essentials.”
• Stock up on food and essentials: Whether it's making and freezing meals ahead of time, stocking up on toilet paper or ensuring your furry pet has ample food and treats, preparing these essentials will ensure you have everything you need in the first few weeks after bringing your baby home. You can also make a meal train, fill prescriptions or hire a cleaner.
• Pack your hospital bag: You don’t know when your baby will be here, so it’s important to be prepared at all times. Pack your hospital bag ahead of time with essentials for both the parents and the baby. Items include disposable diapers, baby wipes, a nursing pillow, a toothbrush and other must-haves.

Best products for first-time parents

Infantino Flip Advanced 4-in-1 Baby Carrier

Ketchum recommends a baby carrier to keep your baby close during daily tasks. Babies often lean on their heads while in the car seat or crib, so a baby carrier is an excellent alternative to keep pressure off their heads. Plus, they’re great at helping babies develop vision and neck strength to see their world.

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Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner

From breastfeeding to bottle feeding, a Boppy pillow is a lifesaver for many tasks throughout a baby’s life, including sitting up as they gain more strength. Ketchum also prefers this pillow to position the baby during tummy time and offer extra support.

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iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer

Life as a new parent is hard enough without trying to determine if your little one has a fever. Give yourself peace of mind by keeping this no-touch thermometer on hand. This option is more hygienic, delivers an accurate reading in just one second and can be used without waking your baby.

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Ingenuity Boutique Collection Deluxe Five-speed Portable Baby Swing

While Ketchum doesn’t advise parents to let their infant sleep in a baby swing, she notes that gentle rocking and swinging are helpful for calming and soothing. This model is designed with five swing speeds, sounds and a timer with auto-shutoff.

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Mika Micky Baby Bassinet Bedside Sleeper

Ketchum notes that The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep in the same room with their parents but in their own beds. This bedside sleeper is the ideal solution to ease a new parent’s mind and comfort the baby.

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Baby Brezza Safe and Smart Electric Baby Bottle Warmer

With Bluetooth and a compatible app, you can heat your baby’s bottle before you get out of bed. It features two heat settings: a quick option that evenly warms up and a steady warm setting that safely defrosts breast milk.

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Dr. Brown's Deluxe Baby Bottle Brush

Reach every tight area to keep your little one’s bottle and nipples sparkling clean with this baby bottle brush. Plus, the suction cup base stays where you stick it, whether on the side of the sink or in the cabinet.

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Delta Children Emery 4-in-1 Convertible Baby Crib

While babies love sleeping close to their parents at night, they will eventually need a space to grow and rest. Since this crib converts from a crib to a toddler bed, day bed and full-size bed, it’s the only one you’ll need.

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Summer Infant 2-in-1 Bouncer and Rocker Duo

Multipurpose items are a must-have when the baby arrives to save space in your house and keep your little one happy. Use this versatile piece as a rocker or bouncer, and soothe your baby with the vibration setting.

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Fisher-Price Baby Bouncer Rainforest Jumperoo Activity Center

Your baby will need a lot of activity once they’re sitting up and moving. This freestanding bouncer features lights and sounds to keep their attention, toys to encourage fine motor development and jumping to strengthen their muscles.

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Apple Watch Series 8

When a baby is asleep in your arms, you’ll do anything not to disturb their slumber. This smartwatch lets new parents manage text messages or stream music without moving around. It also has a ton of safety features, including crash detection, fall detection and emergency SOS.

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Ninja Foodi DualZone XL Two-basket Air Fryer

Thanks to this extra-large air fryer, new parents don’t need to waste precious time preheating the oven or standing over a hot stove. Instead, the two separate baskets are ideal for cooking multiple types of food or making dinner for the whole family. 

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Milkies Freeze Organizer For Breast Milk Storage Bags

Organizing breast milk and making sure to use up your stash before it goes bad is something new parents don’t want to worry about. This storage organizer does all the work for you, ensuring the fresh milk gets placed on top, and the oldest bags are the first out.

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Hamilton Beach Smart Coffee Maker

Making a pot of java has never been easier than with this smart coffee maker. You can program it to have your morning cup ready when you wake up or ask your Alexa app or speaker to start brewing, change brew strength and ensure it’s off.

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Eufy Lumi Plug-in Night Light

New parents will inevitably wake up in the middle of the night to cuddle their new baby. Whether in the hallways or the nursery, this night light offers soft illumination that adjusts based on the lighting outside. It’s also fire-resistant to guarantee safety.

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Hatch Baby Grow Smart Changing Pad and Scale

Effortlessly keep track of your baby’s growth while changing their diaper with this smart changing pad and scale. It’s comfortable, easy to clean and puts new parents' minds at ease that their little one is getting their nutrients.

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Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush

If you’re getting ready in a hurry, this hair dryer and volumizer gives you a salon-style finish in less time. It features three heat and speed settings, including a cool option, for flexibility in style and to reduce hair damage.

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Samsung Wireless Charger Trio

From your phone to your smartwatch to your earbuds, you can charge all your devices without cords. This wireless charger is designed with six coils, so you don’t have to spend time perfectly aligning your three devices. 

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Lusso Gear Car Organizer

If you’re worried about forgetting your diaper bag or other essentials, consider this car organizer to store extra wipes, diapers, clothes and everything else a new baby needs. It fits on the seat of any car, truck, SUV or van.

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Ring Video Doorbell Pro

With this video doorbell, you don’t have to get up while holding a sleeping baby to see who is at your door. Using the app, you can also converse with visitors or delivery people and record your videos.

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Echo Show 8

Whether you want to video chat with family members to let them see your new baby or control the lights in your house, the Echo Show makes it effortless. It’s also designed with multiple layers of privacy controls, including the ability to turn off your microphone and camera.

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Hilife Portable Handheld Steamer

This portable steamer lets you quickly erase any wrinkles from your outfit when you don’t have enough time to get out the iron or take it on a trip for quick fixes. It’s designed with an extra-long cord and a large water tank for convenience.

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KitchenAid Classic Series Stand Mixer

With this beloved stand mixer, you can make up to eight dozen cookies at once or your favorite bread with little effort. Several attachments are also available for making fresh pasta or veggie noodles.

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Utopia Bedding Blackout Curtains

Since it’s difficult to sleep when the sun is still shining, create the perfect napping environment for your new baby with these blackout curtains. They’re available in 12 colors to match your nursery theme and several sizes.

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PetSafe Smart Feed

Make sure your furry friend isn’t feeling left out when the new baby arrives with this electronic pet feeder. It lets you use the app to control everything from your phone and has a backup battery if the power goes out.

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Worth checking out 

• Keep an eye on your little one up to 700 feet away without Wi-Fi or troublesome apps using the Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor.
• Instead of fiddling with formula bottles in the middle of the night, opt for the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced Wi-Fi Formula Dispenser that automatically makes a warm bottle by using your phone.
• Babies have sensitive skin, so the WaterWipes Plastic-Free Original Baby Wipes are fragrance-free, plant-based and made with just two gentle ingredients.
• Not only are the Medela Three-pack Bottles ideal for making formula bottles, but they’re also compatible with all Medela breast pumps, so you can pump, store and feed your little one with a single bottle.
• The Summer Deluxe Baby Bather can be used in the sink or bathtub and gently cradles your baby in a mesh sling and comfortable headrest.
• In addition to being hypoallergenic and free of bleaching, parabens and latex, Pampers Swaddlers Newborn Diapers are up to 100% leakproof and feature a gap-free fit.
• Ketchum lists an infant car seat as a must-have for new parents, and the Graco SnugFit 35 Infant Car Seat is safe and comfortable for babies starting at 4 pounds.
• In just three minutes, the Philips Avent Fast Baby Bottle Warmer will warm a 5-ounce bottle of milk to your desired temperature with no hot spots by the touch of a button.
• The Burt's Bees Baby Shampoo and Wash protects your baby’s skin while cleaning it without parabens, phthalates, SLS or petrolatum. 
• With the iRobot Roomba s9+ that comes with automatic dirt disposal and Wi-Fi, your house will stay clean and dust-free while you spend time with your new baby.
• If you can’t function in the morning without a cup of java, consider the Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2 to keep your coffee warm, even if it takes all day to finish your cup.
• The NoseFrida Baby Nasal Aspirator helps you clear your little one’s nose and helps them breathe using clinically proven hygienic filters.
• Instead of standing over the stove all morning, the Dash Rapid Egg Cooker independently cooks hard-boiled eggs, poached eggs, omelets, scrambled eggs and more in just minutes.
• The Medela Freestyle Hands-Free Breast Pump is entirely hands-free, giving you the flexibility and freedom to pump anywhere while completing everyday tasks.
• The Hatch Rest+ Baby and Kids Sound Machine is a soothing sound machine to lull your little one to sleep and offers the perfect glow for nighttime feeds.
• The Boon Cacti Bottle Cleaning Brush Set looks adorable and organizes your bottle brushes.
• Captivation lights and sounds will soothe your baby with the Baby Einstein Sea Dreams Musical Crib Toy.
• The Cuddly Cubs Fitted Crib Sheets Set will ensure you have clean sheets during diaper accidents or spit-up.
• Munchkin Sound Machine And Night Light is portable, plays three calming sounds and doubles as a night light.
• With a cool gel topper and breathable cover, the Sealy OptiCool Waterproof Baby Crib Mattress will keep your little one from overheating.
• Babies grow and change quickly in the first year, so capture all the moments with the Baby Monthly Milestone Blanket.
• Consider the handwoven Baby Moses Basket Bassinet for diaper changes and tummy time.
• Instead of a jumper that takes up valuable floor space, the Evenflo Exersaucer Door Jumper easily and safely attaches to a doorway.
• From infant to toddler, the Graco Blossom 6-in-1 Convertible High Chair adjusts to your child’s growing needs.
• Don’t let your baby’s sensitive skin be caught outside without the Connectyle Outdoor UV Sun Hat For Baby.
• The Melissa & Doug Fold and Go Wooden Dollhouse is durable, portable and comes with furniture.
• To keep your baby occupied in the car, consider the Skip Hop Baby Rattle Car Seat Toy.
• Safely watch your baby in their rear-facing car seat with the easily adjustable and shatterproof Britax Baby Car Mirror.
• With eight outer compartments and a removable insert, the Parker Baby Diaper Caddy ensures your baby’s must-have items are organized and portable.
• If you opt for cloth diapers, the Baby Cloth Pocket Diapers with breathable suede cloth are soft on your little one’s skin.
• The Rockin' Green Classic Rock Laundry Detergent eliminated odors and tough stains on cloth diapers. 
• Thanks to the Nursery Hanging Diaper Stacker, you don’t have to worry about opening drawers one-handed while holding a wiggly baby.
• Those who prefer a sling carrier will appreciate the Nalakai Ring Sling Baby Carrier made with eco-friendly linen.
• From a crib mobile to a toddler music box, the Tiny Love Meadow Days Baby Mobile soothes babies through all stages.
• With two parent units, the VTech Audio Baby Monitor is a convenient audio-only baby monitor.
• The Lupantte 7-in-1 Baby Play Gym Mat has two machine-washable mat covers to keep your baby playing.
• Your baby will be moving before you know it, and the Summer Infant Extra-Wide Safety Gate will keep them safely out of dangerous places.
• The Fisher Price Baby Cloud Soother attaches to the crib or acts as a stuffy for toddlers at night.
• Always know what your little one is eating with the Beaba Babycook Solo 4-in-1 Baby Food Maker that steams and blends food in minutes.
• With an adorable animal face, the Hudson Baby Cotton Hooded Towel will dry your little one off while remaining gentle on their skin.
• Moisturize your baby’s sensitive skin with Aveeno Baby Moisturizing Lotion, which is free of fragrance, phthalates and parabens.
• Whether you have little space or need a portable option, the Fisher-Price SpaceSaver High Chair offers the features of a full-size high chair.
• Capture and remember every important or silly moment in this cute Baby Memory Book.
• The Philips Avent Microwave Bottle Sterilizer effortlessly kills 99.99% of germs and bacteria with just the microwave.
• With a magnifying glass, the Safety 1st Nail Clippers ensures precise and safe nail trimming.
• Use the Baby Proofing Cabinet Locks to secure your items and keep babies safe.
• In addition to recording the temperature, the Baby Bath Floating Water Thermometer flashes and beeps if the water is too hot or cold.
• The Skip Hop Diaper Bag Backpack features an extra-wide opening, two-way zip closure and insulated bottle pockets.
• Eliminate the dirty diaper smell from any room with the Munchkin Step Diaper Pail.
• Desitin Diaper Rash Cream is helpful to have on hand to prevent and relieve diaper rash.
• Since it’s lightweight, you’ll have no trouble taking the Summer Infant 3Dlite Stroller anywhere you go.
• Vicks Mini Filter-Free Cool Mist Humidifier offers congestion relief and maintains optimal humidity levels in your baby’s room.
• Babies will feel cocooned back in the womb and sleep well with the Halo Cotton Sleepsack Swaddle.
• Some babies may prefer a MAM Baby Pacifier for self-soothing.
• Thanks to the Frida Baby Accu-Dose Pacifier, you can give your baby medicine easily without a fight.
• The portable Graco Pack and Play effortlessly sets up or tears down and is perfect for weekend trips.
• The Owlet Dream Duo Smart Baby Monitor comes with a smart sock to monitor your baby’s heart rate.
• Keep cords out of reach with the Safety Innovations Outlet Cover Box.
• Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen protects your baby’s sensitive skin from the sun.
• Sophie The Giraffe is not only an excellent teething toy but also a cute friend for babies.
• The Amazon Smart Plug works with Alexa to control any outlet by turning off lights or appliances without getting up or being home.
• Stay hands-free and safe in the car with your little one by using the WixGear Magnetic Phone Holder for Car.
• Cuddle up with the Westinghouse Heated Blanket to stay warm while breastfeeding or after a long day.
• Whether you’re at home or away, the Chamberlain MyQ Smart Garage Hub offers convenience and peace of mind that your garage is closed.
• Thanks to the Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner, you can spend less time cleaning your microwave and more time with your little one.
• This magnetic door stop keeps little ones from playing with or getting caught in doors.
• Keep track of your keys, diaper bag and other essentials using the Tile Mate Bluetooth Tracker.
• Next time you remember something while taking a much-needed shower, jot it down in the Aqua Notes Waterproof Note Pad.
• Safely and quickly prep dinner using the Fullstar 6-in-1 Mandoline Slicer and enjoy a simple clean-up.
• The Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder lets your baby enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables while reducing the risk of choking.
• Keep you and your little one cool while walking or in the car, thanks to this portable handheld fan.
• Help create a peaceful environment for your baby to sleep in with this pack of dimmer light switches.
• The Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker quickly makes a cup of coffee to your desired strength with the touch of a button.
• Continuously monitor your baby with the Fever-Bugz Indicator, eliminating the need to wake them up and use a thermometer.
• The Honest Company Baby Diaper Rash Cream Spray keeps your hands mess-free while protecting your baby’s bottom.

 

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Bre Richey writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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