Are you wondering what to buy when you’re expecting your first baby? Looking for the best baby gear?
Whether you’re pregnant or a new parent, there’s a lot to consider and research. My daughter Marlowe was born less than a year ago, and since then I’ve constantly researched the best baby products. When I was pregnant it felt like I was always searching for the essentials—from strollers to financial preparation.
There are countless brands and opinions out there, so to make things easier I compiled this clear, practical guide of must-have items for first-time parents and helpful gear for more experienced families too. My goal is to save you time by sharing the resources and products I personally used and found useful.
In this guide we’ll cover:
- Pregnancy, birthing, and new parent courses
- Different baby registries
- How to get a free baby box
- Pregnancy and new-mom essentials
- Best baby gear
- Baby bath and diapering essentials
- Baby sleep essentials
- Breastfeeding gear
- Baby clothing
- How to prepare financially for a baby
- Taking maternity leave when self-employed
You won’t need everything listed here—babies mainly need food, sleep, and a few clothing items. No matter your budget, a happy, healthy baby doesn’t require every fancy gadget. There are also many excellent budget-friendly alternatives for pricier items.
Note: I am not a medical professional. The recommendations below reflect what I personally used and liked as a new parent.
Best Baby Gear & New Parent Essentials
Pregnancy, birthing, and new parent courses
Before discussing gear, consider taking a birthing course. I took courses from a childbirth educator that covered natural birth, epidural, and C-section options. The courses are thorough and practical, helping you create a birth plan, understand labor stages, learn pain-management strategies, know when to go to the hospital, prepare your partner to help, and plan for postpartum recovery and newborn care.
I also read Expecting Better by Emily Oster, which presents pregnancy research in a nonjudgmental, data-driven way. For mental health and community support, consider mom-focused groups that offer tools, workshops, and group coaching.
Signing up for baby registries
Creating a baby registry makes it easy for friends and family to purchase items you need. I used Babylist because it aggregates products and the best prices from multiple stores and provides a newborn checklist. Many registries also offer a completion discount for items you didn’t receive at your shower, which can save you money.
Get a free baby box
Many registries and retailers offer free baby boxes after you sign up and have a purchase made from your registry. These boxes typically include samples like baby detergent, bottles, pacifiers, onesies, and other small items—an easy way to try brands without committing.
Pregnancy and new-mom essentials
Items that helped me during pregnancy and early postpartum:
- Prenatal vitamins with folic acid and DHA to support pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- A pregnancy body pillow or a supportive, high-quality pillow to improve sleep during pregnancy.
- Maternity bras and comfortable clothing—soft leggings and supportive bras made a big difference.
- Compression socks for long trips late in pregnancy.
- Special dresses for baby showers or maternity photoshoots if you want to commemorate the experience.
Best baby gear
Here are the items I found essential from day one—each worked well for our family, though needs vary by lifestyle:
- Pacifiers: try a few styles—some babies prefer one brand over another.
- Stroller/car seat systems: consider travel-friendly options if you move around a lot; convertible and travel-specific models each have pros and cons.
- Swing/rocker: motion-based swings with multiple settings can soothe many newborns.
- Play gym/activity mat: a quality play gym provides daily stimulation and supports early development.
- Life jacket for water activities: if you spend time on boats or near water, invest in a well-fitting baby life jacket.
- Baby carriers: a carrier or wrap is invaluable for hands-free outings and bonding; choose a style that fits your comfort and budget.
- Beautiful everyday essentials: brands that make attractive, functional plates, bibs, and toys can brighten meal and playtime.
Baby health, bath, and diapering essentials
Some tried-and-true products for diapering and skin care:
- Diapers and wipes: choose a brand and fit that prevent leaks and irritation; newborns’ needs change quickly.
- Diaper cream: a gentle, effective ointment can help prevent and treat diaper rash.
- Newborn care items: a nasal aspirator, thermometers, and postpartum supplies are useful to have on hand.
- Baby sunscreen for older infants when sun exposure is appropriate, using products recommended by pediatricians.
- Gentle baby shampoo and wash; moisturizing ointment or lotion for dry skin.
Baby sleep gear
Sleep is a top concern for new parents. These items helped our baby sleep better:
- Bassinet or smart bassinet: some models soothe babies and support better sleep patterns; renting is an option if storage is a concern.
- Sleepsack or swaddle: safe sleep garments that prevent startle reflex disruptions can lead to longer stretches of sleep.
- Travel crib: a compact travel crib that packs into a backpack is ideal for families on the move.
- Baby monitor: choose a monitor that fits your needs—some work without Wi-Fi and others offer advanced tracking features.
Breastfeeding gear
Breastfeeding equipment can ease feeding and pumping routines:
- An electric breast pump can be essential for regular pumping; portable and rechargeable models offer flexibility.
- Wearable pumps let you multitask while pumping and can be a convenient complement to a traditional pump.
- A supportive breastfeeding pillow makes latching and feeding more comfortable for both parent and baby.
- Bottles and nipples that match your baby’s feeding preferences can reduce transition issues between breast and bottle.
- Ask your insurance provider about breast pump coverage—many plans offer free or discounted pumps.
Baby clothing
Common retailers and brands for baby clothing include national stores, specialty brands, and secondhand shops. Mix basics from mass-market stores with a few special pieces from boutique brands if you like. Secondhand shops are excellent for saving money while still getting quality items.
- Value and basics: major retailers for everyday clothing
- Soft, wearable brands for sleep and sensitive skin
- Secondhand stores for bargains and sustainable choices
- Specialty brands for milestone outfits and accessories
When should I start shopping for baby?
There’s no single right time to start. Some parents buy a few items early, while others wait until registry purchases arrive. Filling a registry first can prevent unnecessary purchases and save money. Borrowing gear from friends or family is another great way to reduce costs.
How to take maternity leave when self-employed
If you’re self-employed, plan proactively for maternity leave:
- Work ahead with clients. Complete projects in advance to maintain income while you’re away.
- Create a dedicated savings fund. Set aside money to cover the leave period so you know how long you can afford to step back.
- Build passive income streams. Passive revenue can help cover expenses during leave without constant active work.
- Discuss finances with your partner. Coordinate budgeting and responsibilities before the baby arrives.
- Consider short-term disability policies. Some plans cover maternity-related leave; review eligibility and waiting periods.
- Plan your return to work. Arrange childcare, prioritize tasks, and set boundaries for your workload.
- Hire temporary help. A virtual assistant or freelancer can manage daily operations while you’re away.
- Be kind to yourself. Parenting and running a business is a major adjustment—allow time to adapt and accept imperfection.
What is the best baby gear?
I hope this list helps you narrow down the best baby gear for your family. It isn’t exhaustive—every family and baby is different—so what worked for us might not be perfect for you. The main takeaway: focus on a few high-value essentials and supplement with practical, budget-friendly items as needed.
New parents can quickly feel overwhelmed by the amount of gear available. Try to prioritize what will make daily life easier, borrow or buy secondhand when possible, and remember that your baby’s basic needs are simple: food, sleep, comfort, and love.
What would you add to this list for new parents? What’s at the top of your best baby gear list?