It may seem like babies require a lot of stuff for being so tiny. While it’s partly true, there are also plenty of products that simply aren’t necessary. So, what are the baby must-haves? Keep reading to find out. 

In this article, you’ll discover a list of baby must-haves from nursery items to clothing down to travel essentials. Not only that, but we’ll also mention items that you can do without and even a few things that you should stay away from.

Whether you’re creating your baby registry or double-checking that you have what you need before your baby’s arrival, you’ll feel more confident after reading this list. 

Top Baby must-haves

Nursery must-haves

If there’s one thing that babies do a lot, it’s sleep. A safe place for them to snooze is on the top of the list of baby must-haves. But how you set up the rest of the nursery will largely depend on your space and preferences. 

Here are some nursery basics to consider:

• Crib with mattress
• Fitted crib sheets
• Storage such as a dresser 
• Chair, glider, or rocking chair
• Small lamp
• Humidifier 
• White noise machine
• Laundry bin 
• Baby monitor

What you can do without

Since your baby can start sleeping in their crib right away, a bassinet is a non-necessity.

And do you really need a changing table? As many parents can tell you, half of the time you’ll end up changing your baby’s diaper on the floor or otherwise. Plus, your baby’s dresser can double as a changing table if you’re trying to cut down on the necessary furniture. 

Clothing must-haves

When it comes to baby clothing essentials, the climate where you live, your lifestyle, and other such details will determine what you put on your “must-have” list. 

Take our list below and adjust it according to your preferences and priorities: 

• Onesies
• Pants and footed pants
• One-piece pajamas
• Swaddles
• Sleep sacks
• Newborn hats
• Winter mittens and hats
• Sweaters and jackets
• Socks
• Undershirts
• Sun hat and swimsuit
• No-scratch mittens
• Dressy clothes
• Casual clothes

What you can do without

First of all, you can do without newborn shoes. Your tiny adventure buddy won’t need shoes on their feet for quite some time. In addition, skip baby hangers if you plan to store their clothes in a dresser or other storage system. 

Diapering must-haves

Before you add diapering essentials to your baby must-haves list, you’ll need to decide if you’ll use cloth or disposable diapers. 

Either way, the following are diaper bag essentials:

• Diaper cream
• Baby wipes (cloth or disposable)
• Cloth or disposable diapers 
• Diaper covers for cloth diapers
• Diaper fasteners for cloth diapers
• Diaper bag

For a diaper bag that attaches to your Bugaboo stroller, go with our changing backpack. This stylish bag allows you to carry all the diapering must-haves while staying in fashion. 

Our changing backpack is made from 100% recycled fabrics and comes with a detachable, padded, and wipe-clean changing mat. 

What you can do without

You might want a dirty diaper pail in the nursery, but if you want to cut out the extras, your regular trash can will work just fine. Similarly, you can take diaper bin liners off your must-have list. 

A wipe warmer and diaper stacker also make our list of things you can easily do without. 

Bathtime must-haves

The first few baths for your tiny newborn will be sponge baths. As they grow, you’ll need a few more supplies and, of course, toys. After all, bathtime can be playtime in addition to get-clean time! 

Add these items for a successful bath time:

• Baby bathtub or sink cushion 
• Soft washcloths
• Towels 
• Baby soap
• Baby shampoo
• Baby hairbrush

What you can do without

A bath thermometer comes in handy to make sure the water temperature is just right, but it’s not a necessity. You can check the water with your hand. 

Similarly, although a faucet cover can be useful once your baby is taking baths in the big tub and moving around, we don’t consider it a must-have. 

Hooded towels? While they’re cute as a button, regular towels have the same drying capacity which is, after all, what you really need. 

Lastly, as far as bath toys, while there are some stellar baby bath toys out there, your baby or toddler can also have just as much fun with plastic cups and the like. 

Feeding must-haves

If you’re a minimalist or have limited space, focus on the baby must-haves for each stage and buy what you need as your baby grows. 

Below we’ll list the feeding must-haves (depending on whether you bottle feed or breastfeed) for the first couple of months before your baby starts chowing down on baby food: 

• Breast pump and storage containers
• Breast milk freezer bags
• Breast pads
• Nursing bras
• Nipple cream
• Burp cloths 
• Pacifiers 
• Formula
• Bottles and nipples 
• Bottle cleaner or dishwasher basket
• Bibs
• Insulated bottle carrier

What you can do without

A nursing pillow can be a great help to get in the right breastfeeding position. But, if you’re comfortable using regular pillows, a nursing pillow is not a must-have. 

For heating bottles, a bottle warmer gets the job done, but so does a bowl of warm water. You’ll also notice that a bottle sterilizer didn’t make the list. If your water supply is clean and you practice good hygiene, a sterilizer isn’t necessary. 

Playtime must-haves

Your newborn won’t be interested in playing, but before you know it, your baby will be curious about their surroundings and start playing and exploring. Plus, it’s never too early to start reading to your baby! 

How many toys you offer your baby is up to you, but here are some ideas. Choose a few that you love, and the rest will go on your can-do-without list: 

• Swing
• Bouncer
• Books
• Rattles 
• Soft blocks
• Teethers
• Baby mirror
• Playmat
• Puzzles
• Stuffed animals
• Play yard 

We recommend a play yard for playtime made easy, no matter where you are. 

The Bugaboo Stardust play yard is designed to unfold in one second and fold back together in three for playtime on demand whether you’re going from room to room, visiting friends and family, or going farther away!

Travel must-haves

Your baby goes where you go. For traveling with your little one, there are only two must-haves, but they’re truly that — two items that you simply can’t do without: 

• Car seat
• Stroller with preferred accessories

For ultimate ease, choose a travel system. A travel system consists of a car seat that fits in the car and also attaches to your stroller. You can go from stroller to car and back without ever taking your baby out of their car seat.

The Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna keeps your baby secure and can be used with all of our current strollers. Travel seamlessly no matter which Bugaboo works best for you, from the all-terrain Fox 3 to the Bugaboo Butterfly, which is ultra compact and ideal for travel. 

What you can do without

A baby sling is a handy way to carry your baby, but you can do without it. And a baby hiking backpack may be perfect for active families, but it’s not a daily necessity. 

Health and hygiene must-haves

Keeping your baby healthy and happy is your top priority. To do so, you’ll need a few basic health and hygiene products. And, as your baby grows and develops, you’ll want the babyproofing products that make your home a safe place. 

As for non-necessities, we recommend speaking with your pediatrician to understand what’s essential versus extra.

The following make our essentials list:

• Nail clippers, scissors, or file 
• Bulb syringe
• First aid kit with a thermometer 
• Baby medicine syringe and spoon
• Standard baby medications (consult your pediatrician)
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Baby sunscreen
• Adequate babyproofing products (such as a baby gate, cabinet locks, drawer locks, outlet protectors, toilet lid locks, and the like)

What to stay away from

Some items are baby must-haves, others are up to you, and some should be actively avoided! We’re talking about products that aren’t just unnecessary but also unsafe. 

Here are three at the top of the list:

• A second-hand crib. For safety reasons, a new crib that meets current standards is best. 
• Crib decorations and accessories. Pillows, crib bumpers, sleep positioners, stuffed animals, and blankets can be hazardous for your infant. A bare crib (only a fitted sheet) is the safest way for your baby to sleep. 
• A used car seat. It may have been damaged in a wreck, come with worn-out parts, or fail to meet current safety standards. 

Ready and waiting with the baby must-haves

With your home and car outfitted with these baby must-haves, you’ll be ready for your baby’s arrival. All that’s left to do is wait! 

Adapt the above list to your needs and preferences, focusing on items that keep your baby secure, such as a car seat like the Turtle One by Nuna. And add things that make the parenting life easy, such as our changing backpack and Stardust play yard. 

Your baby will be here before you know it, and you’ll be equipped for the grand adventure!