Childcare Essentials

Newborn Baby Essentials For The First 6 Weeks

8 min | Updated on 30-03-2023 by HappyPreggie
The birth of a child is a joyous and life-changing event. The road ahead will undoubtedly be filled with twists and turns, so be prepared with the items you'll need as you welcome your new, tiny little human into the world.

Newborn baby essentials for the first 6 weeks
(Image credits to Canva)

It's easy to get caught up in buying baby essentials, from setting up the nursery to accumulating sleeping, feeding, and diapering supplies. After all, the sheer volume of baby items needed for a newborn might astound even the most prepared mother. However, how do you know which baby supplies you can live without and which you can't live without? Don't worry: we've broken everything down for you. Continue reading for a complete list of everything you'll need for a new baby.


#1 Clothing Essentials


Tiny baby outfits are adorable, but you'll want to choose useful baby items that will keep your infant warm and comfortable. A newborn baby does not require a lot of clothing. However, there are several important products that you should keep on hand at home. Until the umbilical chord is detached, you should keep a couple side-tie or side-snap t-shirts on hand for your baby. Then you may change your baby into an onsie, which is a common working outfit for babies. These are the newborn essentials when it comes to clothing:

Clothing essentials- Newborn baby essentials for the first 6 weeks
(Image credits to Canva)

  • 4-8 onesies or infant t-shirts
  • 4-8 shirts (closures or envelope folds at the shoulders, kimono style)
  • 4-8 pajamas
  • 1-3 rompers or other fancy- attire
  • 1-3 sweaters or jackets
  • 4-7 pairs of socks
  • Newborn hats
  • Mittens — To keep the baby from accidentally scratching their face
  • Hat — For sun or cold
  • Laundry detergent for sensitive skin – Always wash new items before putting them on your baby


#2 Nursery Essentials


You'll need lovely décor for a baby's nursery, but you'll also need furniture and baby bedding to make newborn care easier and safer. Whatever bed you pick for your newborn, it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics that your baby sleeps with you in the same room for at least 6 months.

Nursery essentials- Newborn baby essentials for the first 6 weeks
(Image credits to Canva)

Make sure your baby's sleeping area is free of blankets, pillows, and other suffocation concerns, whether you use a bassinet, crib, or co-sleeper. For the interior of baby's sleeping space, all that is required is a firm mattress or pad and a closely fitting sheet. The following are the newborn necessities for any nursery:

  • Crib, baby cots or bassinets
  • The mattress should be firm and flat, and it should fit snugly in the crib
  • 2-4 fitted crib sheets
  • Glider or rocking chair
  • Baby monitor
  • Diaper changing table or changing pad
  • White noise machine (optional)


#3 Diapering Essentials


Changing a diaper may seem difficult at first, but trust us when we say that you'll get the hang of it—and these baby essentials will make it much easier. Whether you choose to use cloth diaper or use disposable diapers, your little bundle of happiness will most likely go through 8-10 diapers every day. Most infants will fit nicely in a newborn size, but it never costs to have extra size 1s on standby in case yours isn't quite so little. You'll also need plenty of wipes on hand for the messier ones. Check out this list of diapering essentials for your baby:

Diaper essentials- Newborn baby essentials for the first 6 weeks
(Image credits to Canva)

  • 6-10 dozen cloth diapers and 6-8 diaper covers, or 2-3 large boxes of disposable newborn-size diapers
  • Diaper rash ointment
  • Wipes or cotton cloths
  • Warm water in a little thermos (for cleaning babies younger than 6 weeks)
  • Diaper bag


#4 Feeding Essentials


A list of the feeding necessities is a must-have on every newborn baby checklist. When it comes to feeding, there's a lot to think about. It's also a good idea to talk to your pediatrician about developing a dietary plan.

Feeding essentials
(Image credits to Canva)

One of the most crucial decisions you'll have to make is whether to use formula or breastfeed. If you decide to go with a formula, you should be completely comfortable with the ingredients found in most pre-packaged goods. Don't forget these feeding essentials as you work your way down your baby's feeding list:

  • Nursing pillow
  • 8-10 bottles and nipples, both 4- and 8- ounce
  • Baby formula
  • Breast pump (If you are planning to breastfeed)
  • Nursing pads
  • Nipple cream
  • Baby bibs
  • Baby burp cloths
  • Bottle warmer
  • Bottle sterilizer
  • Milk storage bags or bottles
  • High chair


#5 Health and grooming Essentials


Remember that babies, too, require grooming on occasion. You'll also need the appropriate baby supplies on hand if your newborn becomes ill. What to buy is as follows:

Health and grooming essentials
(Image credits to Canva)

  • Baby nail clippers
  • Digital thermometer
  • Nasal aspirator
  • First aid kit
  • Pacifiers
  • Cradle cap brush
  • Baby comb


#6 Bathing Essentials


Bath time can be a lot of fun—once you get a grip on that wriggly baby. It's best to be well-prepared with all of the necessary equipment. These are the bath essentials for babies:

Bathing essestials
(Image credits to Canva)

  • 2-3 Hooded towels
  • 2 packs of washcloths
  • Cotton swabs
  • Baby shampoos
  • Baby body wash
  • Baby bathtubs
  • Baby lotion
  • Soft brush


#7 Gear Essentials


You'll have more and more options to get out and start experiencing the world with your newborn in the days and weeks after you first bring your baby home.

Gear essentials
(Image credits to Canva)

Whatever you do with your baby, wherever you go, you'll need to be prepared with everything you'll need for 'baby duties' while out and about. After all, anything your kid requires at home, he or she will require on the move as well! Here are the baby must-haves to have on hand:

  • Baby car seat
  • Baby stroller
  • Carrier
  • Travel bag


#8 Play Essentials


As your child begins to interact with the world, they will show an interest in everything in their surroundings. Every type of stimulation will be a fresh experience. Sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch are all examples of this. When bright, high-contrast, and tactile toys are plentiful, baby's playing becomes more rewarding and joyful. In the early stages of your child's cognitive development, this is a critical period. Add these products to your list of things you need for a new baby to assist your baby get the most out of playtime:

Play essentials
(Image credits to Canva)

  • Bouncy seat
  • Baby story books
  • Baby music
  • Playmat with toys
  • Squishy baby toys

That concludes our list. Wasn't it surprising that it isn't as hectic as you expected? While there are numerous baby gadgets on the market that make life simpler for parents, the fact is that the majority of them are desires rather than needs. While it may be tempting to buy every gadget on the store, keep in mind that your baby's primary need is for a loving and attentive parent, and he or she will be perfectly satisfied with the most basic stuff.

In HappyPreggie you will find lots of articles on the care essentials of your baby which we guarantee will help you out. Check out our website to read more articles like this!
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