Must-Have Newborn Baby Items

As a  Queen Creek Newborn Photographer and mother, I know first hand preparing for the arrival of your newborn baby is both exciting and exhausting!  I know it can be easy to be overwhelmed with all of the options for baby items, especially if you’re a first-time mom. While this isn’t a 100% comprehensive list of all of the baby items needed, these are items that are bare necessities and sometimes forgotten.

Being a Queen Creek Newborn Photographer, I recently polled freshly new moms in order to make a collective list of the top must-have newborn items that eased their journey into motherhood.

Full disclosure: this list contains affiliate links where I make a small commission at no cost to you. I would not recommend an item I haven’t

 

 

Here are My favorite must-have baby items!

Newborn Photographer

I may be a bit biased, BUT, there’s a reason you keep hearing the cliche sayings: “They’re only little for so long.” and “It goes by fast.” Babies change very quickly in the first year and especially within the first month of their lives. The first few weeks(or longer) seem like you’re in a daze as everyone is adjusting. It’s nice to take a moment to truly document this special time in your growing family’s lives. You won’t regret getting newborn photos, but you may surely regret not having them in the future. In your 2nd-trimester, schedule your newborn photo session for when your baby is between 7-21 days of age. You can learn more here about when to take your newborn photos.

 

Baby Memory Book

In addition to getting newborn photos, a baby book allows you to document your all of your baby’s firsts! You and your child will enjoy looking back on these sweet memories later on in life, especially if your child decides to start a family of their own. Remember to pack it in your hospital bag to get your newborn’s feet and hand prints directly in the book. I personally loved this baby memory book, because it includes pockets of added storage for special items and helps you document up to 5 years!

Postpartum Doula

I highly recommend hiring a doula for your prenatal, labor and birth needs. But, you should also consider hiring a doula for postpartum care. Doulas provided added comfort and care for your transition into the 4th-trimester. They are there to guide and soothe both you and your newborn and provide great resources. In a previous journal entry I listed Phoenix Doulas You Should Know.

 

Baby Carrier/Wrap

Baby carrier’s allows you to be hands-free while also soothing your baby. Newborn babie’s are in constant need of wanting to be near their parents and a baby carrier helps make it possible to still have the freedom to move around and tend to other siblings or activities. There are several options for carriers and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Most cities have a group where moms can meet up to try multiple carriers before committing to buying one. Be sure to have your partner test out carriers as well. I personally enjoyed having two different types. One being more structured like the baby carrier here. I also loved having a soft material wrap, especially in the early stages. Be sure to have your partner test

 

Feeding/ Nursing Pillow

Whether bottle-feeding or breastfeeding, you may find added comfort while using a nursing pillow. If you’re choosing to breastfeed, my lactation consultants advised waiting until I got a latch comfortably without one before using it to make sure it didn’t get in the way. Once latching was no longer a problem, my breastfeeding pillow saved my back and perfectly propped up babe to the right height so that we both were comfortable during feeding. I highly recommend getting one with an interchangeable and washable cover as you’ll often have messes.

 

White  Noise Machine

Babies love the calming effects of white noise. It reminds them of being in the womb where they were used to hearing your heartbeat, breath, and other noises. White noise may also be beneficial for babies struggling to sleep and those with colic. You can use a white noise machine with multiple sound settings or get one that just mimicks shushing. You’ll find I carry the Baby Shusher to all of my newborn sessions to help soothe baby for their individual photos!

Swaddles

Swaddling your baby again mimicks their recent experience in the womb. I loved this sleepsack swaddle, because it was easy to use and allows you multiple ways to use it in case your baby needs a bit more freedom. I recommend velcro swaddles if you’re just getting started. They especially come in handy after middle-of-the-night feeding sessions.

 

Muslin Blankets

Muslin blankets are slightly thin yet very soft and cozy. They are so versatile and perfect for just about anything! They give an added bit of warmth, make for a layer of protection for laying your baby on the floor, act as coverups if you need one while breastfeeding, and so much more. I like to use neutral-colored muslin blankets with minimal patterns for lifestyle newborn sessions while capturing the snuggling moments of you and your baby.

 

Nasal Aspirator

The Nose Frida is the best snot sucker that I’ve ever used! While at first it seems completely gross- I’ll admit I felt the same! But, it’s oddly satisfying when you get the hang of it and your baby will thank you! It’s completely hygenic and it allows you to clear up their sinus passages easily without potential injury to their nasal cavity. These work well into the toddler years too.

 

Baby clippers/files

Yes, babie’s need manicures too! It is common for a newborn to have long, sharp nails. You don’t want them scratching their faces(or yours) and leaving scars. This baby nail care set is gentle and safe to trim your baby’s nails with little fuss or injury.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed putting together this list of must-have baby items! If you’re in your 2nd trimester and ready to start planning your newborn photo session, I would love to chat with you about being your Queen Creek Newborn Photographer.

Click a link below to continue reading a few more journal entries!

Top 7 Phoenix Birthing Centers

Printable Hospital Bag Checklist | Jasmyn Sambac Photography

When to take maternity photos | Arizona Maternity Photographer

 

This week I’m featuring my dear friend Nicole Zee. Nicole is a Spruce Grove Family Photographer and goes over some great tips on how to prepare for a family photoshoot.