What Do You Really Need for a Newborn? A Simple Guide for First-Time Parent
Bringing a newborn home is one of life’s most beautiful and transformative experiences. But preparing for their arrival can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with endless baby product lists. As a naturopath who supports families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, I feel it’s helpful to not get overwhelmed purchasing all the things.
If you’re wondering what you really need, the must haves for a newborn, this guide will walk you through the essentials, without the overwhelm, so you can focus on bonding, rest, and healing.
What You Actually Need for a Newborn
Walking into a baby bunting you can quickly get overwhelmed by all the things…. and the prices! But what do you really need to set yourself and your family up for success when bringing your baby home for the first time?
1. Safe Sleep Essentials
Safe sleep and reducing risk of SIDS is the primary focus of getting through the first year with your baby, along with keeping well fed. Getting enough sleep as a newborn parent is tough so we want to make safe sleep as achievable as possible. While you may be wanting to decorate and paint a room all you really need to get started is a bassinet and a newborn car seat. We will also share some of our favourite tips to make things easy.
A bassinet and/or a cot. While there are currently no safety standards for bassinets in Australia, we like to refer to Rednose for safe sleep advice.
Fitted cotton sheets
Swaddles or sleep suits to size like Love to Dream offer different warmths of the suit known as TOG so that you can rug up your newborn and keep warm in winter or cool in summer without the risks blankets can cause. This one tip is one that I wish I had known with my first born coming home from the hospital in the first cold snap of the year, not knowing how to keep him warm in his bassinet!
In the early stages helping your newborn transition to sleep is about being full, soothing and relaxing their nervous system and making sure they have a clean nappy. While soothing your newborn to sleep is an art and a skill in itself (made worse if you are dealing with reflux) there are a few things that can help. I was very surprised to learn that lullabies actually work! I like the ABC kids listen app for music whether during their awake or sleep times. Second to this, they go through a developmental stage at about 4 - 6 weeks where colours and shadows are very interesting. Getting a roof projector that spins is very entertaining and can help soothe them to sleep
Naturopath Tip: Your babies skin is experiencing the world for the first time and can be sensitive. Reducing exposure to irritants in laundry liquid for sheets and sleep suits can improve also help. We like KOH for chemical free cleaning around the home.
2. Clothing Basics
Keep it simple and seasonally appropriate. Baby will grow fast!
6–8 onesies (whether to get short sleeves, long sleeves or both will depend on the time of year) Some onesies have the option of folding over the hands. This is handy (see what I did there) for keeping bub from scratching themselves etc.
3–4 footed sleep suits
Blanket or sheet wraps
I like to get about 20 cloth nappies (the big old style ones) to have lying around and in the nappy bag for cleaning up vomit and messes. I will put them down on the change mat or myself to protect from messes and avoid multiple sheet or outfit changes.
For Mum
Feeding bras and nipple pads if planning to breast feed.
High waisted underwear in case of emergency c section
4 - 6 comfy house dresses that have the breast feeding option
Compression socks
Button up and front zip shirts and dresses are good breast feeding options. Keep hold of those pregnancy pants because it takes a couple of week for the belly to go down.
3. Nappies and Changing Needs
Whether you choose cloth or disposable nappies, here’s what you’ll need:
Newborn nappies (start with a small pack to check sizing/sensitivity)
Wipes (we like tooshies)
Nappy cream (we love weleda)
Change mat (I find it helpful to have the one for home on the dresser so the clothes are within reach and I can store the nappies, cream and wipes there as well. I also like a fold up mat for the nappy bag)
Nappy bin or wet bag (for cloth nappies)
4. Bathing and Skincare
Bathing a newborn for the first time can be daunting. It is personal preference how you would like to bath your baby. A baby bath can be the easiest, however the logistics of getting water in, tipping the water out and the height to avoid bending over awkwardly could take some problem solving.
Baby bath or sink insert
Baby body wash (weleda is our favourite)
Washcloth
Towel
Nappy cream (we love weleda)
5. Feeding Supplies
Whether you’re breastfeeding, formula feeding, or both, preparation helps.
If breastfeeding:
Nursing bras and breast pads
Nipple balm
Water bottle (hydration is key)
Breast pump (optional, manual or electric)
Milk storage bags or glass jars
If formula feeding:
Baby formula (speak to your naturopath about gentle options)
Bottles (3–4 to start)
Bottle brush and steriliser
Formula dispenser (for night feeds or outings)
6. Health and Wellness
Babies are sensitive, and simple tools can help you gently care for common issues.
Baby thermometer
Nail scissors or file
Probiotic drops (check with your practitioner)
Natural remedies for colic, teething or reflux (only as needed, with professional guidance)
7. Travel and Outings
You won’t need much right away, but make sure you’re ready for trips to the clinic or fresh air walks.
Approved newborn car seat (installed correctly, suited for a newborn)
Nappy bag with compartments
Pram with new born attachment
What You Don’t Need (Yet)
Many baby items are marketed as essential but aren’t needed right away (or ever). You can skip or delay buying:
Baby shoes
Fancy outfits
Wipe warmers
Electric swings or bouncers
Too many toys or rattles
Loads of bottles or teats (baby may prefer certain kinds)
Start simple, with just the basics and go from there. The different stages of development are engaged by different environmental stimuli. You baby doesn’t need a lot of fancy things. Their favourite thing of all is your face! Work with what your baby enjoys and leave the rest.
By focusing on gentle, practical, and natural options, you’re already creating a beautiful, calm environment for your baby to thrive. Remember: you are enough, and your love, presence, and instinct will be your baby’s greatest gifts.
Need Natural Support for Postpartum Recovery or Infant Care?
I offer 1:1 naturopathic support for:
Holistic postpartum healing
Newborn digestion, reflux, and colic
Herbal and nutritional support for breastfeeding
Gentle remedies for common infant concerns