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Bringing home a new baby is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. When every product claims to be essential, the truth is — you don’t need everything. You just need the right baby essentials — practical, cozy, everyday items that make life easier (and a little more joyful).

This budget-friendly baby essentials list focuses on good-quality products you’ll actually use — without unnecessary fluff. Everything below is mom-tested, practical, and easily found on Amazon.

You don’t need everything on day one. Start with the basics, then add as you learn what works best for your baby and your routine.

Sleep & Bedding Essentials

• Pack n Play
  We brought our pack n play everywhere. We weren’t the type of parents to stay home, and this was exactly what we needed. Easy to fold, easy to set up, and great quality.
• Pack n Play Mattress
• Pack n Play Sheets
• Pack n Play Mattress Pad
• Baby Crib
• Crib Mattress
• Mattress Protector (at least 2, ideally 3)
• Crib Sheets (ideally 4 sets)
• Baby Monitor
  Optional sock add-on
  We did not use the sock but our niece did and it worked well. We loved the monitor and being able to check it from our phones, even when a babysitter was over.
• Pacifiers – We tried a lot, these are the real deal.
  • Pacifier Clips – The pacifier will hit the floor a million times without them.
  • Pacifier wipes
• Swaddle Blankets
• Sleep Training Clock – Won’t be used until they are a toddler, but this is the best! Teaches them when it’s sleep time and when it’s awake time.
• Blackout Curtains – Help babies nap better during the day and make bedtime easier year-round.

Diaper Changing Essentials

• Changing Table
• Changing Pad – Could be used instead of a table and is more versatile.
  • Changing Pad Cover
  • Changing Pad Liners
• Diaper Pail
• Diaper Caddy – Keeps diapers, wipes, and creams within arm’s reach — especially helpful for middle-of-the-night changes.
• Diaper Bag
• Diaper Cream (large)
• Diaper Cream (diaper bag size)
• Diaper Wipes
• Diapers

Travel Essentials for Babies

• Infant Stroller & Car Seat Combo
  This is a lifesaver. No one wants to wake a sleeping baby just to move them from car seat to stroller. One click and you’re on your way.
• Extra Car Seat Base
• Toddler Car Seat
• Car Seat Mat
• Jogging / Hiking Stroller
• Stroller Organizer
• Car Window Shades
• Car Seat Mirror
• Travel High Chair
• Portable Changing Pad
• Doggy bags (for dirty diapers or blowouts)

👉 See our full car seat must-haves guide here: https://hellojoyfulfinds.com/car-seat-must-haves/

Baby Gear (Nice to Have)

• Baby Carrier
  Full review: https://hellojoyfulfinds.com/ergobaby-360-baby-carrier-review/
• Bouncer
  Easy to travel with and the vibrations and bounce work wonders.
• Baby Swing
• Play Pen
• Walker
• Play Mat
• Bottle, Pacifier, & Pump Part Washer

Feeding Essentials

• Bottle Feeding Essentials
  • Anti-Colic Bottles
    • Bottle Grips (for when baby starts holding their own bottle)
    • Dr. Brown’s Nipple Set (extras as baby grows)
  • Bottle Drying Rack
  • Bottle Cleaning Set
  • Formula
  • Formula Dispenser (perfect for on-the-go feedings)
• Bibs
  • Muslin Bandana Bibs
  • Tiny Twinkle Mess-Proof Bibs
• Self-Feeding & Solids
  • WeeSprout Suction Plates
  • Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls
  • Munchkin Snack Catchers
  • GOOtensils Pre-Spoons
  • Munchkin Fresh Food Feeder
• Dr. Brown’s Training Cup
• NUK Learner Cup
• High Chair (adjustable and grows with baby)
• Burp Cloths
• Floor Seat (great for feeding too)
• Nursing
  • Nipple Cream
  • Breast Pads
  • Nursing Pads
  • Nursing Pillow
  • Manual Pump
  • Breast Pump (Check with insurance. A lot of times they cover these).
  • Nursing Cover (also doubles as a car seat cover)

Bath & Grooming Essentials

• Angelcare Baby Bath Support
• Floating Bath Thermometer
• Bath Kneeler & Elbow Rest Pad Set
• Aveeno Baby Shampoo & Wash
• Baby Wash Clothes
• Baby Towels
• Dr. Brown’s Dino Pour Cup
• Upgraded Baby Float Ring
• Munchkin Float & Play Bubbles
• Tub Cubby Bath Toy Organizer
• Baby Grooming Kit

Clothing Essentials

• Hats (keep baby warm and protected)
  • Hats for girls
    Hats with boy and girl options
• Socks
• Onesies (short-sleeve for layering)
• Zip-Up Sleep Onesies (a must for easy diaper changes — our kids lived in these)
  • Girls
  • Boys

🧸 Toys & Play (Simple, Developmental, and Actually Used)

You don’t need it all, just pick a few. Some of our favs.

• Teething Sticks – Gentle and easy for tiny hands.
• Baby Fidget – Helps keep little minds busy.
• Remote Toy – Because babies love the real thing!
• Bath Toy – Makes bathtime extra fun.
• Rattle – Classic sound babies adore.
• Teether – Soothing for sore gums.
• Teether Set – Variety pack for teething relief.
• Wrist Rattles – Encourages early movement and play.
• Rain Stick – Gentle sounds for calm playtime.
• Activity Play Gym
• Skip Hop 3-Stage Activity Center
• Sensory Books
• Activity Cube
• Crawling Crab
• Activity Table
• Tummy Time Mirror

Extras You Might Actually Use

• Teething Toys
• Soft Blanket or 100% Cotton blanket
• Outlet Covers
• Baby Gates

👉 See our cold & flu season essentials here: https://hellojoyfulfinds.com/cold-flu-season-must-haves-for-kids/

JUMP TO ⤵️:

Hospital Bag vs. Home Essentials: What You Really Need Before Baby Arrives
Budget-Friendly Baby Essentials You Actually Need (Amazon Finds)
Car Seat Must-Haves Every Mom Needs for Smooth (and Saner) Outings
A Year-Round Gift Guide for Babies, Kids & Teens
👜 Diaper Bag Essentials (What You Actually Need)

Final Thoughts

These budget-friendly baby essentials truly make a difference — saving you time, space, and sanity. Every baby is different, so start simple, skip the overwhelm, and add what works best for your family.