- theBabyMD
- Posts
- Recommendations for Newborn Essentials
Recommendations for Newborn Essentials
Here are the recommendations for some of the newborn essentials! Brand names are less important to us - we are focusing on materials you should look for in each of these products, that best support baby health :) Please refer to my video for more context on why these are the essentials!
Dr. Surya Manickam
February 01, 2025
Table of Contents
Hello everyone! Thank you for joining theBabyMD community 🙏🏽 Our mission is to support parents early in their parenting journey, so that they can feel informed and even more confident as they bring their baby home and raise them 🙂
Subscribe for our free newsletter here to receive baby tips from us regularly, like this document! https://thebabymd.beehiiv.com/subscribe
Here are some recommendations for some of the newborn essentials! Brand names are less important to us - we are focusing on the things you should look for in each of these products, that best support baby health 🙂
Why these are the essentials: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFc-WzDRGvd/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Please see below our disclaimers as well.
Wipes
Ultimate Recommendation (what I would buy for my baby): Kudos Wipes
Note: They’ve given our community 10% OFF on any purchase - you can use the promo code THEBABYMD or click on the above link (it links to their diapers, but can search for the wipes on their site)
All the below pros of Hello Bello Baby Wipes, without containing phenoxyethanol or sodium benzoate
Brands that contains common preservatives that often do not cause any skin irritation for babies, but you need to be mindful of:
Hello Bello Baby Wipes and Eco by Naty Baby Wipes
99.9% water
plastic free, fragrance free, alcohol free
100% compostable wipes
affordable
does contain sodium benzoate, a preservative that sometimes can cause baby skin irritation
Comparable brand, but is not as good for sustainability:
Water Wipes are 99.9% water, plastic free, fragrance free, alcohol free, but only 20% compostable
Here’s Why!
Primarily water, fragrance free, and alcohol free are the three most important factors for wipes!
The less ingredients, the better - lower risk of skin irritation or allergy
Be mindful of common preservatives like phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate. While often they do not cause any skin irritation for babies, sometimes they do cause irritation. If you can avoid them entirely, you avoid this risk
Note: it’s okay to use products that may have preservatives, fragrances, multiple ingredients, etc. There is just a higher chance of skin irritation or allergy, so be mindful! If they work for your baby, then they are often fine!
Diapers
Ultimate Recommendation (what I would buy for my baby): Hybrid brand and biodegradable diapers (like Kudos Natural Diapers).
Note: They’ve given our community 10% OFF on any purchase - you can use the promo code THEBABYMD or click on the above link
Here’s Why!
Your options here are reusable cloth diapers and disposable plastic diapers. There is no difference in baby diaper rashes between the two, so it’s parent preference!
BUT, it depends on how frequently you change the diapers. Diaper rashes and baby comfort come down to 1) baby diaper material and 2) how long urine and stool rests on your baby’s skin.
Reusable cloth diapers are nicer on the skin than the plastic in disposable diapers, but urine and stool soak through them quickly, so you have the change the diaper frequently and do laundry often. If urine and stool rests on the skin for a long time, baby skin breaks down, causing rashes
Plastic disposable diapers absorb the urine and stool better, but they rub and irritate the skin, causing baby diaper rashes
Kudos and other hybrid brands have cotton lined diapers, so they are nice on the skin, have no plastics directly touching your baby, are partially biodegradable, and still absorb urine and stool well!
Check out our videos about baby diaper rashes, newborn peeing, and newborn stooling for more information:
Baby Bottles
Ultimate Recommendation (what I would buy for my baby): Nanobebe Flexy Breastmilk Bottle
Silicone allows for safe warming and warms fast in a warm water bowl
Good venting, to prevent your baby from becoming gassy / having discomfort after feeds
Minimal number of parts so easy to clean
Easy adapter for direct breast pumping into the bottle
Shape and angle of the nipple are the key pluses for this bottle! Similar to the breast. The shape is less important if your baby is fully formula feeding, but the angle of the nipple is still helpful
This company also has a concave shaped bottom of the bottle, making it easy for breastmilk warming with their warmer, but this special bottle is only in BPA-free plastic, not silicone, glass, or stainless steel
One other option to consider, with many of the important factors, but less ideal:
Soft, squeeezable silicone bottle with a wide breast nipple
Only 3 parts, easy to clean
For Premature or Slow Feeders: Dr. Brown’s Preemie Bottle – Ultra-slow flow nipple for preemies.
This is what we use in the hospital, but only needed if your lactation specialist / medical team in the hospital specify your baby needs a slower flow nipple to feed
The slow flow nipple is the unique aspect of this bottle. Con is that this is a BPA-free plastic bottle (okay, but not as ideal as a silicone, glass, or stainless steel bottle)
Here’s Why!
Nipple Shape & Flow Rate
Breast-like shape to transition easily in between breast and bottle
Nipple should be soft to mimic the breast
Flow rate appropriate for your baby (slower for a newborn, faster as they get older, some babies need even slower rate nipples initially if having trouble with the suck-swallow reflex; ask you doctor or lactation specialist, if concerned)
Anti-collapse design: nipple should not collapse when feeding
Bottle Material
Your options are BPA-free plastic, Glass, Silicone, or Stainless Steel
BPA-free plastic: lightweight and durable, but wears out over time, not the safest to warm in (though evidence is unclear)
Glass: durable, easy to clean, but heavier and can break if dropped
Silicone: soft, flexible, and shatterproof, but pricier
Stainless Steel: long-lasting, but harder to see volume markings
Features to decrease gassiness
Less vital, but if you can find a bottle that reduces air intake (ie has good venting) when your baby feeds, this reduces gas! Which can help babies feel more comfortable
An angled design tends to help control milk flow and prevent swallowing air
Ease of Cleaning
Three factors: wide-neck bottle, fewer parts, and dishwasher safe
Wide-necks are easier to clean than narrow ones
Fewer parts decreases assembly time and clean time
Size & Capacity
Smaller bottles (4-5 oz in size) are best for newborns and young infants
Compatibility with Pumps and Accessories
if you’re using a breast pump, check if the bottle is compatible with direct pumping - this makes it much easier!
some bottles work with various nipple sizes for growing babies
Feedback we’ve heard from parents!
The nipples with the vents (like Nanobebe) are easy to clean, but don’t work all the time, so the bottle becomes squished as they keep drinking from it. So you have to remove the bottle from the baby from time to time
Dr. Brown’s nipples are better for feeding for this reason! However, are harder to clean and are plastic (unless you get the glass version, which has it’s own cons)
Baby Formula
Ultimate Recommendation (what I would buy for my baby): Similac 360 Total Care or Enfamil NeuroPro formula
For full term babies without any other complications or medical issues, a standard 20 kcal/oz formula is all you need! There is no evidence to show any of the other brands will support your baby any more or less.
Similac and Enfamil are the most standard brands in the United States, are often the most affordable, and are also often available through WIC. There are SO many different brands and SO many different types of formula, even within Similac and Enfamil. To make it easier, start with the most basic formulas offered by each brand (listed above) - if your baby is having issues over the course of multiple weeks, talk to your pediatrician and see if one of their other formula lines may make more sense. Most babies only need (and still thrive) on these standard brands alone, though!
Premature babies and babies with other medical conditions are sometimes prescribed more calorie dense formulas to support growth (ie 22 or 24 kcal/oz formulas), so follow your pediatrician’s recommendations for these cases
Baby Bassinet or Crib
Ultimate Recommendation (what I would buy for my baby): Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper
360-degree swivel for easy access
mesh sides for breathability
adjustable height and sturdy base
Best Budget-Friendly Bassinet: Dream on me Karley Bassinet
Lightweight and portable
Mesh sides with retractable canopy
Sturdy
Best Rocking Bassinet: Fisher-Price Soothing Motions Bassinet
If you want a bassinet that has a gentle rocking and vibration feature, but is still affordable
Mesh sides for visibility
easy to use
Best overall convertible crib: Davinci Kalani 4 in 1 Mini Crib
Ideal for apartments or shared rooms
Convertible to a toddler bed and daybed
Adjustable mattress height
Smaller but still sturdy and stylish
Great value for money
Some reports say toddlers can get their legs stuck in between the wall slabs - just be careful of this!
More classic crib design: Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
More classic crib design
Modern design with eco-friendly materials
Adjustable mattress height
More expensive
Here’s Why!
Safety and Comfort are the top two priorities here!
Safety
Bassinets are the most safe for newborns, but cribs are also an option (if below precautions are taken)
Crib slats should be <6 cm apart to prevent your baby’s head from ever becoming stuck
Avoid cribs with drop-side rails (banned in the United States for safety reasons)
Make sure whichever brand you select complies with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). You can check here: https://www.saferproducts.gov/
Mattress Fit and Firmness
The mattress should be firm and fit snug in the bassinet / crib (no gaps greater than 2 fingers wide)
Use only a fitted sheet designed for the mattress size
Breathability and Ventilation
Look for sturdy mesh sides (especially for bassinets; no tearing, sagging, or collapsing) to promote airflow, reduce the risk for suffocation, and allow you to monitor them while they are sleeping
Sturdy Build and Stable
Solid frame that does not wobble
Avoid bassinets with wheels unless they lock securely (even then this is a risk)
Adjustability and Longevity
Bassinets are for babies 0-6 months
Convertible Cribs: though these are pricier, 3 in 1 or 4 in 1 cribs are convenient since they can transition into a toddler bed, daybed, of fulls-size bed, which can help as your baby grows
Foldable / travel-friendly bassinets exist, if you are frequently on the go
Extra Features (Optional but useful)
Rocking or motion settings (some bassinets have auto-soothing motions)
Built-in nighlight or sounds (check out our video on white noise video, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend this)
Storage space: helpful for keeping diapers and other essentials
Here’s our video about white noise for babies!
Baby Swaddle
Ultimate Recommendation (What I would buy for my baby): Sleepea 5-second Swaddle
3 way adjustable design (arms in, one arm out, arms free)
Hip-healthy
Easy to use, easy velcro closure and zipper, for quick nighttime diaper changes
Available in cotton
The Halo Sleepsack Swaddle is similar (and is what we previously recommended), however, parents say the velcro can sometimes scratch your baby’s neck. This doesn’t happen with the Sleepea!
For those who are in favor of more traditional swaddling: Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle
Large, breathable muslin cotton fabric
Versatile – can be used as a swaddle, burp cloth, or nursing cover
Lightweight for hot climates
Here’s Why! Safety, comfort, and ease of use are the important factors here!
Two major types
Traditional Blanket Swaddle
Large square, rectangle cloth that requires manual wrapping
Velcro or Zipper Swaddle
easy to fasten, prevents baby from breaking free
helps with quick diaper changes at night
Factors to consider
Pick a breathable material like cotton, muslin, or bamboo fabrics
AVOID weighted sleep products. The AAP does not recommend them due to safety concerns (they sometimes cause decreased oxygen levels in babies)
Oversized swaddles can be unsafe
Machine-washable
No benefits of one style of swaddling over the other
Remember: once your baby is showing signs of learning to roll over, no more swaddling (usually around ages 3-6 months old)! And make sure the legs are out and able to bend at the hips. This is for safety reasons to make sure there is no harm to hip development
Stroller + Baby Carrier/Car Seat
Ultimate Recommendation (What I would buy for my baby): Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System
Car seat plus stroller
Super easy, compact, easy to travel with
Affordable with all the features you need
Premium Option: UPPAbaby Travel Systems
Car seat and toddler seat
Easy to fold
Can convert to double stroller
Vented base for breathability
Sun canopy
Storage space
More expensive
Best Budget Option: Graco Fastaction SE 2.0 Travel System
Affordable and still packed with high-quality features
easy to fold
Here’s Why!
Factors to consider are safety, comfort, and convenience!
Safety
5-point harness, preventing the baby from slipping or falling
Strong brakes
Locking front wheels
Stable frame
All in one: newborn → toddler
Lightweight: easy to carry, compact
Storage space
Car seat friendly
Sun canopy to block direct sunlight
Breathable fabric (helps in warm weather) and comfortable seating
Thermometer
Ultimate recommendation (what I would buy for my baby): FridaBaby 3 in 1 True Temp Thermometer
I like this best because it ensures safe rectal insertion depth and built in timer. This helps parents feel more comfortable when taking a rectal temperature
Best Budget: iProven DTR-1221A Digital Thermometer
Here’s Why!
Most important that you get a digital multi-use thermometer: not mercury based!
most multi-use thermometers help with rectal, oral, and axillary temperatures
Rectal thermometers are the most accurate for babies
No need to get anything too fancy for this one! In addition to multi-use, just need to make sure it’s accurate, has a flexible tip, is BPA-free, waterproof, and easy to clean
Forehead thermometers are a good alternative for home, though tend to be pricier
I think every parent should have this product and brand! Very helpful when your baby is congested
Pacifier
Ultimate Recommendation (What I would buy for my baby and for full term and premie babies): Tommee Tippee Pacifier
Hits all our below criteria, including one with a pacifier clip and another that is glow in the dark
Pacifier clip: Tommee Tippee Pacifier
Glow in the dark: Tommee Tippee Pacifier
Philips Avent Soothie, hospital-used, but not glow in the dark
Hospital-recommended and widely used in NICUs
One-piece medical-grade silicone (safe and easy to clean)
Designed to support natural oral development
Available in 0-3 month and 3 month+ sizes
Only con: there is no glow in the dark version
Best at Mimicking Breast and Stylish, but a couple missing criteria: Nanobébé Flexy Pacifier
I also really like this one - stylish and softer. Just hard to beat the NICU standard!
Ultra-soft silicone with a flexible nipple for a natural feel
Lightweight and ergonomic for newborns
Easy to clean
Only con: requires a pacifier clip with loops to fit inside the hole and no glow in the dark version
Here’s Why!
Two major nipple design types for pacifiers
Orthodontic vs round
No evidence to support one or the other so ultimately is parent preference!
However, I would say no need for an orthodontic pacifier: If you start pacifiers only around 3-4 weeks of age and you discontinue it between 6-18 months of age as recommended, round nipples are best for most babies and parents. They feel most similar to the breast, are taken by babies more, and have equal breastfeeding success. Orthodontic pacifers reduce the pressure on the front teeth, so only help once the front teeth have come in and/or if the pacifer is still in use past 18 months old
Latex vs rubber vs silicone: silicone is best, but also most expensive. Babies can occassionally have allergic reactions to latex
Get a 1 piece model, not 2 piece model. This prevents any choking risk
Shield should be at least 1.5 inches across to reduce any choking risk
Dishwasher safe
Get a breathabke shield with vent Holes
Easy to clean and sterilize
Special Features to consider
Pacifier clip so that you don’t have to clean it every time it drops on the floor
Breastfeeding-friendly: mimics the natural feel of a breast to prevent nipple confusion
Glow in the Dark to help at nighttime
Here’s our video on pacifiers and are planning to release a new one soon! https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-QKzLQp1A6/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Lotion
Ultimate Recommendation (What I would buy for my baby): Vanicream Moisturizing Cream for Baby or Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy
Hits all the criteria, but more expensive
Great for Eczema especially
Often cheaper, but contain common preservatives. They often do not cause any skin irritation for babies, but something to be mindful of:
CereVe Baby (contains phenoxyethanol)
Aveeno Baby Daily Moisture Body Lotion (contains benzyl alcohol)
This preservative is removed in their Aveeno Baby Eczema Therapy
Here’s Why!
Fragrance free, alcohol free, dye-free, and no deodorants! These all limit the chances of skin irritation and allergy and are the most important factors
The less ingredients, the better. Again, lower risk of skin irritation or allergy
Be mindful of common preservatives like phenoxyethanol and benzyl alcohol. While often they do not cause any skin irritation for babies, sometimes they do cause irritation. If you can avoid them entirely, you avoid this risk
all of the above criteria are even more important for premie infants, since they tend to have even more sensitive skin
Note: it’s okay to use products that may have preservatives, fragrances, multiple ingredients, etc. There is just a higher chance of skin irritation or allergy, so be mindful! If they work for your baby, then they are often fine!
Disclaimers:
We have a special deal with Kudos! If you use our promo code THEBABYMD, you’ll earn a 10% discount and we’ll also get 10%. Though we have this benefit, you can trust we genuinely agree with the above recommendation and only accepted that potential partnership because we really believe in the brand and what they are trying to do :) Great for baby health and better for sustainability!
All of the above recommendations are only based on what has been advertised online by each of these companies and how they align with safety measures, per my own research. The information and products mentioned are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before using any medical-related products or treatments. We are not responsible for any current or future recalls or issues that may be present in any of these products. We don’t have any affiliation with any of the above mentioned companies (aside what has been mentioned pertaining Kudos) and have not personally used these products.
The links provided in this post are affiliate links with Amazon, meaning I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase. However, my recommendations are based on my professional expertise as a doctor and are intended for informational purposes only.