I know how overwhelming it is when you prepare for newborn baby essentials, especially when you’re trying to figure out what you actually need to buy.
I went through this before, and unfortunately, I bought many items that I didn’t use even once!
In this blog, I will help you to skip this hassle by only sharing what you truly need, with honest quantities, and the best places to get them without overspending.
And the best part? I have discount codes and savings tips for most of the brands on this list — including some deals you won’t find anywhere else.
I update these codes regularly, so save this pin now and come back when you’re ready to shop.
| Affiliate disclosure: This blog includes affiliate links. If you shop through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the blog running and the deals updated! |
Current Deals — April 2026
| Brand | What It Covers | Deal | How to Get It |
| Naturepedic | mattresses, sheets, mattress cover, dresser | 20% off until April 27 | Code: (EARTH20CAN) at checkout |
| Lullaby Earth | Crib mattresses & covers | 10% off | Code: (LULLABY10) at checkout |
| Momcozy | Breast pumps & feeding gear | 15% off | Code: (pump15) at checkout |
| Mini Mioche | Organic baby clothes | 20% off first order | Use code (JOINTHEFAMM) at checkout |
| Bloomingdale’s | Strollers, car seats, cribs, clothes | 15% off first order | Sign up for their email list |
* I update this table every month — save this post to always get the latest codes.
Organic Baby Clothes
If there’s one category that makes first-time moms spiral into overwhelm, it’s baby clothes.
They’re adorable, they’re everywhere, and the options are endless. But here’s what I wish someone had told me: you don’t need much, and what you do buy absolutely matters.
Babies have incredibly sensitive skin, and what touches it all day and night makes a real difference. That’s why I only recommend organic-certified materials.
What to Look for on the Label
When shopping for organic baby clothes, look for any of these certifications:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) — the gold standard for organic textiles
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 — certifies the fabric is free from harmful substances
- FSC Certified — for sustainably sourced materials
How Many Do I Actually Need? (By Season)
| Item | Summer Baby | Spring/Fall Baby | Winter Baby |
| Onesies (snap buttons) | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Swaddle blankets | 3–4 | 3–4 | 3–4 |
| Pants | 3-4 (AC homes) | 3–6 | 3–6 |
| Sleeveless bodysuits | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Short-sleeve bodysuits | 3- 6 | __ | __ |
| Long-sleeve bodysuits | 3-6 (AC homes) | 3- 6 | 3- 6 |
| Socks | 2 pairs | 3-4 pairs | 3-4 pairs |
| mittens | __ | 1-2 | 2–3 |
| Hats | 2–3 | 2–3 | 2–3 |
| Bibs | 3-6 | 3-6 | 3-6 |
| Burp cloths | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Outdoor clothes (set or romper) | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Hooded Jacket | __ | __ | 1-2 |
A Pro Tip on Onesies (From a Mom Who Learned the Hard Way)
| Only buy onesies that have snap buttons in the diaper area — not zip-up ones. Here’s why: With snap buttons, you just open the snaps, change the diaper, and snap them back. Done. With a zip-up onesie, you have to take the whole thing off and put it back on. At 3 a.m., that’s a nightmare. I made this mistake with my daughter and replaced them later! |
Best Brands by Budget
For Special Occasions & Premium Pieces:
- Mini Mioche — beautiful organic pieces
- Pehr — hand-painted prints, heirloom quality
- Magnetic Me — magnetic closures that are a lifesaver at midnight
Budget-Friendly Without Sacrificing Safety:
- Little Planet by Carter’s — best option for stocking up on daily basics like sleeveless onesies and more!
| Current Deals ✔ Mini Mioche: 20% off your first order — use code (JOINTHEFAMM) at checkout ✔ Bloomingdale’s: 15% off your first order when you sign up for their email list (This one is great for premium brands like Pehr & Magnetic Me) |
Pro Tip for Swaddles
Swaddle blankets are necessary in the newborn stage only. Once your baby starts moving their arms and legs — usually somewhere between 2 and 4 months — you’ll know it’s time to stop.
How will you know? They’ll cry and fight every time you try to swaddle them!
Eco-Friendly Diapers & Wipes
I won’t spend too much time here because let’s be honest — we all know we need diapers and wipes.
But what most new moms don’t realize is that not all diapers are created equal when it comes to what’s touching your baby’s skin all day.
The key is to look for non-toxic, chemical-free materials. Avoid anything with dyes, chlorine bleach, or synthetic fragrances.
Two Options Based on Your Budget
Option 1: Premium Organic Diapers
Brands like Coterie and HealthyBaby are top-of-the-line — ultra-soft, certified organic, and free from any questionable chemicals.
I have a full breakdown in my post: The Complete Guide to Top Organic Baby Diapers. Include more than 10 brands.
Option 2: Affordable Non-Toxic Diapers
You don’t have to spend a fortune to protect your baby’s skin. Brands like Rascals and Freestyle SkinShield™ are excellent non-toxic options at a friendlier price point.
I cover all of these in: The 5 Best Affordable Non-Toxic Diapers Moms Trust.
What applies to diapers applies to wipes; you can buy both of them from one brand
| How to Save on Diapers & Wipes (Even Without My Codes): Most of these brands offer 10–15% off your first order, plus a subscription discount if you order regularly. If you plan to use the same brand long-term, the subscription option almost always saves you the most money. A note on wipes: Based on my personal experience, I don’t use wipes unless I am outside the home, to avoid irritation. Instead, I use water and cotton, but it’s up to you. |
Feeding Essentials
Nursing Pillow
If you plan to breastfeed, you will need a nursing pillow.
It supports both you and your baby during feeding, which makes a genuine difference during those long newborn nursing sessions.
Look for one with a removable, washable organic cotton cover — because trust me, it will need washing often.
The best mom-approved brands are Blessed Nest buckwheat nursing pillow and Boppy Nursing Pillow with Organic Cover.
Both brands are great options. If you choose Boppy, make sure that you opt for the organic option, as they have non-organic items
Eco-Friendly Baby Bottles
Here’s my honest advice: start with just one or two bottles, especially if you plan to breastfeed.
I know it’s tempting to buy a full set, but babies can be surprisingly picky — what works for one baby doesn’t always work for another.
Buy one to test, then stock up in case you think you really need them.
The most important thing is to avoid toxins. There are four safe materials to choose from:
| Material | Top Brands |
| Silicone | Comotomo & Lansinoh |
| BPA-Free Plastic | Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow & Evenflo Balance+ |
| Stainless Steel | Pura Kiki & Thinkbaby |
| Glass | Lansinoh Glass & Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Glass |
For a full comparison of the best bottles for breastfed babies — including buying tips — check out my full guide: Best Bottles for Breastfed Infants.
Breast Pumps
This item is not for your baby, but you will use it for your baby for many cases, like:
- Having a Low breast milk supply
- Working mom
- Or even if you want to take turns between you and your partner at night.
In this case, breast pumps are important. But the question is:
Should you buy the wearable breast pump or the traditional breast pump? And which brands are the best?
Well, it depends on your use and needs.
- If you are a busy or working mom, the best option is the wearable breast pump.
- If you are a stay-at-home mom and don’t mind getting tied to the pump wires every 3 to 4 hours, you can use the traditional one.
- If you have a shortage of breast milk, the traditional has a stronger suction than the wearable one.
I have a blog comparing best wearable breast pumps for working moms, to compare Momcozy, Eufy, and Elvie.
However, if you prefer a traditional pump, I recommend Spectra S1.
The good news here is that most insurance plans cover breast pumps, so you can get one for free or with a co-payment.
If it’s not included in your insurance plan, you can check out the deals below.
| Breast Pump Current Deals: Momcozy: 15% off — use code (pump15) at checkout: Shop Momcozy |
Sleeping Essentials
Did you know that newborns sleep between 16 and 17 hours a day?
That means your baby will spend more time in their sleep space than anywhere else. Getting this right isn’t just about comfort — it’s about safety.
Step 1: Crib, Mini Crib, or Bassinet — Which One Do You Need?
This is one of the most common questions I get asked all the time, and the honest answer is: it depends on two things.
- Your space — do you have room for a full-size crib, or would a smaller option work better?
- Your budget — cribs are a bigger upfront investment, but they last longer
| Option | Best For | How Long It Lasts | Our Pick |
| Bassinet | First 3–6 months, keeping baby close at night | 3–6 months only | Great for the newborn stage |
| Mini Crib | Small spaces, apartment living | Up to ~18 to 24months (depending on the baby) (convertible options) | Best value for space-conscious moms |
| Full Crib | Long-term investment, larger spaces | Birth through toddler years | Best overall investment |
My personal recommendation: if your budget allows, go with a convertible mini crib. It works for the newborn stage and grows with your baby — so you’re not buying twice.
What Certificates to Look For
- GREENGUARD Gold — certifies low chemical emissions, essential for something your baby sleeps near 16+ hours a day
- ASTM, JPMA, or CPSIA — safety certifications that confirm the crib meets U.S. standards
Best Non-Toxic Crib Brands
- Babyletto — beautiful, modern designs with GREENGUARD Gold certification
- Stokke Sleepi — converts from bassinet to crib to toddler bed (incredible long-term value)
- DaVinci — the most affordable option that still meets non-toxic criteria
| Nursery Furniture Deal✔ Bloomingdale’s: 15% off your first purchase when you sign up for their email list → Shop Babyletto & Stokke at Bloomingdale’s |
Organic Crib Mattress
The mattress is arguably the most important sleep purchase you’ll make. Your baby’s face will be inches from it every single night.
You want to make sure it’s free from off-gassing chemicals and synthetic materials.
What certifications to look for:
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
- GREENGUARD Gold
- EWG Verified
Beyond certifications, look for a breathable mattress — one designed to regulate your baby’s temperature and prevent overheating.
This is especially important for newborns who can’t regulate their own body temperature.
Two of the best brands are Naturepedic and Lullaby Earth. Both are GREENGUARD Gold certified, made with organic materials, and have excellent breathability. I’ve used both and can personally vouch for the quality.
| Crib Mattress Deals ✔ Naturepedic: 20% off — use code (EARTH20CAN) at checkout: Shop Naturepedic ✔ Lullaby Earth: 10% off — use code (LULLABY10) at checkout: Shop Lullaby Earth |
Mattress Cover & Crib Sheets
Once you have your mattress, you need two things to protect it: a waterproof mattress cover and fitted crib sheets.
Get at least two of each — because when there’s a midnight blowout (and there will be one), you’ll be grateful you have a spare ready to go.
What to look for:
- Waterproof cover — protects the mattress from leaks and messes
- Breathable sheets — organic cotton or bamboo to prevent overheating
- Same certifications as the mattress (GOTS, GREENGUARD Gold, or EWG verified)
Great options include Naturepedic, Avocado, and Burt’s Bees Baby.
Burt’s Bees is the most affordable of the three and has a clearance section on their website worth checking — I’ve found great deals there.
| Mattress Cover & Sheets Deal ✔ Naturepedic: 20% off — use code (EARTH20CAN) at checkout: Shop Naturepedic |
Outdoor Baby Gear
Diaper Bag
You’ll definitely need something to carry diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and feeding supplies when you’re out of the house.
Whether that’s a dedicated diaper bag or a large tote you already own is up to you. If you want a stylish option that doesn’t scream “diaper bag,” look at brands like STATE and Pehr.
Eco-Friendly Car Seat
A car seat isn’t optional — it’s legally required and one of the most important safety purchases you’ll make.
But beyond safety ratings, it’s worth paying attention to what the car seat is made of.
Many conventional car seats are treated with fire-retardant chemicals that you probably don’t want touching your baby’s skin for every car ride.
Look for car seats that are specifically labeled as free from these chemicals.
What to look for:
- GREENGUARD Gold certified
- GOTS or OEKO-TEX labeled textiles
- No added fire-retardant chemicals
Top eco-friendly brands that meet these criteria: Nuna, Bugaboo, and UPPAbaby.
Eco-Friendly Baby Stroller
A stroller is one of those purchases worth investing in upfront — because if you buy the right one, you won’t need to replace it as your baby grows.
My advice:
- Get a stroller that works from newborn through toddler — look for one that includes a bassinet attachment or is compatible with a bassinet. Some include it; others sell it separately.
- Make sure it’s labeled eco-friendly and free from harmful chemicals in the frame and fabric
- Nuna, Bugaboo, Mockingbird, and UPPAbaby are the top picks in the non-toxic space
Mockingbird is the most affordable of the four and has a sale section on their website worth checking.
| Car Seat & Stroller Deal ✔ Bloomingdale’s: 15% off your first order when you sign up for their email list → Nuna, Bugaboo, and UPPAbaby are all available at Bloomingdale’s |
Gentle, Eco-Friendly Baby Skincare
Newborn skin is incredibly thin and absorbs everything, which means what you put on it matters more than most people realize.
I always recommend going organic for skincare, especially in the first few months.
Here’s what you actually need:
Baby Shampoo
Here’s something most first-time moms don’t know: buy two shampoos — a gentle everyday shampoo AND an anti-dandruff shampoo.
Newborns often develop cradle cap (a flaky, dandruff-like condition on the scalp) in the first few weeks.
- Top picks: Earth Mama and Tubby Todd — both are free from sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrance
Baby Lotion
Especially important in fall and winter when dry air can irritate newborn skin. Apply after bath time to keep skin soft and moisturized.
- Top pick: Tubby Todd All Over Ointment — works beautifully on dry patches and eczema-prone skin
Diaper Rash Cream
You’ll use this more than you expect. When choosing a diaper rash cream, look for these natural, skin-soothing ingredients on the label:
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Shea butter
- Calendula
- Zinc oxide
Top picks: Triple Paste Diaper Cream and Earth Mama Diaper Balm — both are clean, effective, and free from synthetic additives.
Nail Clippers & Hair Brush
Newborn nails grow surprisingly fast and are razor sharp. A newborn nail clipper (or file) and a soft-bristle baby brush are small items but genuinely useful.
Most pharmacies carry safe options — no need to splurge here.
Optional Items — What You Actually Need vs. What You Can Skip
This is my favorite section to write, because it’s the most honest. These are items that come up on every “must-have” list, but the truth is more nuanced.
Baby Monitor
Genuinely optional — it depends entirely on your home layout. If you have a small apartment or you’ll mostly be in the same room as your baby, you probably don’t need one.
If you have a larger home or you’ll be doing things in other rooms while the baby sleeps, it’s worth having. The Hello Baby brand is a good option. (personally, I didn’t buy it and didn’t need it)
Dresser
I didn’t buy a separate dresser for my daughter — I used space in our existing wardrobe.
If you’re tight on space, it’s completely skippable. If you have the space and prefer to keep things organized separately, go for it.
There are many non-toxic brands like Naturepedic.
Changing Table
This one I do recommend — if you don’t have a good alternative, your back will thank you.
You’ll be changing your baby 8 to 12 times a day in the newborn stage. Bending over a low surface that many times will catch up with you quickly.
A changing table or a high dresser with a changing pad on top keeps everything at a comfortable height. Your spine will thank you.
| One Last Reminder: Every baby is different. You might buy something that ends up sitting unused, and that’s completely normal — it happens to every mom. This checklist is a starting point, not a rulebook. Some items (like bottles) you’ll want to test one at a time before committing to a full set. Others (like onesies) you’ll want to stock up on from day one. Trust your instincts — you know your baby and your family better than any checklist does. |
Complete Savings Summary — All Deals in One Place
Here’s every active deal from this post, all in one place. Bookmark this section and come back when you’re ready to shop.
| Item Category | Brand | Deal | Code / How to Get It |
| Organic baby clothes | Mini Mioche | 20% off first order | Use code: (JOINTHEFAMM) at checkout |
| Organic baby clothes Car seatStrollersCribs | Bloomingdale’s Clothes: (Pehr, Magnetic Me) Car seat & stroller:(Nuna, Bugaboo, and UPPAbaby) Cribs: (Babyletto, Stokke) | 15% off first order | Sign up for their email list |
| Crib mattress & sheets & Covers & dresser | Naturepedic | 20% off | Use code: (EARTH20CAN) at checkout(valid until April 27) |
| Crib mattress & Covers | Lullaby Earth | 10% off | Use my code: (LULLABY10) at checkout |
| Breast pump | Momcozy | 15% off | Use code: (pump15) at checkout |
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I actually need for a newborn — and what can I skip?
The true essentials are: clothing (onesies, swaddles, socks), diapers and wipes, a safe sleep space with an organic mattress, a car seat, feeding supplies (nursing pillow + at least one bottle), and basic skincare. Everything else — baby monitors, bouncers, fancy diaper pails — is optional and can wait until you know what your specific baby needs.
How much does a newborn cost in the first year?
According to Momcozy’s first-year baby cost calculator, the average first-year cost ranges from $6,000 to $16,500 depending on your choices.
The biggest variables are childcare, diapers, and gear. Using organic and eco-friendly options doesn’t have to be more expensive — especially when you use the deals on this list and shop smartly. [Link: Momcozy First Year Baby Cost Calculator]
Are organic baby products actually worth it?
In my experience — yes, especially for anything that’s in constant contact with your baby’s skin: diapers, clothing, bedding, and skincare. Newborn skin is much thinner and more permeable than adult skin, which means it absorbs what touches it more readily. Going organic for these categories is the highest-impact choice you can make.
When should I start buying baby stuff?
Most moms start the big purchases around 28–32 weeks. You want enough time to research, compare, and take advantage of sales — but not so early that you’re tripping over baby gear for months before the due date.
Start with the big items first (crib, car seat, stroller) and fill in the smaller items closer to your due date.
What should I NOT buy for a newborn?
Items most moms end up not using: baby shoes (newborns don’t walk — socks are enough), too many 0–3 month clothes (babies grow out of them in weeks), elaborate diaper pail systems (a simple trash can with a lid works fine), and expensive baby food makers (you won’t need these for months). Spend your budget on the sleep and safety categories — that’s where it matters most.