A baby essentials list can easily grow out of hand. Cot, pram, changing mat, baby bath, breast pump, bottle warmer, breathing monitor, baby nest, pillow, dozens of outfits, toys, sleep gadgets… The list seems endless.
But does a newborn really need all of this?
Not necessarily.
When preparing baby essentials, it is easy to confuse "this might be useful" z "this is essential". Meanwhile, from the perspective of baby's health and safety, the most important things are often very simple.
That is why, instead of another list of dozens of products, we have prepared one that answers a much more important question:
What do you really need at home before your baby arrives, and what can easily wait?
If we had to pick one product category where you definitely should not cut corners or experiment, it is where your baby sleeps.
It does not need to be a designer crib costing thousands.
The most important thing is that it is safe.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep:
According to the AAP, this can reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by up to roughly 50% compared to a baby sleeping alone in a separate room.
Worth buying:
You do not need to buy:
And here, it is worth pausing for a moment on a very popular product.
Baby nests can be handy in everyday life with a baby, but they should not replace a safe sleep space.
The AAP points out that sleep products that do not meet appropriate safety standards can pose a risk. Soft and inclined surfaces, as well as items in the baby's sleep area, are especially dangerous.
That is why it is worth distinguishing:
a product that helps a parent during the day
from
a product designed for infant sleep.
They are not always the same thing.
If you plan to drive home from the hospital, a car seat is one of the few products you must have ready before the baby is born.
Here, it is definitely not worth being guided solely by looks, price, or the number of extra features.
The most important factors are:
safety, correct installation, and fitting the seat to both your baby and your car.
In Europe, it is especially important to look for approval compliant with current standards, including UN Regulation No. 129 (R129).
And one more thing that is easy to forget:
a good car seat installed incorrectly will not be a safe solution.
That is why before your baby arrives, it is worth not only buying the car seat, but also checking its installation and learning how to buckle your baby in properly.
This is one of the biggest budget "eaters" when putting together a layette.
A newborn really doesn't need dozens of outfits.
Above all, they need clothes that are:
To start, a few to a dozen basic sets are usually plenty.
It's worth remembering that newborn sizes may only be worn for a very short time. Babies grow fast, so buying a huge amount of clothes in a single size often means some of them will never even be worn.
a few good bodysuits + sleepsuits + season-appropriate clothing
than a closet full of clothes "just in case".
You really don't need fancy tech here.
What comes in handy:
And an important note:
you don't need to buy a whole shelf of skincare products for a newborn.
Baby skin is delicate, so the simpler the skincare routine, the better.
There is no need to buy a separate product for every part of the body just because the manufacturer put "baby" on the packaging.
A baby bath is one of those products that can genuinely make life easier, especially at the beginning.
However, it doesn't need to take up half your bathroom.
The most important factors are:
And here, no technology can replace the most important rule:
never leave a baby alone in the bath, not even for a second.
Even when using an insert, bath support, or a special seat.
A stroller is an important purchase, but there is no single model that is best for everyone.
Before spending thousands, ask yourselves:
Where will you actually be taking it?
A family living on the fourth floor without an elevator needs one kind of stroller, a family living in a house who mostly walks in the woods needs another, and someone taking public transit every day needs something completely different.
Pay attention to:
Don't buy a stroller just because it has 25 features. Choose one that will genuinely be comfortable for you to use.
It is not an essential item for your newborn layette.
However, it might turn out to be one of the things that makes everyday life much easier.
Closeness with your baby can be built in many ways - through cuddles, skin-to-skin contact, feeding, playing together, or simply carrying them in your arms.
The WHO highlights the importance of skin-to-skin contact and close care during the newborn period.
If parents wish to use a wrap or carrier, the most important step is learning how to fit it properly and ensure the correct baby positioning.
Still, there is no need to buy one 'just in case' if you are not sure you will actually use it.
This is one of those items where there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
If you plan to breastfeed, you might think:
"I will definitely need a breast pump."
But you might not need one at all.
In the first days after birth, what matters most is often simply a good latch and support for the mother.
The WHO points out that breastfeeding support, including practical help, can increase the chances of initiating and maintaining it.
So instead of buying the most expensive model before giving birth, you might consider:
a good yet simple pump, or the option to quickly rent or buy one if the need arises.
Every mother's situation is different.
If you plan to breastfeed, there is no need to buy ten bottles straight away.
If feeding ends up requiring pumping or supplementing, you can always buy the necessary accessories later.
If, on the other hand, you plan to formula-feed from the start, you will naturally need suitable bottles.
The most important thing, however, is not building your layette on the assumption that you have to use everything.
A pacifier isn't a mandatory newborn layette item, but it's worth having one or two on hand.
Interestingly, observational studies suggest that pacifier use during sleep may be linked to a lower risk of SIDS. Keep in mind, however, that a pacifier is no substitute for other safe sleep guidelines and should never be forced if your baby doesn't want it.
It's best to choose an age-appropriate pacifier without decorations or cords, and always offer it under supervision.
Beyond the bigger purchases, it's worth preparing a few small yet practical essentials:
Digital thermometer. Allows you to check temperature quickly and safely. For a newborn, ease of use and accuracy matter most.
Vitamin D. Pediatric guidelines recommend vitamin D supplementation for infants from their very first days of life, especially in our climate zone. The exact dosage is always determined by your pediatrician.
Baby nail scissors or a nail file. Newborn nails are very soft, but they still need trimming so baby doesn't scratch themselves.
Handy diaper sacks and a portable changing mat. Even if you change diapers on the bed at home, a portable changing mat is invaluable when traveling or visiting friends and family.
Some products, while popular and beautifully packaged, aren't needed from day one at all. Parents often put them aside after a few weeks or only use them once in a while.
You can safely skip:
And remember: if you don't use something regularly, it probably wasn't needed.
It's not a product.
It's peace of mind, support and time for yourself.
A baby doesn't need the most expensive stroller, a designer crib or ten skincare products. Above all, they need parents who feel as good as they possibly can in any given moment.
A good newborn kit is one that makes everyday life easier, not more complicated.
So if you're packing your hospital bag or stocking your shelves and wondering whether something is truly necessary - it probably isn't.