Are you preparing for the arrival of your precious baby and wondering what the heck you actually need? This newborn essentials list contains the absolute must-have items to get before you bring your sweet bundle of joy home!
Taking your newborn baby out in public can seem like a huge ordeal that leaves you wondering what you will actually need. As a mom of two children ages three and under, I've been in your shoes and I've prepared the ultimate baby essentials list of items when taking your baby out in public.
After reading through this list, you and your baby will be ready to head out and about.
Wave buh-bye home because adventure awaits!
This post is the ultimate baby essentials list of must-haves that every new mom needs when taking baby out in public.
This post is a baby essentials list of items for taking baby out in public.
If you're looking for newborn must-haves for your home, check out this post.
That's not to say that I never took them out. I did, of course, as it was unavoidable! Below is my newborn baby essentials list of items that I had on hand for when I ventured out.
Also, it's important to note that I don't believe in taking "everything and the kitchen sink" out with me. No doubt, babies have a ton of stuff, but I do try to pare it down to what is absolutely necessary, so if this list seems slim, that is why.
With all that being said, keep reading for the best baby shopping list for new moms!
baby essentials list
1. A rear-facing, infant car seat
Having a rear-facing infant car seat is a nonnegotiable item that all new parents must have to leave the hospital (at least in the United States). A nurse will double-check that your baby is properly restrained in the seat and walk with you out to the car upon discharge from the hospital.
There are many types, styles, and price points for infant car seats. When I was pregnant with my son, I researched (and then researched some more!) and ended up splurging on the UPPAbaby Mesa Infant Car Seat—and I am happy that I did. I'm not going to lie...it's pricey, but very easy to use and is compatible with the UPPAbaby Vista Stroller (more on this in a second!)
The UPPAbaby Mesa Car Seat is an infant car seat and you will eventually need to switch it out for a convertible car seat as your baby grows (generally around 9 months or so, but this truly depends on your baby's weight).
Our family purchased the car seat and an additional base (for our second vehicle), but the second car seat base is optional!
The advantages of using an infant car seat:
- Can carry the entire seat inside the house—this makes transporting baby in and out of the house a breeze!
- Can fasten baby in his or her car seat inside the house (a HUGE bonus during colder months!)
- Is compatible with the UPPAbaby stroller system so that you can snap the entire seat into the stroller base and go (no need to unstrap or remove baby!)
A few tips:
- Carseats do have expiration dates (six years from the manufacture date, not the purchase date) Because my children were born only two years apart, I was able to use the infant car seat for both of them making it well worth the expense.
- Always consult your vehicle's safety manual for proper car seat installation; there are different restrictions on seat placement, anchor tether vs. seat belts, etc.)
- After installing the base in your vehicle, contact the local branch of your state police department. They will double-check that the car seat base is installed correctly and securely.
- If your budget allows, consider purchasing a second car seat base (if you have a second vehicle). This ensures that you always have a vehicle ready to go should you need to take baby out.
- For car seat safety tips, a great account to follow is safeintheseat on Instagram.
2. An infant car seat cover (a must for cold climates!)
Another safety tip that I was not aware of before having kids? Coats in the car are a big no-no! Coats, especially thick, warm winter ones add a layer of bulkiness that inhibits the straps from properly protecting your child while in the seat. So, what's a mama to do?
This winter car seat cover is amazing and definitely worthy of my baby essentials list!
This cover stretches over the car seat (kind of like a mini sleeping bag) and keeps baby super warm and allows the straps to come in direct contact with baby—no coat needed. The zipper makes it very easy to use and your baby will be the cutest, warmest pea in a pod you will ever see!
Skip Hop Winter Car Seat Cover, Stroll & Go, Heather Grey
3. A stroller
Okay, I promised that I'd give your more deets on the stroller. Now, hear me out...the UPPAbaby Vista Stroller is expensive. Really expensive. $999.00 expensive. BUT it's the Cadillac of baby strollers and if I had to do it all over again I would hands down purchase this stroller system.
Pros:
- Compatible with the UPPAbaby Mesa Infant Car Seat
- Super easy to fold (one button)
- Multiple configurations
- Includes bassinet (for newborns)
- Includes rain cover
- Includes mesh bug guard
- can convert into a double stroller
Cons:
- Expensive
- Heavy
- If using it as a double stroller, you will need to remove one of the seats before folding it down.
Okay, take a look at the above picture! Do you see the bassinet? It's ah-mazing and something that I used A LOT with both of my children. Admittedly I didn't take my kids out much when they were newborns, but I loved getting out of the house to get some fresh air. I took them for walks a lot and the bassinet feature allowed them to be comfy and cozy, lying down during our strolls. There is also a removal cover (two-way zipper) to keep them warm, UV sun guards and the stroller system comes with a rain guard and a mesh bug guard.
In addition, the UPPAbaby Mesa Infant Car Seat snaps right into the adapters, so if you didn't want to use the bassinet, you can easily use baby's car seat (i.e. when you're out running errands).
When baby outgrows the bassinet and infant car seat, simply move him to the toddler seat, which is already included!
Oh, and I'm saving the best part for last: this stroller converts to a double stroller! I knew that we wanted two children so when I researched strollers the double stroller feature was a major plus.
The UPPAbaby Vista stroller converts easily from a single to a double stroller: simply purchase the rumble seat and adapters and boom! Instant double stroller!
Aaaannnd in case you're wondering, you can use the bassinet and toddler seat simultaneously. I used this configuration when my daughter was first born and I didn't have the rumble seat yet! See picture below 
4. Muslin blankets
When I was expecting my first I received a muslin blanket in a freebie giveaway for new moms and I used it all. of. the. time.
It was my go-to blanket for covering baby on cooler afternoons during our walks, for draping over baby's car seat when moving in and out of the house, or for lying on the floor for a quick diaper change.
Because they're muslin, they're breathable so I never had to worry about baby suffocating and they are super light and easy to stuff in the diaper bag.
I am a huge fan and love that these soft blankets come in super fun prints!
5. A backpack or diaper bag
As a first-time mom, I purchased the Fawn Diaper bag. Actually, my husband purchased it for me as a gift 
And while it looked pretty, I hated it! The bag itself was bulky and the hardware added extra weight. More often than not, I found myself simply throwing my stuff in a large tote bag because it was easier.
Now, I use a cheap, plain backpack that I bought at Target. It's very lightweight, can stand being tossed around, and has enough room for what I need. Although the same backpack is no longer available, I'll link a similar one for purchase on Amazon.
What about carrying formula or breastmilk? Some diaper bags do have an insulated compartment. However, I have always found it much easier to store and transport formula or breastmilk in a soft-sided cooler.
Yes, it is one more thing to carry but I love having the peace of mind of knowing that the milk is being stored correctly and kept cold!
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