This post is all about baby products that are essential for the first 4 months!
When I got pregnant, I started saving up money to buy a bunch of baby products. The only problem was that when I went to start spending, I had no idea what to buy! There are many resources out there for moms and babies, but it’s hard to know what you need if you’ve never had a baby before!
Now that my own baby is 5 months old (time flies!!), I’ve gathered a list of what products I used the MOST in the first 4 months of her life! I hope this list can help new mamas figure out what they need to buy in preparation for their own sweet baby’s arrival.
Here is the list of products I deem ‘essential’ for baby’s first 4 months!
Baby Products
Big purchases
These products are the ‘big’ and most expensive purchase you will probably make! If, like me, you are on a budget for baby supplies, pick one or two of these items to splurge on and then do your best to find cheaper options for the rest! Though they are essential for raising a baby, there are many ways you can save money on these big ticket items, so I’ll share my ideas on how to do just that.
Crib
First, you’re going to need a place for your baby to sleep! Some people choose to use a bassinet set up AND a crib, but for me, having just a crib was not too inconvenient and definitely much cheaper. Ikea has a great selection of simple and well-priced cribs, OR you can find many local used cribs from facebook marketplace.
Changing table
Second, you’ll need a place to change your baby! This happens a lot so you’ll want a table that’s at a comfortable level for you to stand at! I got a used changing table from a family member, but if I didn’t have that option, I actually would have bought a dresser and an attachable changing pad like this. That way, you can use the dresser in your child’s room for years to come!
Stroller/carseat combo
Next, if you want to go anywhere (including home from the hospital), you’ll need a carseat! To me it seems that the carseat/stroller combos are the best bang for your buck. I found a ton of great deals for these items on Amazon, so I just added one on sale to my baby registry and my aunts kindly pitched in to buy it 😉
One thing to keep in mind is that carseats have an expiration date, so you might not be able to buy a used one that will last you long enough. Don’t worry, there are many car seat/stroller options out there! Do some research, find a few options you love, and wait for a sale!
Rocker/glider
Finally, you might want some sort of rocker, glider, or recliner for your nursery! This is *not* the most essential item on this list because you really just need a comfortable place to feed your baby often which can be your bed, couch, or just a normal chair.
If you do end up wanting a separate chair for the baby there are used options from facebook marketplace, cheap options on Amazon/Walmart/etc., and splurge options from any furniture store. I am in LOVE with the swivel chair I got from Walmart, linked here.
Add it to your registry
Here are a few items I use almost daily that I was able to put on my Amazon baby registry! Friends and family members were able to pull up my registry and purchase items that I thought I might need. I highly recommend setting up a baby registry on Amazon if you can! The process is so easy and convenient for everyone involved.
Wipes
You will never have enough wipes! So I suggest you buy wipes in bulk. Most wholesale stores sell baby wipes in bulk, so if no one buys wipes from your registry you can add it to your grocery list!
Diapers
Diapers, on the other hand, can get a little tricky because they come in many sizes for your growing baby so you don’t to buy too many of one size.
Here’s a handy little table I found with estimates on how many diapers you’ll need in each size.
BabyList.com has a super helpful article on how many baby diapers you’ll need in each size. Here’s the table they include in that article:
Sound machine
We use a sound machine to help baby fall asleep during naps and night time! This one has a volume control, several sound options, and charging via battery or wall plug.
Booger sucker
I find myself sucking baby boogers almost daily! Save yourself some hassle by using an electric one – it’s super easy to use and clean.
Electric nail file
Baby nails grow incredibly fast and will scratch you (and baby) often if you don’t trim them frequently! Using an electric nail file is SO much easier then clipping. This one is gentle, quiet, and comes with different attachments so that adults can use it too!
Muslin burp cloths
Okay muslin burp cloths are THE best! Somehow they simultaneously fold small into diaper bags, wash easy, AND soak up a ton of baby spit up. I use this pack of 6 all day every day.
Pacifier
Did you know that there are options for pacifier sample packs? Here’s one on Amazon that comes with a few options you can try in case your baby doesn’t like a certain pacifier style.
I happened to get a lot of baby pacifiers as gifts, and my baby liked different binkies at different times because they would fit in her mouth better.
These pacifiers are my personal favorite because they’re so soft and a clear color that matches every outfit. Plus, it’s easy to see when they need to be cleaned!
Binky clip
We have lost so many binkies already somehow… but the 2 we have never lost are the ones secured to binky clips! I love these gummy bead clips because baby can chew on them and they are neutral enough to match every outfit.
Sleep sack
Baby sleep is another topic that requires a lot of research…. BUT I do know that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swaddling, as long as it’s done correctly by placing the baby on its back. For the first few weeks we swaddled our baby with hospital blankets and swaddles. Somehow, baby learned pretty quickly how to escape the swaddle and her moro (startle) reflex would wake her up constantly! Finally I got this sleep sack and I’ve never looked back. It keeps the baby snug, calm, and warm while sleeping. It swaddles her arms at first but eventually allows you to swaddle with her arms free so she can lift her head if she rolls over. Plus, it comes in a bunch of different fabric patterns so you can grab a cute one to match your nursery 😉
Bath seat
We don’t bathe the baby every day, but when we do, we find this bath seat is easiest! It’s nice to set the baby down without risking her sucking in a bunch of water.
Brush
After bathing, we use this cute baby brush and it works perfectly! This item is also *not* one of the most essential items on this list if your baby doesn’t have much hair, which is totally normal. My baby came with a toooon of hair, and if we didn’t brush it after each bath, it would quickly get crazy and tangled.
Name brands I love
These products are made by many different brands, but of the ones I’ve tried, so far these are my favorite!
Solly baby wrap
I’ve tried a few wraps, and the stretchiest/comfiest/simplest one so far is the SollyBaby wrap! I absolutely love this wrap and often think about getting it in another color – it’s just that good and I use it that often!
Compared to other baby wearing gear I’ve tried, the Solly Baby wrap has the softest and comfiest material. I can go on long walks with the baby strapped in, no problem! It’s also nice because it’s so easy for me to put on myself. Other carriers with buckles and buttons are a little too complicated for me to put on without someone helping me to either tighten on myself or put the baby in.
Parker baby hooded towel
I have also tried a few baby bath towels, and my favorite so far is the Parker baby hooded towel. The hood is so cute with some ears and the towel is surprisingly thick and soft! Other towels I’ve tried are much thinner and get sopping wet by the time I’m done drying baby.
Bonus: one thing I would NOT buy — yet
Finally, one thing I would NOT recommend you buy is baby blankets! Here are a few reasons why:
- First, loose blankets are NOT recommended for baby sleep until the baby is 1 years old, because a loose blanket is a suffocation hazard. So you might not use blankets that much anyway.
- Second, you might be gifted blankets! Many people can’t resist buying baby blankets – they’re so cute and soft! – so I wouldn’t be surprised if you ended up with many baby blankets just from kind people.
- Third, in an emergency where you do need a blanket (maybe for baby tummy time) you can just use an adult blanket of your own!
Now, you might end up needing a baby blanket to keep you baby warm during walks, to put your baby down on the ground, or to keep your toddler warm. I simply recommend waiting until after baby is born to assess what you really need from a blanket and then buy that, if you aren’t gifted it!
Happy shopping!
I hope this list of recommended baby products helps you get started on your next adventure!
PS – to all my mama friends, what other essentials would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments below!
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