What You’ll Really Need When Your Newborn Arrives

Bringing home your newborn is an exciting moment, but let’s be honest—it’s also a bit overwhelming. The sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and constant guessing about what your baby needs can feel like a lot. Every parent wants to feel prepared, but it’s hard to know exactly what’s essential and what’s just nice to have until you’re in the thick of it.

Having the right essentials on hand can make a huge difference in those early days to make this exciting new experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Prepping for When Baby Arrives

Here’s what you should consider adding to your list, along with why a good changing table will become your new best friend.

Get ready with plenty of diapers and wipes

Let me tell you, diaper changes are going to become a major part of your daily (and nightly) routine. You might think you’ve got enough diapers, but newborns can go through up to 10 a day! So, whether you’re going with disposables or trying cloth diapers, be sure to stock up before your baby arrives. And don’t forget about wipes—they aren’t just for dirty diapers, they’ll come in handy for cleaning up all kinds of baby messes (and trust me, there will be plenty). Having more than you think you need is always a smart move because running out in the middle of the night is not something you want to experience.

Why a baby changing table makes life easier

When I was setting up my nursery, I wasn’t sure if I really needed a baby changing table. Couldn’t I just change diapers on the bed or a mat? But after a few days of constantly bending over and scrambling for wipes mid-change, I quickly realized why it’s a lifesaver. A good changing table keeps everything—diapers, wipes, creams—within easy reach, so you’re never left holding your baby in one hand while digging for supplies with the other. Plus, it’s much kinder to your back than hunching over a bed or the floor multiple times a day. It becomes a little station of calm in the midst of the chaos. Trust me, you’ll be grateful for it, especially during those 3 a.m. changes when every second saved counts.

Creating a space that works for you

When setting up your nursery, don’t just think about what looks cute. Consider what will actually make your life easier day-to-day. You don’t want to be constantly searching for things or tripping over piles of baby stuff. This is where thoughtful design really matters. I found that having a space for everything—a drawer for diapers, a basket for wipes, a spot for extra clothes—helps so much in keeping things organized, especially when you’re sleep-deprived. Brands like Petite Amélie offer well-designed, functional pieces that not only look good but work in real life. The pieces I invested in, like a changing table with ample storage, made the nursery feel less like a chaotic baby zone and more like a cozy, functional space where I could actually relax.

Comfortable seating for feeding time

Feeding your baby—whether you’re nursing or bottle-feeding—will take up a significant amount of your time in those early days, so you’ll want to make sure you have a comfortable, supportive place to sit. Investing in a quality rocking chair or glider can make a world of difference when you’re spending hours feeding, burping, or soothing your little one. Look for one with good lumbar support and, if possible, a footrest. You’ll thank yourself later when those long feeding sessions leave you less achy and more relaxed. And, of course, a comfy chair doubles as a cozy spot for cuddling and bonding with your baby.

Swaddles, burp cloths, and easy-to-dress onesies

Once your baby is home, you’ll quickly realize that certain baby items become daily lifesavers. Swaddles, for example, are great for helping your newborn sleep better by mimicking the snug comfort of the womb. Keep a few on hand because accidents happen, and you’ll want backups. Burp cloths are another essential—you’ll want these on hand for spit-up, messy feedings, and even wiping up small spills. Speaking of feedings, easy-to-dress onesies are a game-changer. Look for ones that have zippers instead of snaps. In the middle of the night, when you’re changing your baby half-asleep, a quick zip makes life so much easier. baby clothing

Keeping track of feedings, naps, and diaper changes

The early weeks with a newborn can feel like a blur, especially when you’re sleep-deprived and trying to remember the last time your baby ate or how many wet diapers they’ve had. Having a simple system to track feedings, naps, and diaper changes can help you stay organized and ensure your baby is getting the care they need. Whether you prefer using a notebook or an app on your phone, keeping tabs on these key details will give you peace of mind, especially during those late-night feedings when everything starts to blend together. Plus, your pediatrician may ask about these details during check-ups, and having a record will make it much easier to answer those questions.