Newborn Essentials for Mom and Baby

Ali Bowen put together a list of must-haves for newborn and mom. I used her recs as a launching pad to curate my own list of baby and mom necessities for the newborn days.

BABY
Activity Mat	SkipHop Vibrant Village	This isn't ugly like so many activity mats, and Eleanor Bea loves it!
Baby Pillow	Boppy Lounger Pillow	This is also super transportable and great for when the baby is awake. She lays in it while I'm cleaning, etc.
Bassinet	Design Dua	Beautiful bassinet that transports easily between rooms for naps and bedtime.
Car Seat	Uppa Baby Mesa	Love that this so easily goes between the stroller, car, and house.
Diaper Bag	Petunia Pickle Boxy Backpack	Pricey, but worth it. Fabric is wipeable and it is organized well.
Diaper Compressor	Dekor Hands-Free Diaper Pail	This looks nice and is practical. You cut bags to meet your needs, so there is less waste and no compounding diapers to make them fit.
Diaper Cream	Beautycounter Baby Daily Protective Balm	Awesome alternative for Aquaphor!
Diapers + Wipes	Pampers Pure	I'm not sure how natural these are, but they are chlori ne and fragrance-free. They have been least irritating on Eleanor Bea's skin, and they are better at swaddling than Honest diapers.
Nasal Aspirator	NoseFrieda	Buy two. Keep one on your nightstand and in your living room. This is a game changer.
Onesies	Kickee Pants footies Mudpie convertible gown Kissy Kissy zipper onesie Magnetic Me onesie	I will never buy a onesie with snaps or buttons again. These brands are soft and have great zippers or magnets, which makes for quick changes.
Sound Machine	Hatch	The night light and sound machine can be controlled from your phone. The white light is bright enough to use for middle of the night diaper changes, but it still allows for a dark room. I also like the portabe Hushh for naps downstairs.
Stroller	Uppa Baby Cruz	I was between the Cruz and the Vista, but ultimately decided I didn't need the bassinet, and I liked that the Cruz was a bit lighter for the city. You cannot go wrong with either one.
Swaddle	The Ollie	The velcro makes this very easy to use at night. It's breathable. Buy two for when bathroom accidents happen.
Swaddle Blankets	Aden and Anais	We have used swaddle blankets for everything - actual swaddling for naps, breastfeeding, stroller cover, covering the Boppy. These are super soft.
MOM
Baby App Schedule	Hatch	Jordan and I use the app to keep track of feedings and diaper changes. Clean, non-cheesey interface.
Breast Pump	Spectra S2	My insurance wouldn't cover S1, but if yours does, get it. S2 is great, but it has to be plugged in so it's less portable.
Milk Storage Bags	Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags	I started pumping each day to store milk for when I go back to work and on bachelorette trips this spring. Milk bags are critical. Register for a few boxes.
Newborn Book	Eat, Play, Sleep	Read this before baby is born and then again the second week after you're forgotten everything. Super helpful!
Nipple Cream	Honest	Thank you, Ali Bowen, for this rec! It's the best nipple cream. I started using it in the second trimester, and I keep a few throughout my house.
Numbing Spray	Dermoplast	This is not natural and probably full of chemicals, but buy it!
Nursing Bras		I still haven't decided which brands I like best. One thing is for sure - they are a necessity. Open for recs!
Nursing Pads	Bamboobies Washable Nursing Pads	These help prevent leaks, as well as nipple chaffing. I found that the washable pads are much more comfortable than the disposable pads.
Nursing Pajamas	Lake Pajamas	These are breathable, cute, and have buttons for easy breastfeeding access.
Padsicles		If you're as lucky as me, you will have friends that make and stock your freezer with padsicles. Google how to make them. Lifesavers in first two weeks after vaginal birth.