Newborn Essentials: What You Actually Need

The Real Essentials

Car seat — you can't leave the hospital without one

Somewhere safe to sleep — crib, bassinet, or pack-n-play

Diapers + wipes — more than you think, then double it

Onesies in multiple sizes — they grow terrifyingly fast

Feeding supplies — bottles, formula, or nursing pillow

Worth the Splurge

A good stroller that folds with one hand

White noise machine — sleep saver for everyone

Baby carrier or wrap — hands-free is sanity-saving

Blackout curtains for the nursery

Skip or Borrow

Wipe warmer — they survived centuries without one

Shoes before walking age — purely decorative

Matching outfit sets — they'll wear it once for a photo

Every gadget advertised on Instagram — most are solutions to non-problems