When you think of newborn must-haves, what sort of items come to mind? Bottles? Diapers? A stroller? A pacifier or two? While those are all key essentials, seasoned parents know that the most useful products aren’t always the ones you traditionally find on a registry. They’re the items that go a step further to make your life easier—like a travel stand for your baby monitor, a chic diaper bag, or a comfy pair of slippers for your swollen feet.
To help you feel fully prepared, we asked four of our editors to chime in on the items that might be left off a registry but still deserve a spot on your list. Shop them below.
(Image credit: Kennedy Caldwell)
Bugaboo
Donkey High Performance Raincover
While you may have a stroller or car seat on your registry, it’s also a good idea to add the accessories. Last minute, I added a rain shield, which is great to keep in the car just in case it starts to drizzle while you’re out.
Speaking of accessories, a snack tray is also a must-have. It’s seriously a game-changer to have a place to put a little snack and a bottle when I’m out and about with my daughter.
SanDisk
Phone Drive with USB-C
Trust us: You’re going to want to take lots of pics of your new baby, so it’s smart to have plenty of storage. This phone drive allows you to efficiently transfer and store all your special videos and photos to one place. Plus, with the SanDisk app, your content is automatically backed up, so you won’t risk losing any of your precious footage.
Nanit
Pro Baby Monitor + Flex Stand
A travel stand for our baby monitor has come in handy. We use the Nanit Pro, and it’s amazing. (Plus, the camera is crystal clear.)
A transportation option beyond a stroller could be worth it once your baby gets a little bit older. This trike from Doona is compact and folds super easily.
Old Navy
2-Way-Zip Sleep & Play Footed One-Piece
Adding more 3–6 months onesies is helpful. We stocked up on newborn and 0–3 months onesies to start, but we quickly realized that we needed more 3–6 months onesies because our baby grew so fast!
(Image credit: Kennedy Caldwell)
Mushie
Muslin Baby Swaddle Blanket
Although my babies aren’t small anymore, I still use these Mushie Muslin Baby Swaddles. They’re the perfect lightweight blanket for balmy Los Angeles evenings, but they also double as mats for play.
Tabitha Paige
Our Big Book of First Words: A Collection of 100+ Foundational Words for Language Development
Many of our friends gifted books to our children—now, every time I read one with them, I remind them who gave it to us. It’s such a lovely way to show that gifts for little ones don’t always have to be practical—they can also hold meaningful memories.
Zara
Striped Diaper Bag Pack
Don’t spend too much money on a diaper bag. Instead, opt for one that is easily washable because, speaking from experience, you’ll want to dunk it in the wash more than once.
Pehr
Pom Pom Cotton Canvas Storage Bin
My daughter is 6, but I still use these storage bins to hold all her things. They’re a useful and frugal purchase that you’ll use throughout every stage of their childhood.
Augustinus Bader
The Geranium Rose Body Oil
A body oil with a divine and luxurious scent is one way to start feeling pampered in the small moments between feedings and adjusting to parenthood.
Santa Maria Novella
Set-of-Two Lavender Scented Wax Tablets
You can stick these in your closet and in the nursery for a calming scent each time you walk in.
(Image credit: Kennedy Caldwell)
Nanit
Pro Smart Baby Monitor & Wall Mount
When I had my first son, I thought I could live without a fancy baby monitor. But after comparing my footage to that of my friends, it took me all of two minutes to buy a Nanit—and I’ve been using it ever since. I even bought another one when I had my second baby, and now I can see both of them on one screen.
Kissy Kissy, LLC
White/silver New Kissy Dots Print Footie
This brand just makes the best pajamas ever—and you’re going to need a lot when your baby is in the newborn phase and pretty much always sleeping, eating, or spitting up.
Pehr
Water Resistant Coated Organic Cotton Pouch
There was always so much to pack and organize when leaving the house with a baby, and I found that having tons of cute pouches helped me not only stay organized but also covered up some of the chaos.
From the moment I gave birth, slippers became my new best friends.
YSL
Le 5 à 7 Bea in Grained Leather
One thing I wish I had realized sooner is that your diaper bag doesn’t need to be an actual diaper bag. Any oversize tote will do.
(Image credit: Kennedy Caldwell)
Motherlove Herbal
Nipple Cream
If you’re breastfeeding, this organic nipple cream is a must. It soothes and moisturizes nursing nipples and can really help lubricate the nipples before a pump, after feeding, and before bed.
Cozy Earth
Bamboo Stretch-Knit Kimono Robe
An easy and lightweight robe you can easily put on or take off (especially if you’re breastfeeding) is something I used all the time in the weeks after my baby was born. Opt for a chic one in case unexpected visitors arrive.
I used this belly oil during and after my pregnancy. It’s excellent for postpartum stretch marks and scars, and keeps your skin hydrated. It smells absolutely divine, too.
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