Choosing Baby Essentials Without the Overwhelm Practical Tips for New Parents
- Mar 17, 2025
- 3 min read
Written by Anna Rodney, Doula and Childbirth Educator
Anna Rodney is the owner and founder of Chicago Family Doulas and Birth and Baby University. She is a leader in the perinatal field and a trusted resource for expecting families and perinatal professionals.
With so many baby products on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are essential and worth investing in. As technology advances and design innovations continue, it is hard to decide what products are needed and will be helpful for your family.
Knowing what will make life easier for you after a baby is easier said than done. When I had my first daughter, I had no idea. I had enough newborn clothes for 10 babies. I had a few different strollers and 3 different swings. It was far too much and it was adding stress to an already overwhelming adjustment.
Start simple
Buy a minimum amount of all needed things and purchase more if needed. For example, buy 3-6 swaddle blankets. You do not need 20, I promise you. Buy one pack of newborn diapers and one pack of size-1 diapers. Your baby may be born too big for newborn diapers, and having multiple packs of them is unnecessary. Here are some helpful diapering products that you may consider.
Get expert opinions on baby products
Go to a boutique maternity store and try on different baby carriers with the help of an employee. Find one that fits well. If your partner will also be using it, find one that fits both of you well. If you can’t find one that fits you both, have your partner pick one out also. There are many types of baby carriers, and here are some of my favorites.
Learn from an IBCLC
Talk to an IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant) about the best bottles for your baby. They will have wonderful suggestions for you and may share that some bottles are best for babies who are nursing. They can also help you pick out a breast pump if you are planning to pump. You can ask your insurance company if they will cover the cost of a breast pump. They usually do! Here are my top recommendations for pumps and bottles.
Setting up the nursery
Expecting parents find so much joy in setting up the nursery. Families love to make it adorable. You may be spending quite a bit of time in the nursery, so having a nice space will be so important. Even more important than the aesthetics will be comfort. Purchasing a comfortable chair, having a safe and comfortable crib, and an easy to navigate changing table that is stocked up and easily accessible will all make your life easier. These are all important considerations. Check out my top nursery recommendations here.
Outings
Being ready for outings! Making them as simple as possible will make a huge difference in the number of outings that you choose to go on. If they are stressful and overwhelming, you may feel like staying home is the only option. Buy a stroller and carrier that you are comfortable lifting and setting up. Consider your lifestyle. Will you be taking public transit or driving? These factors will make an impact on what works best for you. Will you be traveling alone or with a partner/friend? Have an organized diaper bag that is easy to transport. Here are some travel item recommendations.
So much about product choice falls to preference. Some families love all the technology, and some are overwhelmed by it. Some families are busy, and other families stay home. Your products should match your family’s needs and lifestyle. Remember that at the end of the day, all your baby needs is you. Do not get overwhelmed by all the options there are to choose from. Focus on your little one and most importantly, enjoy the newborn phase because it goes by so quickly!
Read more from Anna Rodney
Anna Rodney, Doula and Childbirth Educator
Anna Rodney is the owner and founder of Chicago Family Doulas and Birth and Baby University. She has been a leader in the perinatal field for over a decade, and continues to grow her offerings in order to support more families and to help her colleagues grow. She supports thousands of expecting and new families each year through both of her businesses. She is a passionate leader and a force of change and inspiration for families and birth and postpartum professionals.
