So, you scored a positive on your pregnancy test? First of all, congratulations! Having a baby is incredibly exciting, stressful, and every emotional color in between, especially if this is your first one. A common concern is being adequately prepared. Well, we've done the leg work for you so you can have peace of mind knowing you're fully prepared and ready to welcome your little one into the world.
Swing baby, swing
4moms mamaRoo 4 Bluetooth-Enabled High-Tech Baby Swing
Staff Favorite
This high-tech baby swing features five unique motions and speeds designed to mimic your soothing movement, four built-in sounds, MP3 plug-in, as well as an adjustable seat recline. It's Bluetooth enabled, so you can control the motion and sound from your smart devices, and there is an AC adapter, so no batteries are required. It's the perfect place for baby to rest, relax, and enjoy the ride as mom and dad get things done around the house.
$250 at Amazon $220 at Best Buy $320 at Walmart
Ultimate guide
What to Expect When You're Expecting
This cover-to-cover new edition is filled with must-have information and tips for a new generation of moms and dads. With "What to Expect's" trademark empathy and humor, it answers every conceivable question expecting parents could have, including dozens of new ones based on the ever-changing pregnancy and birthing practices.
From $9 at Amazon From $9 at Walmart
Best newborn bassinet
RONBEI Baby Bassinet
The baby bassinet and bedside sleeper is made of breathable fabric which promotes airflow, giving baby a cool, comfortable place to rest. It features adjustable height and feet with nine different levels of adjustment, making it ideal for all kinds of beds, sofas, and chairs. It also features a pull-down wall so you can convert it into a bedside sleeper and gain easy access to baby. It comes with a music box and detachable toys to lull baby to sleep and give them something to play with and grab. It's designed for newborns and babies up to six months.
Grow with baby
Graco Benton 4-in-1 Convertible Crib
This 4-in-1 crib converts from crib to toddler bed, to daybed, to full-sized bed with headboard. The adjustable mattress height enables you to keep the baby's safety at top priority. It's made of high-quality pine wood and composites and comes in five non-toxic finishes. It is JPMA certified and meets or exceeds all applicable ASTM and CPSC safety standards.
$150 at Amazon From $160 at Walmart
Sleep well baby
Milliard Crib Mattress
This double-sided mattress features a firmer side for infants and a softer side for toddlers. A supportive foam layer will cradle your newborn safely, and the contouring memory foam layer will support proper posture in your toddler's back and neck. It features a 100% cotton cover that is waterproof, standard size, and washable for ultimate breathe-ability and convenience.
Best jogger + car seat combo
Baby Trend "Phantom" Expedition Jogger Travel System
This jogger fits children from birth up to 50 lbs with a max height limit of 42" tall. It has a multi-position, reclining, padded seat with a 5-point safety harness. It features 16" rear and 12" all-terrain bicycle tires with a front swivel and locking wheel for easy jogging or strolling. The flex lock 5-point harness car seat is rear-facing for children between 5-30 lbs. Latch-equipped for easy installation, this stroller combo comes with EPS energy-absorbing foam for superior side impact protection.
$200 at Amazon From $180 at Walmart
Best stroller travel system bundle
UPPAbaby Vista Infant Baby Stroller + Mesa Car Seat Bundle
This is the ultimate UPPAbaby travel system bundle for the family on-the-go. This package includes the Vista stroller, bassinet, and Mesa infant car seat. It will adapt to your growing family and configures smartly based on your needs. It features a multi-position recline and can recline completely flat for naps on the go. The stroller folds in one step with or without the seat attached. The bassinet has a zip-out liner and boot cover that are both easy to remove and clean. The perforated mattress pad and vented base allow for added breathability. There's also a ventilated canopy and extendable SPF 50+ sunshade. Keep baby safe and happy with this fabulous travel system.
Clean and fresh
Delta Eclipse Changing Table with Pad
This changing table comes in six non-toxic finishes and has a strong and sturdy wood construction. This table includes water-resistant changing pads with a safety strap and two fixed shelves for open storage. The safety rails enclose all four sides around the top of the table.
$113 at Amazon $150 at Walmart
Diaper pail
UBBI Steel Odor Locking Diaper Pail
This diaper pail comes in a huge assortment of colors and patterns so you can match the baby's nursery perfectly. This model uses any standard kitchen trash back and is easy to use so you can load, use, empty, and clean with ease. It will hold up to 55 newborn diapers. It's eco-friendly and keeps unpleasant odors locked in tight.
Grab and go
Hafmall Waterproof Diaper Bag Backpack
This diaper backpack comes in five different color combos and is unisex for both Mom and Dad. It's large and durable with 13 separate storage pockets including insulated pockets, wet clothes pockets, and tissue pockets. This multi-functional, waterproof bag can be worn as a backpack or be used as a handbag.
Bath time
Fisher-Price 4-in-1 Sling 'n Seat Tub
This four-stage convertible bath center with a squeeze bottle and whale scoop is for gentle rinsing and bath time play. Stage one features a soft mesh sling for newborns, stage two features a "baby stopper" insert that prevents baby from slipping and sliding, stage three features "sit-me-up" support aids for unsteady sitters, and stage four offers a nice and roomy toddler tub.
$40 at Amazon $40 at Best Buy $40 at Walmart
Eyes and ears on baby
Infant Optics DXR-8 Video Baby Monitor with Interchangeable Optic Lense
This award-winning baby monitor has interchangeable optical lens capability that allows you to customize viewing angle and zoom. Unlike internet cameras, there's no loading time to open the app, and it's lag-free. It has instant playback and 100% digital privacy guaranteed. The package includes a battery and a rechargeable battery adapter.
$166 at Amazon $166 at Best Buy $166 at Walmart
Safety first
American Red Cross Deluxe Health & Grooming Kit
This deluxe baby health and grooming kit include items you'll use as your baby grows. This kit contains items such as a brush, a comb, scissors, nail clippers, a fingertip toothbrush, a toddler toothbrush, and a mirror. Additionally, it comes with tools you will need to keep baby healthy, like a nasal aspirator, a digital thermometer with case, a medicine dropper, and a comfort tip medicine spoon with cap.
Welcome baby!
The Peanutshell Newborn Essentials Layette Gift Set
This unisex layette gift set features newborn clothes and accessories: four short-sleeve unisex bodysuits, three long-sleeve bodysuits, one sleep sack, five hats, three pairs of mittens, three burp cloths, and four 30-inch-by-30-inch blankets. Each item is made with 100% cotton for a comfortable feel on your newborn baby's skin, and they are all machine washable.
Baby pouch
Infantino Flip 4-in-1 Convertible Carrier
This carrier holds infants between 8-32 lbs. It features four ways to carry baby: facing in narrow seat for newborns, facing in wide seat for older babies, facing out narrow seat for babies with head control, and back carry wide seat for older babies and toddlers. It includes a wonder cover 2-in-1 bib to protect your carrier and clothes, has a customizable fit, and is machine washable.
High-tech
Owlet Smart Sock 2 Baby Monitor
Track your baby's heart rate and oxygen levels while they sleep using clinically-proven pulse oximetry with the Owlet Smart Sock. This cutting-edge technology enables you to worry less and sleep better. The smart sock connects to a base station that glows green, letting you know everything is okay with the baby but uses lights, sounds, and app notifications if heart rate or oxygen levels are outside of the normal proximity. This device is best for babies 0-18 months.
$300 at Best Buy $250 at Walmart
Baby lounger
DockATot Deluxe+ Dock
The DockATot was designed to offer a snug and soothing environment for babies that mimics the mother's womb. It's wonderful for co-sleeping, bed-sharing, or keeping your little one safe and cozy in their bassinet at nap and bedtime. It's an ideal travel companion for moms with babies as it maintains familiarity in a new environment. It's great for tummy time, too, and can help develop neck strength and motor skills. It's made in the EU with OEKO-TEX certified fabrics that do not harbor heat. This ensures that the micro-climate is the best and most comfortable for baby.
$175 at Amazon From $175 at Walmart
Hush little baby
Fisher-Price Smart Connect Deluxe Soother
This Smart Connect Soother has everything you need to calm and comfort your little bundle, including soothing light projections and a variety of gentle songs and sounds. It plugs into the wall for all-night soothing, no batteries required! Everything is fully customizable and controllable via the Smart Connect app on your smart device, so you can adjust the lighting effects and music from anywhere in your house without disturbing baby.
Best breast pump
Spectra Baby USA S1Plus Electric Breast Pump
This pump package includes the Spectra S1 hospital grade double/single breast pump, 12-volt AC power adapter, detachable power cord prongs, two Spectra wide neck bottles, two Spectra backflow protectors, two Spectra duckbill valves, two Spectra tubes, and four flanges measuring 24 and 28mm. It features a closed system, so there's no need to clean the narrow tubing. This prevents airflow from expressed milk and protects baby from bacteria and mold. It has a rechargeable battery for convenience and portability – a huge plus! You can completely customize your settings based on your own body's response and preferences.
Pacifier/teether
Ryan & Rose Cutie PAT Pacifier Teether
These pacifiers come in a huge assortment of colors and are stage one for babies without teeth. They're made with 100% medical-grade silicone that's BPA, PVC, latex, and phthalate-free. This convenient combo design of both pacifier and teething toy is perfect for developing babies. The soft nipple gently mimics breastfeeding for natural palette development while the soother feels good on baby's gums. These are durable and dishwasher safe.
Feed baby
Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottles
These bottles offer a very natural way to bottle feed. The natural nipple shape makes it easy for baby to combine while breastfeeding. It's made of polypropylene and features a wide, breast-shaped, soft, flexible, silicone nipple that promotes a natural latch. The advanced anti-colic valve is designed to reduce colic and discomfort by venting air into the bottle and not baby's tummy. The wide neck opening makes it very easy to clean. A range of nipple flow rates are available for your growing baby, but you'll want to start with the included 1Month+ slow flow nipple.
Bringing home baby
Our staff pick is the 4moms mamaRoo 4 Bluetooth-Enabled High-Tech Baby Swing because it "moves like you do," and rocks and soothes baby giving you the much-needed freedom you need to get things done around the house. Its Bluetooth enabled features to allow you to control five different motions at five different speeds and sound (built-in or mp3) from anywhere in your home. The overhead toy mobile on this swing also includes three interactive, reversible toy balls: (crinkle, rattle, & reflective mirror), keeping baby's attention and making this swing a lifesaver for first-time moms.
Of all the baby essentials, we know that a good travel combo is an absolute must! For active moms who are looking to work out with baby, we just love the Baby Trend "Phantom" Expedition Jogger Travel System. It's reasonably priced, highly rated, and has bicycle tires so you can easily go off-road and jog with it.
If you're looking for more of an all-encompassing stroller combo, check out the UPPAbaby Vista Infant Baby Stroller + Mesa Car Seat Bundle, it has everything you might need while you're out and about with baby. All of the items on this list are the best in their class and will keep your baby safe, warm, clean, happy, and healthy, so you feel fully prepped and ready to step into your role as Supermom.