Preparing for a newborn is one of the most exciting moments of any parent’s life, but it is also a time that comes with a very long shopping list, and a big part of that shopping lists for products to do with sleep. From bassinets to white noise machines, swaddles to smart monitors, there is so much available for newborns to help them sleep, and it’s really easy to feel like you must have it all if you want to be a good parent, but you know what? While some of these products are genuinely useful, they are not all vital. Some are nice to have, and some you can totally skip with confidence and save yourself some money at a time when you need every cent.
That being the case, let’s take a look at the newborn products I’d skip, keep, and buy first so you can get a better idea of what you may and may not need for your baby in the bedroom.
What I’d skip
Complicated sleep gadgets
Smart sleep devices that promise to “train” your baby or automatically soothe them can sound appealing, but many are expensive and not always necessary. Newborn sleep is unpredictable by nature, and no device can completely change that.
In many cases, simple solutions work just as well. You can save money and reduce stress by avoiding overly complicated gadgets and just doing what parents did in the years before these gadgets even existed.
Too many swaddles
Swaddles are very handy to have, but you really don’t need to have enough of them to fill a closet on their own. You also need to bear in mind that many babies are surprisingly particular about what they do and do not like, and so if you buy lots of swaddles before the baby is here, there is always the risk they will not like the styles you have picked out, and so they won’t work for you, and you will have wasted lots of money.
So, if you are shopping for swaddles, simply start with a small selection in different styles ot see what works because you can always add more later if you need to.
Overdecorated sleep spaces
It is tempting to create a beautiful nursery filled with cushions, blankets, and décor. However, when it comes to sleep, less is more. Safe sleep guidelines recommend keeping the sleep area clear. Extra items not only clutter the space but can also pose risks. Keeping things simple is both safer and more practical.
What I’d keep
A reliable swaddle or sleep sack
While you do not need to have many, it is a good idea to have one or two good swaddles or sleep sacks because they can make a real difference to how easy it is to settle your baby and get them to sleep. It will make them feel more secure, so they will be less likely to have those startle reflexes that wake them up.
That being said, it can be hard to find one that really suits your baby, so you will need to be prepared for a little trial and error, but once you find that one that works, you will be very glad you have it.
A basic white noise machine
White noise can be surprisingly effective at helping newborns settle. It mimics the sounds they are used to from the womb and can create a calming environment that blocks out other less desirable noises liek the neighbor’s dog barking, for example.
You do not need anything fancy in terms of a white noise machine, though. A simple, consistent sound is often enough to support better sleep for your little one.
Blackout curtains
Light can have a huge impact on sleep, even for newborns, so it is a good idea to do what you can to control how much light gets into their sleep space, and that means choosing blackout curtains that really work to create a darker, more restful environment. They’re cheap, and they work, so they are worth the investment.
What I’d buy first
A safe and practical sleep space
The most important item you will need is a safe place for your baby to sleep. A newborn bassinet is often a popular choice because it is compact, easy to move, and allows you to keep your baby close during the early months.
When shopping, you should look for something sturdy, breathable, and simple. You do not need extra features. Safety and practicality should come first.
A comfortable place for you
It’s really easy to focus entirely on your baby when you are buying things for the nursery, but how you feel matters too, and that means you are going to want to buy things that make it possible for you to stay comfortable when you are nursing your baby. This could be a supportive chair or a more convenient bedside setup so you can be comfy as you settle them to sleep - whatever works for you.
When you are more comfortable, it’s so much easier to stay calm and patient during those nightly wakeups, and it will be much easier for you to feel more rested, too, although you might not be getting quite as much rest as you need for a while!
A simple routine setup
Rather than relying on products, focus on creating a simple sleep routine. This might include dimming the lights, using white noise, and keeping interactions calm and consistent. Having a basic setup that supports this routine is often more valuable than any single product.
Less is really more
As you can see, when it comes to buying stuff to help your baby sleep, less really is more. You really do not have to buy every gadget and gizmo available to you; you just need to have a few basics that support calm and restfulness for you and your baby, and that does not have to cost the earth. So buy what works and leave the rest. Good luck with your newborn.
