Newborn Baby Essentials: My Top Recommendations as a Newborn Photographer and Mum in Melbourne
When you're preparing for a new baby, it can feel like there are a million things you're told you need to buy. From swaddles and white noise machines to baby skincare and feeding products, the options can be overwhelming!
As a newborn photographer and a mum myself, I've tried quite a few baby products over the years. I've also spent plenty of time with newborns and new families through my photography sessions, so I've seen what parents actually use once their baby arrives and heard from so many of my clients about what has worked well for their families.
My newborn essentials
If you're putting together your baby essentials before your little one arrives, these are some of the things I'd have on hand:
Baby thermometer
Swaddles
White noise machine
Nappies and wipes
Simple baby skincare
Feeding essentials that suit your situation
A few comfortable newborn outfits
You definitely don't need to have everything ready before your baby arrives. Some things you'll use every day, while others you'll only know you need once you get to know your baby.
1. Vaporiser (Euky Bear or Vicks)
The Euky Bearub Vaporiser is one of my favourite products to use when my children have a cold or are congested. It's something I love having just in case, particularly during those first few years when little ones are still building their immune systems. Euky Bear isn’t stocking their vaporiser anymore so I would suggest the Vicks vaporiser. You can use this with or without the Euky Bear or Vicks oil depending on your baby’s age.
Euky Bear Sniffly Nose Inhalant
2. Baby Thermometer
A thermometer is definitely something I recommend having at home with a newborn. It gives you peace of mind when you're unsure whether your baby has a temperature. You might not use it every day, but it's one of those things that's much better to have ready before you need it!
Braun Thermometer Thermoscan 7+
3. Love to Dream Swaddles
There are so many great zip up swaddle options that make swaddling so simple and easy. My personal favourite are the Love to Dream swaddles. They are easy to use and I have used them for two of my babies. They're one of those simple things that can be really useful in those early weeks. I find any zip up swaddle to be so helpful for midnight nappy changes.
If you're using a swaddle, make sure you're following the manufacturer's instructions and current safe-sleep recommendations.
Love to Dream Swaddle up Lite 0.2 Tog
4. White Noise Machine
A white noise machine can be really helpful for creating a soothing background sound while your baby sleeps. I also find white noise really useful during newborn photography sessions to help create a calm environment.
One of my clients recommended the ergoPouch Drift Away White Noise Machine to me, and I now use it at every newborn session!
Newborns have spent months surrounded by noise, movement and the sounds of their mum's body, so a completely silent room isn't necessarily what they're used to.
I usually have the white noise running during my sessions. I've found it helps create a calm, consistent environment and gives us a little bit of background noise while we take our time with your baby.
Ergopouch Driftaway Portable White Noise Machine
5. Haakaa Silicone Pump
For breastfeeding mums, the Haakaa can be a really handy addition to your baby essentials. It is simple to use and can help collect milk from the opposite side while feeding.
This was one of those products I found particularly handy in the early days, when my supply was still regulating. Every mum and feeding journey is different, though, so what works brilliantly for one person might not be useful for another.
Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump & Cap
6. Baby Skincare
A gentle baby moisturiser or skincare product can be useful to have on hand, particularly if your baby's skin is dry. I recommend keeping things simple and choosing products suitable for newborn skin.
Newborn skin can be unpredictable, and peeling or dry skin is incredibly common in those early days. I wouldn't recommend buying a whole cupboard full of products before your baby arrives. Start with the basics and see what your baby actually needs.
For my own babies, I found certain products worked better for them than others. My personal favourites were Gaia and MooGoo, but every baby's skin is different, so what works for one baby might not work for another. I'd recommend trying sample sizes first if you can, so you can see how your baby's skin responds before buying full-sized products.
7. Nappies and Wipes
This probably seems like an obvious one, but nappies and wipes are definitely worth having ready before your baby arrives (and a great addition to your baby registry if you’ve got one)!
You don't necessarily need to buy huge quantities of one brand straight away. Babies can have different preferences and some may be more sensitive to certain wipes or nappies than others, I also find that each brand fits slightly differently so this might be a deciding factor too.
I'd start with enough to get you through the first little while and then stock up once you know what works well for your baby.
What I wouldn't recommend buying too much of
One thing I've learnt as both a mum and a newborn photographer is that you really don't need every baby product that exists!
Newborn clothes are a good example. Babies grow incredibly quickly, and some babies barely fit newborn sizes at all. I'd have a small selection of newborn and 0–3 month clothes ready rather than buying an entire wardrobe before you know how big your baby will be.
The same goes for lots of the cute newborn gadgets and accessories. Some might become favourites in your house, while others might barely get used. You can always buy things as you discover what works for your family.
The basics — nappies, wipes, clothes, somewhere safe for baby to sleep, feeding supplies that suit your situation and a few things to help settle them, are enough to start.
What do you actually need to bring to your newborn photography session?
If you're booking a newborn photography session, you don't need to buy anything specifically for your photos.
I have a selection of newborn wraps and outfits available in my studio, so you don't need to worry about finding the perfect little outfit before your session.
Just bring the usual things you'd have in your nappy bag. Nappies, wipes, bottles or feeding supplies if you need them, a change of clothes for the car ride and anything else that helps your baby feel comfortable. I also have spare wipes available, just in case!
My newborn sessions are relaxed and baby-led, so there is plenty of time for feeds, cuddles, settling and nappy changes. There is no need to worry if your baby is unsettled or doesn't immediately want to sleep. We simply work around them.
If you'd like to know more about what a newborn session with me is like, you can read What to Expect From a Newborn Family Photoshoot.
My final thoughts
There are so many baby products out there that it can be overwhelming knowing what you actually need. You definitely don't need to buy everything you see!
These are just some of the products that I have personally found useful as a mum and through my experience working with newborn babies.
Every baby and every family is different, so what works for us might not necessarily work for you. Hopefully this gives you a few ideas and helps make preparing for your new baby feel a little less overwhelming.
And if you're also thinking about newborn photos, remember that you don't need to have everything perfectly organised before your session. Your baby doesn't need to sleep the whole time, you don't need to know how to pose, and you don't need to arrive with a suitcase full of baby outfits.
I'll gently guide you through the session and we'll simply follow your baby's lead.
If you're looking for a relaxed newborn photographer in Melbourne's western suburbs, you can find out more about my newborn photography sessions.
