What You Actually Need for a Newborn Baby | A Detroit Mom’s Guide
Preparing for your baby can feel overwhelming in the best way.
There are so many lists, so many opinions, and so many “must-haves”… and if you’re anything like most moms, you’re probably wondering:
“What do I actually need for a newborn?”
As a Detroit newborn photographer and a mom, I’ve seen what families truly use in those first few weeks, and what ends up sitting untouched.
This guide is simple and focused on what truly matters (and what is new + helpful!).
The Essentials You’ll Use Every Day
In those early days, you really only need a few core things. Dare I say, you don’t actually need the baby’s room to be completely ready already?!
Here are the necessary items for the newborn stage:
• Diapers + wipes
• A safe place for baby to sleep
• A few comfortable outfits
• Swaddles or blankets
• Feeding supplies (breast or bottle)
Everything else? Helpful, but not necessary right away.
The Items Moms Always Say They’re Glad They Had
After photographing so many newborns across Metro Detroit, I get to chat with new parents regularly - see what products they’re using and what they love. These are the things moms consistently rave about:
• A comfortable place to sit and feed baby (hello comfy rocker or recliner!)
• Extra burp cloths (you’d be surprised how many you’ll go through)
• Simple, easy-to-change clothing
It’s less about having more and more about having what makes your days easier. Read that again, that’s my words of wisdom for new mamas!
Three Newer Baby Items Moms Are Loving Right Now
I get to see all the newer, and HELPFUL, baby items that moms and dads have for their newborn babies. Some of them I can’t help but wonder “why didn’t they think of this when I had my babies?!” because they are so incredibly good. I’m not here to gatekeep, so let’s get into it!
Portable Bottle Warmer (Game-Changer for On-the-Go Moms)
A portable bottle warmer has become one of the most talked-about baby items and for good reason.
Instead of worrying about finding hot water when you're out, these allow you to warm bottles anywhere.
Perfect for:
• Car rides
• Night feeds without leaving your room
• Travel or visiting family
Many moms say this is one of those things they didn’t think they needed… until they had it. This is the one I see most parents using for their baby at my newborn studio. Do yourself a favor and get this combination by Momcozy that has the bottle warmer AND the bottle cooler, but convenient sizes.
Magnetic Close Onesies (So Much Easier Than Snaps)
If you’ve ever tried to do up tiny snaps at 2am, you already understand why these are so popular. Period. Fun fact, I got rid of ALL the snap onesies when we had our first baby because they were so frustrating trying to snap in the middle of the night!
Magnetic onesies gently snap into place without buttons or zippers, making diaper changes faster and less disruptive.
Why moms love them:
• No fumbling with snaps
• Quick diaper changes
• Softer, more flexible feel for baby
They’re especially helpful during those sleepy middle-of-the-night changes. You don’t need to buy 10 of these, but a few will help to have on rotate for nighttime diaper changes. Remember, newborns go through 12 diapers on average in 24 hours!
This is one of the simplest but most loved items. A soft, dim light that turns on with a touch makes overnight feeds and diaper changes feel calmer and less disruptive for both you and baby.
This one is perfect with it’s warm light tones, easy touch-to-turn-on, and the rechargeable feature.
What You Don’t Need Right Away
This might be surprising, but many items can wait.
• Excessive newborn outfits - they’ll only be in newborn sizing for a month or so
• Toys (they won’t use them yet)
• Complex gear or gadgets
• Large quantities of one diaper size
The Things Moms Don’t Think About (But Should)
This is where most lists fall short.
A few things that truly matter:
• Slowing down and giving yourself time to recover
• Creating a calm environment at home
• Letting yourself be in the moment
And one more thing many moms don’t think about early enough…
Booking Your Newborn Photographer
One of the most common things I hear from moms is:
“I didn’t realize I needed to book so early.”
If you’re planning newborn photos, it’s best to reserve your session during your second or third trimester.
As a newborn photographer in Detroit MI, I only take a limited number of sessions each month to allow for flexibility with due dates.
Booking ahead means:
• You don’t have to think about it after baby arrives
• Your session is already planned
• You won’t miss that short newborn window (7-21 days old)
You’ll be busy enough after baby is born, and recovering from delivery. Take this off your plate before baby arrives, if possible. You’ll be glad you did.
A Gentle Reminder
You don’t need everything perfectly prepared.
Your baby doesn’t need a perfect nursery or every trending product.
They just need you, mama. :)
I hope this was helpful to you as you prepare for baby. To my local Metro Detroit moms, feel free to contact me here to connect about your maternity and newborn portraits.
I already can’t wait to chat with you!
Chelsie
This post may contain affiliate links to products I genuinely recommend for parents and their babies.
Chelsie Maurer Photography is a luxury Detroit newborn photographer serving families throughout Metro Detroit including Utica, Rochester Hills, Rochester, Birmingham, West Bloomfield, Troy, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights, and Clinton Township.