Rest 2nd gen
$59.99
RestRest+Kids
Top 10 Baby Must-Haves for Coming Home From the Hospital
Ashley Abramson
Bringing a newborn home from the hospital is a major milestone, whether you just welcomed your first baby or you’ve done it once or twice before. Being as prepared as possible with baby must-haves can help ease the transition — and prevent those stressful last-minute runs to the store while you’re sleep-deprived.
But exactly what do you need when a baby comes home? Every newborn and family are different, but stocking up your home with the right products — from baby sleep essentials and travel tools to things that help you take care of yourself as a parent — can help everyone rest a bit easier. Below, our top picks for the best baby must-haves for coming home from the hospital.
1. For sleep and comfort: Hatch Rest
When it comes to the best baby must-haves for sleep, Hatch Rest is a no-brainer. A combination baby sound machine and nightlight, Rest helps soothe fussy little ones, makes night-time diaper changes easier, and allows you to create routines that support healthy sleep as baby grows. With a subscription to Hatch+, you can explore even more dreamy bedtime audio, like Infant Massage, Spanish Lullabies, and Tuck-Ins, personalized bedtime messages recorded by loved ones.
2. For sleep away from home: Hatch Rest Go
The best portable baby sound machine is one that allows you to keep up your routines when you’re not at home. Hatch Rest Go clips on your baby’s stroller, car seat, or travel crib, so you can play cozy sleep sounds — from White Noise and Heartbeat to Rain and Wind — when you’re out and about. Choose from ten snoozy sounds and five fun colors.
3. For getting around: Doona + Car Seat and Stroller
The one baby essential you absolutely need to leave the hospital? A trustworthy car seat. The parent-beloved Doona set comes with an infant car seat and stroller frame, so you can easily take baby out of your vehicle and roll to your next destination (and all without disturbing their sleep). The lightweight-but-sturdy Doona easily folds and unfolds, making it ideal for travel or packing in the car.
Buy Doona + Car Seat and Stroller
4. For safety: Babylist Baby First Aid & Grooming Kit
A first aid kit is essential for any home — especially if you have a baby. This Babylist First Aid & Grooming Kit includes full-size hospital-grade medical supplies, including a thermometer, cold pack, saline spray, nasal bulb aspirator, alcohol prep pads, and various sizes of gauze. For emergencies, the kit is stocked with cards for infant/toddler CPR, a medication dosing chart, and red flags to call 911 or go to the ER. It also comes with baby care essentials (a brush and comb, nail clippers and scissors, and baby oil, plus a pacifier and cooling teether. Plus, it’s a super-cute addition to your medicine cabinet!
Buy Babylist Baby First Aid & Grooming Kit
5. For postpartum recovery: Frida Mom Labor and Delivery + Postpartum Kit
Before you can take care of baby, it’s important to take care of you. If you gave birth, a postpartum kit is a great way to help your body heal and recover. This kit comes with all the postpartum essentials you need, from a peri bottle and cooling pad liners to disposable underwear and a cozy nursing gown. Pack it in your hospital bag so you have everything you need in your recovery room and when you get home. Frida also has kits for c-section deliveries that come with scar patches, an abdominal binder, “Skip the Shower” wipes, and more.
Buy Frida Mom Labor and Delivery + Postpartum Kit
6. For feeding: Babylist Bottle Box
What’s the best baby bottle, you ask? The answer: There are so many kinds, and you may need to try a few before you land on one baby likes. If you try bottle feeding, this kit of five different bottle types can be a huge help as you navigate the process with your little one. That way, you can be sure to invest in the one your baby will actually use. All of them come with level one, slow-flow nipples, which are ideal for newborns — and they’re all dishwasher safe, which is ideal for you.
Buy: Babylist Bottle Box
7. For diapering: Mustela Diaper Rash Sprayable Cream
Soothe baby’s sensitive skin after diaper changes with this highly rated, dermatologist-approved diaper rash cream you can apply by spraying rather than with a messy spatula — ideal for overnight diaper changes. This one comes with zinc oxide to seal out moisture, while soothing chamomile and calendula calm irritated skin. Keep one in your diaper bag and another in the baby's nursery!
Buy Mustela Diaper Rash Sprayable Cream
8. For peace of mind: Nanit Pro Baby Monitor
The Nanit monitor makes it easy to sneak a peek at baby from your phone. Along with crystal-clear video with great night vision, the monitor comes with two-way audio, so you can soothe your little one from the other room. Plus, it monitors baby’s breathing movements and detects cries without sensors. Depending on your baby’s room setup, you can mount the camera on the wall above the crib to save space, or use the accompanying stand (minimal assembly required).
9. For activity and stimulation: Lovevery Play Gym
It’s never too early to start providing babies with some simple activity and stimulation. This popular play gym comes with five “zones” that foster different types of exploration and growth, along with five detachable activity toys you can easily switch out to keep baby entertained as they grow. As your baby turns into a toddler, you can transform the play gym into a cozy play fort.
10. For cuddles and walks: Solly Baby Wrap
Babywearing allows you to soothe during fussy moments while allowing you to be hands-free— all the while promoting bonding moments. The Solly Baby Wrap, ideal for babies between 8 and 25 pounds, is made of buttery soft, breathable material that evenly distributes weight across the wearer’s body (read: no extra shoulder or hip pain). It comes in lots of fun colors and patterns, so you’re sure to find one that matches you and baby’s vibe.
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring to the hospital for delivery?
Packing a hospital bag several weeks before you’re due is a great way to feel prepared for your baby’s arrival. While the hospital should provide many essentials — like diapers and disposable underwear for the birth-giver — it’s also a good idea to pack anything that’ll help you feel more comfortable during and after labor and delivery. Cozy, loose-fitting clothes and your own toiletries are a must, along with any items that’ll help you feel grounded and relaxed (like a music speaker and playlist or your favorite pillow). For baby, don’t forget to pack a going-home outfit and a cozy blanket or bunting if it’s cold, and install your car seat if you’re driving home! To help baby get better rest in the hospital and block out sounds that can interrupt sleep, you can also bring a portable sound machine, like a Hatch Rest Go.
What essentials should I buy for my newborn?
The best newborn essentials allow you to take care of your baby’s core needs during the first few months of life — sleep, feeding, diapering, and eventually, social interaction and stimulation. With all the options available, it can be hard to narrow down your list. Baby registries, such as Babylist, can help you figure out what to add by breaking the newborn essentials down into basic categories. Reading online reviews and scanning customer ratings can also help you decide on which newborn products are best for you and your little bundle.
What are newborns supposed to do?
Honestly? Newborns sleep a lot — up to 18 hours a day at first — which is why it can be so helpful to invest in baby sleep products like Hatch Rest and Hatch Rest Go. Other than catching that much-needed shut-eye, your newborn will stay busy eating and spending valuable bonding time with caregivers (skin-to-skin, anyone?). It may not seem like a lot, but you’ll definitely stay busy during the newborn days, whether you’re caring for baby or attempting to catch up on rest yourself.
