10 Newborn Essentials You Won’t Find on Most Lists

This post is sponsored by ByHeart. All opinions are wholly our own. 

Most newborn essentials checklists focus on the best performing diapers, swaddles, and baby gear. If you’re a wellness-focused mom-to-be, you have a whole different set of concerns, like whether your diapers contain phthalates or if your formula is full of corn syrup. The first few weeks (or even months!) with an infant are invariably overwhelming, and having the right newborn essentials can help you feel more empowered, supported, and sane.

The list below isn’t just about what your baby needs—I want to help you set up a low-stress, non-toxic environment that supports your emotional and physical health–as well as your baby’s. Mostly, this list consists of the stuff I wish I had gotten before bringing home my baby and then spending bleary (and hormonal!) nights searching online for a non-toxic laundry soap and healthier formula.

Let’s get into it. 

1. ByHeart Infant Formula (Even If You Plan to Breastfeed)

In my early postpartum period, I found myself sending my husband for middle-of-the-night trips to the drugstore for emergency formula. I was deeply committed to breastfeeding (and went on to nurse that baby for nearly three years!), but I wish I had been better prepared with a healthier backup option in my pantry.

Even if you plan to exclusively breastfeed, keeping a stash of high-quality formula on hand can provide invaluable peace of mind. ByHeart is made with certified-clean ingredients and is thoughtfully formulated, featuring a patented protein blend that gets the closest to breast milk. 

ByHeart is our top formula pick and the first U.S. infant formula to receive the Clean Label Project Purity Award. I hope breastfeeding comes easily for you, but if you choose to formula feed, combo feed, or keep formula on hand for emergencies, ByHeart is the brand I recommend.

BUY from ByHeart

2. ZipTop Breastmilk Storage Bags (A Plastic-Free Upgrade)

If you plan to pump breast milk, most newborn essentials lists will tell you to buy disposable plastic breastmilk storage bags. ZipTop’s reusable silicone bags are a better, non-toxic alternative. Made from 100% platinum silicone, they are dishwasher- and freezer-safe, making them both convenient and eco-friendly. If you’re concerned about microplastics in your baby’s environment, switching to silicone breast milk storage bags offers peace of mind without the hassle of managing a complicated system of glass jars.

BUY ON amazon

3. Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper (Better Sleep for Both of You)

You probably have a crib on your baby registry, but if you want to keep your baby close at night without committing to full on bed-sharing, the Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper can be a game-changer. This ingenious bedside sleeper allows your baby to sleep safely right next to you, making nighttime feeding and soothing so much more convenient. 

BUY ON amazon

4. Austin Air Junior Air Purifier (Because Air Quality Matters)

Newborns breathe more rapidly than adults, making them more vulnerable to indoor air pollution. An air purifier might not be on every newborn essentials checklist, but it should be. The Austin Air junior sized purifer removes viruses/bacteria, VOCs, dust, pollen, and mold.

BUY in our store

5. CastleWare Organic Sleep Sacks (A Safer Alternative to Blankets)

Most newborn essentials lists recommend sleep sacks, but many popular brands contain synthetic fabrics that contribute to microplastic buildup in our environment. CastleWare Organic Sleep Sacks are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton, making them a breathable, toxin-free, high quality choice perfect for passing on when your baby outgrows them!

BUY from castleware

6. MamaSuds Laundry Soap (Non-Toxic Laundry for Baby’s Clothes)

Laundry detergent is an overlooked newborn essential, but conventional “gentle” detergents (think: Dreft) still contain synthetic fragrances and all the chemicals found in adult detergents. MamaSuds is a better choice because it’s free from optical brighteners, fragrances, and harsh surfactants, and is safe for cloth diapers, baby clothes, and bedding.

BUY in our store

7. Petite Crème (A French-Inspired Alternative to Baby Wipes)

Disposable wipes are not only environmentally unfriendly, but they can also dry out and irritate a baby’s skin. Petite Crème is an organic cleansing lotion that gently cleans while moisturizing and does not need to be washed off. Everyone who tries it is hooked–once you do, you’ll see why French moms don’t use wipes!

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8. Gimme Clean Water Filter (A Must-Have for Formula and Baby’s First Foods)

A newborn essential that often gets overlooked is clean water. Whether you’re making formula, washing bottles, or preparing baby food, having high-quality filtered water ensures that your baby isn’t exposed to PFAS or other contaminants via the water from your faucet. A Gimme Clean Water Filter removes chlorine, heavy metals, PFAS, pharmaceutical residues, and much more. 

BUY in our store

9. HealthyBaby Cleaning System (Non-Toxic Cleaning for a Baby-Friendly Home)

Many parents don’t think about what’s on their baby’s high chair, crib, or playmat after it’s been cleaned—but I bet you’re worried about the harmful residues left behind by conventional cleaners. The HealthyBaby Cleaning System is microbiome-friendly, and disinfects without the use of chlorine or other endocrine disrupting chemicals. 

BUY from healthybaby

10. Needed’s 4th Trimester Plan (Because You Need Support, Too!)

One of the most overlooked newborn essentials is actually for you. The postpartum period is exhausting, and proper nutrition is key to recovery, hormone balance, and milk production. Needed’s 4th Trimester Plan provides comprehensive postpartum supplements, including nutrients to support mood, lactation, and energy levels. I’m more than a decade postpartum (ha) and I still take most of the supplements included in this plan myself.

BUY from needed

Final Thoughts: Choosing Newborn Essentials

The early days with an infant are a whirlwind of feedings, diaper changes, and the dawning realization that your life is no longer your own. If you’re anything like I was, they’re also filled with anxiety about the toxicants lurking in everything your baby touches.

Having the right newborn essentials—ones that prioritize non-toxic living, wellness, and peace of mind—can make those weeks so much more enjoyable, or at least tolerable! I hope this roundup makes you feel less overwhelmed and more empowered. And if you’ve already been through the early postpartum days, I want to hear from you: What would you add to this list?

Stay sane,

Maia, Founder & CEO