5 Non-Negotiable Newborn Baby Needs (And 1 For Mom!)

Lucky for you, the list of newborn baby needs is not long. Look no further and then go and enjoy your baby.

---

This post is not going to tell you to buy tons of expensive baby gear.

I’m not going to say you need a baby wipe warmer because… the thing is… you don’t.

So many moms spend the months leading up to delivery worrying about what to BUY instead of worrying about what to DO when you get home with the baby.

All the best baby gear in the world won’t help baby be content and sleep well. Only healthy habits will.

So without further ado and me telling you that THESE FIVE THINGS are really the most important (because they are) let’s go.

Non-Negotiable Newborn Baby Needs

Here we go. You might want to take notes. Actually, you don’t need to take notes because you can go here to my Ultimate Newborn Guide and print that out!

Touch and Affection

So first off, your baby needs lots of cuddles, skin to skin time, and affection. It helps their brains develop, forms a bond, and gives baby a sense of safety.

You don’t have to wear baby all day long to get this. Between feeds, between naps, and during feeding are all times you can and will be holding baby.

In those first few weeks you may want to wear baby quite a bit during the day, but unless you plan on continuing this for a year, you may consider putting baby down for naps in their own space by around 6 weeks.

Related Reads:

• Why Cuddling Is Good For Kids’ Brains
• How To Get Your Newborn To Sleep Well From Day One

Sleep, Sleep, And More Sleep

For about 1,346,464 reasons, sleep needs to be a primary concern in these early weeks. If baby is overtired baby they’ll be fussy, irritable, and difficult to settle.

Here is a common scenario with moms of newborns.

Routine, Routine, And More Routine

The best way to get baby to sleep well and be happy and sweet and you rest well and be content and excited?

Routine.

Baby needs a routine and you need a routine that fits around the baby’s routine.

You don’t have to be ruled by the clock or have such a rigid routine you are miserable. But the fact is, having a routine will result in such a pleasant baby, that you will end up liking it.

That’s the truth. You’ll see a baby that sleeps well and you’ll not be a tired mom and, come hell or high water, you’ll keep that routine.

Read: 35+ printable routines for babies aged 6 weeks to 5 years!

Things that do well with a routine:

• Wake times | You can choose your baby’s wake time by doing this
• Nap times | Use this sample newborn routine or this 3 to 6 month routine to start

• Feeding times | Here’s a printable newborn feeding chart. Your baby’s metabolism will more or less set to the times you feed so you’ll know exactly what baby needs because you’ll be able to predict when they are truly hungry
• Bed time | There is a such thing as too late of a bedtime. Babies don’t sleep well if they’re overtired so choose a bedtime that allows baby to get restorative sleep before the dreamfeed.

Read: What To Do When Baby Is Feeding Every Hour (& Not Sleeping!)

A Mom Who Is Okay

The truth is: your baby needs you to be okay.

That is not to say you should feel guilty that you aren’t okay. It is to say that it’s okay to do the things that keep you okay. This is called guarding your heart and your boundaries. You have limits and you should not martyr yourself.

Here are some things that keep you okay:

• Sleep | You will be up for nightly feedings for a while, but you shouldn’t be up cluster feeding every hour all night. If you are, baby is snacking, you’re outta milk, or baby has sleep props.
• Recharge Time | This will be different depending on whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, but either way, figure yourself out. (go here to find out your own personality’s particular struggles)

• Stability | One of the biggest struggles of new mothers is the upheaval that comes from a new baby. You’d not trade it for the world, but all the changes can take their toll on a mom. Routine (for you and baby) will help you weather the changes without losing your sanity.
• Support | Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t feel silly saying you’re bluesy or worn out or need help. Get in touch with what you want and need and don’t martyr yourself by trying to do everything on your own if you don’t have to.

Oh, And A Swaddle

If you’re in the hospital right now then please, swaddle baby from day one and don’t stop until he can roll over onto his tummy and roll back.

Swaddling helps baby sleep through the startle reflex, it gives them a sense of snugness that is familiar from the womb, and it’s a great sleep association.

Unless baby screams bloody murder after having been swaddled, there are literally no cons to swaddling. It’s all good!

Read:

• Easy Peasy Swaddling Tips For Happy Newborns
• 4 Clever Tips For Swaddling Baby At Night
• When Should I Stop Swaddling My Baby? (And A Swaddle Weaning Trick)
• How To Dress A Newborn Safely In Summer (Day & Night)