20+ Essential Items for a New Baby

Why we love them: Made from 100% food-grade silicone, these one piece pacis are as cute as they are calming. Plus, each purchase helps to protect koala habitats in Australia and contributes to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). Tip: It make take some trial and error to figure out what type of pacifier your little one will like, so it helps to have a couple of different kinds on hand. $10, walmart.ca

Why we love it: It can be hard to soothe a teething baby. A silicone teether or a clean, semi-frozen wash cloth to chew on can temporarily relieve discomfort (and lots of cuddles are a given!) but when your baby needs a little more help, Camilia is a homeopathic medicine containing no sugar, no colour and no preservatives. $13, boiron.ca

Why we love it: Onesies are handy for layering (little ones get chilly quickly!) and this cute pick has snaps at the shoulders and in-seams to making changing a breeze. Made from 95% organic cotton, it’s also super soft against baby’s skin. $10, riselittleearthling.ca

Why we love them: Breathable muslin blankets are a multitasking dream—they are perfect for swaddling, tummy time, thrown over a stroller to block out sun, for light coverage in a car seat, used to cover a distracted baby who needs to eat…the list goes on. Note: Flannel or stretchy receiving blankets are also great to have on hand, too! $16, riselittleearthling.ca

Why we love it: It’s so fun to introduce solids—the facial expressions are everything—but it can also be pretty darn messy. This waterproof, stain-resistant bib covers both your babe and the feeding tray while they learn to eat independently, and it also features a specially designed pocket to catch food waste. And when they’ve mastered the dinner table, the bib can be used as a smock for arts and crafts! $28, amazon.ca

Why we love it: This handy set has everything you need to start bottle-feeding, from the bottles and nipples to storage inserts. It even comes with two soothers and a cleaning brush! $60, babiesrus.ca

Why we love it: This closed-system pump is easy to assemble, use and clean. We also love that it can run on both AC adaptor and battery, and that it comes with a stylish carrying bag for easy pumping while you’re out and about. $270, amazon.ca

Why we love it: Sure, the crib is one thing—so many cute options—but the most important part of a baby’s sleep environment is the mattress. This pick helps regulate temperature; features an organic, ventilated, waterproof Tencel cover; gives no chemical offset; and is made right here in Canada. $350, polysleep.ca

Why we love it: This diaper bag can be worn as a backpack, carried by its handles, secured to a stroller and more. It also comes with a matching bottle insulator and a foldout mat for diapering on the go. $50, babiesrus.ca

Why we love it: This incredible balm treats more than diaper rash (and extends beyond the baby years, too! It’s a great product to toss in your first aid kit). The proprietary blend of antibacterial and antifungal herbs, shea butter and essential oils works to soothe everything from baby skin troubles to scrapes, rashes and burns. $13, well.ca

Why we love them: These sweet socks won’t dig into skin and the deep heel pockets will help to keep them on (in theory) even when baby kicks and moves around. Six pairs in similar designs means you won’t constantly be hunting for a match. $10, walmart.ca

Why we love it: This set comes with everything you need to groom your kiddo from head to toe. It includes a finger brush for brushing gums and tiny teeth, nail scissors and case for clipping tiny nails, a nail file for smoothing out those sharp edges and a soft-bristled hair brush and comb for smoothing out sweet locks. $50, well.ca

Why we love it: Other than the fact that it’s adorable? Okay, fine. This sweet little beanie is made with 100% cotton (so it won’t irritate sensitive baby skin) and will keep tiny heads warm in all kinds of weather. $13, chapters.indigo.ca

Why we love it: Made from 100% soft, sustainable cotton, this towel will keep kids fresh from the bath cozy and warm. It’s highly absorbent to get little ones dry quickly. $10, ikea.ca

Why we love it: Ask a new mom what product she swears by and a nursing pillow will almost certainly rank at the top of the list. This hypoallergenic pick can be used for breastfeeding and support for your babe when they’re learning to sit up. $42, snugglebugz.ca

Why we love it: This car seat/stroller combo is basically magic. It transitions from a single to a double stroller without extra parts or tools! The frame also accommodates 20 different configurations, in both parent- and forward-facing positions. Too bad it doesn’t walk itself. $400, babiesrus.ca

Why we love it: This plug-and-play video pick comes with a rotating remote control camera so you can keep an eye on your sleeping baby, has two-way talk, a room temperature monitor, night vision, lullaby capabilities and an audio-only mode. $129, amazon.ca

Why we love it: We love the soft sling and carrier options from Moby, and not just because the prints are all kinds of cute. They’re comfortable for both baby and caregiver, and they’re easy to pack, care for and store. Note: Not all carriers and slings work the same way for every parent and baby, so it’s worth going into a store to try them out before buying. $75, well.ca

Why we love it: This convertible tub with inserts grows with your babe, from the early newborn days through to toddlerhood. It comes in three colours and includes a squeeze bottle and a whale-shaped scoop for fun bathtime play, too. $40, buybuybaby.com