Bringing your baby home is magical — and a little chaotic. Having the right newborn essentials for the first month makes all the difference. The first month can be overwhelming, especially for first-time parents, but having a few key essentials on hand can make those early days smoother, calmer, and more comfortable — for both you and baby.
As a newborn photographer based just south of Austin, I’ve worked with hundreds of families during those precious first weeks. These are some of the tried-and-true items my clients swear by for surviving and thriving in the first month.
1. 🌙 Swaddle Blankets That Actually Work
Swaddles are one of the most important newborn essentials for the first month. Newborns crave the snug, womb-like comfort of being swaddled. A good swaddle can help them sleep better, reduce the startle reflex, and give you a few extra moments of rest.
What to Look For:
- Breathable fabric (like muslin or bamboo)
- Easy closures ( there is velcro, but double zippers are the way to go so it’s quiet and easy for diaper changes)
Pro Tip: If you book a session with me, I’ve got a whole collection of dreamy wraps that not only keep your baby cozy but photograph beautifully, too. Check out my newborn portfolio to see all the cozy babies. I can do tons of wrap variations to add to your baby’s gallery.
2. 🍼 A Reliable Feeding Station
Whether you’re nursing, pumping, or bottle-feeding, a cozy, stocked feeding setup is a game changer. You’ll spend a lot of time feeding in those first few weeks.
Suggested Setup:
- A supportive nursing pillow (like the My Brest Friend or Boppy)
- Burp cloths within arm’s reach
- A water bottle and snacks for you (hydration matters and you’re burning a ton of calories so you need the snacks!)
- Oatmeal is one of the best natural ways to stimulate lactation and it helps relieve stress
- Dimmable lighting for late-night feeds ( I love the Hatch since it double as both a light and a sound machine)
Link to the HATCH!
3. 💨 A Sound Machine (Your Secret Weapon)
Babies are used to constant background noise in the womb. Imagine it… all they hear for 9 months is sloshing around and the movement of you walking and moving around. A white noise machine mimics that sound and can help soothe fussiness and promote better naps and nighttime sleep.
Popular Picks:
- Hatch Rest (bonus: you can control it from your phone)
- Hatch on the go (great for travel or car naps)
- I love using the Baby Shusher app at my sessions ( I’ve used it for over 5 years and it works on older kids and even parents, so watch out you might fall asleep haha!)
4. 🧼 Gentle Baby Skincare Essentials
A newborn’s skin is delicate, so using clean, fragrance-free products is key during the first month.
Parent-Approved Basics:
- Fragrance-free wipes (like Water Wipes)
- Diaper cream (look for zinc oxide-based, like Desitin or Boudreaux’s Butt Paste)
- Gentle baby wash ( Tubby Todd or Pipette ( affordable and good product)
Link to Pipette
5. 📸 A Plan to Capture It All
That first month flies by — your baby will never be this tiny again. This is a once-in-a-lifetime stage that is gone is a blink of any eye. Hiring a professional newborn photographer ensures you’ll have timeless, heirloom-quality images to remember it.
As a photographer who specializes in natural, baby-led newborn sessions in the Austin area, I create a calm, stress-free environment for new parents and sleepy babies alike. My studio located in San Marcos is fully stocked with everything you need — wraps, props, headbands, and even diapers — so you don’t have to bring a thing.
Final Thoughts
These are my favorite newborn essentials for the first month, and I include many of them in my studio to make your session stress-free. Every baby is different, but these 5 essentials have helped countless families feel more prepared and confident during those magical (and messy) first weeks. Whether you’re nesting, registering, or just winging it — know that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful.
👉 Click here to inquire about your maternity and newborn session.
