You’ve probably noticed something: the moment you announce you’re expecting, everyone suddenly becomes a baby expert. Your sister says you need a wipe warmer, your coworker swears by a $300 bassinet, TikTok tells you there are 50 newborn must-haves, and Amazon keeps recommending things you didn’t even know existed.
Before long, you’re staring at a registry with over 200 items and wondering, “Do I really need all of this?” As a birth and postpartum doula, I have some good news: probably not.
The Biggest Mistake I See First-Time Parents Make
One of the most common things I hear is, “I’m afraid I’ll forget something important.” That fear often leads parents to buy everything they see online.
The truth is, babies have very simple needs during those first few weeks. They need to be fed, kept clean and comfortable, and given a safe place to sleep. Most importantly, they need parents who feel supported, prepared, and confident.
Start With Safety Before Style
Pinterest-worthy nurseries are beautiful, but what matters most is creating a space that actually works for your family. When I help new parents prepare, I encourage them to think about function first.
Can you easily reach diapers during a midnight change? Do you have a comfortable place to feed your baby? Is everything organized so you aren’t searching for supplies while holding a newborn?
Those small details can make everyday life much easier once your baby arrives.
You Don’t Need Every Baby Gadget
Marketing can make you feel like you’re failing your baby if you don’t buy every new product, but please don’t fall into that trap. Many families discover they never use half of what they purchased.
Instead, focus on quality basics that you’ll use every day: a safe sleep space, comfortable zipper sleepers, swaddles, diapers and wipes, bottles if you plan to use them, burp cloths, a reliable thermometer, and a simple diaper-changing setup.
Everything else can come later if you discover that your family actually needs it.
My Favorite Tip as a Postpartum Doula
One thing I recommend to every family is creating a small nighttime station before the baby arrives.
Keep diapers, wipes, an extra outfit, burp cloths, and feeding supplies within arm’s reach. At 2:00 in the morning, you’ll be so thankful you prepared it ahead of time.
It’s a simple setup, but it can make the newborn stage feel much less overwhelming.
Remember You’re Preparing for a Baby, Not Perfection
There is no such thing as the perfect nursery. Your baby won’t remember the color of the walls or whether you bought the latest gadget.
What your baby will benefit from is having parents who feel prepared, supported, and confident. That’s exactly why I created my free guide.
Download My Free Nursery & Newborn Essentials Guide
Wondering what you actually need before your baby arrives? I created a simple Nursery & Newborn Essentials Guide to take the guesswork out of preparing your space.
Inside, you’ll find my recommended nursery essentials, sleep and feeding supplies, diapering and bath-time checklists, favorite newborn products, a printable registry checklist, and practical tips I share with my postpartum doula clients.
Enter your email below, and I’ll send the guide straight to your inbox.
🎁 Free Download My Free Nursery & Newborn Essentials Guide
About the Author
Hi, I’m Colleen Anderson, a Certified Birth Doula, Postpartum Doula, Lactation Counselor, and Newborn Care Specialist serving families throughout New Jersey. I believe every family deserves compassionate, evidence-based support before, during, and after birth. Whether I’m supporting someone through labor, helping parents settle in with their newborn, or answering those middle-of-the-night questions, my goal is always the same: to help families feel confident, informed and cared for. If you’re looking for personalized birth or postpartum support, tap the link below to Schedule your complimentary consultation today.