Before becoming a mom, I thought I needed everything.
I had lists saved, videos watched, recommendations from everywhere… and honestly, I still felt unsure.
So of course, like many first-time moms, I bought a little bit of everything “just in case.” And while some things became essentials, there were definitely a few things I barely used at all. 🤷♀️ Of course, every baby is different, every mom is different, and something I didn’t use might end up being someone else’s favorite item. But I thought it would be fun and helpful to share a few things from my own experience.
Baby Booties
I remember buying tiny little booties because they looked so cute. And honestly… I don’t think my daughter wore them even once. 😊 Since she mostly lived in footies during those first weeks, her feet were already warm and covered. They were adorable, but definitely not essential for us.
Too Many “Outfits”
I quickly realized that newborns don’t really need outfits in the beginning. Comfort becomes everything. Most days, I reached for the same soft footies over and over again because they were:
-comfortable
-practical
-easy for diaper changes
And honestly, much easier than matching tiny outfits while completely exhausted. Since my daughter was born during winter, I also had a lot of beautiful knit pieces prepared for her. They looked adorable, and I still think knitwear can be so special for babies. But personally, during those very first newborn weeks, I found myself reaching more for softer and lighter pieces because I felt like she was more comfortable and able to move more easily in them.
Newborn Size Clothes
My daughter was 6.6 lb, and even some 0–3 month pieces looked a little big on her at first. I remember thinking babies grow so quickly, so I focused mostly on buying 0–3 months.
But looking back, I can definitely understand why many moms love having at least a few newborn-size pieces ready too, especially during those very first days. At the same time, babies grow differently and so quickly, so I think having a small mix of both sizes can actually work really well.
Fancy Baby Accessories
There were a few “cute” things I bought because they looked beautiful online… but I barely touched them after she arrived.
In real newborn life, simplicity wins most of the time. Soft blankets, footies, muslin cloths, diapers, wipes… those became the real essentials.
What I Actually Used All the Time
These were the things I kept reaching for every single day:
-Footies
-Soft blankets
-Muslin cloths
-Hats
-Diapers and wipes
Simple things, but the things that actually made those first days easier.
My Honest Realization
I think becoming a mom teaches you very quickly that babies don’t need perfection.
They need comfort. Softness. Love. And honestly, you probably need less than you think.
If you’re preparing for your baby right now and feeling overwhelmed by all the recommendations online, you’re definitely not alone. Every mom figures out her own rhythm.
And sometimes the simplest things end up becoming the most used and most loved.
With love,
Mariana
Heart of Baby Fil