Top 5 Baby Items You Need Before Coming Home From the Hospital (Under $50)

After four babies, I’ve learned you don’t need everything before bringing a newborn home — but there are a few things that make those first days significantly easier. These are the items I personally make sure we have before leaving the hospital, all under $50, and all things I’ve actually used (and reused).

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

1. Swaddle Blankets

I love a good swaddle blanket for so many reasons.

The first (and most obvious) is for swaddling. For me, the bigger the blanket, the tighter and better the swaddle I can get — especially in those early newborn days.

But swaddles do way more than just swaddle:

• I throw one over baby during skin-to-skin

• I use one when we’re out and about

• If I want a little extra coverage while nursing, a swaddle blanket is my go-to

• They’re perfect for warmth, comfort, and quick fixes

To me, a good set of swaddles is a must-have.

My Favorites: Aden + Anais

They’re:

• Super soft

• Nice and big

• Hold up really well

• Affordable

Getting four swaddles for under $50 is an awesome price for the quality. These always go in my hospital bag.

And their gender-neutral sets are SO cute.

👉 Aden + Anais Blankets - https://amzn.to/4jvQ92t

^ I already have so many blankets, but these are so cute I think I might need them!

2. Muslin Burp Cloths

Still on the muslin train over here.

I love muslin burp cloths, and I would recommend that every parent has at least one burp cloth in every room of the house. You never know when a spit-up incident is going to happen — and it always seems to be right after you’ve:

• Changed your shirt

• Leaked a little breastmilk

• Or just cooled off from postpartum sweats

One of my favorite things about these burp cloths is that they’re also amazing for bath time. I dunk one in the warm water and lay it over baby’s body so the parts that aren’t submerged don’t get chilly.

You’re welcome for that hack — it prevents screaming bath time. 😉

As I’m writing this, I’m nursing the baby. He popped off, laid there all content… and then promptly spit up all over my boob. Thankfully, I had a burp cloth within arm’s reach and a blanket to keep him warm while I undressed him and changed his clothes.

Real life.

My Favorite: Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths

They’re soft, absorbent, and 10 for around $20, which is such a good price.

👉My Favorite: Comfy Cubs Muslin Burp Cloths- https://amzn.to/4500Lka

3. A Simple Baby Medicine Kit

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you do not want to be Instacarting baby medicine at 10 PM with a fussy newborn.

You likely won’t need everything right away, but there are a few items that are invaluable early on.

Gas Drops & Gripe Water

No one warned me how gassy babies can be.

• With my first, I had no idea what was happening

• With my second, we ended up putting gas drops in every bottle

• With my third, I remember frantically Googling everything trying to help her

Having gas drops and gripe water on hand at the first signs of gassiness can save you and your baby from a lot of frustration.

👉 Gas Drops We Use: https://amzn.to/3NfixcY

👉 Gripe Water I Like: https://amzn.to/4psvNZ7

Frida Paci Syringe (Trust Me on This One)

Gas drops are easy to give, but if you’re administering anything in higher quantity (aka more millimeters), that tastes bad or stains — you’ll want this.

With baby #4, we’ve had to give iron supplements due to him being premature. They taste awful and stain everything. I was about at my wits’ end until I tried the Frida Paci Syringe.

Now giving medicine is effortless, mess-free, and way less stressful.

👉 https://amzn.to/49vc4SH

Fever Reducer + Thermometer

You’re unlikely to need Tylenol in the newborn stage — and if you do, you should be contacting your pediatrician. But a good medicine kit should include it.

• Ibuprofen is not safe under 6 months

• Always contact your pediatrician for fevers under 3 months

👉 Tylenol: https://amzn.to/4boc3T0

A rectal thermometer is the most accurate way to take a newborn’s temperature.

👉 Frida Thermometer: https://amzn.to/45yQStM

The last medicine kit essential- Diaper Rash Cream

After four kids, I have a clear winner.

👉 Best Overall: Desitin Extra Strength- https://amzn.to/49fzsou

The zinc makes all the difference. It clears rashes quickly and helps prevent skin breakdown.

Honorable mention goes to Aquaphor. For really stubborn rashes, mixing Aquaphor with Desitin has been a one-two punch for us.

👉 Aquaphor - https://amzn.to/3Z5UGPw

If you have a baby boy and choose circumcision, Aquaphor is essential during healing. Hospitals usually send gauze home, but it’s smart to have extra on hand just in case.

👉 Gauze - https://amzn.to/4sphJCm

4. Formula (Even If You Plan to Breastfeed)

This one might surprise you — but after four babies, I will never bring a baby home without formula on hand.

Sometimes:

• Milk takes time to come in

• Baby is hungry while your body catches up

Giving a little formula early does not mean breastfeeding has failed.

I recommend ready-to-feed formula in the early days. Newborns often only need an ounce at a time, and it takes the stress out of middle-of-the-night feeds.

Formula I Keep on Hand

👉 Similac Ready-to-Feed- https://amzn.to/3Ndkzuf

$9 for a 12-pack — low risk, high peace of mind

If you don’t use it, you can always donate it to another mom.

5. Bonus: A Safe Place to Set the Baby

This isn’t a sleep recommendation — just a safe place to set baby down while you shower, cook, or chase older kids.

If possible, I love having two bouncers in the house, but even one lightweight option you can move room to room is essential.

You don’t need to spend a lot.

This bouncer is price conscious and perfect to fit your needs. At this price, buying two might be feasible for you. I like to keep one in the kitchen and one in the bathroom!

👉 Smart Steps: https://amzn.to/4pzBWCZ

If price isn’t a concern and you’re looking for something higher end- this would be my recommendation!

👉 Maxi-Cosi (higher-end): https://amzn.to/4swqwCr

Just make sure it’s lightweight and easy to carry with one hand (never carry baby in the bouncer).

Final Thoughts

You don’t need everything before coming home from the hospital — but these items make those first days calmer, more comfortable, and a whole lot easier.

Were there any baby items you found essential when you brought your baby home? Or things you regret buying?

Drop a comment — send me the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’d love to include your experiences in a follow-up post 🤍