You’ll want to make sure you have plenty of clothes for baby in newborn sizes. But the kind of clothing you choose matters, especially in the first week or so! Clothing with waistbands may be cute, but it can irritate the stump of the umbilical cord while it dries out and eventually falls off. One-piece rompers, gowns, and even sleep sacks will help keep your baby safe and comfortable while the cord naturally separates and falls away. Clothing for newborns should be loose-fitting enough that it doesn’t bind, but snug enough that they won’t squirm out of it. Opt for every day outfits that are machine washable, and make sure you have enough; you may find you go through more changes of clothing than you anticipated!

While receiving blankets are quite lightweight, you may want a heavier blanket to ensure that baby is kept warm enough. Especially if your room temperature is below 65 degrees, your baby may need the extra warmth. You may even want a quilt style blanket with several layers of fabric stitched together. Thicker blankets are also nice as playmats for tummy time, because they help insulate and cushion your baby from a hard floor or irritating carpet. Remember, babies should not sleep with loose blankets unattended. The blanket may cover the baby’s face and newborns lack the strength and coordination needed to remove the blanket.

Rattles are a great toy for newborns, as it helps them develop their vision and attention. Baby’s vision isn’t fully developed at birth, so a toy that makes a noise catches their attention and makes them look toward the sound. It’s best if rattles or other sound making toys for newborns are soft, since hard materials can injure baby if dropped. You can use toys that make a variety of sounds, as a diverse range of sensory input can help their brains develop. Soft toys with crinkly material inside can also be a good source of sensory play!

Finally, getting a soft toy or a lovey for your baby is a great way to soothe and entertain them. While newborns aren’t really strong or coordinated enough to grab and handle these toys, touching and looking at them is interesting to baby and helps develop their brand new senses. Personalized Lovies can end up becoming your child’s best friend, too! The best loveys are soft and baby safe, without hard plastic pieces that can come loose and be choking hazards. A variety of textures is great, too, as it gives baby more to touch and feel. Small soft toys are best for newborns. Remember, babies should not be left unsupervised with blankets or soft toys, to ensure that they don’t accidentally suffocate.