If there’s one thing I’ve learned after going through the newborn stage twice—five years apart—it’s that sleep looks different with every baby, and you end up re-learning so much along the way. I’ve been lucky that both of my girls turned out to be pretty solid sleepers, but like any parent knows, even the “good” sleepers come with hiccups. Teething, growth spurts, regressions—you name it, it happens.
One thing that has made all the difference, both times around, has been having the right tools to create a cozy, safe, and functional sleep setup. The newborn stage is short, but it feels monumental when you’re in it, and having gear that helps your baby (and you!) get rest is worth every bit of effort.
Since so many parents ask about what’s actually worth investing in, I’ve rounded up my top newborn sleep and lounging essentials. The best part? Every single one of these picks is available at Walmart.com, which makes shopping easy and affordable—especially during Best of Baby Month, when hundreds of baby must-haves are on sale.
Here are the items that truly carried us through those early weeks:
1. DockATot Deluxe+ Dock
This was a game-changer when Edie was a newborn. It’s lightweight, portable, and provides a snug, cozy spot for supervised naps. I loved how I could move it from room to room—whether I was working on my laptop in the living room or folding laundry in the bedroom, she was always close by. The removable covers are gorgeous too, and it’s nice that babies can grow into it for a while.
2. Delta Children Aster 3-in-1 Convertible Crib
If you’re considering a crib purchase, timing it with a rollback deal is such a win. This one checked all the boxes for us—minimalist design, easy assembly, sturdy construction—and I love that it transitions into a toddler bed down the road. We lowered the mattress as Edie got older, and it’s been a solid investment from day one.
3. Little Love by NoJo Cloud Mobile
A mobile isn’t technically a “need,” but it ended up being such a sweet addition. This one is soft, simple, and soothing, and the lullabies were a gentle way to ease Edie into nap time. Sometimes it’s those little touches that make a big difference in the daily rhythm.
4. HALO Safe Dreams Swaddle
Every parent will tell you: swaddles are magic. This one quickly became a favorite because it’s foolproof to use and gave me the flexibility to swaddle arms in or out depending on what Edie preferred. (Spoiler: she was not a fan of arms-in swaddling, unlike her big sister!) Having options made those middle-of-the-night adjustments much easier.
5. MamaRoo4 Infant Seat
There’s only so long your arms can hold a newborn before you need a break, and this infant seat was the perfect solution. The gentle swaying motion kept Edie content, and as she grew, she loved batting at the toys and engaging with the little rattles. It became both a soothing tool and a mini play spot.
6. Delta Children Paris Upholstered Glider
When you’re logging countless hours feeding, rocking, and cuddling, a comfortable glider is a must. I wanted something stylish but simple, and this one has been wonderful. It fits beautifully in the nursery but could work in almost any room, thanks to its versatile design. And right now, the price makes it even sweeter.
7. HALO 3-in-1 DreamNest Playard
I wish I’d had this from the very beginning. It’s so much more than a playard—it converts into a rocking bassinet for newborns, then grows into a standard playard, and eventually a travel cot. It’s one of those multi-functional pieces that saves space and adapts to your baby’s needs as they grow.
8. HALO Bassinet Swivel Sleeper
If you plan on room-sharing (which many parents do in the early months), this bassinet is a total lifesaver. The swivel design meant I could keep Edie right next to me but still move her within arm’s reach for easy nighttime feeds. Peace of mind and convenience in one.
9. Luvable Friends Fleece Blanket
While blankets don’t belong in the crib with newborns, having a warm, cozy one on hand for stroller walks or naps on the go is essential. I’ve always believed in letting my girls nap in different environments so they could adapt easily, and a soft blanket made stroller naps extra cozy.
10. HALO Safe Dreams Wearable Blanket
When Edie decided she was done with swaddling earlier than expected, this wearable blanket was the perfect transition. It kept her warm and secure without the restrictions of a swaddle. Every baby has their own preferences, and this was our happy middle ground.
Final Thoughts
Every baby is unique, and what works for one might not work for another—but these ten essentials were tried-and-true lifesavers for us. They helped create a calm, cozy sleep routine and gave me peace of mind through those bleary-eyed newborn nights.
If you’re preparing for your own little one or looking for gifts for a new parent, now’s the perfect time to shop. Walmart makes it easy to find affordable, high-quality baby gear all in one place—and during Best of Baby Month, the savings are hard to beat.
What sleep and lounging items could you not live without in the newborn stage?
