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Motherhood

Stock Your Nursery with These 3 Essentials

NEW MODERN MOM

1/21/26

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Written by:

Kierstyn McClellan

This post is in partnership with Coterie. I only endorse products I believe in and personally use.

When you’re prepping for a baby, everyone has opinions. The product lists, the unsolicited advice, the recommended must-haves. It’s well-meaning, but once you’re really in it, you quickly realize that you only need a few things in those early days. Everything else can wait.

After my own late-night diaper changes, last-minute restocks, and more than a few postpartum surprises, here are the three things I’d make sure to have ready on day one.

1. Diapers that actually prevent blowouts

You don’t want to find out in the middle of the night that your diapers don’t hold up. I’ve tried plenty of brands, but, for me, nothing compares to Coterie

They’re ultra-absorbent, cashmere-soft, actually clean ingredients and somehow contain even the messiest blowouts for my little ones. I swear my babies slept longer stretches just because they stayed so dry. When your baby lives in diapers 24/7, you need ones that just work and don’t irritate sensitive baby skin.

Here’s why it’s the first diaper I recommend to other moms:

  • Super absorbent 
  • Feels like cashmere (yes, really)
  • No rashes or red marks for even sensitive-skinned babies
  • No blowouts
  • TCF, hypoallergenic, and free from lotions or parabens

Pro tip: Put Coterie diapers on subscription. It’s one less mental task and saves you from those 8PM panic trips to the store.

2. Thick, water-based wipes

Wipes might seem like a small thing… until you're mid-blowout and the ones you grabbed are too thin, too dry, or just fall apart. That’s why you want Coterie wipes in your diaper station and the Travel Packs in every bag you carry.

They’re made with 99% water and plant-based fibers, and they’re noticeably bigger and thicker than most wipes. I almost never need more than one to get the job done. I use them for everything from diaper changes to sticky hands, and I’ve never had to worry about irritation, even with sensitive skin in the mix.

3. An all-over balm to soothe sensitive skin

People recommend a lot of baby products, but I rarely see a dependable balm on those lists. In our house, it’s a baby drawer staple.

Babies have extra sensitive skin, both my kids experienced baby acne, redness from dry air and irritations constantly, and that’s because a baby’s thinner skin barrier loses moisture quickly. Coterie’s Bun Balm is something we reach for every day. It helps to handle those rashes, dry patches, and all kinds of skin irritations. The texture is silky smooth, never pasty or sticky, and it melts right in. TLDR: You won’t need to rush to wash your hands immediately after applying it. 

This balm protects and soothes without any of the questionable ingredients so many baby creams include.

Bonus: the wide-mouth jar is easy to use one-handed, which is how most tasks go with a newborn.

Coterie has all your day one essentials! 

These are the products I’ve trusted to keep my newborns comfortable, clean, and covered from the first diaper change to the tenth wipe of the day. They’re simple, reliable, and make those early weeks easier.

✅ Diapers that help prevent leaks and rashes

✅ Feels like cashmere, even on sensitive skin

✅ Oversized wipes that can handle big messes with one swipe

✅ Balm that soothes rashes, redness, and dry spots

✅ Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic

✅ No harsh ingredients or chemicals 

✅ Easy subscription options 

Get 10% off Coterie: EXTRA10

Author

This post may contain affiliate links including the Amazon Associates Program. When you make purchases through links in this post, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.  I only endorse products I believe in.