While there is plenty of debate on what qualifies as true baby essentials, no one can deny that comfort, style and functionality are huge components of what a baby really needs on their first outing.

If you’re struggling to understand what to throw in your diaper bag, we see you. And if you’re looking for the perfect gift for a new mom, we hear you, too. Ahead, the best essentials for a baby’s first outing.

Little Muffincakes Carseat Canopy

Why should babies only settle for comfort? Help them get out in style with this muslin car seat canopy that celebrates afropuffs and tutus. Whether it is a gift for a loved one or just a treat, it’s the perfect way to welcome little ones into the world.


Little Muffincakes Carseat Canopy, $24, littlemuffincakes.com

Tippy Tot Crib Shoes

Help little ones make a statement with maroon-colored leather booties. These eye-catching crib shoes are finished with a perforated design and include a cushioned liner for extra comfort. 

Tippy Tot Crib Shoes, $70, tippytotshoes.com

Miles and Milan Cap, Bodysuit and Romper Set

This Black-owned brand is the brainchild of Shennel Fuller, who created this line based on her own fashion-forward aesthetic. Each piece is not only ultra dope, but it’s true-to-size so you don’t have to worry about your baby sporting an ill-fitting set.


Miles and Milan Cap, Bodysuit and Romper Set, $50, milesandmilan.com

Chicco Fit4 Adapt 4-in-1 Car Seat

Seasoned parents will tell you that removing your kid from a car seat on a hot day can be icky. Babies get hot and sweaty, and their backs are loaded with sweat. Chicco kept this in mind when they wanted a car seat that keeps babies cool and comfortable. When the child is hot, the fabric removes sweat in the vapor stage before liquid sweat even forms, helping to maintain a comfortable ride. There’s also a multi-staged construction so the car seat will last until they are 57-inches tall.

Chicco Fit4 Adapt 4-in-1 Car Seat, $379, chiccousa.com

7 AM PlushPOD

Chilly weather demands gear that makes venturing out with your little ones a thousand times easier and minimizes the stress of keeping them covered and cozy. If you’re transporting babies in much cooler temps, be sure to keep them toasty in this cold-weather footmuff that fits a standard 5-point safety harness on any stroller or car seat.


7 AM PlushPOD, $150, 7amenfant.com

Darlyng and Co. Newborn Anti-Scratch Mitten

Newborns are known for constantly sucking their fingers and in these crazy COVID times, it’s important to fully protect them if you’re out and about with them. These cotton mittens are safely secured to your infant's hands with a hook and loop closure and the contrasting colors promote healthy infant brain and eye development. They're perfect for infants up to 6 months old.

Darlyng and Co. Newborn Anti-Scratch Mitten, $13, darlyngandco.com

Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle

Not every mom is comfortable breastfeeding in public, and that’s okay. That’s why we love this bottle's naturally-shaped silicone nipple. They're realistically soft—just like mama's—and are ideal for babies who have trouble transitioning from nursing to bottle-feeding.


Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle, $13, amazon.com

Pretty Please Teethers Pacifier

There’s really only one rule you have to remember when traveling with a newborn: always have a pacifier on hand. Just when you think you don’t need it, that’s when the baby screams bloody murder, forcing everyone in earshot to give you the look of death. Keep this rounded silicone nipple-shaped pacifier with you to soothe and comfort your infant's whim.

Pretty Please Teethers Pacifier, $11, prettypleaseteethers.com