The Newborn Bundle: What to Buy Before Baby Arrives

Quick answer

The Ergobaby Newborn Bundle is worth it if you want a no-tie newborn carrier plus a bouncer in one purchase. The Embrace Newborn Carrier is designed for baby's first 12 months, and the Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer gives you a safe place to set baby down. Skip it if you already own a wrap you love or plan to use a stroller from day one.

Most newborn gear lists are long, but the items you actually use in the first three months are few. A carrier you can put on without wrestling with fabric, and a bouncer that keeps baby secure while you eat or fold laundry, cover most of the day.

The Ergobaby Newborn Bundle pairs the Embrace Newborn Carrier with the Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer. This guide explains what each piece does, who the bundle suits, and when buying the two separately makes more sense.

What the Newborn Bundle actually includes

The bundle combines two products: the Embrace Newborn Carrier and the Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer. The Embrace is a soft, simple carrier designed specifically for baby's first 12 months. It has an ergonomic seat for hip-healthy positioning, padded head and neck support, and a patented adjustable back panel. Unlike traditional wraps, no tying is required.

The Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer is the second half of the bundle. It gives you a place to set baby down safely during the day, and it can be used in multiple modes as your baby grows. Together, the two items cover carrying and containing, which are the two jobs new parents repeat most.

• Carrier: Embrace Newborn Carrier, designed for the first 12 months
• Bouncer: Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer with multiple use modes
• No tying needed, unlike a traditional wrap

Who the bundle fits best

This bundle suits parents who want a structured, easy-on carrier from the start. If you have never used a wrap and the idea of tying fabric around your body feels stressful, the Embrace removes that step. The padded head and neck support also helps when you are still learning to position a newborn.

It also works well for families who want one purchase to cover two daily needs. Instead of researching a carrier and a bouncer separately, you get both in a single decision. That is useful when you are buying before baby arrives and do not yet know your baby's temperament or your own recovery timeline.

• First-time parents who want a no-tie carrier
• Families who want carrier and bouncer in one purchase
• Parents who prefer structured support over wrapping

When to skip the bundle

If you already own a wrap or carrier you used with a previous child, you may only need the bouncer. The same applies if you plan to use a stroller as your primary way to move baby around. In those cases, buying the Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer on its own is the simpler choice.

Also consider your space. A bouncer takes up floor room, and a carrier takes up drawer space. If you live somewhere very small and already have a safe place to set baby down, the carrier alone may be enough. The bundle is a convenience, not a requirement.

• You already own a newborn carrier you like
• You plan to use a stroller from day one
• You have limited floor space for a bouncer

How to prepare before baby arrives

Unbox and practice with the carrier before your due date. Adjust the straps, try the waistband at different heights, and get comfortable putting it on without help. The Embrace is designed to be simple, but every body is different, and a few minutes of practice now saves frustration later.

Set up the bouncer where you spend the most time, usually the kitchen or living room. Keep a spare cover on hand if you plan to use it daily, since spit-up and diaper leaks happen. Wash both the carrier and the bouncer cover according to their care instructions so they are ready when you come home.

• Practice putting the carrier on before your due date
• Set up the bouncer in your main living space
• Check wash instructions for both items in advance

Decision rules for buying before baby arrives

• Choose the bundle if you want one purchase to cover carrying and setting baby down: The Newborn Bundle includes both the Embrace Newborn Carrier and the Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer, so you are not researching two separate items during pregnancy. Best for first-time parents who want a structured, no-tie carrier and a bouncer in one order.
• Choose the Aura Baby Wrap if you prefer a soft wrap over a structured carrier: The Aura is a classic wrap for newborns with lightweight 4-way stretch material and a built-in carrying pouch. It requires tying, unlike the Embrace. Best for parents who like the closeness of a wrap and do not mind learning to tie it.
• Add a replacement cover if you plan to use the bouncer daily: The Ergobaby Evolve Bouncer Replacement Cover is machine washable and easy to remove and add back on. It does not include the bouncer frame or newborn insert. A spare cover keeps the bouncer in use while the other is washing.
• Skip the bundle if you already own a newborn carrier: If you have a carrier from a previous child that still fits and works, buy the Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer on its own instead. Avoid paying for a carrier you will not use.

Key product facts

• The Newborn Bundle: Includes the Embrace Newborn Carrier, awarded "The Best Baby Carrier for Newborns" by the NY Times Wirecutter, and the Evolve 3-in-1 Bouncer. You get a recognized newborn carrier plus a bouncer in one purchase, which simplifies buying before baby arrives.
• The Newborn Bundle: The Embrace carrier is designed for baby's first 12 months with an ergonomic seat for hip-healthy positioning, padded head and neck support, and a patented adjustable back panel. No tying is needed. It removes the learning curve of a wrap and supports a newborn's hips and head during the months when you carry most.
• Ergobaby Evolve Bouncer Replacement Cover: Easy to remove and add back on, machine washable, and available in multiple colors. Bouncer frame and newborn insert are not included. A spare cover keeps the bouncer usable while the other is in the wash, which matters for daily use.
• Aura Baby Wrap: A classic, soft, cozy wrap for newborns with lightweight 4-way stretch material, a built-in carrying pouch, and machine washable fabric. If you prefer a wrap over a structured carrier, the Aura is the alternative to the Embrace inside the bundle.

Is the Newborn Bundle right for you?

Best for

• First-time parents who want a no-tie newborn carrier
• Families who want carrier and bouncer in one purchase
• Parents who prefer structured support over wrapping

Not for

• Parents who already own a newborn carrier they like
• Families who plan to use a stroller as their main option
• Anyone with very limited floor space for a bouncer

The Newborn Bundle works best when you want two daily-use items decided in one step. If you already have a carrier or plan to rely on a stroller, buy the bouncer alone and put the savings toward something else on your list.