Thinking about the things you’ll need to get ready before your newborn arrives can be a bit overwhelming. Try not to worry, though. Once you’ve created a list of baby essentials to buy, you can have fun browsing and choosing. To help you, we’ve created a newborn shopping checklist. From nursery must-haves to newborn essentials, you can use this as a guide when you’re shopping.
NURSERY ESSENTIALS
Creating your baby’s nursery can be really exciting. Get the essentials right, and you can then add extra touches to reflect your personal style.
Bassinet
If you do have the budget and the space for a bassinet, they are a nice snug place for your baby to sleep in the first few weeks, and because they’re portable they can be moved from room to room easily1. You may choose to leave this off your shopping list, and go straight to buying a crib.
Crib and crib mattress
Your baby will be sleeping a lot in the first few months, so you’ll want to make sure they’re as comfortable and cosy as possible. Some cribs are adjustable, so they grow with your baby, but always make sure that you buy with safety in mind, choosing a product that meets all the latest safety standards, with a mattress that is the correct fit2.
Bedding
Fitted sheets are your friends here, as they won’t bunch. Ensure your baby’s crib does not contain any extra blankets, top sheets or pillows that could cause a safety hazard2.
Baby Monitor3
While there’s no substitute for regularly checking in on your baby while they’re sleeping, a baby monitor allows you to see and hear your child from anywhere in your home.
Night light
This will emit enough of a glow to help you see what you’re doing during a night feed, without having to turn on any bright overhead lights. As your baby grows up, a night light can also provide comfort in an otherwise dark room, if they wake.
Storage
Keep everything nice, organised and close to hand. Clothes, diapers, toys and other baby essentials can be nicely housed in drawers, on shelves or in wardrobes.
Nursing chair
This might not seem like an essential, but a cosy spot for you to be able to comfortably sit and feed your baby is something you’ll be grateful for. Some parents opt for a rocking chair, as the gentle motion may help calm your baby at sleep time.
Mobile
A cute addition to any nursery, mobiles can help to add color and detail to your baby’s room, while keeping them entertained. Ensure the mobile is securely attached to the ceiling, and safely out of baby’s reach.
FEEDING ESSENTIALS
Newborns feed… a lot. Here are some essentials to make yours and your baby’s experience as pleasurable as it can be.
Burp cloths
Usually made from soft cheese-cloth fabric, these help you to protect your clothes when you burp your little one after a feed. They can also double up as a make-shift bib to save your baby’s clothes from spit up or drool.
Blankets
Newborn receiving blankets are typically made of thin fabric, and often come in multipacks so they can be easily and regularly washed. They can be used as swaddle blankets in the first few weeks, or used to swaddle your baby, which can help your baby to feel secure, safe and snug as a bug4 in their first weeks.
Nursing pillow
Achieving a comfortable feeding position can be all about having the right support, so it’s worth investing in a good pillow. U-shaped designs are popular, as they can give your newborn somewhere to rest while taking some of the weight off of your arms.
Bottles
If you’re thinking of expressing some of your breastmilk, you’ll need to have some bottles to feed your baby. Some of the plastic bottles come with a bottle liner insert, that can help reduce the amount of air your baby swallows. You may need to try a few different nipple ends before finding one your newborn likes.
Breast Pump
If you plan to use a breast pump so you can store some of your breastmilk, or to encourage greater milk flow, you can choose between a manual pump or an electric one. Some pumps are designed to save time, by pumping both breasts at the same time.
Breast Milk storage bags
You can typically pump directly into these bags, label with the date, and then store in the freezer.
Bottle brush and bottle sterilizer
A bottle brush will help you thoroughly clean the inside of your bottle. A sterilizer helps to keep bottles, breast pump components and nipples hygienic. Some sterilizers feature a bottle warmer, too.
BABY CHANGING ESSENTIALS
Nobody need tell you that babies pee and poop a lot in the first few months, so here’s all you need to keep them in clean diapers!
Diapers
It may seem like an obvious one, but give yourself time to do your research so you can choose whether to go with disposable diapers, reusable cloth diapers, or a combination of the two.
Changing table and mat
A safe place to change your baby’s diaper is essential. Changing tables can feature storage for diapers, wipes and spare clothes so everything’s within reach, and you can keep your eye safely on your baby when you’re changing them5.
Wipes and cotton wool
You might choose to use cotton wool and warm water to clean your baby’s booty and diaper area in the first few weeks. Wipes are a convenient choice if you’re out and about, though.
Diaper bin
Considering the amount of diapers you’re likely to get through in a day, you’ll need somewhere to throw them away! A diaper bucket with a lid is a good choice because it helps to stop bad smells from escaping.
CLOTHING ESSENTIALS
With all the growing your baby will be doing in the first few months, don’t go overboard buying items in one size, as they’ll soon be too small! Here is a list of some essential clothing for their wardrobe.
Sleepsuits
Your baby will spend much of their time sleeping and snoozing, but sleepsuits don’t have to be reserved for nap time! They can be worn all day. You'll probably want a variety of styles, including some that cover your baby’s feet for cooler days, and some without feet for warmer occasions. Sleepsuits often come in multipacks, making them an affordable, versatile item for your baby’s wardrobe.
Undershirts
These provide a bit of extra warmth under sleep suits or other clothing. Often they have snapper fastenings, so they’re easy to undo during a diaper change. You can choose between undershirt with no sleeves, short sleeves or long sleeves, depending on the season.
T-shirts, leggings and joggers.
Stock up on a few of these stretchy and soft separates, to keep your baby comfy during the day. They’re easy to put on and take off, and offer a nice alternative to sleepsuits.
Sweaters and baby cardigans
If the weather is a little cooler, keep your little one warm with a sweater, or jacket if you’re out and about. Cardigans with button or popper fastenings can be easier to put on and take off than pullover styles, but the choice is yours.
Socks or booties
Even if the weather is warm, newborns can lose body heat very easily, so it’s good to have lots of socks and some booties in your baby’s wardrobe.
Hats for all weathers
Have a couple of hats (appropriate for the weather) to hand, to ensure that your baby’s head is warm in cooler weather, and protected from the sun when it’s warmer.
BATH TIME ESSENTIALS
Bath time can be a wonderful, bonding experience. Here’s your ultimate checklist for soaking up the fun:
Baby bath tub
Whether giving your baby a regular bath or a sponge bath, you’ll need a tub that’s appropriate for a newborn. Always check that it’s suitable for babies, and meets the correct safety standards6.
Gentle shampoo and soap
Choose formulas that are baby and pH-friendly, so they have less chance or irritating newborn skin5.
Plastic Cup
This can be used to pour water over your baby’s hair or skin to rinse out the soap or shampoo. Take extra care to avoid getting soapy water in your little one’s eyes.
Towels and washcloths
Washcloths can be used to properly clean in your baby, especially in harder to get to areas like behind the ears and around the neck. Baby towels often come with hoods, to keep in body heat after a bath and help with easier drying.
AWAY-FROM-HOME ESSENTIALS
Make for a smoother ride when you’re on the go, with these baby essentials.
Diaper bag
Pick one that’s compact enough to be easily carried, but spacious enough to carry all the essentials, like a couple of diapers, wipes and a change of clothes. Also pack a changing mat or pad, so you can always have a hygienic place to lay your baby down for a change.
Car seat
Even if you don’t drive, there will probably be times when your baby needs to be transported in a car. Choose a rear-facing seat that is suitable for your baby’s weight, and meets the latest safety standards, and always make sure that the seat is properly fitted7.
Stroller
You’ll be spoilt for choice with all the stroller styles available, including car seat carrier systems which can be used from the newborn stage. Always be sure to check that the stroller meets the latest safety standards8.
Baby carrier
These come in several styles, including wraps and slings that can be adjusted to suit your growing baby. Some baby carriers require a newborn insert to be used safely. Always follow the latest guidelines when using your carrier.
Travel crib
These are good for those little trips to see friends or family overnight. Check the portable crib you’re considering meets the latest safety standards9.
HEALTH AND SAFETY ESSENTIALS
It’s always a good idea to have these essentials, especially for times when you suspect your baby might be unwell.
First-aid kit
This may contain a digital baby thermometer10 and antibiotic ointment. You might choose to have a small kit in your diaper bag, too, so you have some key items when you’re out and about.
Baby-safe nail clippers
Your newborn’s nails might be long at birth, and will certainly need trimming from time to time to prevent them scratching their skin.
Sunscreen
The advice is that you should keep your baby out of any direct sunlight for at least their first six months11. However, applying some sunscreen to exposed areas of your baby, like their face and hands, can help to protect them if you’re anxious that clothing and/or shade isn't adequate.
Now that you’ve got your list, why not take a little time to research what’s out there? Talking with friends who are already parents can be a good place to start as they may have some top recommendations for you. Happy shopping!
