Your little bundle of joy will be here before you know it and so it is important you have all the newborn baby essentials checked off before your baby’s arrival. Among all the to-dos on your plate, figuring out what you need can be confusing and a little overwhelming, especially with all the options out there. But don’t worry, you’re not alone!
In this blog we’ve detailed a complete list of things you will need for the first three months or so to help you feel more prepared for the day you bring your baby home. Use this newborn essentials checklist to discover what you may still need for the nursery, as well as other things you may have forgotten including bathing essentials for newborns and essential clothes for newborns.
Baby Wardrobe Essentials
Shopping for cute baby clothes can be fun, but you’ll want to make sure you pick out practical items that will keep your newborn comfy and cosy. Keep in mind that newborns quickly grow out of smaller-sized clothes, so you need a handful of newborn clothes for the first couple of weeks then clothes for 0-3 months that your baby can grow into.
You’ll probably keep adding to your child’s wardrobe as he or she grows, but here’s a list of the minimum essential clothes for a newborn you’ll need in the first few weeks:
- 6 to 8 all-in-one sleepsuits or baby grows
- 6 to 8 vests or bodysuits with poppers that close under the nappy
- 2 cardigans (wool or cotton)
- A snowsuit if the weather is cold
- Mittens, socks and booties
- A few sun hat for summer, or a wool or cotton hats for the colder months
Baby Nursery Essentials
Designing and setting up a baby’s nursery can be an exciting part of pregnancy for many couples as you eagerly await the arrival of your newborn. As well as furniture, you’ll need décor, bedding and any extras you want really. Here is a stripped-down list of the basic baby nursery essentials you need:
- A portable crib, carrycot, or Moses basket – this should actually be in your room, as advice says your baby should sleep with you in your room for at least 6 months
- A changing table
- A baby monitor
- A firm, flat mattress that fits snugly, leaving no gaps
- 2 waterproof mattress covers
- At least 4 fitted sheets
- 2 sleeping bags, or sheets and a cellular blanket (do not use duvets or pillows as there is a risk of suffocation)
- Clothing storage
Baby Changing Essentials
Young babies need their nappy changing up to 12 times a day and older babies need changing at least 8 times daily. Here is a list of must have items that will make nappy changing a breeze for you and your little one:
- A changing table
- A wipe clean changing mat
- Nappies – and LOTS of them!
- Wipes
- Nappy bags
- Nappy rash cream – Nature’s Divine Organic Baby Balm is a superb natural option that can help soothe nappy rashes and eczema after changing that is safe for use from birth onwards
- Nappy bin
For when you’re out and about with your little one, head over to our blog on baby changing bag essentials for some life-saving tips to ensure you’re prepared for any situation.
Baby Bath Essentials
Bathing is a great addition to baby bedtime routines for children of any age. You don’t need to give your newborn baby a bath every day – every three days or so is usually enough – though a warm bath can often help soothe and relax your newborn before bedtime. Here are the baby bath essentials you will need to create a calming bath time:
- A baby bath or washing up bowl
- Washcloths
- Towels
- Nature’s Divine Organic Bath Salts – adding newborn safe bath salts to your bathing routine helps to soothe your little one’s skin and promote relaxation
- Nature’s Divine Organic Baby Balm – after bathing follow by massaging your baby’s arms, legs, back and tummy to care for your baby’s delicate skin
Baby Feeding Essentials
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, you’re going to need a whole bunch of things for mealtimes. All babies are different, some babies may feed often and other may snack in between larger feeds whereas other will not need as much. After a few weeks your baby’s stomach will get bigger so they will need more milk. You should feed your baby as often as they want for as long as they want. As a rough guide, your baby should feed anything from 8 to 12 times a day or more during the first few weeks. Here is a list of feeding essentials for a newborn:
Breastfeeding:
- Nursing bras
- Breast Pads
- Nipple cream
- A breast pump
- Muslin cloths for burping
Formula feeding:
- Bottles with teats and caps
- Sterilising equipment, such as a cold-water steriliser, microwave or steam steriliser
- Brushes to clean the bottles and teats
- Formula milk powder or ready-to-feed liquid formula
- Muslin cloths for burping
Baby Out and About Essentials
When you’re out and about with your little one, there are a few things you can carry with you that will make all the difference and ensure that you’re prepared for any situation that comes your way. Whilst you’re here, check out our blog post on baby changing bag essentials for a complete guide to everything you could possibly need in your baby’s changing bag and more:
- A rear-facing infant car seat
- A pushchair with a fully reclining seat so your baby can lie flat
- A blanket or shawl to wrap your baby in
- A baby changing bag for nappies and other essentials
Baby Accessories
And finally… baby accessories! Some of these accessories are optional, but they can certainly make your parenting journey a little more convenient and enjoyable.
- Baby nail clippers or file
- Baby thermometer
- First aid kit
- Cradle cap brush
- Dummies
- Baby toothbrush – for when baby’s first teeth come through
- Baby swing or bouncer
- Play mat
- Crib mobile
- Teething toys
- Books and toys to help aid in your baby’s visual development
What to Pack in Your Changing Bag:
When you first have a baby there are so many products you may need, you will certainly acquire a mountain of different things, not to mention the baby shower gifts if you choose to host a baby shower leading up to the arrival of your little one. From setting up the nursery to ensuring you have the necessary items for sleeping, eating and changing, it’s easy to keep buying things for your unborn baby. We hope this blog has simplified your baby essentials shopping list to help you feel more prepared for the day you bring your baby girl or baby boy home.
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