Buying things for your new baby can be overwhelming as there is so much out there and a lot of items you more than likely won’t even use. This article gives you a good starting point to build from as your baby gets older and saves you money when you need it the most.
These are the absolute essentials for when your little one arrives so that you are ready for them.
Baby Online Essentials
We recommend joining an online baby club. Online baby clubs offer a community of mums who are in your situation whether you’re pregnant, have just given birth or are raising a toddler and beyond. Here you will get invaluable advice and tips from other mums and be first in line for offers, discounts, competitions and trustworthy reviews from mums all in one place.
Baby Clothing Essentials
You might think that this seems like a lot of each item. Still, your little one could go through a few changes of outfit a day and you will spend a lot of time washing clothes, especially after a dreaded and more common than you think, ‘poonami’ (only use non-bio detergent with baby’s clothes). Most importantly, your little one needs to be comfortable in their clothes.
We recommend 5-10 sleepsuits, 5-10 vests, a couple of dress-up outfits, 5-10 pairs of socks, a couple of hats, a jacket, cardigan or jumper, scratch mittens and a snowsuit for the Winter. Shoes are not essential until your little one begins to walk.
Baby Nursery Essentials
Even though your baby will be sleeping in your room until they are six months old one of the most exciting things is decorating and getting the nursery ready for your new arrival.
Essentials for any nursery include a cot with a firm, flat mattress (some people buy a cot-bed which grows with your child), 2-4 fitted sheets, a rocking chair or chair suitable for feeding baby, a baby monitor, a changing table with a changing mat and a nappy bin (which is optional) but helps to keep your nursery smelling fresh and free of nappy smells.
A room thermometer gives you peace of mind and helps you choose what clothing and thickness of blanket to use when your baby is sleeping.
You will also need a crib or Moses basket that you can move from room to room for your little one to sleep in during the day and in your bedroom at night.
Baby Changing Essentials
Changing a nappy may feel like a challenge at first but you’ll get used to it in no time. We recommend two to three boxes of newborn nappies, several packs of baby wipes which you’ll end up using for all sorts of things, nappy cream for nappy rash and a nappy bag. Over time you will have a preferred nappy and wipe brand which works for you. Most brands have regular multibuy offers.
If you are using a Reusable Nappy System, you will need 15 nappies for daytime, five nappies for night-time, five boosters for night-time, 6 (paper) liners or 20 (reusable) liners, a nappy bucket, two mesh laundry bags, 40 reusable wipes, a couple of waterproof storage bags for when you go out and a changing mat.
Try to keep your changing bag topped up with nappies and wipes for outings (including a change of clothes) and feeding equipment. Some changing bags come with a travel changing mat so that you can change your little one anywhere.
We also suggest having a set of nappies, wipes and a changing mat on each floor of your home so that you can access them easily and quickly whenever you need them.
Baby Bathing Essentials
Bath time can be a really lovely bonding experience for you and your baby and as time goes on can be incorporated into your relaxing bedtime routine.
You will need a baby bath that stops your little one from slipping into the water, a bath thermometer, baby shampoo and body wash, 2-4 hooded towels and a couple of soft flannels.
When preparing your little one’s bath, always check the temperature is correct (around 100F or 38C and try to be prepared by having towels, a fresh nappy and clothes ready for afterwards so that your baby doesn’t get cold.
Baby Gear Essentials
If you’re relaxing at home or out and about, the following essentials give you a chance to get your arms back.
We recommend a car seat, pushchair or pram, baby carrier, a swing or bouncer and a play mat.
Baby Feeding Essentials
Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, you will need several items to be prepared for feeding round the clock.
If bottle feeding, we recommend 4-6 bottles, a bottle brush for cleaning, formula, bibs and burp cloths or muslins.
If breastfeeding, we recommend a breast pump (electric or manual), milk storage bags, nipple pads, bottles for expressed milk, nipple cream and bibs, burp cloths or muslins.
Optional extras include a feeding pillow, bottle warmer and bottle steriliser. A highchair will be needed when you wean your baby onto solid foods around six months.
Baby Health Essentials
Babies hair and nails grow and need grooming and if your little one is ill, has a temperature or a minor accident, you need to know that you are prepared. We recommend baby nail clippers, a soft hairbrush, a baby thermometer, a first aid kit and Calpol (only for use with babies over two months).
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