Nursery Essentials
Creating your baby’s nursery can be really exciting. Get the essentials right, then add extra touches to reflect your personal style, create a stimulating nursery environment, or prepare a gender-neutral nursery for your little one.
- Bassinet. If you 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 easily. However, 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 and grow with your baby, but always make sure that you buy with safety in mind and choose a product that meets all the latest safety standards—with a mattress that is the correct fit.
- 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 hazard.
- Baby Monitor. 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 colour 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.
Baby Feeding Essentials
Newborns feed—a lot. Here are some essentials to make the feeding 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 alsYour Essential Newborn Baby Shopping List o double as a makeshift 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 bug 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 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. You may need to try a few different nipple types before finding one your newborn likes.
- Breast Pump. If you plan to use a breast pump so you can store some of your breastmilk, you can choose between a manual pump or an electric one. Some pumps are designed to save time by pumping both breasts concurrently.
- 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.
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 them.
- 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) on hand to ensure that your baby’s head is warm in cooler weather and protected from the sun when it’s warmer.
- Baby bathtub. 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 standards.
- Gentle shampoo and soap. Choose formulas that are baby and pH-friendly, so they have less chance or irritating newborn skin.
- 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 hard-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.
- 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 fitted.
- 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 standards.
- 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 safety 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 standards.
Bath Time Essentials
Bath time can be a wonderful bonding experience. Here’s your ultimate checklist for soaking up the fun while bathing your baby.
- Baby bathtub. 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 standards.
- Gentle shampoo and soap. Choose formulas that are baby and pH-friendly, so they have less chance or irritating newborn skin.
- 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 hard-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 fitted.
- 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 standards.
- 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 safety 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 standards.
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 thermometer 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 months. However, applying some sunscreen to exposed areas of your baby, like their face and hands, can help to protect them if 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!
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