What you should buy to prepare for your baby
What you should buy to prepare for your baby
We understand that preparing for your baby’s arrival can be stressful. There are plenty of things to finish before your due date, including buying everything your new baby will need.
From feeding and nappies to sleeping and entertainment, the amount of stuff a newborn needs can be a bit of a surprise for many mums-to-be. However, we’re here to support you through every step.
To ease the transition from hospital to home, we’ve pulled together a list of essential, useful and optional items to get you started.
The essentials:
- Bassinet or cot with snug-fitting, SIDS-approved mattress (less than two fingers should fit between the mattress and cot)
- 2 - 3 fitted cot sheets
- 2 - 3 waterproof mattress protectors
- 4 - 6 light, soft receiving blankets
- Change mat
- Nightlight
- Dresser
Useful to have:
- Baby monitor
- Comfortable nursing chair
- Change table
- Clothing hangers
- Toy basket
Optional:
When creating a haven for your new baby, it’s not necessary to get caught-up in finding just the right cot ruffle. You should definitely have fun in building your nursery, but make sure you create a space that is pretty and practical.
Essentially, this one boils down to your own personal style and baby’s needs, but things like matching bedding sets and accenting chair cushions are definitely on the optional list.
The essentials:
- Disposable nappies – you will need about 10 nappies a day; in general, buy newborn size for the first month, and then move to the next size up.
Or
- 4 - 5 dozen reusable cloth nappies
- Safety pins, velcro or other fasteners
- 6 - 8 waterproof nappy covers
- Disposable wipes or reusable washcloths
- Barrier cream or ointment to prevent rash
Optional:
From wipe warmers to nappy stackers, you’re sure to come across plenty of devices designed in the name of making nappy changing more efficient. Some mums find these items useful, while others don’t.
They’re certainly not necessary for a healthy, happy baby, so don’t feel guilty if you decide they’re not right for you. It’s up to your own preferences when it comes to purchasing these extras.
The essentials:
- Nail clippers or scissors
- Soft bristle hair brush
- First aid kit
- Baby thermometer
Useful to have:
- Cotton wool and cotton buds
- Bulb syringe
- Dropper or medicine spoon
The essentials:
- 6 - 8 T-shirts or singlets
- 6 - 8 onesies
- 6 - 8 pairs of pants
- 6 - 8 pairs of socks
- 2 jumpers, sweaters or jackets
- 1 - 2 newborn hats
- At least two bibs
Useful to have:
- Sunhat, beanie
- 4 - 6 pyjamas or sleeping gowns
- Sleepsack
Optional:
It’s tempting to stock up on itty-bitty outfits for your new baby. While undeniably cute, this tiny couture isn’t always the most practical. Not only are these dress-up outfits difficult to get on, but babies tend to grow out of them fairly quickly.
It’s a good idea to have a couple of smart-looking outfits to show off your new baby in, but try to resist splurging too much.
The essentials:
- Disposable or washable breast pads
- 4 nursing bras
- Plenty of bibs
- Burping cloths
Useful to have:
- Nursing pillow
- Milk storage bags or containers
- Breast pump
- 8 - 10 bottles with teats (2 - 3 will work if you plan to mainly breastfeed)
- Bottle brush
- Newborn formula
Optional:
There are many products, from bottle sterilisers to nipple cream, that some new mums swear by and others choose to skip. Feeding time can be bonding time between you and bub, which means back to basics is often the best option.
If you do want to purchase some of these optional items, it’s best to do a bit of research and find out what will suit you and baby best.
The essentials:
- Baby bath or bath ramp
- Baby shampoo
- Baby soap or cleanser
- 4 - 6 soft washcloths
- 4 - 6 soft face towels
- 4 - 6 soft bath towels
Useful to have:
- A few small bath toys
- Container for bath toys
Optional:
While it is essential to select special shampoos and cleansers formulated for baby’s sensitive skin, things like bath towels and washcloths don’t need to be designed just for bub. If you do want to spring on hooded baby bath towels, that’s perfectly fine, but standard towels will work just as well.
The essentials:
- Mobile
- Bouncinette or bouncy seat
- A few enriching baby toys (mirror, rattle, plush toy, etc)
Useful to have:
Optional:
There’s a barrage of toys and entertainment marketed toward new parents and their babies, but it’s best to do a bit of research before you buy.
The truth is that newborns won’t require that many toys, so it’s best to invest in a few high-quality, enriching items. Classics such as rattles and blankies are great. And play gyms offer different sounds, textures and sensations, while encouraging your baby to develop key skills such as grabbing and rolling over.
The essentials:
- Properly installed car seat
- Sling or front pack
- Nappy bag
Useful to have:
- Pram
- Travel cot
- Sunscreens for car windows
When it comes to buying for baby, it’s best to talk it out. Family and friends with young children can be a great source for recommendations. Our midwives are also happy to help with any questions or concerns you may have about preparing for your newborn.