The arrival of a new baby is an exciting, sometimes daunting, life-changing experience. The road ahead is sure to be one with many twists and turns but will be the best time of your life.
To be prepared for the unexpected, it pays to have all the must have items for your new baby, as you welcome this bundle of joy into the world.
The question on many new parents’ lips is, ‘what do you really need?’ For new parents, there are a few baby essentials that will be critical to providing proper care for your bundle of joy; and there are also items that can be considered ‘nice-to-have’.
Before you go shopping, it’s a good idea to talk to other parents about what you’ll actually need for those first few months and products they recommend. Especially the big items such as a cot and stroller.
With online shopping being so easy, you can order anything you need with just a few clicks.
Here is our list of must have items for your new baby.
- A safe space for your baby to sleep
A cot, bassinet or moses basket. One thing I found very helpful was having a cot that had 2 levels and a side that drops down, it saves your back. Obviously it’s a ‘nice to have’ but something to consider when purchasing.
At least 2 fitted sheets for the bed of your choice - cot or bassinet size. Tip: You can use your bassinet sheets as a change mat cover once bubs moves into a cot.
Mattress protector
At least 2-3 swaddles/wraps – think one for baby, one for the wash and one spare.
Wool Blanket – not essential but great to tuck in over the swaddle to help baby feel secure.
- Clothing
Bodysuits/Onesies at least 6 but ideally more so you can miss a day’s washing if you need. Short-sleeved, long-sleeved, or some of each, depending when your baby is due. All I can say here is ZIPPERS…. Domes are painful to do up in the middle of the night, no one told me this but I soon learnt. Zippers!
Singlets (6)
Merino socks and/or booties
Cardigans (2)
Bibs - Dribble bibs for the early days and once solids start I highly recommend waterproof bibs.
Hats (sunhat or warm beanie depending on your baby’s due date)
Nappies and Wipes
- Transport Items
Capsule/Carseat – You’ll need this to get home from the hospital.
Car window shade.
- Feeding Essentials
If breast feeding:
Breastfeeding Pillow – If you’re planning to breastfeed then these can be really helpful.
Breast feeding tops or dresses make nursing nice and easy.
Breast pump – if you’re planning to breastfeed, you won’t automatically need a breast-pump. If you know you’ll need one, ask other mums what they’ve used and would recommend before purchasing your own.
If you plan to bottle-feed your baby expressed breastmilk or formula, you’ll need:
- 4-8 large bottles - you may want to buy the large size, because your baby will soon outgrow the small ones
- Bottle rings and caps
- Ice cube tray or bags to store breast milk
- Teats – these have different sizes for slow flow or faster flow so see which works best for your baby
- Bottle /Teat brush
- Steriliser
- Out and About
Pram/Stroller – including rain cover and sunshade. This can be one of the most expensive things you’ll buy, so ask to try the strollers of friends or whānau. It’s most important that the one you choose opens and closes easily, fits in the car and that it’s safe.
Wrap/Front Pack
Nappy Bag – for nappies/clothing changes
- Bath time
Baby Bath or a newborn support for the big bath
Soft face cloths
Soft baby towels
- Toys for 0-6 Months
Holding a soft toy in front of your 2-month-old baby during tummy time is a great way to help with head, neck, core and visual development. Books, rattles and teething toys also won’t go amiss.
- Useful Furniture
Comfortable feeding chair – (Nice to have)
Change Table – Many say they never used a change table whilst others say they are a lifesaver! A change mat on the bed may be all you need.
Night light
- Useful Items
Thermometer – an absolute essential
Baby nail clippers
Baby Monitor
Nappy/ Nipple Creams – It’s good to be prepared; I would recommend having a nipple balm and diaper cream in case you require it. Otherwise fresh air does wonders and if you’re breastfeeding, breastmilk has antibacterial and antifungal properties making it a great healer.
- Wait and See if You Need These
Dummies/Pacifiers – it is not recommended to introduce these until 6 weeks and you will know by then if your baby likes to use sucking to soothe themselves.
As you work through your checklist for the must have items for your new baby, it can be easy to forget that you will need some things too! It’s important that you remember not to forget yourself. You’re going to be more available to meet the needs of your baby when you have what you need to stay comfortable and attentive.
At Flourish Maternity, our maternity and nursing wear are designed by a mum, with mums in mind. So, go ahead and treat yourself to an ultra-comfy nursing zipper tee, or a stunning every day breastfeeding dress so you have some nice clothes for breastfeeding out and about. I highly recommend getting professionally fitted for a good nursing bra too.
With everything checked off your list you will be sufficiently prepared to parent like a pro!