Newborn essentials you actually need from day one
From baby clothes to the baby car seat, it can be overwhelming thinking just how much stuff one tiny person needs and the costs can soon mount up.
But the good news is that all these things can be easily split into what's a baby essential, and those bits and pieces that are by no means a must.
Even if the buggy's been ordered but hasn't arrived yet, don't stress! There are only some baby essentials that you need from day one. You can invest in that all-singing/all-dancing baby sensory system centre later…
To make things easier, and make sure you don’t forget anything important, we've broken everything down for you so you can simply follow our shopping lists below to help you tick off everything on your baby checklist. As with most things, we recommend that the earlier you start, the better as not only does this give you lots of time to do your research before your due date, but it'll spread out the cost of some of the bigger items too.
Newborn baby essentials
Feeding essentials
- Nursing bra
- Breast pads
- Bottles/teats/bottle brush if not breastfeeding (around 8-10)
- Plenty of bibs (around 4-8)
- Muslin squares or burp cloths (you'll want a lot of these!)
- Breast pump (manual/hand or electric)
- Sterilising equiptment: Steam steriliser, microwave steriliser bags, microwave steriliser or cold water steriliser
- Nipple cream
- Sleep bra
Nappy changing essentials
- Changing mat - so baby can lie flat to be changed wherever you are
- Disposable nappies - you'll need around 2-3 boxes or reusable nappies - you'll probably need around 30
- Nappy rash cream
- Baby wipes
- Nappy bags or nappy bin
- Changing bag/diaper bag
Clothing essentials
- Ten sleepsuits/baby grows/long sleeved suits
- Ten vests/short-sleeved suits
- Cardigans/jackets
- Hats
- Scratch mittens (or you can buy sleepsuits with built in mittens if you prefer)
- Gentle laundry detergent and fabric conditioner
- Pram suit
- A few pairs of socks/booties (though if you're having a summer baby you may want to wait longer for these!)
Bathtime essentials
- Baby bath
- Hairbrush
- Bath thermometer
- Gentle baby bath soap
- Baby sponge
- Baby towel
Bedtime and nursery essentials
- Cot (plus mattress, sheets and blankets)
- Moses basket/crib (plus baby bedding including mattress, sheets and blankets) - for baby sleeping in the room with you for the first 6 months.
- Sleeping bags/sleep sack
- Baby monitor
- Waterproof mattress covers
- Cellular blankets
Health essentials
- First aid kit
- Nail scissors
- Baby thermometer
- Calpol - it's a good idea to have some on hand to give them after their 8 week jabs
Baby gear essentials
Added extras
- Baby lotion
- Soft hooded towels
- White noise machine
- Toy basket
- Swaddle
- Baby feeding pillow
- Bottle warmer
- Nursing chair
- 4-6 dummies
- Cradle cap brush
- Cradle cap shampoo
- Milk storage bags
- Dishwasher basket for small items
- High chair
- Snowsuit
- Nightlight
- Cot mobile
- Play mat
- Bouncy chair
- Hand muffs (a great one for winter)
- Toys
- Pram organiser
Download our baby essentials checklist here
More baby recommended products
Our team are constantly on the lookout for the best baby products to make your life a bit easier. Get some good ideas for your little one to come in our full list of baby recommended products.
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