It’s not long until your little one will be arriving, which means it’s time to get stocked up on all those newborn essentials. From baby clothes to food and nappy changing must-haves, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate just how much stuff one tiny person needs (and costs!).
A list is key for significant moments like these, which is why we’ve come up with the ultimate checklist for all your newborn essentials. We round up all those items you and your baby really can’t live without, so you can forget about those not-so-important ones.
In this article:
• Baby feeding essentials
• Baby nappy essentials
• Baby clothing essentials
• Baby bathtime essentials
• Baby nursery essentials
• Baby health essentials
• Baby gear essentials
• Extras
Baby feeding essentials
Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed, there’s a whole bunch of baby things you’ll need to help you through mealtimes. Here’s the most important:
• 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
• Sleep bra
Baby nappy changing essentials
If you’re a first time mum, changing your baby’s nappy can be quite a daunting experience. But don’t worry, with our helpful step-by-step guide and these items, you’ll be a nappy changing pro in no time.
• 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 bags or nappy bin
• Changing bag/diaper bag
Baby clothing essentials
Who doesn’t love cute baby clothes? Afterall, you’re going to get through a lot of these as your baby will grow quickly, so it’s important to just buy the newborn essentials in order to keep your bank balance happy.
• Cardigans/jackets
• Hats
• Scratch mittens (or you can buy sleepsuits with built in mittens if you prefer)
• A few pairs of socks/booties (though if you're having a summer baby you may want to wait longer for these!)
Baby bathtime essentials
Bathtime is brilliant for a little bonding with your baby. Don’t be tempted to get too bogged down in bath toys. Here’s exactly what you need:
• Baby towel
Baby nursery essentials
If you do decide to have a nursery for your baby, as well as some decor ideas, you’ll want to get it stocked up with these items:
• 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
• Waterproof mattress covers
Baby health essentials
Your baby getting sick is probably every parent's worst nightmare, so if it does happen you’ll want to make sure you can help them quickly. With these essentials your little one will hopefully be on the way to feeling better in no time:
• Calpol - it's a good idea to have some on hand to give them after their 8 week jabs
Baby gear essentials
When you’re out and about on the move with your baby, whether that be in the car or by foot, you’ll want to make sure they’re comfy and secure.
• Car seat
• Sling or baby carrier
Added extras
• Swaddle
• 4-6 dummies
• Cradle cap shampoo
• Dishwasher basket for small items
• Snowsuit
• Play mat
• Hand muffs (a great one for winter)
• Toys
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.