Thinking what you need to buy when your expecting? Here’s the ultimate newborn baby checklist!
Having a baby is super exciting, and if it’s your first born then your probably going to be in more need of this list than any mums who are expecting their second or third child.
In the early days of a newborn’s life, you’ll only need a few essentials. As the days go by and your baby begins to grow, so will their requirements.
Let’s see what you need to buy for your newborn, so your prepared.
The Newborn baby checklist – The main essentials
Feeding
Feeding is the first thing that comes to mind with many mums. How am I going to feed my little baby?
There are two ways for this and it can go either way.
Breastfeed or Formula feed.
If you decide to breastfeed, you don’t need to purchase any extra’s unless required. Here’s a list of what you could need if breastfeeding:
- A Breast pump – I purchased the Medela freestyle, It literally was the Best purchase I could ever have made and helped at those times I could not breast feed via the breast. (See here for a full in depth review)
- Bibs
- Burp cloths
- Milk storage bags/containers – you can order these from eBay for super cheap
- Nursing pillow – makes breast feeding more comfy for mum
- Nursing bras – Try purchasing one size up than your usual bra size as breasts tend to get more fuller due to milk after birth
- Breast pads (disposable or washable) – prevents clothes stains
- Lotion for sore nipples – I love Lansinoh
Formula feeding:
Formula feeding is similar just without the free milk. For formula feeds you can do your research on what formula you wish to feed your child. Some state all formulas made in the UK are very similar to each other and contain the same vitamins and minerals. There is more variety of formula milk in countries like USA where you can choose from store bought or even organic. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need for formula fed babies:
- Lots of bibs – formula fed babies tend to throw up more than breastfed babies
- Baby feeding bottles – x2 small (4ounze) and x2 large (8ounze)
- Bottle teats – I used the Avent bottles and teats for my first born and Tommee Tippee for my second born, it depends on what style teat your baby latches on. Try to get a few in case your baby struggles to latch on certain teats.
- Burp cloths
- Bottle and nipple brush for cleaning
- Steamer/Steriliser for extensive cleaning of baby bottles and teats
- Formula powder – ensure to check expiry before stocking up
- Thermal bottle carrier – for outdoor travels. I purchased the Tommee Tippee carriers as they are small and compact.
Nappies/Diapers:
Once again, there are two types of diaper methods too. Re-usable or disposable.
Re-usable diapers:
Made of fabric and can be reused several times after washes
- You will need around 5-6 re-usable diapers
- 8 waterproof covers
- Changing Mat
- Nappy rash cream
- Snaps, Velcro or safety pins to secure the clothe diapers
- Disposable wipes or a dozen wash cloths for cleaning baby’s bottom
Disposable diapers:
- Two packs of newborn-size diapers – depending on how much your baby weighs you can get diapers according to weight. Both my babies weighed 5ibs when born so I purchased two packs of size zero new born nappies. They lasted 2 weeks before I had to size up to a size one.
- Changing Mat
- Nappy rash cream
- Disposable wipes or a dozen wash cloths for cleaning baby’s bottom
Clothing
My favourite part. I tend to think of this category first before anything else, however it makes sense to sort out baby’s food and hygiene before we can dress them.
If your thinking what to pack in your maternity hospital bag then click here!
- 6-8 onesies/babygrows – These can be buttoned ones or zipper ones. I tend to get a few different sizes as newborns tend to grow pretty fast. Popular sizes are newborn and 0-3 months. As my baby’s were small I had to purchase the ‘tiny baby’ clothing range for the first week or so.
- Undervests – long and short sleeve depending on weather
- 2 newborn hats and a bundle of scratch mittens. Newborns have very sharp nails.
- A couple of pairs of socks – if you purchase clothing items such as tops and bottoms for your newborn then socks will be a must, to keep those cute little toes from getting cold.
- 2 cardigans or jackets, especially if it’s winter.
- Snow-suit for winter baby or just to bring baby home in from hospital.
- 2 large blankets. – One woolly one and one a little lighter
Bathtime
- 1 plastic infant tub with bathing seat
- Baby soap or cleanser
- Baby soft-bristled hair brush for those tiny soft strands
- 2 hooded towels
Bedtime
Crib/Cot/Bassinet: depends on which one you prefer to purchase
- You will need it to be an approved crib/cot and crib/cot mattress under the health care regulations
- 2 waterproof mattress covers
- Crib/cot bedding and bumper to protect baby
- 2 fitted crib/cot/bassinet sheets
- 2 light blankets to keep baby warm at night
- Sleep sack
- 2 Swaddles – if you plan to swaddle your baby at nights, encourages longer sleep
- Soft baby Pillow
Co-sleeping
If you wish to co-sleep with your newborn, that is completely fine too. Just ensure it is safe to do so. You would need a firm mattress, not a water bed. Also a baby bed bassinet – it’s a small pad type which is placed under your baby.
Other necessities
- Car seat -will be needed to take baby home in, from the hospital.
- Newborn Stroller – You can also purchase a 3-in-1 which is suitable from birth up to 3-5 years.
- Nail clippers or scissors
- Nose Bulb for suctioning mucous
- Baby thermometer – very important!
- Medication in case of fever
Extra items
- Rocking chair for feeding and swaddling (for mum)
- Rocking baby chair or swing (for baby)
- Sling or baby carrier
- Diaper bag – I purchased mine from eBay
- Plastic hangers for baby’s closet
- Sun shade for car windows and ‘baby on board’ sign
- Pacifiers – worried your baby won’t let go? Don’t worry I’ve got you covered – you can read here how to lose the pacifier as your baby grows.
- Rattles and baby toys to keep them entertained. Best to get toys once baby is 3 months in age. They are more alert at that age and will respond.
- Crib Mobile
- Night light
- Floor play mat – for baby to stretch and play
Overall apart from all the above items, your newborn will want and need one thing which Is not on the list. That is LOVE!
Lots of hugs and kisses are priceless precious moments felt.
Related: Best tips for parenting revealed.
