Baby Essentials: Welcome to the World!
Expecting a new addition to the family is a hugely exciting time. New parents are often unsure about what essentials their baby will actually need. What's important, what's optional, and what can wait until later? Here's our checklist for parents-to-be.
Clothing
Are you expecting a winter or a summer baby? Your due date is a great guide for your new baby's first set of clothes. The items you'll need are roughly the same for summer and winter, you just need to adapt the materials to the season. To start, your baby will need a maximum of:
- 6 bodysuits
- 6 sleepsuits
- 2 hats
- 6 pairs of tights
- 4 jumpers or T-shirts
- 2 cardigans
- 6 pairs of socks
- 2 pairs of trousers
- 1 jacket
- 1 pair of scratch mitts
- seasonal essentials (sun hat, warm snowsuit)
Size 50/56 will fit most newborns. However, try not to buy too many items for your baby's first wardrobe, as they will have outgrown them in just a few weeks.
Breast & Bottle Feeding
Feeding time is a special opportunity to bond with your baby. Enjoy this time with these first essentials for your little one – and for you:
- 2+ nursing bras
- Breast pads
- Nursing pillow
- Muslin cloths
- Nipple cream
- Nursing tops for on the go
- Steriliser
- 2+ baby bottles
- Teats
- Bibs
Baby Care
Nappies, nappies and more nappies – you can never have enough. To get you started, these baby care essentials are just as important:
- Wet wipes and washcloths
- Hooded bath towel
- Bath thermometer and baby bath
- Nasal aspirator
- Baby brush
- Nappy balm and nappy rash cream
- Baby-friendly laundry detergent
Sleep
In the first few months, your baby will mostly want to sleep and feel safe and sound. You can create the perfect environment with these baby essentials:
- Cot, including mattress & mattress protector
- 3 baby sleeping bags
- Fitted sheets for the cot
- Mobile
- Baby monitor
- Night light or mood light
- Changing unit
- Changing mat
- Heat lamp for the changing table
Out & About
When you're out discovering the world with your baby, there are a few essentials you'll need. These include:
- Pram and baby carrier
- Changing bag
- Portable bottle warmer
- Infant car seat
- Cosy blanket
- Changing mat
There's no rush to buy things like your baby's first toy, a high chair or a nappy bin. And don't worry if you realise you've forgotten something after the birth. The most important thing your child needs is you and your love. Everything else will fall into place.
