Newborn Essentials
- vanessa4920
- Nov 27, 2024
- 5 min read
Welcoming a newborn into the family is an exciting and often overwhelming time, especially for first-time parents. With so many baby products on the market, it can be hard to figure out exactly what you need. The key is to focus on the essentials that make the first few weeks smoother for both baby and parents. Here's a guide to help you navigate through newborn baby essentials, broken down into categories for ease.
1. Clothing Essentials
Newborns grow fast, but they need a few basics to keep them comfortable and cosy. Choose soft, breathable fabrics to protect their sensitive skin.
Bodysuits: Get some long and short sleeve and look for ones with wide neck openings or side snaps, making them easy to slip on and off.
Footed sleepsuits: These are comfortable for nighttime and provide coverage to keep your baby warm.
Socks and Mittens: Newborns get cold easily. Mittens help prevent accidental scratching.
Hats: A soft, cotton hat can help regulate your baby's temperature, especially in cooler months.
Swaddle Blankets: Swaddling helps many babies feel secure and sleep better. Swaddle blankets come in various materials, including cotton, muslin, and stretchy fabrics, so you can choose what feels best.
2. Feeding Essentials
Whether you're breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or combi, having the right tools can make feeding sessions smoother.
Breastfeeding Supplies: If you plan to breastfeed, a comfortable nursing pillow can make feeding easier. Nursing bras/tops, pads, nipple cream, breastmilk storage bags and a good breast pump (manual or electric). When it comes to breast pumps, the most expensive is not necessarily the best.
Bottles : Even if you plan to breastfeed exclusively, having a few bottles on hand is useful.
Formula: If you’re planning on formula feeding make sure you have enough formula for the first few days stocked and learn the guidelines for safe preparation and storage. Formula is provided during your time in The Jane.
Prep Machine: If you are formula feeding, a prep machine enables you to make perfect bottles with minimum fuss.
Muslin Cloths and bibs: Babies spit up—a lot. Keep muslin cloths handy to wipe up any messes.
Sterilising products: You can buy a steriliser or if you have a microwave can get sterilising bags that can be reused also MAM bottles can be sterilised in the microwave. You can also get a Milton cold water sterilising bucket. Sterilising surface wipes and spray is also useful to stock up on.
3. Changing Essentials
Newborns go through plenty of diapers, so having a well-stocked changing station can make life much easier.
Nappies: Whether you choose disposable or cloth, plan on going through about 8–12 nappies per day. Newborn-sized nappies are typically good for the first few weeks, but they outgrow them quickly. The sizing is done by the baby's weight.
Wipes: Choose gentle, fragrance-free wipes that won’t irritate your baby’s skin. Stock up on a few packs to start.
Nappy Cream: To prevent and treat diaper rash, a good nappy cream is essential.
Changing Pad: A portable changing pad or table with a wipeable cover is convenient for nappy changes and keeps things hygienic.
Nappy Bag: A nappy bag with plenty of compartments will make outings easier, keeping nappies, wipes, change of clothes and then later on snacks and toys!
4. Sleep Essentials
Newborns sleep a lot, though usually in short bursts, so having a comfortable, safe sleep setup is key.
Next-to-me cot: It can be placed next to the bed for easy access during nighttime feeds.
Mattress and Fitted Sheets: Newborns don’t need blankets or pillows—keep the crib clear for safety.
Sleep Sacks: These wearable blankets are a safe alternative to blankets, keeping your baby cosy without risk of suffocation.
Baby thermometer night light: this is helpful for ensuring the room is a safe temperature for baby to sleep in and make sure they are dressed accordingly as well as acting as a nightlight.
5. Bathing Essentials
Bathing a newborn is a lovely (but scary at first) experience, and a few key items can make it easier and more enjoyable.
Baby Bath or seat: A small, portable baby tub provides a safe space for bathing or you can buy a bath seat that sits in your bath.
Mild Baby Soap and Shampoo: Newborn skin is delicate, so choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic products designed for babies.
Soft Towels and Washcloths: Two to three hooded towels will keep your baby cosy after a bath, while soft washcloths are perfect for gentle cleansing.
Baby Lotion: Keep your baby’s skin moisturised with a gentle, unscented lotion formulated for babies.
6. Health Essentials
Newborns have sensitive immune systems, so it’s essential to have basic health and safety supplies on hand.
Digital Thermometer: A reliable thermometer is necessary for checking your baby’s temperature.
Nasal Aspirator: Babies often have nasal congestion, and a nasal aspirator can help clear their tiny airways.
Baby Nail Clippers: Newborn nails grow so quickly and can be quite sharp, so keep them trimmed to avoid scratches.
Calpol etc: You’ll need calpol for their first vaccinations. Anbesol liquid is also good to have ready for when the teething pain kicks in - over 5 months only.
7. Transportation Essentials
From car seats to prams, choosing safe, comfortable transportation gear will make trips outside the house smoother.
Car Seat: A car seat is essential if you’re driving, as most hospitals require it before you leave. Ensure it's installed correctly to keep your baby safe.
Car seat blanket: Look for a specific car seat blanket so it fits in the seat and can’t be kicked off!
Pram: A pram suitable for newborns can be a lifesaver for outings. Many pram bundles include a car seat so you can use the seat on the pram base.
Baby Carrier: A soft, ergonomic baby carrier is great for keeping your baby close while you have your hands free.
8. Soothing Essentials
Newborns often need a little help calming down, especially in the early weeks.
Dummy: While not all babies use a dummy, it’s handy to have one as they can provide comfort and help soothe a fussy newborn.
White Noise Machine: White noise mimics the sounds of the womb and can help some babies sleep more soundly.
Blackout blind: Handy for when you need to make the room dark in the daytime or the evening during summer months.
9. New Mum Essentials
Caring for a newborn is a full-time job, so it’s essential for new mums to have their own set of essentials that support recovery, comfort, and ease during those first weeks.
Comfortable clothing like nursing-friendly tops, stretchy leggings, and cosy pyjamas and a robe can make a big difference when you're spending long hours at home.
Nursing bras and vest tops: if you’re breastfeeding, offering both comfort and easy access for feeding.
Breastfeeding supplies such as nursing pads, a supportive pillow, and nipple shields can help reduce discomfort, especially during the initial adjustment period.
Postpartum supplies like high-waisted soft underwear, peri bottles, maternity pads, witch hazel pads, and sitz bath kits can aid in healing and provide relief. Staying hydrated is key, so a large, reusable water bottle nearby makes it easy to remember to drink plenty of water.
Some of the items I absolutely loved. Please note I had a c-section.
Don’t worry about having everything on day one. Babies need the basics—food, warmth, sleep, and love—and the rest will fall into place. Buy what you feel is essential and keep in mind that friends and family may gift items as well. Adjust as you go based on what works best for your baby and lifestyle.
Each baby is unique, and what’s essential for one family might not be for another. Taking a practical approach will help you prioritise, so you can spend less time shopping and more time bonding with your little one.
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