Guide to Newborn Essentials

What an exciting time for soon-to-be parents. Congratulations!

In this article, we will try to uncover some of the newborn essentials for this exciting new adventure in your life.

Welcoming Your Baby into The World

There are a few basics that will be needed daily, and most of these items will come in handy from the moment you take your little one home. These are only our recommendations, you may find some of these items essential for your lifestyle, whilst others not as much. Pick and choose the items that are most suitable for you and your family.

Our Recommendations:

Car seat and base

If you have a car, you will need to invest in a good car seat for a safe journey home with your little one. There are a variety of car seats from birth that will be suitable for your newly born child.

Make sure to choose a car seat that is age-appropriate, these will be stated as 0+.

You can opt for a car seat only for 0+, but you will need to upgrade the seat once your little one grows into their next developmental phase.

Alternatively, on the link above, you will also see car seats stating, “every stage,” meaning the seat will evolve with your baby as they grow, so, there will be no need to buy a new car seat for a while.

Pushchair, travel system or pram

The absolute essential to go out and about on foot while keeping your baby safe and warm.

Like car seats, there is a wide range of pushchairs or prams on the market. The best option for your baby would be a travel system, which combines different accessories such as a carry cot, pram base and sometimes an infant car seat.

Cot and Sleep

Naturally, your baby will need a cosy bed to sleep in, at first, in their parent’s room, and then, in their own bedroom.

Moses baskets and cots are for newborns and younger babies, you can also have a look at cot beds. These combine a baby cot for early years, and removable rails to turn into a toddler bed when your little one is old enough.

All cots have adjustable heights, meaning when your baby is still little, the mattress and its base can be higher up for easy access for parents to lift the baby in and out.

Feeding essentials

Whether you decide to breastfeed, or formula-feed your baby, bottles and teats (which is the flexible part of the bottle for the baby to suck from) will support feeding your bundle of joy.

A steriliser is the best way to remove unwanted germs and protect your baby against bad bacteria that could hide in your baby’s bottles and there are several options available from cold water sterilisation to microwave sterilisers or a high tech UV option.  Shop around and think about what will suit your lifestyle and kitchen space!

Nappies and baby wipes

Needless to say, you will need all of these in rather large quantities. You can also have a look at reusable nappies if you would rather not have a large box of nappies that will take up space.

The nappy packs will indicate the nappy size depending on your baby’s weight, your newborn is likely to need size 0 or 1.

Size 0 (1-2.5kg, 2-5lbs)
Size 1 (2 -5kg, 5-11lbs)
Size 2 (3-6kg, 7-14lbs)
Size 3 (4-9kg, 8-20lbs)

Useful additions:

Nappy rash cream: Your baby’s skin is likely to be sensitive and irritations caused by nappies can occur. To help with this, have a tub of nappy rash cream to help soothe your baby’s skin. Get in touch with your GP if you are unsure which brand to use.

Changing bag: To carry your essential items mentioned in the last several points, you will need the best functioning changing bag that will make your life easier. Pro tip: Always pack a spare set of clothes for those little accidents.

Changing mat: This will comfort and support your baby while you change their nappy. These are also easy to wipe clean, in case of an unfortunate overflow during the change.

Baby bouncer or rocker: Your baby can relax in one of these while you are busy with your daily duties, or simply relaxing.

All the above will make you and your baby’s daily life smoother and a lot more enjoyable.

Sleeping Essentials: Creating a Safe and Cosy Sleeping Environment

For the first few months, it is likely your baby will share your bedroom.

Soon after, you can move them to their own bedroom, for which you will need to get a few essentials to make it the perfect space for your baby to sleep in.

• Cot, mattress and fitted sheets: Your baby will be safe and comfortable in a cot suitable for your lifestyle, and the fitted sheet will make it nice and cosy whilst being hygienic as you can regularly give it a wash.
• Baby sleeping bag or swaddle: Specifically designed to keep your baby warm whilst asleep. The swaddle or the sleeping bag will be following your baby’s moves whilst they sleep, avoiding anything covering your little one’s face and preventing any risk.
• Nursing chair: Whenever you need to feed or simply cuddle your little one, you will be able to comfortably sit on a chair for the best bonding experience between you and your baby.
• Humidifier: Maximise airflow and breathing comfort for your baby whilst they are in their bedroom.

With all these in the room, your baby will be set to have the best night’s sleep and feel relaxed, safe, and cosy.

Feeding Essentials: Your Baby’s Feeding Checklist

Another crucial part of your baby’s journey will be feeding, and the bond this creates between baby and caregiver:

• Breast pump and nursing bras (if mum is breastfeeding): this will allow mum to comfortably pump milk to store for later. A nursing bra can take care of any leakage.
• Bottles and steriliser: the basics to feed your baby.
• Nursing pillow: A nursing pillow will make the feeding experience a lot more comfortable for everyone involved.
• Muslins: This will protect your baby’s clothes and yours in case of milk spillage during feeding.

Bathing Essentials: Keeping Your Baby Clean and Happy

Bath time is another key moment for bonding. When done right, bath time can be an extremely relaxing experience for your little one.

For this, there are a few things you will need to get, such as a baby bath (which will fit your baby’s size), gentle baby wash and shampoo, soft washcloths, towels and of course, bath toys!

Clothing Essentials: Dressing Your Baby

Here are the essentials to keep your baby warm and stylish. You want your little one’s clothing to be practical and easy to take off during nappy changes or outfit changes.

• Long sleeve and short sleeve baby vests: These will be worn under the baby’s clothes to keep them nice and cosy. Most of these will have pop-up buttons situated at the bottom. There are also baby vests with pop-up buttons at the front, allowing you to get your baby dressed effortlessly. Vests will allow your baby’s belly and back to always be covered.
• Sleepsuits and pyjamas: Most babies spend the first few weeks of their life wearing these comfortable outfits. Convenient yet stylish, these will be every parent and baby’s best friend from birth. They come in a variety of fabrics, some made of soft cotton, and some made of velvet material.
• Mittens, socks, and hats: Newborns feel the cold a lot more than us adults. Therefore, it is important to keep their little hands and feet warm, as well as their sensitive heads protected. Mittens will also avoid babies scratching themselves with their tiny but sharp little nails. Consider buying sleepsuits that have built it mittens so you don’t have to constantly find the missing mitten!
• Bibs: Another item not to forget as your baby will dribble and regurgitate. These will help keep your baby’s clothes safe from any stains.

Welcoming your baby into the world will be one of the most exciting yet intimidating experiences of your life.

Becoming a new parent will bring you many joys and many challenges but hopefully you’ve got a bit of a shopping list to start working through now. Happy shopping!

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