When it comes to buying for your first baby, how do you know what is truly essential?

It’s all too easy to get swept up into buying more than you need or worrying that you won’t be prepared.

We’re here to help! 

Becoming a new parent can mean big changes to your life and your usual routines. The great news is that many products are on the market that can make your life a little less hectic and help you when you’re starting to develop your new daily routines.

In our new baby checklist, we’re going to break down the baby products that will make your life as a new parent much easier. They can make getting things done quicker and save you time as you go about your day with your new baby.

You’ll be able to sort the essentials in advance and push aside any fears of being underprepared. Rather than over-buying the unnecessary and unneeded items, you’ll be confident in knowing what your family really needs.

Essentially, most new babies need just a few key things:

  • A place to sleep
  • Milk
  • Plenty of cuddles!

So, where do you start?

Where will your new baby sleep?

It’s time to start thinking about the first few months after bringing your baby home. Are you planning to have your new baby sleep in your room or will they be in their own nursery?

A co-sleeper can be a great investment if they’re sleeping in your room. They’re compact and sit closely next to your bed, making night-time feeds easier and quicker to manage.

A cot can be a bigger ticket investment and you might look for one that can convert into a toddler bed or sofa as your child grows. This will make it friendly on the budget and could help to save you money in the long term.

If you’re borrowing a cot, or have been gifted a second hand one, consider purchasing a new mattress.

Feeding time!

If you’re planning to breast or bottle feed, it might be time to stock up on feeding accessories such as a breast pump or bottles.

Many variations of breast pumps are available on the market and you might like to speak to a trusted friend, or midwife, for their recommendations.

Now you’ve considered your new baby’s sleeping and feeding arrangements, what else is necessary?

We’ve broken all the essentials into this new baby checklist, by category, to make shopping for your baby even easier. We do not suggest you head out to buy the lot immediately! But let this list help you to pick the items that your new family will need.

This new baby checklist has key items that many babies will need in their first month or so – plus a few suggestions to make your life, as a new parent, as easy as possible while you’re finding your feet:

Nursery

 

Health & Safety

Bath-time

  • Baby Bath
  • Shampoo and skin care
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Towels and face washers

Feeding

  • Nursing pillow
  • Breast pump, pads and accessories
  • Bottles and spare teats
  • Baby formula (if needed)
  • Bottle steriliser

Change Time

  • Change mat and spare covers
  • Nappies
  • Wipes
  • Nappy cream
  • Cotton wool

Out and About

Clothing

  • Onesies
  • Sleepsuits, swaddles and blankets
  • Singlets
  • Socks
  • Hats
  • Clothing

For the parents

  • Nursing bras and clothing
  • Snacks and entertainment for long or night-time feeding sessions
  • Skin care
  • Vitamins for new mothers

These are our suggestions for some of the essential new baby items for you to consider when you’re getting ready for the arrival of your bundle of joy.

Of course, the list could be endless and it’s oh-so-easy to be tempted by the array of cute baby goodies in store – or to feel you need to buy what everyone else has.

A little forward planning can ensure that you only buy the things you need and won’t get carried away or over spend.

Be selective! When it comes to buying for your baby, consider what will make your life as a busy, new parent a little easier. What might save you time or make your new daily routine run more smoothly.

Bear in mind that there’s no need to rush into any purchasing decisions either. When your baby arrives you will have plenty of time to stock up on anything else you need.

You might also be pleasantly surprised by the new baby gifts you’ll likely receive from family and friends!

We hope our list has helped make shopping for your baby easier and given you the confidence to feel more prepared.