Babies have extremely basic requirements you’ll be pleased to know! Most of us don’t need any encouragement when let loose with a catalogue of baby gear or in the baby section of a department store but some things really can wait until after your baby has arrived when you know your baby better.
The list below gives you an idea of the essentials you need before baby is born. Here is a fuller checklist of everything available:
- A good supply of nappies Newborns
can get through 12 in 24 hours so buy in bulk. If you’re going for re-usuables
buy at least 24 so you always have a day’s supply washed and ready to
go. You’ll also need liners for extra absorbency, and a nappy bucket
for soaking heavily soiled nappies. For disposables, you’ll need nappy
bags for hygienic disposal or like many mums, just use old carrier bags! - A changing mat or changing unit.
- A baby bath (you could use a washing
up bowl) or a baby bath support. - Baby wipes Even if you choose
to use water and cotton wool at home it’s more convenient to use baby
wipes when you’re out and about. - At least half a dozen vests and stretchsuits
Avoid ‘newborn sizes’ and go for 0-3 months as it’s more cost effective.
Get friends and family who want to buy to go for sizes upwards of three
months too. - Two cardigans or babygros also
known as an all-in-one-sleepsuit Indispensable for adjusting your baby’s
body temperature. - A hat, coat and blanket Depending
on the season, choose a lightweight or fleecy jacket and a cotton or
fleecy hat. A cosy blanket will help keep out the draught when you’re
out and about in winter; a cellular blanket will take the chill off
a summer’s evening. - For breastfeeding you’ll need
at least two nursing bras, breast pads and, if you wish to express milk,
a breast pump. - Bottles, bottlebrushes and steriliser Essential
if you’re going to express breast milk, if you’re planning to mix bottles
with breastfeeding or if you’re bottle feeding exclusively. You’ll need
at least six bottles if you’re going to bottle feed exclusively, plus
some sort of steriliser: they range from cold-water types which have
soluble tablets added to the water to microwave and electric steam sterilisers. - Formula milk (for bottle-fed
babies) Ask your midwife for advice on which to start your baby on. - A baby car seat You can’t bring
your baby home without one as the law requires you to use an appropriate
child restraint for any child under twelve years. There are different
types of seat one of which will be right for your lifestyle and car.
Take advantage of car seat fitting services (babyworld
shop offers this service from its Oxfordshire showroom)to ensure
you have a correctly fitted car seat. It’s best to buy brand new if
you buy second-hand you can’t be sure whether the seat has ever been
involved in an impact, and so you won’t be 100% certain of its safety.
For more information on buying and fitting your car seat click
here.
- Pram, pushchair or travel system In
a nutshell it’s recommended you buy some form of transport for your
baby that lies flat in the first three months of your baby’s life to
protect your baby’s spine. Do some research by asking friends for advice
on which they’ve found best and by reading
product reviews by other parents.
When choosing your pram you should also consider:
- Your lifestyle. Will it be used in the city or jogging along
country lanes? Will it have to fit in the boot of your car? Will you
be carrying it upstairs or storing it in the hallway? - How long does it need to last? Is this your first child or
third baby? Do you want it just for the first 3 months or to last all
the way up to 4 years? - Your budget Just bear in mind that buying very cheap can be
a false economy. - Quality Try not to buy just because you love the fabric and
focus on how easy it is to fold, steer and how solid the brakes and
suspension are. - Useful extras: Somewhere to put your shopping, a good rain
cover, sun canopy for the summer and cosy-toes for the winter.
- A crib, carrycot or cot Your baby
will outgrow a crib after around six months, so a carrycot as part of
a pram combination might be a better idea. You can use a cot from birth
(and a cotbed will last until he’s a toddler), but you’ll probably want
a more portable alternative so your baby can sleep elsewhere too. Some
parents like the idea of a Moses basket, but they’re expensive to buy
from new and will only last for up to three months. - Bedding You’ll need about four
sheets (100% cotton) and two or three cellular blankets or a baby sleeping
bag. Never use a pillow, duvet or hot-water bottle with a baby under
one year old. Never use a pillow, duvet or hot-water bottle with a baby
under one year old. - A mattress which fits the Moses
basket, cot or crib. - A room thermometer The optimum
temperature for your baby’s nursery is between 16°C (61°F) and 20°C
(68°F). - Baby monitor Great for peace of
mind, most parents wouldn’t be without one for reassurance.
