- Baby car seat
- even if you don’t often have the use of a car, a safety seat is vital for when you do travel by car, and you will need it for that first trip home if your baby is being born in hospital. You will not be allowed to drive your home baby without a safety seat.
- A sleeping place such as a Moses basket, a pram carrycot that lifts off the
- chassis, or a crib, plus the appropriate bedding, and blankets or shawls
- Transport to take your baby out and about, such as a baby carrier, a pram with
a carry cot, or a pushchair suitable for a newborn baby to lie flat in
- First baby clothing- you’ll need six to eight stretch suits, four to six
vests, socks, cardigans, hat and mittens, and a pair of scratch mittens in case your
baby’s sharp new nails scratch his skin
- Changing equipment- nappies and cotton wool (used with water or baby lotion)
or baby wipes to clean the baby’s bottom. A changing mat is essential and most parents find nappy disposal sacks for disposable nappies useful too. You may need a barrier or nappy rash cream
- A baby bath or bath support, with baby toiletries, sponge, flannel and towel. A
bath is not essential: new babies don’t need a full bath every day, and you can
bath your baby in the sink, use a clean washing up bowl, or take him in the bath with you
- A front baby carrier or sling to keep your baby close to you and leave your
hands free
- A monitor that enables you to hear your baby when you’re in another room
- A room thermometerso you know the temperature is right for your baby
Think about how you plan to feed your baby:
- Nursing bras- buy a couple of weeks before your due date to ensure a proper
fit
- Breast pads- useful to catch leaks
- A shaped nursing cushionor triangular pillow – a great asset when you’re
learning to breastfeed, as it makes it easier to hold the baby at the right position to
latch on well
Bottle feeding
- Six bottles
- Six teats
- Infant formula baby milk powder
- A sterilising system: either an electric steam steriliser, one that fits into a
microwave oven or a cold water and chemicals system which uses tablets dissolved in water
