Preparing for life with a newborn is both an exciting and overwhelming experience. Expectant parents often receive a flood of advice from friends, family, and online sources about necessary preparations and purchases. Distinguishing between essential items and nice-to-haves can be challenging.
Certain items are universally needed by new parents, such as a cot or bassinet, a pram, a baby car seat, a baby monitor, and a bouncer. Additionally, there are various other essential items designed to ease the transition and make parenting more manageable once the baby arrives.
To help new parents navigate this journey, we’ve compiled the ultimate checklist of baby essentials that are indispensable.
Essential Baby Items
1. Sleeping Bag
A baby sleeping bag creates a safe, comfortable, and warm sleeping environment for your little one. These bags can replace the traditional swaddle for younger babies and serve as wearable, durable blankets for older ones. They come in various TOG ratings, allowing you to choose the appropriate weight based on the season and your nursery room temperature.
2. Baby Socks
An essential item for your hospital bag, baby socks keep tiny feet warm on cold days and help prevent scratches from long or sharp toenails.
3. Mittens
Newborns often accidentally scratch themselves due to their limited control over their hands and legs. Baby mittens can prevent these small scratches and injuries by covering their hands.
4. Baby Wraps
Versatile wraps made from jersey cotton or muslin have many uses. They are ideal for swaddling, serving as lightweight blankets, changing mats, or for wiping up small spills. They also offer privacy while breastfeeding. Opt for wraps made from soft, organic fabrics that are easy to wash and quick to dry.
5. Baby Skincare
Establish a calming bath-to-bed routine for your baby by using soothing skincare products for bathing and moisturizing. Select items made from organic ingredients that are gentle on your baby’s delicate skin.
6. Hooded Baby Towel
A baby towel is essential for bath time, and hooded towels are especially beneficial as they can be used from newborn stages through to toddlerhood and beyond.
The hood helps to dry your baby’s head and keeps them snug between the bathroom and the changing table. Choose towels made from organic cotton for your baby’s delicate skin.
7. Reusable Nappies
Modern reusable nappies are user-friendly and offer several advantages over disposable ones, including being more environmentally friendly when washed properly.
Look for reusable nappies made from organic cotton with a waterproof layer to prevent leaks.
8. Portable Changing Pad
During the first few months, you will need to change numerous nappies, and a portable changing pad can make this task easier when you are on the go. Seek out padded or quilted mats with a waterproof inner layer that fold into a convenient travel size, easily fitting into your pram or tote.
9. Cloth Wipes
Cloth wipes are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable wipes and are versatile in their use. Keep them handy for nappy changes, washing your baby’s face, or cleaning up spills. Opt for high-quality organic cotton wipes that are durable and quick-drying.
10. Wooden Teether
When your baby starts teething, a wooden teether can be a great help in soothing their irritated gums. These teethers are chemical-free and naturally antibacterial, ensuring your baby isn’t exposed to harmful substances.
Additionally, wooden teethers aid in developing hand-eye coordination.
11. Playmat
A high-quality playmat is a versatile investment. It serves as a safe, comfortable surface for tummy time and playtime during infancy and can later be used as a rug in the nursery or playroom.
Select a playmat made from non-toxic, easy-to-clean material that can be wiped down with a damp cloth or machine washed.
12. Sound Machine
Babies begin to develop their sense of hearing around 18 weeks of pregnancy, making them accustomed to a variety of sounds by birth. A sound machine can recreate a soothing, womb-like environment, helping to calm babies and young children at bedtime.
Choose a machine that offers a variety of sounds, such as white noise, nature sounds, and lullabies.
13. Thermometer
A reliable digital thermometer is essential for monitoring your baby’s body temperature and the ambient temperature in your home. This ensures that both your baby and their environment remain at safe and comfortable levels.
14. Baby Hairbrush
A baby hairbrush with soft bristles is ideal for gently massaging your baby’s scalp, providing comfort and stimulation. This can help calm your baby while promoting healthy scalp development.
15. Pacifier Clip
A pacifier clip is an essential tool to prevent losing or dirtying your baby’s favorite pacifier. It attaches one end to your baby’s clothing and the other to the pacifier, ensuring it stays clean and within reach. This practical item is useful at home, in a pram, or while out and about.
16. Bottle Steriliser
Milk can harbor bacteria, which poses a risk to your baby’s health, especially early on when their immune system is still developing.
A bottle steriliser helps in cleaning and sterilizing all feeding equipment, reducing the chance of your baby getting sick. This device simplifies the task of maintaining hygiene.
17. Nipple Shields
Breastfeeding can be challenging, and nipple shields can help ease some of these challenges. Made of flexible silicone, nipple shields cover the nipple and assist with breastfeeding issues such as latching difficulties or when feeding a small baby. They provide a helpful solution to ensure a smoother breastfeeding experience.
18. Breast Pump
A breast pump is a valuable addition to the breastfeeding journey. The Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump, for example, is compact, allowing for discreet, silent, and quick expression of milk. It is portable, making it convenient to use anywhere.
19. Lactation Cookies
Lactation cookies are nutrient-packed snacks designed to support a healthy milk supply. They are delicious and energizing, perfect for consuming during or between feeds. These cookies help keep you nourished and support your breastfeeding efforts.
20. Suction Bowls
As babies transition to solid foods, feeding times can become messy. Silicone suction bowls are durable, unbreakable, and safe for use in the dishwasher and microwave. They stick to tables, minimizing spills and aiding your baby as they learn to feed themselves.
