So, you’re having a baby huh? Well, there aren’t many milestones more significant than that… nor more valid excuses to go shopping. Word of warning though, I learned the hard way that you don’t need half the stuff you think you’re going to. So before you go out and purchase the entire newborn section of your local department store, take a look through my baby essentials checklist. I created it for a good friend of mine a couple of years ago, and now it’s yours. I’ll pop a downloadable version towards the bottom of the page in case that’s preferable for you.
NURSERY
- Baby monitor
- Change table and mat
- White noise machine
- Feeding chair
- Table next to feeding chair
- Portable night light
- Cot
- Cot mattress protector (2)
- Cot sheets (2)
- Bassinet
- Bassinet mattress protector (2)
- Bassinet sheets (2)
TRAVEL
- Pram
- Pram clips and organiser
- Muslin wraps
- Portable white noise
- Portacot
- Baby carrier
- Car seat + mirror
- Baby blanket
BATHROOM
- Baby bath or bath support
- Hooded bath towels (2)
- Face washers (heaps!)
- Baby nail clippers
- Soft hair/scalp brush
- Non slip bath mat
- Bath thermometer
- Gentle shampoo
- Baby thermometer
BREASTFEEDING
- Nursing bras
- Easy feeding clothes
- Breast pads
- Burp cloths
- Nipple cream/nipple care
- Qiara probiotic
If bottle feeding:
- Breast pump + storage bags
- Bottles
- Formula
- Steriliser
- Bottle brush
CLOTHES
- Bonds wondersuits
- Wool onesies for sleeping
- Hat (+/- beanie)
- Socks and mittens
- Onesies and leggings
- Easy layers (eg. cardigans)
- ‘Cute’ outfits for photos
- Traditional swaddle wraps
- ‘Easy’ swaddle options
CHANGING
- Nappy disposal bin
- Nappies
- Disposable nappy bags
- Nappy wipes
- Nappy cream
- Travel changing mat
Keep in nappy caddy:
- Wipes
- Cream
- Nappy bags
- Nappies
- Water bottle
NON-ESSENTIALS TO CONSIDER
- Rubber play mat
- Play gym
- Lounger (Dockatot etc)
- Dummies
- Milestone cards
- Car window shades
- Travel pram
- Breastfeeding pillow
- Gentle laundry detergent
- Kindle
- Board books (lots!)
That’s it! No wipes warmers, no nappy stackers, not a million stuffed toys… just the things I actually found useful. If you’d like to keep a copy handy (or stick it on the fridge), you can download a pretty printable version of the baby essentials checklist below.
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