NEW BABY CHECKLIST
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when preparing for your first baby. You may also feel so excited that you want to buy as many things as possible before your little one arrives.
But you may not need as much as you think. If you are planning on having your baby sleep in your room for the first 6 months, then you don't need to worry about creating the perfect nursery or bedroom for your little one. As long as you have somewhere to store their teeny tiny clothes, then you’re good to go!
Below we have put together the ultimate checklist to help you prepare for your new-born baby!
What clothing and accessories do I need for my new-born?
- Sleep suits/baby grows: You will need A LOT! Perhaps 8-12 depending on how often you want to do laundry. Try not to go overboard on the tiny sizes. I used the new-born items for the first week and 0-3 months for a very short period. This meant that lots of items never even came out of the packet. It’s much better to have more loose-fitting clothing than those teeny tiny pieces! If there are explosive nappies or milk spilt etc, your new-born might go through 3-4 baby grows a day. I honestly didn't put my baby in any fancy outfits for months, he lived in baby grows and it was much easier! Olive babies UK do a lovely sleep suit with no feet or poppers for ease linked here.
- Vests: I’d suggest buying 6 - 8 as you will obviously have to change the vest for a leaked nappy but still not as often as the baby grow.
- Hats: New-born babies lose heat much quicker than adults. So you must always keep them toasty when heading outside for a walk or day out.
- Scratch Mittens: Not essential but I would still recommend buy 2 sets.
- Knitted Cardigans: Not just cute, but also super cosy. Consider buying 2 or 3.
- Cellular Blanket: I’d recommend buying 2 as these are essential for maintaining airflow and helping to keep your baby’s temperature low.
- Knitted Blanket: These soft blankets will likely be treasured for many years. An absolute keepsake!
- Swaddle Blankets: These can be used in multiple ways. Research suggests that a swaddle wrapped around a new-born can resemble the mother’s womb and therefore help to soothe your baby and aid sleep.
- Outdoor Suit / Coat: Essential If you plan on going for walks or days out with your new-born.
- Socks: Buy at least 5 pairs but you may need more if you want to dress them in outfits.
- Muslin Cloths: You are going to need A LOT. I advise 10-20 as these can be used for literally everything!
What will I need to bathe my new-born?
- Baby bath
- Water temperature thermometer
- Baby wash: Not essential for the first few weeks.
- Baby groom accessories - we bought the Tommee Tippee grooming kit
- Two Towels with hoods or a Cuddledry these look awesome.
What do I need for days out with my new-born?
- Baby carrier
- Car seat
- Pram: we ended up with 3 or 4! We bought a second hand for when our baby was a new-born. As soon as he was sitting up, I sold it and purchased an all terrain running buggy by Hauck, a lightweight buggy by Ickle Bubba for the car and also a trike.
- Pram rain cover: If not included with your buggy purchase.
- Pram blankets: Take a look at our knitted option!
- Sun blinds for the car
- Snooze shade
- Travel changing mat
- Nappy Bag
- Travel cot with fitted sheets: We always took ours when going to stay with family and friends.
What do I need for changing my baby’s nappy?
- Cotton wool
- Baby wipes
- Changing Mat / Station: One for the bedroom and one for the lounge area.
- Nappies
- Nappy bags
- Nappy Rash cream
What do I need for feeding my baby?
- Bottles
- Breast pump: I had so many issues feeding that I went all out and bought the Elvie pump
- Breast milk freezer bags
- Breast pads
- Formula milk: Just in case!
- Muslin Squares
- Infacol
- Nipple cream
- Steriliser
- Swaddle Blanket
What medical products should I buy for my baby?
- Bonjela / teething crystals
- Calpol from 2 months & Calpol Plug in
- Snuffle Babe from 3 months
- Medical kit for babies
- Thermometer
- You may also want to consider taking a first aid course before your baby arrives. I went to Mini First Aid Devon.
What do I need for my baby’s Nursery?
- Blackout blinds
- Bouncing Chair: We loved the baby bjorn bouncer, I couldn't have lived without it.
- Cot and / or Crib
- Room thermometer
- Moses basket: This is definitely optional, we had one and only used it for 6 weeks. We then used the Sleepyhead, now called Dock A Tot. We used it a lot during the day and it was also super easy to throw into the car when visiting family.
- Fitted sheets and mattress protector for cot.
- Muslin Blanket
- Baby monitor
- Nightlight
- Playmat / baby gym
- Sleeping bags / Growbag once they are big enough
Extra items to consider when preparing for the arrival of your baby
- Baby record book
- Baby milestone discs
- Black & white flash cards
- Cot mobile
- Comforters
- Pram toys
Have you got anything to add to this list? Let me know and Ill be sure to add it in.