It is really useful to have a baby essentials guide to help parents to plan for the things you will need as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. Remember babies grow very quickly!

Baby Essentials Guide

Sleeping:

• Crib or Moses basket
• Cot/New mattress (a must for a new baby)
• Fitted sheets and blankets, make sure bedding is nice and soft!
• Swaddling Muslin’s or blankets
• Room thermometer
• Digital baby thermometer (for babies temperature)
• Baby monitor
• Night light for baby’s room

Bathing and changing:

• Baby bath or a baby support for bath
• Toiletries, sponge, flannel, cotton wool
• Baby care products, gentle on the skin
• A hooded towel
• Nappies newborn
• Nappy pail or bin with lid.
• Nappy sacks
• Baby wipes
• Brush soft
• Baby scissors
• Changing mat and travel changing mat

Feeding:

• Breast feeding:
• Nursing bras
• Breast pads – washable or disposable
• Nipple balm
• Nipple covers
• Front opening nightshirt – useful when breastfeeding
• Muslins
• Breast pump

Bottle feeding:

• Bottles and teats x 6
• Steriliser: – steam, microwave or cold water
• Bottle warmer
• Bottle brush
• Formula milk
• Muslins
• Soother

Travel:

• Infant car seat/carrier
• Pram/Pushchair that is suitable from birth
• Baby carrier or sling
• Travel cot or Moses basket if you have one
• Changing bag with changing mat

Clothing

• Baby body vests short sleeved x 6
• Sleep suits x 6
• Cardigans x 2 ( or jackets )
• Scratch mittens
• Socks
• Hat
• Bibs many!
• Shawl or blanket

Toys:

• Play mat/activity mat
• Rattles/musical toys
• Pram and car seat toys to hang
• Mobile for cot
• Bouncy chair

What to pack for your hospital bag:

Mum:

• Birthing plan!
• P.J’s or Nightshirt front opening for feeding
• Slippers or warm socks
• Toilet bag and toiletries add a few nice things: lib balm, face wipes etc
• Nursing bra and breast pads
• Camera with spare battery
• A watch with a second hand to time the contractions or a smart phone (some hospitals don’t allow phone’s)
• Relaxation material: magazines and iPod
• List of family and friends phone numbers
• Maternity towels with big knickers for comfort!
• Comfortable clothes to wear home
• Contact lenses or glasses
• Spare change for car park!
• Energy fruit bars, could be a long day!

Baby:

• Newborn nappies and wipes
• Vests
• Sleep suits
• Hat
• Blanket or shawl
• Muslin square
• Infant car seat