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