Newborn Baby Essentials list
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Table of Contents
Are you looking for a list of newborn baby essentials?
Wondering what the most essential things a baby needs? You’ve come to the right place.
It's safe to say it can be a bit of a minefield when buying things for your new arrival.
I have two children and have worked with hundreds of newborns and their parents for over 12 years, so I can give a succinct list of what you will need as essentials. I also include a nice-to-have section too!
I update this blog regularly to ensure it’s all up to date, but I’ll be honest: not much has changed about this newborn baby essentials list since I wrote the first edition in 2018. I’m now on edition 6, and it’s six years on :)
First, some tips for keeping things simple and somewhat sustainable
You can keep it fairly simple and minimal initially, then layer on what you need as and when you need it. This will minimise unnecessary purchases, shop returns and excess 'stuff' that doesn't get used.
It's worth mentioning that since I had my babies, I've become more conscious of choosing sustainable items and thinking more about how to be sustainable.
sustainability as a way of life
I'd recommend researching the options available if you are interested in sustainability. Children and babies will acquire many things, so doing homework to help you reduce waste and unnecessary stuff will pay off in the long run - I promise! You might be surprised at the cost vs benefit. Oh, and repurpose what you can where you can, or save for another baby if that's in the plan.
gifts
My biggest tip has to be to be prepared for the gift giving. Lots of well-intentioned people will give your child gifts. I can tell you that around 30% of the gifts my kids got never got used very much! It's shocking, and that’s with me trying to help guide people towards things my kids needed/wanted.
Some of the best gifts are moments and experiences. If you ask my kids what they did on their 5th birthdays, they will be able to tell you who was there and what the party was like, but they won’t be able to recall what they got.
Newborn Photography London by Samantha Black
Let's get to it; here is your Newborn Baby essentials list.
1. Moses basket or a bedside crib
I like the Snuzpod - it regulates temperature and has a breathable mattress.
SnuzPod4 Bedside Crib
2. 100% cotton Muslins
Start with at least 6-10. I used Little Bamboo and Aden + Anais.
3. A pram with a good balance of protection, comfort and quality.
I had a bugaboo and loved it! You don’t want your pram to be too heavy. Equally, you don’t want a flimsy pram that will likely break or, at worst, be easily knocked over. It needs to be easy to manoeuvre, comfortable and safe, and it needs to fit into the boot of your car if you have one. Go and test drive a few, try putting them up and down.
4. Car seat
I like the Joie Spin 360
Consider whether it needs to be portable; some can click in and out, while others are not designed to do this. I love the Joie Spin 360 one since both my nephews have it, and I’ve seen it in action a lot. It’s been in my car, my parents’ car and my sisters’’ cars. It’s not the most portable of car seats, although it can be moved from car to car. The Joie Spin 360 also requires a very strong/ heavy hand to push it into the iso fix points, but I think that’s partly what makes it so good. It’s very secure. Once it’s in, it is in!
5. Blankets and swaddling wraps
You’ll need around 3 or 4 blankets. I had two knitted/warmer ones (both gifts I tend to use most when out and about) and two cellular blankets (if one gets soiled, you need the other). I have seen these Bloomsbury Mills ones used a fair bit. You may only need one of each.
If you want to swaddle your baby, I highly recommend using a muslin swaddle like this Moonkie, the Momcozy, or these Fern and Avery ones. They look great, and the colours are lovely. Swaddle. They are really big, and I find them helpful for newborn sessions, too! If you are swaddling, you’ll need at least 2 or 3.
Tip: learn to swaddle before the baby comes so you feel confident from the get-go. Do not introduce swaddling at a later stage. Either do it from birth or not at all. This is usually the biggest hurdle for parents, but once you know, you know! Swaddling isn’t for everyone I know; it’s a personal choice. Do your research to understand what swaddling is all about and the pros and cons.
6. Baby bath
This is a no-brainer. I love the Shnuggle bath! and stand(if you need one). Enough said.
7. Changing bag and travel changing mat
there are so many to choose from now, but ensure you get this right. You can even get the backpack ones now. Find one that is easy to carry with the baby, and make sure the changing mat is decent; otherwise, you won’t use it. I have to be honest: I always carried a couple of disposable changing mats everywhere too in my bag because I preferred to use those in public places (for hygiene reasons).
8. Wipes/washable wipes/ cotton wool for changing nappies.
A lot of people rate Water Wipes. Also, some will combine these methods or exclusively use one. It’s a personal choice. I used cotton wool and water. When the baby was older, I only used wipes when out and about.
9. Changing mat for home
10. Clothing
Sleepsuits, vests, a hat and maybe mittens
11. Nappies and bum cream
(do your research, I went through a few!) - cloth or disposable
12. Formula feeding kit
(this is only if you intend to formula feed, of course. I introduced one formula feed a day from the age of 3 weeks)
13. Nipple cream and breast pads
I used Lansinoh cream and their breast pads
14. Coat/jacket/all in one
15. Baby sleeping bag
Oh my goodness, this was like gold for us. I can't remember which one we had, but Jojo Maman Bebe has a nice one with detachable sleeves.
Nice to have IF IT’S WITHIN THE BUDGET ...
Baby monitor - I would 100% recommend getting a good one if you can
White noise, e.g. Ewan the Dream Sheep... I think there is a Deluxe Ewan too!
Sleepyhead or similar - Great to put baby in whilst next to yu on the sofa or wherever but you won’t use it for long
Breast pump - a lot of mums I meet love the Medela. if you are planning on breastfeeding, you may want to read my article on Motherhood and breastfeeding
Carrier and/or Sling - I used a Babybjorn carrier, but if I had my time again, I’d get a fabric one too for when they are teeny tiny, partly because I'm teeny tiny myself and the carrier wasn't right for me. It was perfect for my husband, though!
Bouncy chair
Nursing bras if you are pumping/breastfeeding - I had 3 or 4
Changing table
Nursing pillow
Thermometer - we used the Philips Avent one but do your research.
Baby wash - we used the Weleda Baby range. I particularly like the shampoo and body wash. My son still uses it today... and he is 6!
Really really nice to have!
Chocolate for Mum and Dad - okay, maybe not chocolate, but something homemade and delicious! New parents will always appreciate homemade food care packages or baked goods. Well, I know I did!
A maternity nurse can help establish routines, get more sleep, and so much more.
I hope my newborn Baby Essentials checklist helps you out, even if it's just a little bit. Most of all, enjoy this time preparing for your baby. It's super fun...and the best is certainly yet to come.
I’m Samantha - A London-based Photographer. Educator and Mindful Mama of 2, leaning into conscious living and lover of plants and light. I travel worldwide.
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