Shopping for your new baby is very exciting but it also can be overwhelming by the number of products available to you. You will be told that almost all of them are “essential” and you may find it difficult in determining which products you really do need and which you don't. Actually there is not very much you have to get to start with and it doesn't have to be expensive.
Having a budget for buying equipment for your newborn baby is a good idea to start with and there are always ways to economize. You could borrow equipment from relatives and friends and you can buy second hand equipment such as cots, rockers, prams and even baby clothes. But always check on safety standards before buying second hand items such as cots, prams and rockers.
This article will provide you with a “Essential Baby Items To Buy” to help you determine the correct equipment to buy when shopping for your newborn baby. By giving you a complete checklist of items this will benefit you and help you consider which products are “essential” for you to purchase and those products which are more of a luxury.
Below is a list of items which you will need to purchase, in order to be ready for the arrival of your newborn baby.
Breastfeeding
- Breast pads
- Nursing bra
- Breast pump (optional)
- Nipple cream
- Nursing pillow for baby to lay on
- Bottles with teats (for expressed milk)(optional)
- Sterilizing equipment (optional)
Bottle feeding
- Bottles with teats
- Drying rack for bottles (optional)
- Bottle brush
- Bibs
- Sterilizing equipment (optional)
- Formula milk (optional, only if you're not able to breastfeed)
Sleeping
- Moses basket
- Cot
- Bassinet
- Cradle
- Mattress
- Fitted sheets
- Cotton blankets
- Waterproof sheet (optional)
- Baby monitor (optional)
- Cot bumper (optional)
- Swaddling shawl (optional)
- Sleep suits (optional)
Changing
- Padded waterproof changing mat
- Nappies (disposable or cloth)
- Baby wipes
- Nappy bucket (optional)
- Changing unit with storage (optional)
- Baby lotion
- Cut squares of soft cloth to use as wipes
- Nappy rash cream
Bathing
- Towels
- Baby bath
- Cotton wool
- Non-slip mat
- Baby brush
- Baby oil (for massage)
- Blunt ended scissors
- Face cloth
- Baby soap
- Baby powder
Travel
- Baby car seat
- Pram (optional)
- Sling (optional)
Baby Clothes
- 6-8 jumpsuits / nighties
- 4-6 pairs of socks
- 6-8 singlets
- 3-5 rompers
- 2 hats (one for the sun, one for warmth)
- 1 jumper
- 1 towel (with hood)
- 3 brushed cotton wraps
- 2 beanies (for night)
- mittens (optional)
- 3 cotton or gauze wraps (during summer)
As you can see there are not much “essential” items that you need to purchase. It is up to you on the amount of clothes you wish to buy your newborn baby but remember do not over do it because your baby will be growing at a rapid rate and you will have to buy new clothes every few months.
I also suggest having a baby shower with relatives and friends to receive those “luxury” items that you may have your eye on. Most family and friends shower you with gifts once you announce that you are going to have a baby, so you can use it to your advantage. As long as you have the “essential” equipment before the arrival of your baby, the other items are just a bonus.
I hope this article has given you a better understanding of the equipment that you need to purchase and remember that you don't have to spend a lot of money during the first stages. Your baby will not even notice all your fancy equipment. I wish you all the best and the safe arrival of your new baby...Congratulations!
