TABLE OF CONTENTS
Essential Clothing For Newborn
After the birth of your baby, the first few days will feel joyous yet surreal. Your newborn baby starts to acquaint themselves with the world outside your womb, and you begin to learn about your newborn. From now on, you will be on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s best to be prepared ahead of time.
Here is a list of clothing and related items to set aside for your newborn’s arrival:
- 8 onesies or undershirts to keep your little one wrapped up
- 2 newborn hats to protect your baby’s head from cold or the sun
- 8 pairs of booties or socks
- 5 nightgowns, which are especially useful until the cord falls off on its own
- 5 pairs of pants to cover their legs
- 4 items of baby clothes for dressing up
- 2 pairs of scratch mittens to keep your baby from scratching his or her face during sleep.
- 10 Receiving blankets. These thin, soft, cotton blankets are used for swaddling, burping, and bath blankets. It’s a good idea to carry a few in the diaper bag and keep several in stock at home. A new mum will be using these often during the first few months of their baby’s life and will find them very versatile once your baby gets older.
- Laundry detergent that is free of synthetic fragrance and harmful chemicals
Furniture Newborn Essentials
Among other newborn essentials that you should have on hand before you give birth is baby furniture.
Here are a few items essential items:
Changing station
Although any flat surface will do when it comes to changing your baby’s nappy, it pays to have one in the nursery because you can easily store all your little one’s needs within easy reach. This includes diapers, baby wipes, diaper rash cream, receiving blankets, and extra clothes within the drawers of the changing station.
Crib
It is essential that you have a crib or a cot already in place as this is where your little one will be spending a lot of their time. Having a crib in place where your baby can rest at night and take their naps throughout the day is important.
Swing or baby bouncer
Babies love to spend some time in a baby bouncer or swing as they practice their motor skills. The motion can be very soothing regardless if you have a newborn or an older baby.
Baby Gear Newborn Essentials
Baby gear is also a big part of newborn baby essentials that you should take into consideration. Let’s find out what equipment you will need.
Child car seats
You may not be thinking about this at the moment, but this is essential gear. A car seat is required to take your baby home from the hospital. There are two options for these. They include an infant seat or a convertible seat. Most parents opt for the bucket seat or baby carrier because it is small and portable and it can be attached to the stroller base. As for the convertible seat, this starts as a rear-facing car seat which can later be converted into a front-facing one once your baby gets older.
Baby monitor
You’ll need to keep a close eye on your baby all the time. Installing a baby monitor is invaluable as you go on about your business during the day while your little one sleeps.
Swaddling blanket
Newborn essentials like a soft swaddling blanket are necessary since they help keep fussy babies calm and relaxed. Swaddling your little one emulates the effects of being inside your womb which is a familiar feeling to your newborn. A swaddled baby tends to be more relaxed at night and will sleep for hours.
Pram or pushchair
Another essential item that you will probably want to invest in is a pram or pushchair. These come in handy when you are running your errands or taking your little one out for a walk around the block or around the park.
Bedding & Linens Newborn Essentials
What else should you prepare when you are expecting a new bundle of joy? Well, since you will be purchasing a crib, you will also have to purchase the bedding. Here’s a list of what you should have on hand.
- A waterproof mattress pad to protect the rest of the mattress from wetness
- 2 crib fitted sheets and lightweight blankets. Forego any fluffy comforters, pillows, or crib bumpers. They pose a danger to your newborn [1]
- Complete your crib’s ensemble with a quilted mattress pad
Baby Products Newborn Essentials
What other newborn essentials should you gather? Well, these baby products are a must-have. Consider stocking up on these supplies ahead of time.
Diapers
You have two options here: disposable diapers or cloth diapers. Disposable diapers make life easier since you just throw away the diaper once it’s soiled. However, if you are looking for an eco-friendly alternative to the disposable ones, cloth nappies are worth checking out. Keep in mind that it will cost both time and money to wash, dry, and store them.
Baby Tub
Don’t forget a baby tub for baby bath time. Look for one that comes with a sponge insert or one that is sloped and equipped with a foam pad to keep your little one in an elevated position during bath time. This way, it will be easier for you to give your baby a quick bath without worrying about your baby slipping. As for the bath products, consider organic baby soap and baby shampoo that is specially formulated for your baby’s sensitive skin. Stay away from products that are full of artificial ingredients and harsh additives that can cause irritation or be absorbed through the skin.
Grooming Essentials
Buy some soft terry cloth towels and washcloths. Don’t forget a soft brush as well as a comb. A baby’s nails must be kept short, so you’ll have to decide if you want to purchase baby nail scissors or clippers. Also, make sure you have diaper barrier cream on hand both by baby’s bath and by the diaper area.
Bottles
You’ll also need baby bottles on hand for milk storage, even if you breastfeed. Make sure that you have a dishwasher basket as well as a bottle brush to help remove the milk that has accumulated inside the bottle. If you are using formula milk, you should have an accurate measuring cup. Don’t forget to buy burp cloths as well as bibs too. You’ll need both when it comes to feeding your baby.
Breast pump
Mothers should always invest in a good breast pump. This helps relieve excess milk and avoid breast engorgement. Do some research and decide which one will best fit your needs.
Pacifiers (soothers)
Some babies prefer pacifiers while other babies do not like them. However, it’s good to have a few on hand just in case you need one in the middle of the night.
Other Recommended Newborn Essentials
Newborn baby essentials include items for mom as well. Here’s what we recommend:
Nipple cream
Some mothers experience sore nipples when they breastfeed. This is not uncommon as this can be attributed to a poor breastfeeding position or if your baby is teething. Either way, your nipples may become sore causing a lot of discomforts. Consider purchasing a nipple cream that will both provide relief and be safe for your baby.
Baby wrap (sling)
If you are not fond of bringing a baby carrier with you all the time, try baby wraps. These wraps are made from sturdy fabrics that crisscross your body with your little one wrapped in the middle of it. Not only does this help secure your baby close to you, but you can go hands-free when needed.
Portable changing pad
It’s nice that you have a changing station at home, but what if you are out and about with your baby? You can hardly place your baby on any surface. Who knows what germs lurk there? Purchasing a portable changing pad will alleviate the worry that comes with changing nappies in public. Most changing pads are easy to clean so you won’t have to worry about any mess afterward.
Scarf
Another mom essential that you can purchase is a breastfeeding scarf. This will provide privacy for both you and your little one.
Nursing pads
Nursing pads come in handy when your breasts are full of milk as they help prevent leakage. Look for nursing pads that you can easily slip into your shirt for added padding and protection.
A Last Word On Newborn Essentials
There are a lot of newborn baby essentials that you will need to purchase for your newborn’s arrival. Since you have nine months to prepare for the coming of your bundle of joy, there will be plenty of time for you to do some serious shopping to help you ease into your life as a new parent.
Start with the crib, beddings, baby clothes, and car seat. Weigh your options carefully. It would be a good idea to prepare onesies, baby socks, and hats in your go-bag because you want your little one to be warm and comfy on your trip home. Remember, your baby’s skin is sensitive and must not be exposed to the outside elements.
There is much to consider depending on your preferences and your budget, but all of these items are essential. You don’t really have to buy shoes for your newborn as of yet since they won’t be walking yet, but socks are essential to keep their feet warm. You can add some toys and books as part of the nursery, but wait until your little one is big enough to play with the toys before giving it to them to avoid any untoward incidents.
