Coming home with a newborn baby is a bittersweet experience. Being able to meet and hold your newborn baby and experiencing so many firsts with them is equally beautiful yet daunting at the same time. It can certainly feel overwhelming to figure out what you need and how you should do things, from changing nappies to feeding.
Nursery Essentials
When it comes to your baby’s sleeping arrangements, there are a few nursery essentials you will need to purchase before the baby arrives. This will include:
- A crib or bassinet
- A mattress for the crib
- A swaddle - this will help your baby in the first few months as it emulates the warmth and snugness of a womb
- A night light - having dim lighting will help your baby associate dim lighting with sleep time
- White noise machine - this often helps babies fall and stay asleep for longer.
- A changing table
- Storage space
Clothing Essentials
When it comes to a newborn clothing checklist, you will need different essentials for different times of the year. It’s important to note that newborns grow so quickly, so something that may fit one day may not in a few weeks. A good rule of thumb is to always size up in clothing that they can grow into over time. Newborn babies are also prone to mess, so it’s best to have a wide range of clothing items to swap out. A good spread of newborn clothing basics that you can cycle through, we’d recommend:
- 4-6 singlets
- 4-6 sleepsuits
- 2 bodysuits or tops
- 2 cardigans
- 2 pairs of leggings or pants
- 2 hats or beanies for colder weather
- 2-3 pairs of mittens
- 2-3 bibs
Newborn Feeding Essentials
Feeding can be a difficult process for both the baby and the parent, so it’s important to prepare newborn feeding essentials for both. This could include:
- Burp clothes for the parent - burping is a common part of every feeding routine, so be prepared to get your clothes dirty
- Bibs
- Bottles
- Breast pump - For those breastfeeding, having a breast pump will allow you to pre-pump milk for later, particularly night feeding sessions
Nappy Bag Essentials
Leaving the house with a newborn baby is a whole other challenge in itself. While it may be daunting, a good starting point is to tick off a nappy bag essentials checklist to ensure you’re not forgetting anything you’ll need throughout the day. Each nappy bag will look different depending on your schedule and baby, so customise yours. Some common things you need for a newborn when you’re out and about include:
- Nappies
- Baby wipes
- Nappy rash cream
- Portable change mat
- A bib
- Bottles
- Formula - if you are feeding with formula
- Baby food - if your baby is old enough to be consuming foods. Check out our organic plant-based baby food pouches for easily portable options.
- Burp cloth
- First aid essentials
- A baby wrap
- Extra baby clothes - because accidents happen
- An extra warm layer
Newborn Bathing Essentials
Bath time is a wonderful time for a parent to bond with their newborn baby. There are several newborn bathing essentials you will need to have to maintain the health and texture of your baby’s skin and to make the process a little easier for you both. This will include:
- Baby bathtub
- Bat mat - to prevent slipping in the tub
- Rinsing cup
- Soft washcloth
- Gentle baby-specific shampoo and soap
- Hooded bath towel
- Bath thermometer
- Baby-specific lotion or moisturiser
On-The-Go Newborn Essentials
Being out and about with your baby calls for a lot of preparation. Not only do you need your trusty diaper bag, but you will also need a range of equipment to make travelling with a newborn safe and accessible. These travel newborn essentials could include:
- Stroller
- Baby travel car seat
- Baby carrier
If you’ve recently welcomed or are waiting to meet your baby, these newborn checklists are a great starting point to help prepare you for the coming months. However, it’s important to remember that the newborn phase can be unpredictable, and every baby is different in their needs, so try not to get too bogged down with the stress of getting it perfect. Enjoy this sacred time. Every parent goes through this phase, so prepare all the newborn essentials you can beforehand but be open to learning as you go!
If you have a newborn and are looking for more tips and information, check out our feeding guides.
