The Basic Things a Newborn Needs

Lists, lists, lists!

I put together this list for a friend, of all the things I found helpful to have on hand for a new baby. It is by no means exhaustive, but hopefully helpful… or even just a place to start.

Note: Written for a spring baby

Baby Clothing

• 6 x Singlets – some that don’t clip at the bottom helpful for feeding 

• 4-6 x Bonds Wondersuits

• 2 x Cardigan

• 4 x long sleeve clip at bottom – even better if they have the little bit that folds over their hands (like mittens)

•  2 x short sleeve clip at bottom

• Beanie

• Socks (lots, as they get lost – wash in a delicate bag to minimise loss)

• Leggings with feet (H & M are great)

Bedding 

• 2 x bassinet sheets 

• 4 x fitted cot sheets – 2 cotton/jersey, 2 flannelette

• 4 x flannelette wraps (as head piece in bassinet/cot that can be changed easily)

• Blankets – waffle blanket, knitted blankets x 2 (or more)

• Woollen underlay (cot sized)

• Mattress protector 

• Lil Fraser wraps (for wrapping up to six weeks)

• 4 x Swaddle suits for post six weeks -Ergo (hands tucked in) or love to dream (hands able to rub face) swaddle suits — just depends on what your baby prefers!

• Flat sheet or muslin wrap for warmer days when blankets not needed 
  

Bathing

• Baby bath/tub or sink (for first 6 weeks)

• Hooded towel x 2

• Cotton buds (for belly button/chord to keep clean and dry)

• Cotton wool (for cleaning eyes with clean water)

• Olive oil (for skin – can be used in bath and post bath)

• QV wash

• Baby seat for later on

• Soft bristled baby brush for hair/stimulating scalp (this prevents cradle cap)
  

Feeding

Tip – count time ‘between feeds’ (3-4 hours) from the start of the feed

Breast feeding

• Breast pads

• Burp cloths – Aden and Anais burpy bibs are great

• Pump

• Lansinoh cream (nipples)

• Panadol (for you)

• Clock/s

• Hand sanitiser

Bottle Feeding

• PIGEON 6 bottles (small) – recommended by the lactation consultant as closest to breast in terms of flow – easier to go from bottle to breast if/when needed

• Teats – wide neck, slow flow 0+ (size 1)

• Burp cloths

• Steriliser – we use the Tommy Tippy Closer to Nature and for travel, the Medela Quick Clean microwave bags (GENIUS!!)

• Bottle brush and detergent 
  

Baby First Aid

• Baby panadol (1 month plus)

• Nail file

• Thermometer – Vicks Fever InSight Digital Thermometer

• Fess nasal spray and bulb
  

Baby Change Station

• Sudo cream

• Wipes – sensitive

• Nappies – I personally like BabyLove best

• Nappy bags – just be aware that if you buy the cheapest ones, they won’t stop the odours!

• Vaseline – helpful to pop on baby’s bot if a bit blocked up (lubricates the escape route)

• Hand sanitiser

Getting Baby Around

• WRAP – Hug a Bub Wrap – a mission to learn to use, but AMAZING if you have more than one child, as baby stays snug and you can be hands free! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmAbkJ7ZlSI

• CARRIER – Three months plus – Ergo 360 carrier – great for your back

• PRAM – we have the I candy Peach Blossom – I could (and may) write a whole other piece on this. Prams can be super expensive – we found ours on Gumtree as an ex-demo model at half price!! * Note – we only got a double pram after our second was born – our first two kids are 18 months apart and I thought I might be able to get away with just the single pram and a carrier… but sometimes you really need to be out without wearing someone eg the doctors

Helpful websites for wraps/bedding etc (Australian)

• Wrigglepot wrigglepot.com.au