*This is a collaborative post.
Preparing for a new baby is exciting, but it’s also stressful and nerve-wracking. Making sure you have everything that you need before you bring your baby home is vital, but you can get a lot of advice about what you should be buying and what you don’t really need. Fortunately, a newborn baby doesn’t need that much stuff. As your baby grows, you might start to buy more things, but a newborn only needs basic things to take care of their most basic needs. Of course, you’ll probably get a few things gifted to you from friends and family, some of which can be very helpful. But you also need to stock up on the essentials.
So what do you really need to have ready for when you bring your baby home?
Somewhere for Baby to Sleep
Newborn babies spend much of their time sleeping, so somewhere safe and comfortable for your baby to sleep is naturally a must. Some parents decide to have a cot set up straight away, which the baby might or might not sleep in from the beginning. But there isn’t necessarily a need to buy a brand new cot when your baby is still small. A lot of parents opt for a Moses basket instead, which takes up less room and can be moved around more easily. It can be easier to have a basket in your bedroom for the first few months until your baby outgrows it. Then you might upgrade to a cot or crib when your baby is bigger.
A Car Seat
A car seat is essential for driving around with your baby. You’ll need one ready to leave the hospital if you’re planning to drive home. Younger babies should be in rear-facing car seats for safety. In fact, some people argue that children should remain in rear-facing seats for as long as possible for maximum safety in the car. While you can buy some things second-hand, a car seat is one thing that you really want to buy new. If you buy a used seat, you’ll have no way of knowing if it’s been in any previous accidents.
Many people get around using methods other than driving. You’re likely to need to get around on foot with your baby, even if it’s after driving to your main destination. That might mean making sure you get a pram or pushchair before your baby arrives . Another option that you have is to try out babywearing. Using a sling or carrier allows you to carry your baby while keeping your hands free. It also keeps your baby warm and close to you as you’re walking around.
Feeding Supplies
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, you’re going to need a few essential supplies. For bottle-feeding, you’re obviously going to need to buy bottles and corresponding nipples, as well as formula and potentially tools for cleaning and sterilising your bottles too. If you’re breastfeeding, it can be useful to have things like nipple pads, nipple cream, and of course nursing bras. Bottles and a pump might also come in handy if you’re planning on expressing milk. Everyone can benefit from having a bunch of cloths or muslins to handle spit-ups and spillages.
Nappies and Hygiene
One of the big decisions you’ll have to make is whether to use disposable nappies or if you want to try using reusable cloth nappies. The latter option is more eco-friendly and can work out cheaper in the long run, but it’s also a little more work. You’ll also need to have wipes and other supplies such as nappy cream. Other hygiene items are important too, like a baby bath, shampoo, soap, and baby lotion.
Clothes
Clothes are one of the items you’re sure to be gifted a lot. If you want to avoid having outfits that your baby will only wear once before growing out of it, consider asking if people can give you baby grows or other basic items for different ages. Stocking up on clothes that will get a lot of use is often better than having a bunch of cute T-shirts that aren’t too practical or will only be worn once or twice. Focus on the basics rather than anything cute or fashionable .
Before you bring your newborn home, you don’t need to have too much stuff. Get the essentials and anything else can come later.
