NEWBORN ESSENTIALS - A MIDWIFE’S GUIDE

Preparing for your baby’s arrival is exciting yet can be overwhelming due to the sheer amount of options available. There are so many baby products out there it can be confusing and hard to know where to start. When it comes to what a baby needs you’ll soon discover you don't need much. However, there are definitely some items that are classed as modern-day essentials.

Here’s our Midwife-approved Newborn Essentials Checklist to help you spend your time and money on things you will actually use! Preparing for labor? Check out our Hospital Bag Essentials list!

Clothing

Of course, you can have a lot of fun dressing your newborn but having practical items to keep your baby clean and warm should come first.

A couple of packs of sleepsuits (onesies) should see you through the first few weeks. These are staple items in their wardrobe, as babies can move super freely in a cotton sleepsuit. For maximum ease, get sleepsuits with uncomplicated fastenings at the front such as zips or poppers. It is also handy (excuse the pun!) to get sleepsuits with scratch-mittens built into them.

It is better to dress a baby in layers to keep them warm, as you then have the option to remove some as required. Vests are brilliant for this and come in different sleeve lengths, which you can choose according to the season.

When out and about on colder days, dress your baby in a cardigan and blanket. Finally consider seasonal items such as a winter hat, gloves or snowsuit for winter and a sun hat for summer.

It is worth noting that clothing sizes vary from brand to brand and therefore some newborn sizes will last longer than others. You will get to know the ins and outs of this as you shop around.

Sleeping

Cot / Crib

It is recommended that your baby shares a room with you for the first six months.

Newborn babies tend to prefer smaller spaces - think about how cramped the space becomes in the womb! Co-sleeping cribs offer the option of a smaller cot that attaches to your bed, making it easy to tend to your baby during the night. Some cots offer the option of starting off as a crib but then extend into a standard size cot, or even bed, as your baby grows.

It is advised to use a firm waterproof mattress in the crib/cot. This helps prevent overheating and minimises the buildup of bacteria within it. You can use a second hand crib and mattress if required but make sure it’s in excellent condition.

Bedding

You’ll need a couple of cot/crib sheets. Loose bedding should be avoided to prevent your baby from covering their face with the fabric. Instead, sleeping bags or swaddle blankets are good options to consider. Duvets and pillows are not recommended until your baby is over one year of age. A cellular blanket works well in the buggy when you’re out and about.

Baby Monitor

You may not consider using a baby monitor during the first few months as you’ll be keeping your baby close 24/7 and sharing a room at night. However, a monitor may give you that extra peace of mind and help you to sleep better. The Owlet Smart Sock records your baby’s heart rate and oxygen levels. You will receive alerts if the levels fall out of the preset range.

Sleep sound machines

This is another way to recreate the womb environment. In the womb it is very noisy! Research suggests that if you play sounds to a baby that they have been exposed to whilst in the womb, it helps to calm them. White or pink noise machines are popular, or specific toys and apps with built in sounds such as heartbeat, hoovers or hairdryers are a great way of offering comfort to your baby after they are born.

Feeding

However you plan to feed your baby, muslins and a feeding pillow are great items to have.

Breastfeeding

Essentials include nursing bras, breast pads, nipple cream and breast compresses. If you feel that you need privacy when feeding at any time then a feeding cover is a great option.

Expressing

Unless you are planning to express immediately, a breast pump can wait until further along the line in your feeding journey. Electric pumps can be more efficient for those who intend on doing a lot of expressing. There is the option of hiring a hospital grade pump or you can buy a pump second-hand as all the parts that milk goes into can be properly sterilised.

Bottle Feeding

If you are planning on doing any bottle feeding then you will need bottles and a sterilising device. If you opt for formula feeding, then you’ll need to decide what type (ready made or powdered infant formula) and which brand to buy.

Bathing and Changing

You can bath your baby in the sink if you prefer but sometimes a bath or bath seat is helpful to have as well as a couple of baby towels. For nappy changing you’ll need a changing mat, cotton wool squares and/or fragrance free wipes and nappies. Size 1 nappies usually suffice for newborns. If you are considering reusable nappies, many councils offer schemes and vouchers to help you.

Travel

If you have a car, then you will need a quality car seat. A buggy or travel system is a great way of getting around with your baby if you do lots of walking. Choose one that suits your needs but key things to consider are whether it is easy to fold and unfold and how much space it takes up. Some bassinets are safe enough to double up as a portable cot, which is great for going away on trips.

Baby wearing is such an amazing thing to do. It enables you to keep your baby close, which they love, and gives you free hands to have a hot cup of tea. There are a range of slings and wraps on the market - it's worth arranging some time with a sling consultant or library to try before you buy.

It is important not to cover the buggy or car seat with anything, especially in hot weather. Instead a clip on parasol is recommended.

Medical

If you are ever concerned about your baby’s wellbeing, it is best to seek medical advice instead of self diagnosing and treating. An underarm thermometer and nasal saline drops are the only things you may need to use during the first couple of months.

SHOPPING LIST- NEWBORN ESSENTIALS

Download checklist

CLOTHING

Vests x 8

short/long sleeved

Sleepsuits x 8

Look for ones that are easy to fasten

Hats x 2

For the hospital and going home

Cardigans x 2

Something warm when out and about

Wool Hat and Mittens/ Sun Hat