Newborn Essentials 101

The baby is on its way!  You have chosen the baby room, you have been poring over Pinterest for decor ideas, and you’ve started to look at all the adorable things little babies can wear.  You’re excited, very excited, and then you see the price tags or you start tallying the costs, and you think: Okay, hang on a second!!

Yes, all new moms (and even second, third, and fourth time moms) have been there!  That’s why hand me downs are so popular among siblings!  Babies can rack up a bill like you wouldn’t believe, but the good news is that you don’t actually need half the things you see or are told you need.  This is especially true in the first six months of the baby’s life, which is what we will cover in this list!

Newborn Essentials:

Feeding

If you intend to breastfeed, then get the following essentials:

• 4-6 burp cloths

• A reliable breast pump

• Milk storage containers

• Nursing bras (Get one size bigger than your pregnancy size)

• Breastpads (This is for the bra!)

• Lanolin cream

• 3-6 Bottles for feeding (For when you start pumping and storing milk.)

• Nipple brush

• Bottle cleaner (Start with about 2 liters. You can also use this as regular dishwasher, which makes it easy because you don’t have to buy two products. Check out Joy Baby!)

• Sterilizer (For sterilizing the bottles and breast pump accessories after each use.)

• Small cooler. (For storing pumped milk on the go!)

If you are unable to breastfeed, then get the following essentials:

• 4-6 burp cloths

• 6-12 Bottles for feeding 

• Extra teats (You can only use teats for about three to six months, depending on what it says on the packaging.)

• Nipple brush

• Bottle cleaner (Start with about 2 liters. You can also use this as regular dishwasher, which makes it easy because you don’t have to buy two products. Check out Joy Baby!)

• Sterilizer (For sterilizing the bottles and breast pump accessories after each use.)

• The doctor’s recommended formula for your baby. (Try to get a month’s worth so you don’t have to worry about running out to the store weekly.)

Clothing

Newborn babies don’t need to be dressed to the nines.  They’re likely to stay home most of the time, only going out for pediatrician appointments and family get-togethers.  AND that’s usually only after the first two or three months.  Keeping that in mind, get the following essentials for the first six months:

• 8 short sleeve onesies (Four for 0-3 months and four for 4-6 months.)

• 4 long sleeved onesies (Four for 0-3 months and four for 4-6 months.)

• 12 sleeping sets (6 for 0-3 months and 6 for 4-6 months.)

• 8 sets of socks/booties and mittens

• 2 hats

• 8 swaddles

• 6 dressier outfits (Three for 0-3 months and three for 4-6 months.)

• Diapers (Try to get a month’s worth so you don’t have to worry about running out to the store weekly.)

• Laundry detergent

Sleeping

Before anything, ask yourself: Is a room essential?  It all depends on what type of sleeping arrangements you intend.  Some parents want to co-sleep, which makes having a baby room unnecessary until they are older.  Some parents want the baby to learn to sleep on their own as soon as possible, which could mean that the baby should get his/her own room.  In either case, the baby is likely to have their own room eventually.  Save on money by decorating it for the long-term, meaning well into their toddlerhood and childhood too!  If it’s too “baby” then you might find yourself spending for redecoration later.

Here are your essentials:

• Crib / co-sleeper (Many moms swear by the playpen or “pack and play” sets that also have a baby bassinet and crib feature.  This is a good investment because your baby is likely to use it even as they enter toddlerhood.)

• 4 blankets

Toys

Newsflash: Babies don’t need a lot of toys. They are fascinated by EVERYTHING, and are stimulated by the world around them.  A simple rattle and a mobile will be just fine for your baby for some time.  Later on, other noise makers and soft animals will be items they enjoy.  Just remember that babies will put everything in their mouths, so be sure that these things are things you know won’t be hazardous for your child!

Cleaning Up

Yes, babies are messy. Messier than you realise!  But worry not, they are washable, and here is what you really need:

• 12 washcloths

• 3 hooded towels

• Baby soap/cleanser

• Plastic infant tub

• Change pad (Some moms buy changing tables, but really, all you need is a flat surface. Having a change pad and some change pad liner
  s–like the mats doggies use–is enough!)

Other essentials:

There are some other items you will need that don’t quite fit into any of the above categories. Consider these:

• Car seat (You will need this for when you take your baby around to see friends, family, and the pediatrician.)

• Nail clippers (Essential sooner than you realise!)

• Bulb syringe (For if–heaven forbid–the baby catches a cold.)

• Baby carrier or sling (For you to have your hands free, and still be able to carry your baby!

Even cutting it down to the essentials, babies still need a lot! So save your money for items that really matter.  Those first six months and that first year are going to go by so quickly.  Breaking the bank is far from practical, even if you can afford it!