blog \ Necessities for a Newborn: Essential Items for Your Baby's First Few Months

Preparing for a newborn is exciting and can be overwhelming for new parents. From choosing the right clothing to the right nursery equipment, there are a lot of things to think about. In this article, Ill run through the necessities for a newborn, providing you with the items I found useful for our little one to help you prepare for your new arrival.

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One of the most important things to consider when preparing for a newborn is their sleeping arrangements. Newborns require a lot of sleep, and it’s important to ensure that they have a safe and comfortable place to rest. This could mean a good quality cot or Moses basket, along with appropriate bedding and blankets.

Another essential item for a newborn is nappies. Newborns go through a lot of nappies, and it’s important to have a good supply on hand. Whether you choose to use disposable or cloth nappies, it’s important to have a changing area set up with all the necessary supplies, including nappy cream, wipes, and spare clothing.

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Immediate Needs

When a newborn arrives, there are a few immediate necessities that parents need to have on hand. These include clothing, nappies, and feeding supplies.

Clothing

Newborns require comfortable and soft clothing that will keep them warm and cosy. You’ll need a few sets of clothes on hand, as newborns tend to go through a lot of changes in a day. Some essential clothing items for a newborn include:

  • Muslin cloth for swaddling
  • Bodysuits: These are one-piece outfits that snap or zip at the bottom and keep the baby’s nappy in place.
  • Hats: Newborns lose a lot of heat through their heads, so it’s important to keep them covered. Plus they look super cute.
  • Socks: These keep the baby’s feet warm and cosy.

Nappies

Newborns go through a lot of nappies, so it’s important to have a good supply on hand. Parents can choose between disposable or cloth diapers, depending on their preference. Some essential nappy supplies include:

Feeding Supplies

Newborns need to be fed frequently, so it’s important to have the necessary supplies on hand. Whether a parent chooses to breastfeed or bottle-feed, there are a few essential items to have:

  • Bottles: If bottle-feeding, it’s important to have a few bottles on hand.
  • Formula: If bottle-feeding, it’s important to have a supply of formula.
  • Breast pump: If breastfeeding, a breast pump can be helpful for pumping and storing milk. Depending on your local area you may well be able to hire a breast pump, that’s the path we took with our first.
  • Nursing pads: These can help prevent leaks during breastfeeding.
  • Burp cloths: These are used to burp the baby after feeding and protect clothing from spit-up.

Sleeping Arrangements

When it comes to sleeping arrangements for a newborn, there are a few things that parents need to consider. Creating a safe and comfortable sleeping environment is essential for the baby’s health and well-being. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Crib

A crib is the most common sleeping arrangement for newborns. It provides a safe and secure place for the baby to sleep. When choosing a crib, parents should ensure that it meets your local product safety standards and has no loose or missing parts. The mattress should fit snugly in the crib, with no gaps between the mattress and the sides of the crib.

Bedding

Parents should opt for fitted sheets that are specifically designed for cribs. Loose bedding, such as blankets and pillows, should be avoided as they can pose a suffocation risk. Instead, parents can use sleep sacks or wearable blankets to keep the baby warm and comfortable. Our little one had a thick sleepsack for colder nights and thin sleepsack or none for hotter nights.

Baby Monitor

We didnt go this route ourselves but I do know others have used monitors successfully. A baby monitor can give parents peace of mind when their baby is sleeping. There are two types of baby monitors: audio and video. Audio monitors allow parents to hear their baby’s sounds and movements, while video monitors provide a visual image of the baby. When choosing a baby monitor, parents should ensure that it has a clear signal and a long battery life. We didnt go this route ourselves but I do know others have used monitors successfully.

Healthcare

Heres some handy healthcare essentialst that I always have on hand

Baby Thermometer

A baby’s temperature can quickly rise if they are unwell, so it’s essential to have a reliable thermometer on hand. Also useful for checking the bath temperature too.

Transportation

New parents need to consider how they will transport their newborn. There are several options available, including car seats and prams.

Car Seat

A car seat is a necessary item for parents who drive. It is essential to choose a car seat that is suitable for a newborn and meets local safety standards. The car seat should be installed correctly and securely in the car. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing and using a car seat.

Pram

A pram should be comfortable and safe for the baby. It is important to choose a pram that is easy to manoeuvre and suitable for different terrains. Some prams can be converted into a stroller as the baby grows. Our first pram was a chunky heavy one, it did the job but was a pain to put in the back of the car for trips. We ended up getting a second much lighter one that could fold down to carry on luggage.

When choosing a pram, think about:

  • The size and weight of the pram and how youre going to use it
  • The storage capacity of the pram - for shopping and baby essentials
  • The ease of folding and unfolding the pram

Bathing and Hygiene

Baby Bathtub

We kept it pretty simple with our baby bathtub. We used a general purpose large plastic carry tub with handles. There are different types of baby bathtubs available, including inflatable tubs, foldable tubs, and standard plastic tubs.

Towels and Washcloths

Soft, absorbent towels and washcloths are necessary for keeping a newborn clean and dry. I always use mild, fragrance-free detergent when washing baby towels and washcloths. Consider having the following items on hand:

  • Muslin cloths for gentle wiping
  • Flannels for washing the baby’s face and body ### Baby Soap and Shampoo When choosing soap and shampoo for a newborn, it is important to use products that are gentle and free from harsh chemicals. Look for products that are specifically designed for babies and have a pH balance that is similar to that of the baby’s skin.

Comfort Items

Newborns need comfort items to help them feel safe and secure. Here are two essential comfort items that parents should consider for their newborns:

Soft Toys

Soft toys can also be a comforting item for newborns. They provide a sense of familiarity and can help babies feel secure. When choosing a soft toy, parents should look for ones that are appropriate for their baby’s age and are made of safe materials. Soft toys with different textures and colours can also help stimulate a baby’s senses.