Essentials For Newborns: 5 Must-Haves For New Parents

Preparing for the arrival of a newborn baby can be an exciting but daunting task. Here are five things that newborns need:

1. A safe place to sleep: A crib or bassinet is essential, providing a safe space for your baby to sleep, with a firm mattress that fits perfectly. Keeping the crib bare, free of loose bedding, pillows, and toys, helps reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

2. Diapering essentials: Stock up on diapers, wipes, washcloths, and diaper rash cream. A changing table or pad, diaper pail, and portable changing pad for on-the-go diaper changes are also handy.

3. Feeding essentials: Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, you'll need burp cloths, nursing pillows, bibs, bottles, and nipples. A breast pump and milk storage bags are useful for expressing and storing breast milk.

4. Clothing: Newborns grow quickly, so have a range of sizes. Include undershirts, one-piece outfits, T-shirts, leggings, stretchy pants, sweaters or jackets, socks or booties, hats, and mittens.

5. Bathing essentials: A baby bath seat or tub, shampoo, mild soap, cups for rinsing, soft towels, and washcloths are must-haves for bath time.

Nursery furniture and gear

Crib or Bassinet

A crib is a must-have item for newborns, as they will be sleeping up to 16 hours a day. It is recommended to buy a new crib to ensure it meets the latest safety standards. A bassinet is also a good option for the first few weeks, as it is small, portable, and can be moved from room to room.

Crib Mattress

A firm mattress that fits the crib perfectly is one of the most important items for a newborn. This provides a safe and comfortable sleeping surface.

Bedding

Waterproof mattress covers and fitted sheets are essential for the crib mattress. It is recommended to keep the crib bare, without any blankets, top sheets, pillows, or bumper pads, to reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Nursery Glider or Rocking Chair

A comfortable chair in the nursery is perfect for breastfeeding, bedtime stories, and cuddling. It can also help make nighttime feedings less disruptive for the baby and parent.

Changing Table

A changing table provides a safe and convenient space for diaper changes. It usually has drawers or shelves to store diapers, wipes, and clothes. Some tables come with a strap to secure the baby and prevent falls.

Diaper Pail

While optional, diaper pails can help contain smells from dirty diapers. There are two main types: those that work with regular trash can liners and those with special liner rings sold by the manufacturer.

Night-light

A night-light is essential for middle-of-the-night feedings and changes, allowing you to see without turning on bright lights. It can also provide reassurance to older babies when they wake up at night.

Clothes Storage

You will need a place to store your newborn's clothing. This can be drawers, shelves, baskets, tubs, chests of drawers, or wardrobes.

Pacifiers

Newborns may use pacifiers to soothe themselves, so it is good to have a few on hand as they tend to disappear. Make sure to choose the appropriate size for the newborn stage.

Toy Basket and Mobile

A toy basket is useful for storing any toys your newborn may acquire. A colorful mobile, hung safely out of reach, will help entertain your baby. Look for one with bright colors, especially red, as it is the first color babies see.

Baby feeding essentials

Feeding your baby is an essential part of parenting, and there are many items that can help make the process go more smoothly. Here are some of the most important baby feeding essentials to stock up on:

For Breastfeeding

• Nursing Cover: A nursing cover provides privacy and helps shelter you and your baby while breastfeeding in public.
• Nursing Pillow: A U-shaped cushioned pillow provides extra comfort for both mother and baby during breastfeeding.
• Nursing Pads: Absorbent nursing pads prevent leaks and can be disposable or washable.
• Nipple Cream: Soothing nipple balm helps protect and heal sore nipples.
• Breast Pump: A breast pump allows you to express and store breast milk, especially useful if you plan to be away from your baby or return to work.
• Milk Storage Bags: These bags allow for compact storage of breast milk and can be used for pumping directly into.

For Bottle Feeding

• Bottles and Nipples: Whether using formula or breast milk, bottles are essential. Choose from glass or plastic options, considering the nipple shape and size that suits your baby's needs.
• Bottle Brush: A designated bottle brush helps thoroughly clean bottles and nipples.
• Bottle Sterilizer: While not essential, a sterilizer keeps bottles and nipples hygienic.
• Bottle-Drying Rack: A designated space for drying bottles can be useful if counter space is limited.
• Formula: If formula feeding, consult your baby's healthcare provider to choose the best type and brand.
• Bottle Warmer: A bottle warmer safely and efficiently heats stored breast milk or formula.

For Solid Foods

• Infant Feeding Silverware: Small spoons and forks designed for infants are ideal for introducing solid foods.
• Mess Mat: A mat placed under the high chair helps contain messes and makes cleaning easier.
• High Chair: A high chair provides a safe and comfortable space for your baby during mealtimes.

General Feeding Essentials

• Burp Cloths: Absorbent cloths designed to protect your clothing from spit-up and drool.
• Bibs: Bibs help protect your baby's clothes from milk, formula, and drool.
• Receiving Blankets: Thin blankets that can be used for swaddling, nursing covers, or burp cloths.
• Dishwasher Basket: A small basket for the dishwasher helps with cleaning small items like bottle parts.

Diapering essentials

• Changing table: A safe and convenient space for diaper changes. It usually has storage for diapers, wipes, and fresh clothes. Ensure these items are out of your newborn's reach. Some tables feature a strap for added security.
• Changing pad: This helps keep your baby comfortable and the changing table clean. Some pads can be wiped clean, while others have removable, machine-washable covers.
• Diapers: Stock up on diapers! Newborns may go through 70 diapers a week. It's best to buy small packs of different sizes, as it's hard to predict your newborn's size.
• Wipes: Gently clean your baby's diaper area with sensitive skin wipes.
• Washcloths: Use warm water and a soft washcloth to wipe your baby's diaper area. These are also useful for bath time.
• Diaper rash cream: Ask your healthcare provider for advice on suitable creams or ointments to treat diaper rash.
• Diaper pail: Diaper pails contain smells and are useful for storing dirty diapers. Choose between regular trash can liners or special liner rings, which are pricier but better at trapping odours.
• Portable changing pad: A compact, portable changing pad is ideal for diaper changes on the go. It fits easily into most diaper bags.
• Disposable diaper bags: These are handy for storing dirty diapers when you're away from home.

Additionally, you'll need a safe place to store diapers, wipes, and other diapering essentials. You can use the drawers or shelves of the changing table, baskets or tubs, or a dedicated dresser/wardrobe.

Baby bath essentials

Bathtime Solutions

Preparing for your newborn's bath time? Here's a list of baby bath essentials to make the experience enjoyable and safe for both you and your little one:

• Baby shampoo and body wash: Look for a 2-in-1 formula that is gentle, hypoallergenic, tear-free, and suitable for sensitive skin.
• Baby washcloths: Soft, absorbent, and made from premium materials like muslin cotton or bamboo rayon. You'll need these for washing and drying your baby's delicate skin.
• Hooded baby towels: Made from soft and absorbent materials like muslin cotton or bamboo. These towels keep your baby's head warm and snug while drying their body.
• Baby bath tub: Choose a tub that is safe, comfortable, and adaptable as your baby grows. Look for features like a smart sling, drain plug, and swivel hook for easy cleaning and convenience.
• Baby bath thermometer: This is optional but can help ensure the water temperature is just right for your baby's comfort and safety.
• Baby bath toys: Floating toys, stacking cups, and squeeze toys can make bath time fun and engaging for your little one.
• Baby lotion: After bath time, a gentle, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free lotion can help moisturize your baby's skin.
• Other handy items: A soft-bristled hairbrush, bulb syringe for suctioning mucus, nail clippers or scissors, and a rectal thermometer are also good to have on hand.

Remember to create a safe and comfortable environment for your baby's bath time, and always supervise your little one in the tub. With the right essentials and safety precautions, bath time can be a fun bonding experience for you and your newborn.

Baby health essentials

Grooming and First Aid

Babies need the occasional grooming, and it's important to be prepared in case they get sick. Here are some health and grooming essentials to stock up on:

• Baby nail clippers or an emery board to trim your baby's nails and prevent accidental scratching.
• A soft-bristled hairbrush to help loosen scales if your baby develops cradle cap.
• A first-aid kit stocked with essentials like a baby thermometer, tweezers, antibiotic ointment, adhesive bandages, and petroleum jelly.
• A bulb syringe to gently remove mucus from your baby's nose.
• A rectal baby thermometer offers a speedy readout and minimal discomfort and is more accurate than skin readings.

Diapering

Diapering is an essential but not always glamorous part of parenting. Here are some diapering essentials to have on hand:

• A changing table provides a safe and convenient space to change your baby's diaper. Look for one with drawers or shelves to store diapers, wipes, and fresh clothes within reach.
• A changing pad helps keep your baby comfortable and the changing table clean. Some pads can be wiped clean, while others have removable covers that can be machine-washed.
• Diapers—and lots of them! Newborns can go through up to 70 diapers a week. It's a good idea to buy small packs of different sizes, as it's hard to predict what size your newborn will need.
• Wipes to gently clean your baby's diaper area. Choose a sensitive skin option.
• Washcloths can be used for wiping your baby during diaper changes and at bath time.
• Diaper rash cream will come in handy if your baby develops a rash. Ask your healthcare provider for recommendations.
• A diaper pail is optional but can help contain smells from dirty diapers. Look for one that works with regular trash bags or one with a special liner to better trap odours.

Bath Time

During your baby's first year, they will only need about three baths a week. Here are some bath time essentials for the first few months:

• A baby bath seat or tub. Sponge baths are given until the umbilical cord stump falls off, after which you'll need a suitable bath seat or tub.
• Shampoo designed specifically for babies if your newborn has hair.
• A mild soap designed for newborns and young babies.
• A plastic cup to gently pour water over your baby's hair and body to rinse off soap and shampoo.
• Soft towels, preferably with a hood for easier drying.
• Washcloths for gentle wiping.
• A baby moisturiser can be applied to dry patches of skin. A non-perfumed option is best.

Frequently asked questions