Buying the baby essentials
It’s so easy to get carried away with the amount of things you can buy for your baby. From toys for the nursery, to the latest gadgets it’s easy to lose track of how much you’ve spent. It’s easier said than done but don’t get carried away, you’ll have plenty of time to spoil your baby. Follow our tips and you won’t leave your baby wanting or have the bank manager at your door!
Baby clothes
With so many cute things in the shops it's easy to get carried away with buying outfits. Trouble is, your baby won't stay the same size for long and there's only so much they can wear!
Baby clothing essentials probably include a minimum of 6 one-piece outfits (bodysuits/rompers) and vests, some socks, a couple of cardigans, a little hat, some mittens (in case they have scratchy nails) and tops with poppers – a must for quick changes. You might also find a pack of muslin squares useful for saving your own clothes from baby sick and dribbles.
Nappy changing
There’s plenty to do when your baby arrives, so lots of mums have newborn disposable nappies ready for the first week. You'll also need a baby changing mat, toiletries and a baby changing bag for out & about. A baby changing station for use at home means you won’t have to bend over so much saving you possible backache. That may sound silly but not when you think that a newborn baby could need 10 - 12 changes a day!
Baby feeding
To breastfeed your baby, invest in some good nursing bras and some breast pads. If you want to express your breast milk you’ll also need a breast pump, storage containers, bottles and teats.
Baby washing
A baby's skin is delicate and they can be slippery when wet so try some specific baby wash instead of soap and shampoo. You can buy a baby bath but a washing up bowl is equally fine!
Baby sleeping
You needn't buy a cot quite yet. A Moses basket or the carrycot from a pram will do nicely, especially as you'll probably want to keep moving your baby around the house with you. You'll need proper, soft baby bedding. A listening monitor is optional for those times when you're in another room.
Don’t forget the car seat!
If your baby's born in hospital you'll need a car seat to take them home. It’s very important to fit the seat correctly according to the manufacturers instructions and it’s always much safer for your baby to fit the seat in the back of the car. If you have airbags in your car, remember you must always fit the seat in the back.
Pram or pushchair
If you do get a pram or pushchair make sure it’s designed to let your baby lie flat, to protect their growing back. Get more tips and advice on buying baby prams.
Cheap baby stuff
Ask friends and family to see what you can borrow and go to nearly new sales. They’re great for picking up bargains. Look out for 'value options' in well known stores too. Just because something is cheaper doesn't mean it hasn't had to meet proper safety standards. However please remember that it is not recommended to buy a second-hand car seat.
Baby gifts
Although it may seem cheeky, why not do a wish list of baby things? Most of your family and friends will probably want to give something. You'll be doing them a favour by giving them a shopping list for your new baby! If you're lucky enough to have a large and generous family maybe put a few requests for clothes and toys to suit them when they're a little older? It's amazing how time flies!
Things to buy for your new baby
CLOTHING
- One-piece outfits (bodysuits/rompers or stretch-n-grows) with domes or fasteners at the bottom and enclosed feet – (These are easy to put on and to keep baby cosy) x 8
- One-piece pyjamas or nighties (easy to change nappies in the middle of the night) x 6
- Undergarments such as singlets/vests-cotton or woollen x 6
- Cardigans or warm tops in natural fibres such as wool/merino and avoid patterns with large gaps or holes and ribbons as little fingers can get tangled.
- Blanket – wool or 100% cotton-aircell
- Socks or booties x 6
- Hat/bonnet in wool or cotton depending on the season
- Mittens in case of scratchy nails
- Shawl
FEEDING
- Bibs x 4-6
- A pack of muslin squares to protect your clothes from accidents!
- For breastfeeding buy some supportive nursing bras (cotton) and breast pads (cloth or disposable)
- Comfortable feeding pillow
- If you plan to express breast milk you’ll need a breast pump, bottles, newborn teats, and disposable, sterile plastic bottle liners to express the milk into and freeze, bottle sterilizer
CHANGING SUPPLIES IN THE EARLY DAYS
- Nappies (enough for 10 –12 per day) cloth or disposable
- Nappy buckets with tight fitting lids for soaking nappies before washing (it is essential you ensure the lid is always secure for safety precautions)
- Nappy liners – to place on the inside of cloth nappies to help keep baby dry and make nappy cleaning easier.
- Changing mat (waterproof, easy wipe foam mat with raised sides)
- Changing bag
- Changing table (waist height)
- Wet wipes (unscented and alcohol free)
- Lamp with low watt light bulb or a night light for night time nappy changes and feeds to disturb baby as little as possible
- Laundry hamper
BATHTIME
- A baby bath, a clean washing-up bowl or the old fashioned kitchen sink
- A newborn bath support /lounger made from towelling, for baby to lie on in the bath
- Baby wash-soap-free or baby wash liquid with pH 5.5
- Vaseline petroleum jelly or nappy rash cream
- Some small soft towels or gauze/muslin cloths
- Towels x 2-4 (hooded ones are very useful to wrap baby in after the bath)
- Baby massage oil—unscented vegetable or almond oil
BEDTIME
- A cot, bassinet or Moses basket
- Mattress – breathable, firm and fits snugly into the baby’s bed
- A couple of blankets – cotton aircell
- Cot sheets x 4 – one or two fitted of natural cotton material for the bottom sheet
- Pillowcases to place over the bottom sheet at the top of the bassinet (under the baby’s head to catch any dribbles and make bed changing easier) - Pillows are not necessary
- Baby sleeping bag/sleep-wrap
- Baby monitor - optional
- A thermometer
- Nightlight for night feeds and nappy changes
TRAVELLING WITH YOUR BABY
- A rear-facing car seat or baby capsule, ensuring that it fits correctly in the car. (with a head-support insert for newborns)
- Remember all babies must travel in a car seat by law, do not place car seat in front seat if the car has airbags and it is not recommended to buy second hand baby car seats (car seats can be bought or hired from stores or Plunket (NZ) run a car seat rental scheme)
- A buggy, pram or pushchair that can be placed in the lie-flat position for newborn babies
- Sling (very useful to soothe an upset baby)
- Frontpack
- Baby bag/hold - all for all the paraphernalia when you venture out with your new bundle of joy!!