A newborn baby brings immense joy, occasional worries, and always a lot of baby stuff. But what are the absolute essentials you need when the big day arrives? In this guide, you'll discover the must-have items for your nursery, the key essentials for your baby’s wardrobe, a few nice-to-haves to make life easier, and smart tips to help you gather everything efficiently.
Indispensable must-haves
Your baby’s first months can feel like navigating a survival game. As a parent, you're constantly feeding, changing, comforting, and rocking your little one. Thankfully, there are essential baby items designed to make these early days as smooth as possible—well, as smooth as life with a newborn can be!
1. Tetrad cloths
Tetrad cloths, also known as hydrophilic towels, are an absolute lifesaver. Made from a fabric that absorbs moisture effortlessly and dries quickly, these cloths are incredibly versatile. Use them as spit-up cloths, towels, changing mats, or swaddles. Given their endless uses, tetrad cloths are not a luxury—they’re essential.
2. Hydrophilic flannels
Hydrophilic flannels are much softer than regular ones, making them perfect for your baby’s delicate skin. They’re especially helpful if your little one has sensitivities. And trust us, you can never have too many flannels. After all, accidents happen quickly.
3. Bottles and feeding accessories
Whether your baby is breastfed or bottle-fed, bottles are a must-have. Breastfeeding parents can use them to store pumped milk, while bottle-feeding parents should prioritize selecting the right ones. Look for bottles with clearly marked measurements for milk powder and pair them with silicone teats for a smooth drinking experience.
Equally essential are a handy bottle brush and a sterilizer. Since milk provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, keeping bottles thoroughly clean and sterilized is crucial to protect your baby’s delicate digestive system.
For a more forward-thinking approach, consider buying a brush set. These sets include various brushes designed to clean different bottle types, ensuring you’re prepared for every stage of your child’s bottle-feeding journey.
4. Care products
Newborn skin is incredibly delicate, so it’s important to use specially formulated baby care products. Opt for a soap-free washing gel to keep your baby’s skin soft and supple, and choose wet wipes designed for sensitive baby skin to avoid irritation.
Your care kit should also include baby-sized essentials:
- A soft brush for your baby’s sensitive scalp.
- Appropriate nail clippers for those tiny, fast-growing nails.
- A baby thermometer for accurately measuring your little one’s temperature with minimal discomfort.
Having the right care products on hand ensures your baby stays comfortable and well looked after from day one.
5. Washable nappies or disposable nappies?
Washable nappies are the most eco-friendly and sustainable option. They reduce waste and are gentle on the environment. Disposable nappies, however, are incredibly convenient, especially when you’re out and about. By alternating between the two, you can enjoy the benefits of both worlds.
Concerned about the extra laundry that washable nappies require? Don’t worry. You can always keep disposable nappies on hand for convenience.
One final tip: invest in a dedicated nappy bin to make disposing of used disposable nappies easier and more hygienic. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference in your routine!
Never throw a dirty nappy in your kitchen bin. Experienced parents will tell you that nappies can sometimes smell stronger than all your kitchen waste combined!
6. Sleep supplies
As mentioned earlier, babies sleep a lot during their first months and even beyond that, sleep remains a big part of their day. Creating a healthy sleeping environment is crucial. Start with a molton fitted sheet, which is slightly thicker and excellent at absorbing moisture, ensuring your baby stays comfortable throughout the night.
Safety is also a top priority. Consider using a co-sleeper, cradle, or cot to provide a secure sleep setup. Additionally, choose a sleeping bag over a sleeping blanket, as blankets can accidentally cover your baby’s nose, posing a risk of breathing difficulties. A sleeping bag ensures your little one stays warm and safe all night long.
7. Belly pillow
When your baby is awake, tummy time is an important activity. For very young babies, tummy time can start during routine moments like diaper changes. As your baby grows and begins exploring the world from a prone position, a tummy time pillow can be a great aid. It supports your little one’s neck muscles, promotes motor development, and provides added comfort during playtime.
8. Sling
Carrying your baby on your chest or back is as cozy and comforting as it sounds. A baby carrier or sling lets you keep your little one close while keeping your hands free for other tasks. It’s also a wonderful way to soothe a fussy baby or gently lull them to sleep, providing both warmth and security.
Does your baby cry often after feeding? This could be a sign of reflux. In such cases, a sling can be incredibly helpful. By keeping your baby upright, it allows their milk to settle gradually, reducing discomfort and making them feel more at ease.
9. Warm clothes
Romper suits, also known as bodysuits, are the cornerstone of your baby’s wardrobe. Your baby will almost always need them as a base layer. The season and temperature will determine whether to opt for long-sleeved or short-sleeved bodysuits, so choose accordingly.
A cotton hat is essential for keeping your baby’s head warm, even indoors on occasion. It’s a good idea to have at least two cotton hats as part of your essentials.
Don’t forget about your baby’s feet, which can get cold quickly. Stock up on plenty of socks to keep them cozy. However, keep in mind that babies grow quickly and often have sudden growth spurts. To avoid buying too many in one size, stick to about four pairs per size.
Consider non-slip socks for your baby's first steps. This adventurous phase can be tricky enough!
10. Baby bath and bath thermometer
Bathing your baby requires more than just filling a tub. It starts with a sturdy, practical baby bath that is strong enough to prevent tipping and designed to save your back. Equally essential is a bath thermometer, ensuring the water is always at the right temperature. Both are crucial for safe and comfortable baby baths.
Use soft hydrophilic washcloths to wash your baby and tetra cloths to dry them after the bath. The tetra cloths are also great for protecting your furniture from splashes.
As a new parent, want to avoid surprises? Plan ahead for what your baby will need after the busy first few months. This way, you can avoid last-minute trips to the store when your time is limited.
Interesting nice-to-haves
Some things are so convenient that they truly make your life as a parent easier. These are the items that can turn the difference between feeling overwhelmed and enjoying your time with your baby. Here are a few examples:
Inflatable Seat
Babies go through a phase when they can’t sit up properly, and they often topple over in frustration. But there's nothing more fun for them than sitting upright! Thankfully, inventive solutions exist.
The inflatable seat is a great example. It’s easy to inflate, deflate, and roll up, allowing you to let your baby enjoy sitting wherever you go. It’s also a practical solution when a high chair isn’t available. Plus, the removable and washable cover ensures you can keep it clean at all times.
Play arch
Few things make parenting as hands-free as a play arch or baby gym. It provides everything your little one needs to stay entertained. Whether lying on their stomach, back, or side, they’ll enjoy exploring the toys hanging from the arch. A great bonus is that it helps develop strong motor and sensory skills as they reach for, grab, or gaze at the toys.
Water play mat
A tummy time water mat for your baby might seem like a luxury, but it's one that brings a lot of joy for both you and your little one. This stimulating toy is perfect for tummy time, helping to engage your baby as they reach and grasp. It also supports the development of motor skills, strengthening muscles from the arms to the neck and back.
6 tips for assembling a fully equipped nursery
When putting together a fully equipped nursery, future parents often feel overwhelmed by all the options. To help make your search more manageable and successful, here are a few tips:
1. Start early
Begin as early as possible, ideally at the start of your pregnancy. This will prevent stress and give you more time to enjoy the rest of your pregnancy. If you’re already further along, make it a priority to avoid rushing for essentials after the baby arrives.
2. Ask for advice
Seek guidance from experts, such as the shopkeeper where you are purchasing your items. Do not forget to consult experienced parents, whether friends, family, or online communities. They can offer valuable insights based on what really works.
3. Explore and compare
Visit several stores to get a better sense of the options available. Comparing similar products in person will help you make informed decisions and find the best deals.
4. Work with a list
Stay organized by making a list of all the items you need. Even better, use an interactive baby registry or checklist. This way, you can easily track your purchases and see what is still needed.
5. Dare to buy secondhand
Assembling a complete nursery can quickly become expensive, even when buying secondhand. However, many baby items are built to last for generations. Durable products like baby toys and bouncers are perfect examples. If you want to keep costs manageable, buying secondhand is a smart and sustainable choice.
6. Choose what you love
Many baby essentials will stay with you for years, with some becoming part of your home’s interior for a long time. Select the most important pieces thoughtfully and choose ones that truly suit your style and preferences.
So, those were our tips for assembling your baby essentials. All that’s left is to wish you the very best as you embark on this wonderful new chapter. Good luck and enjoy every moment!
