Getting your home ready for your baby’s arrival is a task that brings joy to many parents. Whether it includes painting their soon-to-be bedroom or putting together furniture, acquiring the newborn essentials is an important step in preparing for parenthood.
It may be surprising to know that newborns require few items to be cared for and as long as you are meeting their basic needs, to feed, change, and provide a safe place to sleep, you don’t need lots of gadgets and the latest baby must-haves. Yet, with the plethora of baby products on the market, it can be daunting to know what is truly essential. While numerous baby care items may seem enticing, many are unnecessary and end up unused.
This is why we have put together this essential list of the most important nursery items that are functional and practical to life with a baby. So if you are wondering where to get started with kitting out their room, read on.
Sleep: Cots, and bassinets
Newborn Essentials: Bassinets
If you are new to the world of babies, getting to know all the terminology can be tricky. What is the difference between a cot and a bassinet? Which one is best for my newborn?
A bassinet, also known as a Moses basket, is a small portable bed that is used within the first 6 months of your baby’s life. They are usually made of wicker and resemble a basket and are ideal for newborns as they are small and breathable. This allows you to keep them close to you at night and light enough to move their bed around the house during the day.
In your bassinet you will have a small firm mattress and usually bassinets include a stand to hold them off the ground. Some countries such as Finland have baby boxes that are similar in size and function. You will need fitted bassinet sheets for the mattress, however, no other bedding, such as pillows and duvets is required.
Bassinets are ideal for newborns as they are compact and don’t take up large spaces in your home. Your baby will likely outgrow their bassinet by the time they are 6 months which is when you move them into a cot bed.
Cots
Once your baby is 6 months your baby will have outgrown bassinets and will be ready for a larger bed. Cots are the next step up and are large, sturdy, and usually made from wood, with tall sides all around to prevent your baby from falling out.
Cot beds offer flexibility as you can modify the mattress height to suit your baby’s age. Additionally, some models are extendable, allowing for adjustments to accommodate your child’s growth. In certain designs, you can even remove the sides to transform the cot into a toddler bed as your child progresses, so they are a great and versatile bed that can last until your child is between 3 to 4 years old.
Inside your baby’s cot, you only need a mattress and fitted mattress sheets. Your baby does not require a pillow, although you can use a blanket with care. The Lullaby Trust advises that a safe cot is a clear cot and to avoid allowing your baby to sleep with pillows, duvets, soft toys, and cot-bumpers.
It is advised that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first 6 months, so space can be a big decider on whether you start with a bassinet first, as it can be tricky to fit a large cot into your bedroom.
Nappy Changing Area
It is a fact that you will be changing a lot of nappies in your new role as a parent, so you want to make sure you are prepared for the job.
A safe nappy changing area is essential for a newborn. You will need:
- A padded changing mat
- Nappy storage for clean nappies and wipes
- A nappy bin for dirty nappies
You can even turn the top of a dresser into a changing area with the addition of a strapped-down changing pad or you can purchase a foldable changing table if you are short on space.
Feeding Essentials
How you have chosen to feed your baby will determine what feeding essentials you need, however below are some essentials you’ll need for breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
Newborn Essentials: Breastfeeding
If you have chosen to breastfeed there are a few items that can help make the process more comfortable for you and your baby. These can include:
- Breast pads
- Breastfeeding pillow to support your baby
- Nursing bras
- Muslin cloths for spills
- Night light for nighttime feeds
Newborn Essentials: Bottle feeding
If you have chosen to bottle feed there are a few items you will need and others that can help to save time and valuable sleep. These include
- A good set of baby bottles with at least 6 bottles and 6 teats
- Formula
- Bottle brush and sterilising equipment
- Bottle prep machine
You can certainly care for your baby without the use of a bottle prep machine, however having a small machine that preps a bottle to the right temp can be a great help when you are sleep deprived.
Baby bathing
To make sure that bathing your baby is a fun and safe experience there are a few essentials you will need to bring joy to bathtime.
- A safe baby bath
- Soft baby towels
- Sensitive baby soap, shampoo, and conditioner. You can get all-in-one products to streamline bathtimes.
- Baby moisturiser for sensitive skin
Baby clothing basics
Babies are happiest when they are comfortable and warm and they don’t need to be making a fashion statement at zero months old. However, it can be tricky knowing what clothes they need. This is of course dependent on the climate in which you live, however, here are some basic items everyone with a baby will need.
- 8-12 Baby vest suits
- 4-8 Baby sleepsuits
- 4-8 t-shirts or tops
- 4-8 Leggings or trousers
- 4-7 Baby socks
- Baby hats
- 1-3 jumpers (for cold climates)
- 1 Baby pram suit or snowsuit (for cold climates)
- 1-2 Baby sun hats (for hot climates)
Newborn Essentials: Baby care essentials
Beyond feeding, changing, bathing, and getting your baby to sleep there are a few other items you will need to be ready for caring for your baby. These include:
- Baby nail clippers. Baby nails can get very sharp and they often scratch themselves
- Nappy rash cream. It’s a good idea to have one to hand in case you need it.
- A baby thermometer.
- A room thermometer, to ensure your baby’s room is at a safe temperature.
With the help of the above list, you will be set to welcome your newborn home and will be prepared for your new and exciting adventures into parenthood.