Infant car seat to baby wipes, to nail clippers, to furniture and beyond; there are so many baby essentials you need to buy as you prepare for baby's arrival.
You probably already knew that babies come with a lot of stuff, long before you found out you're becoming a father. But it's not until you have to start thinking about buying it all that you realise just how many baby items there are.
We've put together this guide to bring you all the baby essentials you need to think about and make sure you've purchased before baby arrives.
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The newborn baby essentials
'Surely a tiny baby doesn't need THAT much stuff, right?' Unfortunately they do.
This newborn checklist comprises all of the newborn must-haves, including all the baby equipment you'll need in the first few weeks, as well as some of the nice-to-haves for both you and your partner.
Baby sleep essentials
Arguably the most important baby essential is somewhere for them to sleep. These items will help to deliver a peaceful, sleeping baby.
1. Moses basket
Your baby will sleep in the same room as you in a moses basket for at least the first 3-4 months. Check out our in-depth guide on moses baskets here.
2. Moses basket mattress
If you're buying a second hand moses basket, you'll need to buy a brand new mattress because research shows a link because using second hand mattresses and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
3. Bed sheets
You'll definitely need some bed sheets for the moses basket. They should be elasticated to ensure the sheet is pulled tight to the mattress.
4. Shawls and blankets
This is depend somewhat on what time of year your baby is born. If it's the middle of a hot summer, a thinner blanket will be better. If it's winter and your house is quite cold, go for a thicker one. But always be sure to monitor your baby's temperature - you don't want them overheating or being too cold.
5. Baby monitor
Many parents are opting for a smart or video baby monitor in the modern tech age. A video one obviously let's you keep an eye on your baby via your phone, while smart ones can do everything from recognise if baby has stopped breathing to measuring their temperature, the quality of their sleep and their oxygen levels.
6. Swaddle blankets
Swaddle blankets are designed to keep your baby wrapped up tightly to mimic the feeling of being in the womb. The idea is that it returns them to where they felt calm and comfortable and helps for a peaceful sleep.
7. Nightlight/ sound machine
Perhaps not essential, but they're common enough to be on the list. Nightlights and sound machine (sometimes you can get items that will do both) are often used to create a calming, soothing environment to encourage good sleep.
Nappy changing essentials
These are all the baby essentials you'll need for changing your baby's nappy (or diaper)
8. Nappies
Firstly you need to decide whether you're going to use the traditional disposable diapers or the more sustainable cloth diapers (aka reusable nappies). Cloth diapers are rising in popularity as society moves to a more sustainable way of living, but there are still plenty of people who hold concerns about washing and reusing nappies.
If you're going with disposable diapers, get a good stock of the 'first' or 'newborn' size. The last thing you want to do is have to dash to the supermarket late at night when you're exhausted just a few days in.
Check out our guide on reusable nappies here.
9. Baby wipes
Just like nappies/diapers, it's definitely a good idea to stock up on baby wipes. It's a good idea to get fragrance-free ones, and there are also more biodegradable options available now.
10. Diaper rash cream
Your baby will probably develop a diaper rash at some point. So some diaper rash cream is a good thing to have. You can also use it on any dry skin or eczema.
11. Diaper pail
Perhaps not an essential, but plenty of plenty much prefer a diaper pail to have their regular bins overflowing with used nappies.
Baby's room essentials
These are all the baby essentials you'll need for the nursery. Although you'll have your baby sleeping in the same room as you for a good few months, it's still a good idea to have all of these prepared before they're born.
12. Baby's crib
This is often one of the first big purchases couples will make, certainly for the nursery. You can buy second hand if you want to, just be sure to check it against safety and quality standards.
13. Baby crib mattress
Just like with moses basket mattresses, if you're buying a second hand crib, the crib mattress must be brand new to avoid an increased risk of SIDS.
14. Waterproof mattress pad
A waterproof mattress pad is a thin layer than sits on top of the mattress to protect it when your baby leaks through their nappy or is sick.
15. Changing table
Unless you want crippling back pain from hunching down on the floor to change your baby's nappy (or diaper if you're in the US), you're definitely going to want a changing table. The great thing is that they almost always double as storage for all the nappies and creams
16. Changing pad
No one wants to lie down on a cold, hard surface. A changing pad sits nicely on top of the changing table to offer a bit of padding and comfort for your baby.
17. Wardrobe
Babies need clothes and you need somewhere to store baby's clothes. Enough said, really.
18. Baby hangers
If you hadn't noticed, baby clothes are really quite small. Do yourself a favour and invest in some adjustable ones - you'll go through baby's clothes in what feels like no time at all. So having some hangars that will grow with them is certainly helpful.
19. Rocking chair
Image: Dunelm
This isn't essential, but if you've the space for a rocking chair it should be considered an essential. Whether it's somewhere comfortable for mum to breastfeed or to help you rock your baby off to sleep, a rocking chair is a brilliant addition to the nursery.
20. Storage boxes
Unless you want baby stuff everywhere, storage boxes are a must have. Maybe not a baby essential, but definitely an essential for your sanity.
Newborn baby essentials for the bathroom
These are all the baby essentials you need for washing and grooming your newborn.
21. Baby bathtub
Baby bathtubs are essential mini bathtubs that sit in the tub itself. The smaller size means they're safer to use with babies - but they're also portable so you could use them in different places if you want.
If you don't want to get a whole separate baby bathtub, you can also get a bath seat which allows your baby to sit in a reclined position in the bath itself.
22. Hooded towels
Hooded towels are a great way to keep baby nice and warm after a bath or a swim.
23. Body wash/shampoo
Plenty of experts will recommend simply using water, however there's no problem using a body wash or shampoo as long as it's mild and fragrance-free.
24. Body lotion
The same goes for body lotion after the wash. You can use it to ensure that baby skin stays nice and moisturised, but be sure that's it's a mild one.
25. Bath thermometer
The water should be lukewarm. And you could use your elbow to check the temperature, or you could use a thermometer for extra accuracy.
26. Comb/brush
Using a soft brush to gently comb baby's head is a great way to encouraging healthy hair growth, but is also super relaxing for them. It's also important to have one on hand if your baby develops cradle cap.
27. Baby nail clippers
Newborn's nails are surprisingly sharp and can cause some damage to baby's delicate skin quite easily.
You can usually get some of these baby items in a small pack - things like nail clippers, brush or comb, thermometer, booger sucker (no really, that's a thing).
Feeding baby essentials
There's actually a lot of crossover between breastfeeding essentials and formula feeding essentials, especially if your partner decides to pump her milk at all.
Let's focus on the breastfeeding baby essentials first...
28. Nursing bras
This is definitely something your partner will want to focus on, given she'll want to pick out her favourite style and colour. But it doesn't hurt to have it on your list.
29. Breast pads
A reality of breastfeeding is that your partner will probably leak breast milk, which can seep through to their clothing and leave many women feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed. Breast pads sit inside the bra to absorb any leakages.
30. Nipple cream
Breastfeeding can really hurt a woman's nipples, leaving them incredibly sore. Nipple cream is used to soothe and heal any soreness.
31. Breast pump
Image: Ajay Suresh
Breast pumps are used to, well, pump milk from a woman's breasts so that their baby can be fed using by a bottle. They might need to pump because they're producing more milk than baby is consuming, or as a couple you might wish for you to be involved in feeding to help with bonding or to give your partner a break. You can manual ones which are cheaper, or electric ones that often cost a lot more but are so much easier.
32. Milk bags
If your partner does pump, milk bags are definitely a baby essential. They're used to store your partner's breast milk in the fridge until you're ready to use it. Sure, you could just store it in a bottle, but they take up a lot more room.
33. Nursing pillow
Image: Mothering Touch
A nursing pillow is designed to make is more comfortable for mum and baby when feeding. It helps to take some of the weight and strain of mum's arm while she's cradling baby to her breast. It's maybe not essential, but dare I suggest that adding it to your list and explaining that you see your partner's comfort as essential when breastfeeding might just earn some brownie points.
Plus you can use it too when you help out with some bottle feeds!
And now the baby essentials that work for breastfeeding and formula feeding.
34. Baby bottles
Bottles are definitely a baby essential whether your baby is going to be breastfed or formula fed. Most comes in packs of at least six, and some will offer various sizes to allow for your baby's growth.
35. Bottle warmer
You can do it the old fashioned way, but you can also get yourself a bottle warmer which will automatically get the milk to the correct temperature.
36. Bottle steriliser
Some baby essentials are important for convenience, others are important for health and safety. A steriliser is definitely one for health. It's incredibly important that you sterilise your bottles before using them to feed your baby.
37. Steriliser tablets
Sterilisers need sterilising tablets to work. You're likely to use a lot of them, so it's a good idea to stock up beforehand.
38. Burp cloths
Any parent will list burp cloths (or muslin squares) as one of their most vital baby items. Thin cloths that you can use to mop up any baby sick or small spillages, maybe a runny nose or two.
Baby clothing essentials
Baby clothing is usually some of the most fun you can have shopping for baby essentials. Here are some of the items you need to get before the birth. Remember, in the first few months you're going to be changing them all the time so parents generally recommend getting anything between 5-10 of each of these items.
39. Vests
Sometimes called 'bodysuits', these generally don't cover the legs at all and act as a base layer. They usually have envelope necks and poppers under the bum to make it easier to change.
40. Sleepsuits
Image: Tu Clothing
Also known as onesies, these cover baby from the neck down with poppers running from the collar down to the ankles. Some will have 'socks' and retractable mitts already part of the item while others will be cuffed.
41. Scratch mitts
As we've already discussed, babies' nails can do some damage. Scratch mitts are always one of the 'baby must haves', even if your sleepsuits have them built in.
42. Hats
This might not be such an essential during a hot summer, but they're soft cotton hats are usually a good idea to keep baby's head nice and warm.
43. Baby socks
Any parent will tell you how infuriating baby socks are. No matter how big they are, no matter how far you pull them up, your baby will find a way to kick them off. That being said, you don't want baby's toes getting cold. So they're still an essential.
44. Winter clothing
If you're having a winter baby, they'll need some warm winter clothing ready to go before they're born.
45. Coming home outfit
For some parents, choosing a 'coming home' outfit is a big deal. It's the outfit you'll use when you bring baby home from the hospital or birthing centre. After all, you want your baby looking their best when they leave hospital!
Travel essentials for newborn babies
Whether it's a walk around the park or a car journey to the shops, you are going to need to travel with your baby. Here's everything you'll need...
46. Stroller
Probably one of the first 'big' purchases expectant parents will look at, the stroller is definitely near the top of the newborn baby essential list.
Check out our guide on the different types of stroller, and what to look out for.
47. Car seat
If you have a car, a car seat is definitely one of the most important baby essentials. There are different legal requirements based on baby's weight, so make sure to check out our guide and list of the best baby car seats.
48. Backseat mirror
Okay, maybe not an essential, but a backseat mirror is VERY useful. Because your baby will be sitting in a rear-facing car seat, it's difficult to see them (especially if you're driving and need to concentrate on the road). A backseat mirror attaches to the headset and is angle so that you can keep an eye on baby via your rearview mirror.
49. Baby carrier
A baby carrier has definitely become one of the more important baby essentials (maybe more for mum and dad, rather than baby).
Check out our guide and list of the top baby carriers for dads.
50. Diaper bag
You can definitely count diaper bags among the baby essentials. You need somewhere to hold your selection of diapers, creams, wipes, burp cloths and anything else you can think of.
Check out our pick of the 10 best changing bags for dads.
51. Travel cot
If you're planning on going anywhere overnight with your baby, you'll need a travel cot. It's a lighter, portable version that folds up nicely allowing you to take it with you on your travels.
52. Travel mattress and bedding
Most travel cots will come with a mattress but be sure to check. And because travel cot mattresses are usually quite thin, the bed sheets you have for the crib mattress at home rarely fit.
Baby gear essentials
There are some things that essential for baby's enjoyment.
53. Baby toys
Toys are a vital part of fun and development for a baby of any age. Baby rattles are a great choice for a first toy.
54. Baby rocking chair or glider
Image: Mamas & Papas
To be honest, these are called various different things. They're essentially a reclined chair that has a frame flexible enough to offer some 'bounce'. If you have the space and budget, there are motorised ones that will gently rock or swing your baby back and forth to help them off to sleep.
55. Baby books
Reading to your baby is amazing for their development, but also a great bonding opportunity.
Safety essentials for a newborn baby
And finally, there are some baby essentials focused on keeping your child safe and well.
56. First aid kit
It's important to have a first kid in the house for any accidents or mishaps. You can buy ones designed specifically to dealing with babies.
57. Thermometer
This may be something that comes with a first aid kit, and often comes with the kits that contain things like nail clippers, nail scissors, comb or brush.
Monitoring your baby's temperature is an important part of assessing their health, so a thermometer is a vital item you need.
58. Infant paracetamol
Infant paracetamol can be given to babies over the age of two months, and it often needed after things like vaccinations.
