Shopping for baby checklist: Everything you ACTUALLY need
Prepare for the arrival of your newborn with the ultimate baby buys guide...
Getting your home ready for your baby can be one of the most exciting and enjoyable events of your pregnancy.
But how do you go about preparing for the arrival of a newborn?
By thinking ahead, you can carefully plan your baby’s room and buy well-designed nursery items that will help you create a safe and welcoming environment for your baby.
Baby buys checklist
The following list features items you’ll find useful in the first year. Use it as a guide, as you may not want everything on it. Stick to your budget and don’t be afraid to buy some items (such as a stroller) second-hand, as long as they are in good condition.
Newborn necessities
In the first few weeks, your baby will need the following basics:
• six singlets. Target has a great range of inexpensive singlets from sleeveless to short- and long-sleeved.
• six onesies (summer or winter weight, depending on the season).
• six pairs of socks
• four cardigans
• one sunhat or beanie (depending on the season)
• two knit wraps/blankets
• several muslin wraps
When buying for baby, stick to your budget and shop around. Babybee Rover 3 has a bassinet so doubles as a first pram too.
Family first aid kit
As your family grows you’ll find yourself needing more than an occasional paracetamol. Having a well-stocked first-aid kit on hand means you’ll be prepared for any situation that may arise.
Must haves for your family first aid cupboard
• Emergency contact numbers (GP, nearest hospital, 24-hour medical services)
• Guide to administering first aid – try A Life. A Finger. A Pea Up The Nose (CPR KIDs essential First Aid Guide for Babies and Children) by Sarah Hunstead.
• Book on childhood illnesses
• Thermometer
• Antiseptic lotion or cream such as Sudocrem, which is good for nappy rash, eczema and soothing sore skin.
• Band-Aids
• Sunscreen and lip protection
• Children’s insect repellent
Optional first aid
• Ice pack
• Soothing lotion for insect bites and stings
• Baby paracetamol (on doctor’s advice only)
• Antifungal cream
• Antihistamine
Clothes for your newborn
Sure, it can be loads of fun dressing up bub as your adorable mini-me, but you’ll need to cover the baby basics as well. Here’s what you’ll need.
Must-haves for your baby’s first wardrobe
• Six singlets
• Six jumpsuits (summer or winter style)
• Six pairs of socks/bootees
• One sunhat
• Two beanies
• Four cardigans
• Two pairs of scratch mittens
Baby bathtime essentials
Bathing is a great opportunity for mums and dads to bond with their baby. Have everything you need within reach before you start.
Baby’s bathtime must-haves
• Baby bath
• Non-slip bath mat
• Baby wash and shampoo
• Cotton-wool balls or pads
• Four face washers
• Two soft towels
• Clean nappy
• Nappy-rash cream
• Moisturing cream
• Nail scissors
Options for bathtime
• Bath stand
• Bath thermometer
• Bath toys
• Baby hairbrush
• Massage oil (vegetable based)
Breastfeeding your baby
When you’re breastfeeding, make it a special time for you and your little one with these handy items.
Breastfeeding essentials
• Breast pads, to absorb leakages
• Maternity bra
• Nursing top, for discreet feeding
• Nursing pillow, to keep you and Bub comfortable
• Breast pump
• Nipple balm, to sooth sore and cracked nipples. Try Lansinoh Organic Nipple Balm, which can be safely used while feeding your bub with no need to wash it off.
Baby’s nursery
Decorating your baby’s room is a great opportunity to indulge your inner interior designer – but what items will you actually need?
Nursery essentials
• Cot (make sure it meets Australian Safety Standards)
• Firm, clean mattress in good condition
• Two waterproof mattress protectors
• Two sheet sets
• Chest of drawers
• Muslin wraps
• Two safe swaddles, such as Love to Dream’s Swaddle Up, which allows baby to bring their hands to their mouth and self-soothe, or sleeping bags (Red Nose guidelines recommend these as alternatives to blankets)
The Gaia Baby Hera Cot Bed is certified to the highest global safety standards.
Additional products for Baby’s room
• Bassinet
• Shelves
• Change table and mat
• Comfortable feeding chair
• Small table (next to feeding chair for tissues, snacks, etc)
• Baby monitor
• Night light
• Breastfeeding pillow
• Room thermometer
• Portable baby rocker/seat
A swaddle is a Red Nose Day recommended way for babies to sleep safely, and this Love to Dream one allows Bub to move their arms.
Out and about with your baby
Leaving the house with bub may seem daunting in the early days, so before you venture out, check this list first.
Baby travel essentials
• child car restraint
• pram/stroller such as the Babybee Rover, which comes with a bassinet and is sturdy yet lightweight, or baby sling/carrier
• rain or shade pram cover
What to pack in your nappy bag for a day out
• four nappies (minimum)
• baby wipes and soft tissues
• plastic bags for soiled nappies and clothing
• small bottle of hand sanitiser
• change of clothes for bub
• muslin wraps
• two bibs
• baby sunscreen
Options to pack for a day out
• travel cot, like the AeroMoov Travel Cot which can be set up and folded away in seconds
• disposable change mat
• car-window shade
• portable high chair
• pram blanket
• snack
• toys
