Expecting a baby is a time filled with pleasant chores and some worries, among which there is always a place for shopping to choose everything that is needed. Even if you prefer online shopping, it’s better to make a list of what you need for a newborn. The birth of a child is a very important event in the life of parents. More and more questions arise when waiting for the birth of a child such as what are the first necessary things to buy? Where to buy all the necessary things for a newborn? In what quantity? Let’s have a look at some top newborn essentials…

Photo, Sidekix Media.

Nursery

Here’s what you’ll need for the nursery room:

The list of things for a newborn is headed by a crib. A baby will need it for safe sleep because it will spend at least 16 hours a day in the crib. Depending on the model you choose, the crib can last you a long time because many cribs transform into a toddler bed, and some even into a full-fledged baby bed.

You will need a firm mattress that is the perfect size for your crib.

A baby cradle is not a mandatory item, since the cradle will not be needed for a baby for a long sleep, only for naps. However, the absolute plus of the cradle is its compactness because it will fit even in a small bedroom, and if necessary, it can be easily moved from room to room.

You’ll often enter the nursery at night and in order not to turn on the bright light, you will need a nightlight. Besides, when a baby grows up, a night light will also come in handy. You can also leave it on overnight, and a baby may be more relaxed when it periodically wakes up in the middle of the night.

Your paediatrician may recommend installing a humidifier in the child’s room if the air is too dry. It might not be at the top of everyone’s newborn essentials, but a baby will be more comfortable in a room with the right humidity, especially with colds and coughs.

Photo, Timothy Meinberg.

Feeding

Small towels or a special burp cloth will protect your clothes if an infant spits up milk or formula after eating. You can also take a regular diaper, but it will be more convenient to use something smaller.

For additional comfort, a U-shaped feeding pillow can come to the rescue. By placing a baby on the pillow during feedings, you take the extra stress off your arms.

A bib protects baby clothing from milk, formula, and saliva.

Even if you plan to exclusively breastfeed, a couple of bottles will come in handy. The bottles are glass and plastic. In plastic ones, there is a special valve that reduces the amount of air swallowed by a baby. When choosing a bottle, pay attention to the size and shape of the nipple. You may need to give a baby a few nipples to try until you find one he likes.

If breastfeeding is not possible for some reason, baby formula is what you need to take care of in advance.

With a bottle warmer, you can be sure that your expressed milk or formula will be at the right temperature.

With a bottle brush, you can thoroughly wash the bottles from the inside.

A bottle steriliser is handy for cleaning bottles and nipples, but it can also be washed by hand or in the dishwasher. Some sterilisers are combined with a bottle warmer.

The above is only a basic list, each family can either reduce or expand it, based on their lifestyle, needs, and budget. Those considering family planning may find a DNA test for potential parents useful in understanding genetic health and ensuring the best outcomes for their future child. Even feeding or sleeping habits can be affected by genetics, so being prepared with the right knowledge can make all the difference.

Photo, Khoa Pham.

Diaper Changing

One of the most important things on this list of newborn essentials: you’ll need a comfortable and safe place to change diapers. Usually, a changing table has shelves or drawers where it is convenient to store diapers, wet wipes, and clean clothes. Thus, everything you need will be at your fingertips and you will not have to be distracted.

To keep a baby comfortable and the table itself clean, you will need a soft mattress. Some mattresses can be cleaned with a cloth, while others come with a removable cover that can be washed in a washing machine.

Babies get diaper rash from time to time. Ask a paediatrician what cream or ointment it is recommended to apply to a baby’s skin around the diaper area.

You will need to throw away dirty and wet diapers somewhere. The convenience of baskets for dirty diapers is that they do not allow an unpleasant odour to spread.

Baby Clothes

Buying tiny little things is very nice. Keep in mind that babies grow quickly and clothing can soon become too small for a baby. Therefore, it is better to buy clothes in a size larger and it’s okay if they sit loose at first. Here are the necessary things for the wardrobe children:

Many babies during the first weeks of life calm down better and sleep swaddled. You can use swaddling envelopes which are much more convenient.

Babies sleep most of the time and you will need sleepwear, pyjamas for baby sleeping bags. Whatever style you choose, a baby’s legs should not be bare. A convenient solution is a sleeping bag.

Most bodysuits and rompers have button closures, making it easy to change a diaper without undressing your baby completely.

Photo, Nathan Dumlao.

Bathing

Here’s a list of newborn essentials for bathing during the first months:

Until the navel heals, you will wipe a baby with a damp towel or sponge, but later you will need a baby tub, bathing slide, or seat that you put in a regular bath.

Buy a mild soap suitable for newborn care.

Such simple devices as a ladle or watering can for bathing are needed to rinse the baby while bathing. Be careful not to get soapy water in your child’s eyes.

For bathing, of course, you will need a soft terry towel, preferably with a hood for the convenience of drying your hair.

Walks and Travel

The number of things you will need to take on a walk and or on a trip with a newborn baby can be a surprise. Therefore, here is the compiled list of everything you need:

A baby will need a speciality baby car seat starting with its first car ride home from the hospital and then for all other trips.

Many types of baby prams are suitable for a newborn such as regular prams, convertible prams, 3-in-1 prams, and more.

In the walking bag, you will collect all the things you and a child need on walks and travels.

These are just some of the most important newborn essentials you should buy before the delivery of your baby, but it pays to always be mindful of your lifestyle and what you may need to help your little one settle in their new life.