When pregnant with my two I sat down with the baby books and checklists to work out what I need to buy, borrow and make for having a newborn baby. They were endless and what one said the other contradicted. I asked friends and family and we came to a list that really wasn't that much for the first month and I hoped that I would be back on my feet by the time it came to the 2nd month and be able to do more and get out. So eventually I'm getting around to updating it and sharing it with you so here's our list of newborn baby things that you really need.
What Things Do I Need For a Newborn Baby
We've tried to make this as simple as possible starting with what we consider the most important.
Your hospital may have requirements like you must carry your baby out in a rear-facing baby car seat or that you will need to bring your own baby essentials.
However, when you return home there are only really a few things to get for a newborn baby. As my babies stayed close to me for the first month we didn't need baby gear like a baby monitor and could spend time researching one that would be best for us.
A Safe Place to Sleep
Something you will find out quickly is that one of the most important things a baby needs in their first month is a safe place to sleep.
Whether you purchase or borrow a Moses basket, cot, or crib, it's down to you what is important is that it allows them to lie flat.
We had a cot that turned into a cot bed for when they moved on later and also a travel cot which had a bassinet at the top so I could have my babies near me and after my c-sections not have to bend over and down too much to pick them up.
Check out our lullabies to sing your baby to sleep. These are great for helping your baby know when bedtime is as you can use them as a rhythm for your day.
Feeding Pillow e.g. Boppy Pillow or Body Pillow
However you choose to feed your baby, a feeding pillow really helps in those first few weeks.
This pillow raises the baby up to be closer to you, so they don’t have to only rest on your lap.
It’ll save your back if you’re nursing and your arm if you’re bottle-feeding.
I had a body pillow for when I was pregnant and used that as it was dual purpose. It then was later used to support tummy time activities as well as sitting up unaided.
Clothes for the Baby
There is a huge temptation to buy outfits and baby clothes but in reality, you don't need much.
Although changing into daytime clothes can help establish a rhythm to their day and adjust to life outside the womb. In this first month, all you really need are long-sleeved sleepsuits that are comfortable and easy to change. Babies find it difficult to regulate their temperature so layers are more important that really warm clothes.
Combined with a swaddle blanket we were sorted for night time or day.
We also learnt the hard way that birth weight and size predictions meant that clothes we had bought were either never worn or were unsuitable for the time of the year by the time they grew into them!
Nappies & Baby Wipes
This is an obvious need when you’re a new mum.
Nappies and wipes are something you will need a lot of and can easily be considered essential. And it is a good idea to ask for these from friends and family.
That's exactly what we did we asked for gifts of Cloth Nappies and reusable wipes although we also had a supply of disposable when needed.
Baby Washing Supplies For Bath Time
Your baby will need to be bathed, although having a baby bath can help in reality a bowl works just as well for these first few weeks.
It's also important that in the early stage you only use water, so wash clothes a small bowl, somewhere to contain the baby and water is all you actually need.
Newborn Baby Articles for You
If you are reading this and have a toddler and a newborn then my sanity saver was the Nursing Box. Both my husband and I used it every time we fed T to keep J happy and entertained.
My midwife told me that one of the most important things I had to do in those first few weeks was cuddle, feed and care for my baby but also to look after myself as well. Self-care is so important and it is possible to do with a newborn check out our tips for creating time for self-care with a newborn baby.
Activities to do with your Newborn Baby
Yes, you can really do activities with your newborn and they are great to connect together. Check out these ideas below.
Changing time can be stressful for a newborn but it provides a time for you to interact with them and soothe them. Check out our simple Changing Mat Song and Stretch activity to do with your newborn and as they grow.
Your baby is never too young to sit and read with you. Board books are the way to go for the first year and at the start, black and white board books are the best. Check out our list of The Best Black and White Board Books for Babies.
Nursery Rhymes are another way alongside books that you can help your baby to develop language skills and they can start as soon as they are born. For a quick refresher, we have the complete words to Classic Baby Nursery Rhymes and Songs for you to sing.
Cerys Parker
Cerys is a marine biologist, environmental educator, high school teacher and mum. Realising that life doesn't have to be put on hold and you don't just have to survive whilst the kids are young she shares ideas to inspire you to LIVE with the kids, with activities to do together, recipes to cook and enjoy and family travel to make memories to last a lifetime.
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