That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive shopping list for new parents, with some great products and suggestions to help you get ready for your little one’s arrival.
Ultimate Newborn Shopping List: Baby carrier
As a newborn, your baby will have spent the majority of their time curled up inside your womb, feeling a strong connection to you. One way to provide this comfort and connection is by using a baby carrier.
A baby carrier allows you to carry your little one close to your body, freeing up your hands for other tasks. It can be used both at home and out and about for walks.
Many baby carriers can be used from infancy with the help of an infant insert and can continue to be used as the baby grows and becomes a toddler like MiaMily hip seat. This carrier is specifically designed to support the hip health of babies and children, as well as providing back support for the parent.
Baby Bouncer
As a new parent, there will be times when you need to put your baby down, such as when you’re cooking or eating. A baby bouncer seat is a great option for keeping your newborn safe and secure during these moments. Most bouncers allow babies to either lay flat or sit upright and are lightweight enough to move around the house. While your baby may not initially enjoy being placed in the bouncer, they will eventually grow accustomed to it and enjoy being able to bounce and look around from an upright position.
Muslins Squares
Muslin squares, bibs, and blankets are essential items for any newborn parent. These versatile cloths are made of soft, lightweight cotton and have countless uses. They’re great for catching spills and dribbles, protecting your clothes during feeding and burping time, and can even be used as a light layer for summer or as a blanket in the park.
Muslin squares are available in packs of various sizes and can be found in most baby stores. Larger muslin blankets are also useful for covering your baby when out and about, and can even be used as a breastfeeding cover.
Ultimate Newborn Shopping List: Bottles-Making System
If you plan to formula feed or pump and bottle feed your breast milk, a bottle system is an essential item to have on hand.
Most bottle systems also include sterilizers and bottle warmers, which are essential for cleaning bottles and quickly warming up bottled milk (both formula and breastmilk) – especially during the night when you need it most.
For those planning to formula feed, these handy devices can prepare bottles with the correct temperature and water-to-formula ratio within two minutes.
Swaddles
Newborn babies are used to feeling secure in the womb, where they are curled up and surrounded by the warmth and comfort of their mother. Swaddling can help to mimic this feeling of security and can be a great way to soothe a young baby, especially during sleep.
Swaddling can also prevent babies from waking themselves up with the Moro reflex, an instinctive startle response that all humans are born with.
You can buy swaddle blankets with stitched-in sections and velcro fastenings, which make it easier to wrap your baby up, or you can use a large, breathable piece of fabric such as a muslin.
Ultimate Newborn Shopping List: Baby monitor
Many baby monitors come with screens and cameras, allowing you to check on your baby without disturbing them.
Some monitors even have options like playing lullabies or allowing you to speak to your baby through the monitor.
Baby monitors are particularly helpful when your baby needs to nap in a quiet room during the day, or when they are an older baby and are sleeping in their own bedroom.
The Owlet baby monitor offers a range of monitors and products to keep your baby safe.
Nappy Bin
Changing nappies is not a particularly glamorous task so, to make the process as quick and odourless as possible, consider using a nappy bin. These bins can help to trap odours and seal in soiled nappies, making it easier and less messy to dispose of them.
If you use disposable nappies, a nappy bin is especially useful if you don’t have immediate access to a garbage bin. Many nappy bins have features like an open-to-seal design and the ability to compress nappies in the bin bag, helping to keep odours and mess to a minimum.
Ultimate Newborn Shopping List: Feeding pillow
Regardless of how you choose to feed your baby, their around-the-clock feeding schedule is tiring for any new parent.
Buying a feeding pillow can save aches and pains in your arms and back as you hold your newborn when feeding them.
Feeding pillows can be used from the newborn stage up to 1 year old or whenever you choose to stop breastfeeding or cradle-feeding your baby.
Ultimate Newborn Shopping List: Baby First aid kit
As a new parent, it’s important to be prepared for any situation that may arise. A baby first aid kit is a useful tool to have on hand, even for a newborn.
While it’s unlikely that your baby will need a plaster in the early months, they will need their nails trimmed.
Newborn baby nails can be surprisingly sharp, and a baby-sized nail clipper, tweezers, and antiseptic wipes can all be very helpful during the first few months. A baby thermometer is also essential, as babies and young children are prone to high temperatures as they build their immune systems.
White Noise Machine
A white noise machine can be a helpful tool for getting a newborn or young baby to sleep. Newborns and young babies can be easily disturbed by outside noises or changes in the environment, and a white noise machine can help to drown out any unwanted sounds.
Many white noise machines also have settings that mimic the sound of a mother’s heartbeat in the womb, helping to soothe your baby.
Using a white noise machine can also allow you to move about your home without disturbing your baby’s sleep. The Dream Egg white noise machine is a brilliant product with multiple sound settings and night light.
Congratulations on your upcoming arrival!
This list of essential items should give you a good foundation for your newborn baby shopping, and we hope it helps to take some of the stress out of the process. Remember that everyone learns on the job when it comes to raising their first child, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Wishing you all the best as you embark on this exciting journey!
