What do I need for a new baby?

Although the commercial adverts and peer pressure would make you believe you HAVE to have a jumper, a baby pouch. A swinging crib and hundreds of clothes. That is not necessary. Firstly and foremost a baby needs warmth, food and love. I have had four children. And I have taken years to realise that we buy way too much crap for our babies.

So here is a small list of things you will definitely need in my opinion. The rest is up to you.

Clothing.

7 newborn baby vests in white. The plain ones are the cheapest. And who is going to see them under the clothes?

7 Sleep suits. Again if you get plain white they are cheaper and look lovely. But even plain pink or blue is reasonably priced.

7 Cardigans. Babies feel the cold more than we do. And cardigans keep them lovely and warm.

A snowsuit or coat. Depending on your weather.

Baby Scratch mitts. These can be bought in packs of two. They are very cheap and do stop babies dragging their nails all over their little faces. They really make a mess when they do this. Not all babies do, but my youngest did. A tip here is if the baby can get the scratch mitts off, put baby socks on their hands. They look funny but work.

It is always a good idea to buy a pack of diapers/Nappies. You don’ want to buy too many because you do not know if your baby will be a small baby or a big 10 lb plus baby. But you still need something.

Now here is where people get dazzled and dazed and thrown all sorts of products. Every company in the world wants your money in this department.

You do not need a lot of products at first. Babies tend to have sensitive skin and you could buy baby oil, baby bath and find the child reacts to it all.

Here all you need is

Cotton balls for wiping baby’s bum and for bath times.

Baby soap. You don’t even really need this but it is cheap and very basic and mild. It does help to get stubborn pieces of excrement that have stuck to the skin.

A baby bowl. This can be a special segregated bowl. Or a bowl you keep for the baby’s wash time only.

Bedding

I would recommend you get at least 3 cot sheets. Or cot bed sheets depending on which you choose to buy for your baby to sleep in.

If you buy three, you can have one on the bed, one in the wash and one ready for a change quick.

Some people, in fact a lot of people buy Moses baskets or cribs. They are not a necessity but are a great help. Don’t spend a fortune on them though. People are warned not to get second hand mattresses. But you can buy a second hand Moses basket and buy a new foam mattress cheaper than a whole new basket. But if you do buy one, you will need blankets, flat sheets for these also.

You will need approximately 5 or 6 cellular or crocheted blankets. These are safe as they have holes in the baby can breathe through. Maybe a nice relative can make some rather than you buying?

Feeding equipment

A steriliser for one is a good idea. But I am breast feeding I hear you state!! There is nothing worse than being unprepared with a baby and mother who can not get along with breastfeeding but panic because they have no bottles, steriliser or any formula.

Even if you have decided to breastfeed, buy one tub of formula, six bottles and a steriliser. Because they will be used at some point.

Something to sleep in.

This can be a cot which will keep the baby in for at least 18 months. They are nice and small and fit in tinier spaces.

A better bet is a cot bed. This is a cot that can turn into a bed when the baby gets too old for a cot. It saves you buying twice. But some people find they are too big and need to have the smaller option for the time being.

You can purchase a Moses basket as stated above. I could not live with out one but if money is short then you may need to go with out this and maybe borrow rather than buy. Babies out grow Moses baskets by around three months old.

A Car seat and Pram.

I have placed these two together. Because you can buy these as a travel system. They do not have to be expensive. There is some thing in every one’s price range. Make sure you go and test drive a few in the store. Think I am crazy? But what if you are too tall, too short, don’t like swivel wheels or find some way too big to fit in your vehicle?

And that is every thing. Anything else is a want not a need and will just make life a bit easier, or a bit more cluttered. Go eat your heart out. But they are expensive little people, babies. Maybe save some cash for when they are old enough to appreciate it.

Then the rest is just you and your partner waiting…and waiting…and waiting some more for your long awaited little person to come and spend more of your money. And you will love every minute of it too!!