What to buy for your newborn baby - Start for Life (2024)

There are a huge number of baby products available, but you only need the essentials to start with.

Our emails include common pregnancy topics like this and much more. Sign up for regular emails tailored to your stage of pregnancy or your child's age.

Newborn essentials

Not everything needs to be brand new, except the cot mattress and the car seat.

It's worth checking if there is an NCT nearly new sale in your area for second-hand baby clothes, toys and essentials.

Nappies
  • a few packs of newborn disposable or reusable cloth nappies
  • cotton wool or gentle, non-scented, alcohol-free wipes
  • changing mat or towel
  • barrier cream to protect your baby's skin and prevent nappy rash
Baby clothes
  • at least 6 all-in-one sleepsuits or babygrows
  • 4 to 6 vests or bodysuits with poppers that close under the nappy
  • 2 cardigans - choose wool or cotton, rather than nylon
  • a snowsuit if the weather is cold
  • scratch mittens, socks or booties
  • a sun hat for summer, or a wool or cotton hat for the colder months
Bedding
  • a portable crib, carrycot, or moses basket
  • a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly, leaving no gaps
  • waterproof mattress cover
  • at least 4 fitted sheets
  • 2 sleeping bags, or sheets and a cellular blanket - do not use duvets or pillows as there is a risk of suffocation
Bathing
  • a baby bath or you can use a washing up bowl
  • towels
Out and about
  • an infant car seat, rear-facing
  • a pushchair with a fully reclining seat so your baby can lie flat
  • a blanket or shawl to wrap your baby in
  • a bag for nappies and other essentials
Breastfeeding
  • nursing bras – try to get measured at around 36 to 38 weeks pregnant
  • breast pads
  • nipple cream
  • a breast pump
  • muslin squares for burping
Formula feeding
  • bottles with teats and caps
  • sterilising equipment, such as a cold-water steriliser, microwave or steam steriliser
  • brushes to clean the bottles and teats
  • formula milk powder or ready-to-feed liquid formula
  • muslin squares for burping
What to buy for your newborn baby - Start for Life (2024)

FAQs

What is the first thing to buy for baby? ›

Clothes. To begin with the best clothes for newborns are onesies, you should look to have around 6 of these. In addition to these they will need a few blankets, a cardigan or jumper for colder days, a hat and socks and booties (4 pairs are enough).

At what week does newborn life get easier? ›

While it'll get easier with each passing day, you can expect caring for your newborn will be much easier by the time they're about 3 months old.

What is best age for first baby? ›

Experts say the best time to get pregnant is between your late 20s and early 30s. This age range is associated with the best outcomes for both you and your baby. One study pinpointed the ideal age to give birth to a first child as 30.5. Your age is just one factor that should go into your decision to get pregnant.

What does a newborn need first? ›

Your baby needs sleep and food, and they need to feel secure and warm, so they need to feel your skin. Doing this simple thing: reduces newborn crying. helps start and sustain breastfeeding.

What are the 4 essentials of newborn care? ›

One such indicator for newborn health is "the proportion of newborns who received all four elements of essential care". The four elements are immediate and thorough drying, skin to skin contact, delayed cord clamping, and early initiation of breastfeeding.

How often should you bathe a newborn? ›

How often does my newborn need a bath? There's no need to give your newborn baby a bath every day. Three times a week might be enough until your baby becomes more mobile. Bathing your baby too much can dry out your baby's skin.

When should you start buying baby stuff? ›

The number one rule is: There are no rules! You can—and should—start buying things for your baby whenever you want. Some women choose to start shopping after the first trimester, but it's personal preference.

What is the hardest week of a newborn? ›

Most people find the first six to eight weeks to be the hardest with a new born baby. And while people may not openly discuss many of the challenges in these early weeks of parenthood (if at all), there are a number of common hurdles you may face at this time.

Do and don'ts for newborn baby? ›

Never shake your baby, whether in play or in frustration. Shaking can cause bleeding in the brain and sometimes death. If you need to wake your baby, don't do it by shaking. Instead, tickle your baby's feet or blow gently on a cheek.

What is best start for babies? ›

Families who qualify for Best Start can receive the payment until their baby turns 1, no matter how much they earn. If families are receiving paid parental leave payments, they cannot get the Best Start payment for the period of time they get paid parental leave in.

Why is it important for infants to have a good start in life? ›

During this stage, babies form bonds of love and trust with their parents and others shaping their social and emotional development. The way parents cuddle, hold, and play with their baby will set the basis for future interactions with them and others.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kelle Weber

Last Updated:

Views: 6211

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kelle Weber

Birthday: 2000-08-05

Address: 6796 Juan Square, Markfort, MN 58988

Phone: +8215934114615

Job: Hospitality Director

Hobby: tabletop games, Foreign language learning, Leather crafting, Horseback riding, Swimming, Knapping, Handball

Introduction: My name is Kelle Weber, I am a magnificent, enchanting, fair, joyous, light, determined, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.