Bits and bobs to add to your ‘new baby check list’
GENERAL LIST OF PRE-BABY SUPPLIES
This is a list that has been passed around for about five years between friends and friends of friends when each of them were blessed with their first born. As such it found its way to me when I fell pregnant and it was my life line in those first few bewildering weeks of pregnancy books and internet articles and scans and doctors visits.
Having something to do and think about, helped calm me down and helped me to focus on what we needed in preparation for our new born. I used it as a base from which to build my own list and I hope that other new mums out there find it just as useful. I have tried to divide it up into some useful sections which may hopefully give new mums a little more focus.
It would be great to hear from other mums out there both new and seasoned and if anyone has any other lists, please do feel free to post. After all, one can never know enough when you are preparing for that very special first birth.
One thing I will say though is that as you go on, you will realise that some of the things on this list although they are what every mummy-to-be, wants to have, they are not necessarily essential to buy brand new nor even to borrow. For example, I now possess a beautiful moses basket which I used just three times, and that includes lending it to two friends. It does all depend on the person but I do think that if you don’t allow those first time mum gushy rushy feelings to overwhelm you and you think about things practically, you can make do without buying all of the below and save a few pennies that could possibly come in handy later on. I will admit though that this is far easier advice to dispense than to follow. You can check out my article on ‘The practicalities of new born shopping’ for more tips.
Changing
- Cloth nappies
- Baby safety pins
- Nappy liners
- Pampers
- Muslin squares
- Baby wipes
- Cotton wool balls
- Diaper dispenser
- Nappy sterilising liquid/powder
- Buckets to wash and sterilise nappies in (if using cloth nappies).
- Changing mat and changing pad
- Blankets
Feeding
- 4 oz bottles with caps
- 8 oz bottles with caps
- Teats
- Bibs
- Dummies
- Bottle steriliser
- Bottle brush
- Bottle warmer
- Breast pump
- Teethers
- Baby food
- Plate
- Feeding cup
- Baby cutlery
- Feeding chair
Nursery
- Cot
- Cot mattress
- Cot sheets
- Macintosh sheet (Plastic waterproof sheet for cot – to protect mattress)
- Cot Blankets
- Vibrating chair
- Cot bumpers
- Baby monitors
- Soft night light for night feeds
- Music
- Play mat/pen
Travelling
- Car seat
- Pram
- Baby bag
- Moses basket
- Sling
Bath Time
- Baby bath tub
- Baby bath support
- Baby lotion
- Baby oil
- Olive oil
- Baby soap
- Baby shampoo
- Talcum powder
- Eau de Cologne
- Hooded towel
- Baby nail scissors
Playtime
- Story/poetry books
- Toys
- Cot mobiles
- Baby mat
Baby Clothes
- Hats
- Booties
- Scratch mitts
- Cardigans
- Side opening clothing e.g.
- t -shirts/suits
- Romper suits
- Flannel pyjamas
- Baby shirts
- Misc. Clothes
Baby Health and Safety
- Medicine for colic
- Thermometer for room
- Baby thermometer for ear
- Humidifier for room
- Anti-slip bath mat
- Nose drop dispenser
- Ear drop dispenser
- Medicine spoon
- Nappy/diaper rash ointments
- Teething gel
- Sun cream
- Vitamin E oil
Miscellaneous
- Baby record books
- Camcorder
Care for Mother
- Nipple cream
- Bio Oil
- Coco butter lotion for stretch marks
- Maternity/Nursing Bras.
- Front opening/ Nursing blouses
- Sanitary napkins/tampons
- Breast pads
