Newborn baby essentials checklist & helpful tips
After giving birth, a new and exciting phase of your life will begin, which is full of new challenges. It is recommended to get everything ready for your baby before giving birth. This will allow you to enjoy spending time with your baby and help you prepare yourself for this exciting time in the best possible way. To give you a better idea of which important items you will need from day 1, we have summarised the absolute must-haves for your baby in this article.
Have a look at our helpful list on baby essentials to make sure you don't forget anything, especially when it comes to baby clothes:
Must-have baby clothes for the first couple of weeks
Comfortable and practical baby clothing is an important item on every checklist. It’s important to make sure that your baby wears clothes that are comfortable and will help to keep it warm. Therefore, it is a good idea to pack some baby clothes in your hospital bag.
Baby essentials for every season
6 long and short-sleeved bodysuits
5 rompers with press studs, which makes dressing your baby easier
3 to 6 tops with short and long sleeves
6 pairs of trousers
2 cotton hats & 1-2 warm hats
1 pair of warm gloves
3 pairs of pyjamas
2 baby sleeping bags
3 pairs of thick & thin baby socks
2 pairs of baby shoes
1 baby all-in-one suit or a lined jacket
Discover our clothing range for newborns
It's best not to buy too many items of clothing in one size, as newborns grow incredibly quickly. After just a couple of weeks their clothes will already be too small.
Your baby's first outfit should be practical and easy to put on and take off. Baby bodysuits, tops and trousers are designed with your baby's comfort in mind. Press studs on the neckline and a stretchy waistband make changing easier. Bodysuits with press studs around the crotch are perfect for when you need to change your baby’s nappy.
Baby wardrobe essentials for summer and winter
Choosing the right outfit depends on when your baby is born. If your baby is born during the winter, it will need thicker clothing than during the summer months. However, if your baby is born in spring or autumn, you may need both thinner and slightly thicker items of clothing.
Baby must-haves for summer
3 - 6 short-sleeved bodysuits
3 long-sleeved bodysuits
5 - 6 Rompers with press studs (alternatively: 3 loose-fitting rompers)
3 - 5 T-shirts
3 thin long-sleeved T-shirts
6 pairs of thin socks
4 pairs of thin tights
3 pairs of pyjamas
2 summer sleeping bags
1 - 2 thin jackets
2 hats made from cotton
1 sun hat
Baby must-haves for winter
5 - 6 long-sleeved bodysuits
5 - 6 thick rompers, alternatively 3 loose-fitting rompers
5 - 6 long-sleeved T-shirts
3 thick jumpers
3 thick (knitted) jackets
3 pairs of thick socks
3 pairs of thin socks
3 pairs of thin tights
3 pairs of thick tights
3 sleeping bags
2 winter sleeping bags
1 lined jacket (alternatively a warm winter coat)
2 warm hats
1 scarf
1 pair of gloves
Make sure to dress your baby accordingly to protect it from the sun and keep it warm during the winter. New parents often ask themselves what their baby should wear at night depending on the weather. In the following guide you will find lots of helpful information and tips on what your baby should wear, when out and about or at home: “How to dress a baby for every season”
How do I find the right size?
Your baby's clothes should always have a good fit so that your baby feels comfortable and is kept warm. It’s best to measure your baby from their neck down to their feet in order to find out what size clothing they will need.
If in doubt, it's better to go for a larger size. Sleeves that are too long can easily be rolled up and trouser legs that are too long won't bother babies in the first couple of weeks.
Baby Clothing
Height (in cm) | 42 | 46 | 50 | 56 | 62 | 68 | 74 | 80 | 86 | 92 | 98 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Age | Newborn | Newborn | Newborn | 0-1 Months | 2-3 Months | 3-6 Months | 6-9 Months | 9-12 Months | 12-18 Months | 18-24 Months | 24-36 Months |
Weight | Up to 3 kg | Up to 3 kg | Up to 3 kg | 4,5 kg | 6,5 kg | 8 kg | 9 kg | 10 kg | 11 kg | 12,5 kg | 16 kg |
Socks & shoes
Shoe size | 12/13 | 14/15 | 15/17 | 18/20 | 21/23 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Age | Premature | 0-3 Months | 3-9 Months | 9-18 Months | 1,5-2 Years |
Height (in cm) | 44/50 | 56/62 | 68/74 | 80/86 | 92/98 |
Foot length (in cm) | 7,5-10 | 10,5-11 | 11,5-12 | 12,5-13,5 | 14-14,5 |
When should you start to buy baby clothes?
Babies are rarely born exactly on their due date. It is therefore advisable to get some baby clothes a few weeks before they are born. You should run any last errands between the 30th and 32nd week of pregnancy. During this time, you will still be able to walk around comfortably and go shopping for baby things.
What you will need for breastfeeding
To make breastfeeding as comfortable as possible, you can try some of the items listed below:
Nursing pads
Muslin burp cloths
Nursing pillow
Nipple cream, if needed
Breastfeeding tea, if needed
Browse our collection of nursing clothes
A breast pump and a few bottles including a teat can be a useful addition, as you can store a small supply of milk in case you don’t have time to breastfeed. This may be the case, for example, if your partner or another family member wants to feed your baby, you have an appointment or want to start work again.
Not every woman can or would like to breastfeed, in which case you will need some of the following items listed below:
5 - 6 baby bottles
5 - 6 suction cups
Teat and bottle brush
Pre-nutrition
Don’t forget: Your midwife can advise you on breastfeeding and anything regarding feeding, answer your questions and give you helpful tips. So don't hesitate to ask for advice.
Everything you will need for your baby’s bedroom
Before giving birth it is important to make sure that the baby’s bedroom is ready and offers a safe and quiet place for resting. Your baby should be able to sleep without getting disturbed both during the day and at night. A good cot should therefore be at the top of your checklist.
Cot or an extra bed
A mattress including a mattress cover
2 waterproof mattress protectors
2 - 3 fitted sheets
Baby blanket
Different sleeping bags for the different times of the year
A baby monitor, if needed
A cradle or bassinet, if needed
A mobile or music box, if needed
Baby essentials for nappy changing & care
You should set up a small area where you can change your baby's nappies easily and comfortably right from the start. Choose somewhere in your home that is quiet. Lots of parents change their baby’s nappy in the bathroom, as it is usually warmer and there is access to water for cleaning and washing your hands. However, a bedroom is also a suitable place for changing a nappy. Below we have listed everything you will need.
A changing table or chest of drawers with an attachment
Nappy pail
Changing mat
Nappies
Wet wipes
Baby oil
Baby nappy cream
Moisturiser for babies, if needed
5 - 6 soft flannels
2 - 3 baby bath towels with a hood
Baby bathtub
Bath thermometer
Baby nail scissors
Baby brush with soft bristles
Although there is a large selection of baby care products, most midwives recommend the following principle: less is more. Only use a few care products when necessary and always pay attention to the ingredients in the different products. If you are unsure it is best to ask your midwife for advice.
Baby essentials for when out and about
A pram is one of the most important things you will need to buy. Bear in mind that certain models can take a couple of weeks to be delivered, therefore, it is recommended to start looking well in advance. Pay particular attention to the quality of the pushchair and infant car seat and look out for products that have been tested and approved.
You could also opt for a baby carrier or sling as a permanent alternative to a pram. Many parents prefer these options to a pram, but this all comes down to personal preference.
A pram including a rain cover & sunshade
Pushchair mattress
Light blanket for summer or warm footmuff for winter
A baby car seat for your car
Changing bag and a changing mat
Cuddle cloth or a cuddly toy
A baby sling or baby carrier, if needed
It is always a good idea to ask any parents-to-be what they need before getting them any gifts for their baby. If you would like to get them something that doesn't match the season, for example, thick socks or a hat for the summer, you will need to think about what size the baby will need and buy a larger size accordingly. It can also be helpful if the parents create a wish list. By doing so, they mainly get things that they really need.
Conclusion: baby essentials every parent needs before the arrival of their baby
When going shopping and looking for something for your baby, it is important to think about what your baby will need. It is therefore advisable to concentrate on the most important basic items first. Make sure to focus on baby clothes, some essential care products and nappies. You should also have a cot and an area set up at home to change your baby’s nappies. Many other small items such as cuddly toys, teething rings or dummy chains can also be purchased after giving birth or may even be given as a gift from your family and friends.
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References and further information:
https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a559809/buying-for-baby-what-you-really-need
(Last accessed on 07.12.2023)
https://www.huggies.co.uk/parenting-advice/baby-care/newborn-baby-essentials-checklist
(Last accessed on 07.12.2023)
https://www.motherandbaby.com/reviews/first-year-products/newborn-baby-essentials-checklist/
(Last accessed on 07.12.2023)