Every baby shop, parenting website, book or person has a list of things that they find essential(please find a few linked below for future reference). But after already having one, and seeing what seems like the endless list I thought I would write my own. Please note that some items I class as unnecessary may indeed be necessary to you.
My must haves:
The big ticket items:
My must haves:
The big ticket items:
- Cot/crib
- Carseat(either convertible that is suitable from birth or a capsule)
- Pushchair/buggy/pram
- Baby Monitor
Clothing:
- Onesies/bodysuits and lots of them
- pants(no jeans or big bulky ones though)
- SOCKS as in at least ten pairs them little suckers go missing in no time
- All-in-ones/sleepers what ever those footed one piece garments are called.
- a few shirts, long and short sleeved.
- A couple of woolen cardies/jumpers and some nice cotton jerseys too.
- A nice outfit or two just in case you want to dress your baby up super nice. But nothing impractical,
Other stuff:
- A baby carrier/front pack if you think you would be into babywearing.
- Waterproof playmat and changemat
- generic cloths that can be used as burp cloths. I just used muslin baby wraps and old fashioned flat nappies.
- Bibs and lots of them in different styles/shapes etc.
- a nappy/diaper bag or a bag that can function as one(no need to buy one specifically designed to be one when a simple backpack will work just as well).
- Nappies/diapers its your choice whether you go cloth or disposable(I personally am doing disposable for approximately the first week then starting bubs in cloth).
- a play mat with the toys hanging from above, those are brilliant.
- wipes
- face cloths
- bedding
- a few select toys as in 4-5 max.
- baby manicure set
- bum cream and as natural as you are willing to go.
- baby wash(in case they get really dirty, but just water and a wash cloth works fine for the first few months).
For mum(please note most of this list is catered to breastfeeding simply because that is what we did, if you plan on formula feeding then ignore most of it).
- 3-4 comfortable nursing bras
- nursing pads either reusable or disposable.
- a pump, I have a manual one but it is personal preference.
- A few bottles(like 2-3 in different styles)
- Nursing singlets(these are prefect for sleeping in)
I have probably missed stuff off the list and it may seem like a lot which it is but in reality baby just needs somewhere warm and safe to sleep, someone to look after them, clean clothes and nappies and food. Everything else is non essential so only buy what you need. Oh and don't do a big shop until after your baby shower if you are having one.
Here's some links to some lists put out by shops/websites here in new Zealand:
