Paediatrician Perspective – Getting ready for a baby: What to buy before baby arrives

Getting stocked up on newborn basics can be overwhelming but also enjoyable whether you’re perusing online baby stores, shopping for yourself, or comparing baby items. Every first-time parent has wondered what they really need for the baby and what they should get before the baby arrives. You don’t want to buy anything you won’t use once the baby arrives, but you also don’t want to be without something when you get home. Take note of other parents’ experiences as you prepare for the birth of the newborn to ensure that you have suitable baby care goods.

Needed Baby Items:

Not all of these items may be necessary, but they may just make your life a little bit easier. You don’t need to buy all of these before baby is born, you can buy some of the essentials and get to know your baby before buying the rest.

Baby Toys and Soothers

• Books
• Bouncy Seat
• Dummies
• Mobiles
• Play Mat
• Play Pen
• Rattles
• Toys

Bathing

• Baby Bathtub
• Baby Bodywash or Soap
• Baby Lotion
• Baby Powder
• Baby Shampoo
• Bath Stand
• Bath Toys
• Hooded Towels
• Soft-Bristled Baby Hairbrush
• Washcloths

Bedtime / Nursery

• Bassinet or Cradle
• Blankets or Swaddles
• Cot
• Cot Bumpers
• Cot Mattress
• Cot Mobile
• Night Light
• Rocker or Glider
• Sheets (Fitted)
• Sleep Sack
• Waterproof Sheets and Covers

Blankets

• Cotton Blankets
• Receiving Blankets

Changing

• Bum Cream
• Changing Table, Station or Pad
• Nappies
• Nappy Bag
• Nappy Bin
• Nappy Liners
• Powder
• Wipes

Clothing

• Body Vests or Undershirts
• Hats or Beanies
• Jerseys for Winter
• Long Sleeve Bodysuits
• Nightgowns
• Onesies
• Outer Layers
• Outfits
• Pants
• Short-Sleeve Bodysuits
• Sleepsuits
• Socks, Mittens and Booties

Feeding

• Bibs
• Bottle Brushes
• Bottle Cleanser
• Bottle Drying Rack
• Bottle Warmer
• Bottles
• Bottle and Nipple Brush
• Breast Pads
• Breast Pump
• Breastfeeding Covers
• Burp Cloths
• Cooler Bags
• Formula
• Formula Container
• Microwave Sterilisers
• Milk Storage Containers
• Nipple Cream
• Nursing Bra
• Nursing Pillow
• Pumping Storage
• Thermal Bottle Carrier

Gear

• Baby Carrier
• Baby Monitor
• Camp Cot
• Car Seat
• Sling or Wrap
• Stroller Which Reclines
• Sunshade for Car Windows
• Travel System

Hospital Bag

• Baby Blanket
• Baby Clothes
• Breast Pads
• Disposable Underwear
• Maternity Pads
• Nappies and Wipes
• Nursing Bras

Medical

• Baby Antipyretics
• Baby-Friendly Laundry Detergent
• Baby Grooming Set
• Baby Nail Clippers
• Bulb Syringe
• Cotton Swabs and Cotton Wool
• Digital Thermometer
• Eye Dropper
• First-Aid Kit
• Gauze
• Medicines
• Medicine Spoon
• Nasal Aspirator
• Syringes
• Toothbrushes
• Vaseline

Safety

• Corner Protectors
• Cupboard Latches
• Drawer Latches
• Electrical Outlet Covers
• Safety Gates
• Toilet Seat Locks

All of these are just suggestions, and you don’t need all of these when baby is born. Speak to your maternity ward or paediatrician on what you should bring to the hospital when your baby is born. Once you get to know your baby, you will figure out what you really need.