Preparing For Your New Arrival

Here's a list of things you will need for your baby. It is worth organising this equipment well before your baby is born, as you probably will not have the time afterwards.

For Hygiene & Washing

  • Nappies (there are all sorts of nappies to consider; disposable, washable, plastic pants & nappy liners etc). Make sure you have enough to get you through the first couple of weeks. Newborn babies tend to use 6-8 nappies per day.
  • Nappy sacks (if using disposable nappies)
  • Changing mat (a regular changing mat for home and a travelling mat for when you take your baby out).
  • Cotton wool
  • Baby wipes
  • Top and tail bowl (with two compartments for cleaning your baby without bathing)
  • Barrier cream (to protect against nappy rash)
  • Baby bath or plastic tub (you will probably find a bath is too big for your baby. Baby baths make washing you baby much easier).
  • Baby wash or soap
  • Baby sponge


For Going Out

  • Car seat. Most hospitals will not discharge you and your baby unless you have a suitable car seat to take your baby home in. Make sure you buy a new one or obtain one from a reliable source. Do not use one that has been involved in an accident previously.
  • Carry cot - for the first few weeks (10-12) your baby will not use an upright pushchair and should lay flat in a carrycot.
  • Pram, pushchair or stroller (pushchairs and strollers are only suitable for newborn babies if the have a fully reclining seat)
  • Baby sling or carrier (with head support)


For Bedtime

  • Moses Basket or carrycot for the first 10 to 12 weeks. You will probably find that your baby is too small to go straight into a regular cot and therefore you may prefer a smaller, portable cot for the first few weeks.
  • Cot with a firm mattress (plus sheets and blankets - 3 or 4 of each)
  • Baby sleeping bag

To Wear

  • 6-10 Baby grows
  • vests
  • Cardigan
  • Swaddling shawl or blanket
  • Hat (some hospitals stipulate that your baby must wear a hat or ‘head sock' on release from hospital)
  • 3 or 4 pairs of baby socks

Other

  • Play mat or sheepskin. Something that you can lay on the floor to put your baby on at playtime.
  • Baby monitors. Put one monitor in the baby's room and the other is normally portable so you can hear if your baby is crying.
  • Baby bouncer - bouncy chair.


For Mum

  • Lansinoh Cream (for cracked nipples). See Top 10 Tips.
  • Nursing/Breastfeeding bras
  • Breast pads
  • Maternity pads or extra large sanitary towels (not tampons)
  • A special treat. Spoil yourself!