Are you in search of everything you need before your newborn arrives? It can be just as easy to over-prepare as it is to forget an essential item.
There’s an overwhelming amount of baby products available today which can make finding the essentials for those first few months harder to figure out. Planning for the arrival of your newborn ahead of time will make sure that you have time to decide on everything you really (and we mean really) need.
This newborn essentials list aims to inspire you to pick up an item that makes those first few months more comfortable for you and your newborn.
Newborn Sleeping Essentials
The NHS recommends that your newborn sleeps next to you for the first six months. That’s why we added a bedside cot to our newborn essentials list. You will also find the following items will help to keep your newborn comfortable and warm at night.
- Bedside cot
- Bassiet, carrycot or Moses basket
- Firm, flat cot mattress
- Fitted cot sheets
- Swaddle or sleeping bags or sheets and a cellular blanket
Newborn Feeding Essentials
Lansinoh was created as a result of the breastfeeding struggles experienced by its founder, Rasheda Hagen. After finding immediate relief from extremely sore nipples with pure lanolin, Rasheda began promoting its benefits.
Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding, we have made sure to include the essentials for you and your newborn on our feeding list.
- Bottles with teats and caps
- Bottlebrush
- Bibs
- Bottle warmer
- Bottle steriliser
- Nursing bras
- Muslin squares
- Formula (if not breastfeeding)
- Breast pump (breastfeeding)
- Milk storage bags (breastfeeding)
- Breast pads (breastfeeding)
- Nipple cream (breastfeeding)
Newborn Clothing Essentials
Newborns tend to live in their sleepsuits, especially for the first few weeks which is why we recommend having at least 6 of them.
- 6+ all-in-one sleepsuits or baby grows
- Cardigans
- Vests
- A snowsuit
- A sun hat
- Socks or booties
- Newborn hats
- No-scratch mittens
Newborn Nappy Changing Essentials
Newborns typically have about 4 poos a day in their first week of life, so it's important to have a good supply of nappies to hand. We’ve also included everything else you need to make nappy changing easier.
- Disposable newborn-sized nappies or reusable cloth nappies
- Unscented baby wipes
- Barrier cream to prevent nappy rash
- Nappy bags
- Changing mat or towel
- Nappy bin
Newborn Playtime Essentials
Your newborn's first toys should always come with safety in mind. This list includes some of the most common playtime items bought for newborns.
- Playmat
- Playpen
- Baby swing or bouncer
- Simple toys
- Cot mobile
Newborn Bath Time Essentials
There are many ways to bathe your newborn. You might prefer to use a baby bathtub or you may find it more convenient to bathe your newborn in the sink. Here’s our list of suggested bathing items.
- Baby bathtub
- Baby shampoo and body wash
- 4 hooded baby towels
- Cup
- Soft washcloths
- Baby lotion
Newborn Health Essentials
Here are just a few healthcare items to keep in your cabinet at home. Your midwife or healthcare professional may advise a more extensive list.
- Baby nail clippers or file
- Baby thermometer
- Petroleum jelly and sterile gauze
- First aid kit
- Nasal aspirator
- Cradle cap brush
- 4-6 dummies
- Baby toothbrush
- Gentle laundry detergent
Newborn Transportation Essentials
These transportation essentials can make travelling with your newborn a smoother experience. When travelling in a car with a newborn you need to make sure you’re up to date with the legal requirements to keep you and your baby safe during car journeys.
- Pushchair
- Pushchair blankets
- Bunting bag
- Sunshade
- Baby carrier
Newborn Essentials List: FAQs
What should I not buy for my newborn?
Whilst it’s completely your choice. Our suggestions to avoid going overboard include saving money on expensive clothes and shoes (most newborns live in their onesies and will grow out of their clothes fast), avoid anything that doesn’t suit your lifestyle (don’t feels as though you must buy a snowsuit if you live in a warm climate) and save money on toys you might be gifted such as teddies.
Why does my newborn's mattress need to be firm?
A firm mattress can prevent your newborn from becoming too warm and overheating. A firm mattress should not let your newborn's head sink into the mattress by more than a few millimetres.
When should I start packing my hospital bag?
The NHS advises packing your hospital bag at least 3 weeks before your due date. This should give you enough time to get your bag prepared. At Lansinoh, we have hospital bag kits pre-packed and ready to slip into your bag to make sure that you have everything you need.
Get prepared with Lansinoh
Ultimately, you are the only one who can decide between your newborn must-haves and nice-to-haves. Some items on this list may come with other items such as built-in scratch mitts on babygrows.
It's easy to get carried away at first, especially with so many attractive items on the market. If you’re on a budget or looking to be more sustainable don’t forget that you can buy some of these items secondhand, such as your pushchair and toys.
If you have any questions on the arrival of your newborn we have a free live midwife chat available to answer any of your questions. All chats and information are private and confidential.
