Family · New Baby
Newborns need somewhere safe to sleep, a way to be fed, changed, carried and kept warm. Everything else can wait.
Baby lists are usually far too long, and most of what is on them is bought twice: once before the birth and again in the right size afterwards. The first few weeks need a surprisingly short list.
This covers the first six to eight weeks at home. Mark what you already have or have been given, and hold off on anything the baby has not arrived to need yet.
The two things that happen most often, day and night.
Somewhere safe for the baby to sleep is the one thing you genuinely cannot improvise.
Why you need it. Somewhere safe for the baby to sleep is the one thing you genuinely cannot improvise.
What to look for. A cot or crib that meets current safety standards, with a firm, flat, well-fitting new mattress and no gaps at the sides.
Sheets get changed at 3am more often than anyone expects. Two is not enough.
Why you need it. Sheets get changed at 3am more often than anyone expects. Two is not enough.
What to look for. Three or four fitted jersey sheets in the exact mattress size, so nothing can work loose.
Keeps warmth consistent through the night without loose blankets.
Why you need it. Keeps warmth consistent through the night without loose blankets.
What to look for. Check the tog rating against room temperature and pick the size for the baby's weight, with a fitted neck and armholes.
A wipeable surface at a sensible height saves your back many times a day.
Why you need it. A wipeable surface at a sensible height saves your back many times a day.
What to look for. A padded wipe-clean mat with raised sides. A second thin travel mat is worth having for bags.
The single most-used item of the first weeks, in quantities that surprise everyone.
Why you need it. The single most-used item of the first weeks, in quantities that surprise everyone.
What to look for. Start with one pack of newborn size only, since babies grow through it fast. Buy larger sizes once you know the fit.
When water is limited or the drains stop working, basic hygiene is the difference between an inconvenience and an illness.
Why you need it. When water is limited or the drains stop working, basic hygiene is the difference between an inconvenience and an illness.
What to look for. Large packs of wipes, alcohol gel and a few heavy-duty bin bags. Unscented is more useful than scented.
However you end up feeding, a small amount of kit makes it easier.
Useful whether you are formula feeding, expressing or just want someone else to be able to do a feed.
Why you need it. Useful whether you are formula feeding, expressing or just want someone else to be able to do a feed.
What to look for. Two or three bottles with slow-flow newborn teats. Match the teat brand to the bottle rather than mixing.
Bottles need proper cleaning, and a normal washing-up brush cannot reach the base.
Why you need it. Bottles need proper cleaning, and a normal washing-up brush cannot reach the base.
What to look for. A narrow bottle brush with a teat brush on the end, plus a microwave or cold-water steriliser that fits your bottles.
Gives you flexibility, whether for comfort, supply or a night where someone else feeds.
Why you need it. Gives you flexibility, whether for comfort, supply or a night where someone else feeds.
What to look for. A single electric or good manual pump with the correct flange size. Renting is a sensible way to start.
The most used cloth in the house: burping, spills, sun shade, emergency bib.
Why you need it. The most used cloth in the house: burping, spills, sun shade, emergency bib.
What to look for. A pack of eight or more soft cotton muslins, large enough to fold over a shoulder.
Feeds last a long time and your arms and shoulders will tell you about it.
Why you need it. Feeds last a long time and your arms and shoulders will tell you about it.
What to look for. A firm supportive pillow with a removable washable cover. Firmness matters more than size.
Saves several full outfit changes a day once feeding gets messier.
Why you need it. Saves several full outfit changes a day once feeding gets messier.
What to look for. Soft absorbent newborn dribble bibs with a popper, not a scratchy hook-and-loop strip.
Leaving the house, bath time and the small things you only miss at 3am.
If you leave hospital by car, this is legally and practically required from the first journey.
Why you need it. If you leave hospital by car, this is legally and practically required from the first journey.
What to look for. A rear-facing seat approved to current standards, correct for the baby's weight and height, and confirmed to fit your car and base.
Your default way to leave the house, and where a lot of daytime sleep happens.
Why you need it. Your default way to leave the house, and where a lot of daytime sleep happens.
What to look for. A frame that lies flat for a newborn, folds in the space you actually have, and is light enough for you to lift alone.
Keeps the baby close and both your hands free, which matters more than you expect.
Why you need it. Keeps the baby close and both your hands free, which matters more than you expect.
What to look for. Newborn-suitable support with the knees higher than the bottom, and straps you can adjust on your own.
Bathing is easier and safer with something the right size, and a warm hood afterwards.
Why you need it. Bathing is easier and safer with something the right size, and a warm hood afterwards.
What to look for. A small baby bath or supportive bath seat, plus two soft hooded towels.
When a newborn feels warm you want a real number, not a guess, before deciding whether to call anyone.
Why you need it. When a newborn feels warm you want a real number, not a guess, before deciding whether to call anyone.
What to look for. A digital thermometer suitable for newborns with a clear display. Follow the instructions on where to take the reading.
The small things you only miss at an awkward hour: nail care, saline drops, barrier cream.
Why you need it. The small things you only miss at an awkward hour: nail care, saline drops, barrier cream.
What to look for. Blunt-tipped baby nail scissors or a file, saline nasal drops, barrier cream and infant paracetamol dosed by age.
