Confused about what you should buy for your baby? Follow our list below to tick off everything you need in your baby starter kit, which will see you through those first few months of your baby's life. Shopping for your baby can be rather overwhelming as there is just so much attractive baby equipment to choose from. This is why it's a good idea to start planning what you need to buy for your baby early, so that you can purchase all the major items well before the birth. It’s worth noting, too, that if you want an item, such as a pram in a specific colour, it may have to be ordered and you may have to wait some time for delivery.
You may find it helpful to talk to other mom about the more expensive products you'll need to buy, such as the pram and a car seat, to find out what they recommend.
ESSENTIAL ITEMS CHECKLIST
- Things you definitely need:
- Cot(plus mattress, sheets and blankets)
- Car Seat
- Pram/Buggy/Travel System
- Six sleep suits/ long sleeved suits
- Six vests/ short sleeved suits
- Two cardigans/ jackets
- Hat, mittens and bootees
- Changing Mat
- Nappies
- Nursing bra and breast pads
- Bottles/teats/bottle brush (only needed if not breastfeeding)
- Loads of bibs
- Plenty of towels/ flannels/ muslin squares (for bathing and dribbles!)
- Loads of kitchen roll and cotton wool pads
- Hair brush
Things that will be handy to have:
- Moses basket/ Crib(plus mattress, sheets and blankets)
- Baby bath
- Baby box or bag
- Sling
- Bouncy Chair
- Baby Monitor
- Changing bag
- Breast pump
- Steam sterilizer
- Baby lotion
- Baby wipes
- Bath thermometer
- Nail scissors
- Nappy wrapper
Tips
The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding until a baby is six months old. It is best to wait until your baby is a little older and breastfeeding is well established before expressing milk.