The MummyandTummy
Newborn Necessities List
Clothing
Choose breathable fabrics such as cotton, wool and merino. Look for clothes that will be easy to get on and off, and all-in-one pieces that will keep baby covered. Layering is the key here!
@ 4-6 Stretch and grows/jumpsuits or nighties
@ 4-6 All-in-ones/tops that snap under baby’s bum (wool in winter)
@ 6 singlets
@ Socks
@ 2-4 cardigans (wool ones are nice!)
@ 2 pairs of mittens
@ At least one hat (lots of outfits come with matching ones!)
@ 4-6 wraps – choose muslin or cotton for summer and wool, merino or cotton for winter. Remember this counts as a layer!
Bedding
Again, go for the natural fabrics, such as cotton, merino and wool, and avoid beanbag toys, cot bumpers, sheepskins, pillows in the cot.
@ Cot – make sure it is safe, securely put together, and meets safety standards.
@ Mattress – foam or innerspring, just make sure it fits the cot well so there are no gaps. A brand new mattress is recommended for each baby, or cover in a BabeSafe cover.
@ Woollen Cot Underlay – these protect the mattress from spills and are easy to wash
@ 2 fitted sheets
@ Blankets – merino or wool for winter, cotton or merino for summer
@ Mosquito net
Optional:
@ Bassinet or hammock – so you can keep baby close. Consider borrowing one since baby outgrows so quick!
@ Sleeping bag – so baby cant kick of the blankets, make sure it is well fitting
Nursery
Many parents choose a theme or use accessories to create colour and stimulation that can be easily changed.
@ A changing station – a change table can be expensive, so borrow or create your own. Stick a good quality change pad to the top of a set of drawers! Or use a change pad on the floor. Have baskets to hold all your nappy needs!
@ Comfortable chair – to breastfeed in. A little table next to it will be handy for the phone, water bottle, nipple cream etc.
@ Breastfeeding Pillow – or tripillow, to provide support when learning to feed
@ Small ottoman or stool – to get correct posture when breastfeeding
@ Mobile of toys for stimulation, over the changing station or play area
@ Drawers or Shelf with baskets
@ Bouncer or rocker
@ Baby Monitor
@ Nightlight
@ Room Thermometer
Optional
@ Music – soft music can be soothing, and you can play white noise to help with sleeping
@ Nappy Stacker and wardrobe hangers – to keep everything organised!
@ Clothes Hamper
@ Play gym and mat
@ Pictures for stimulation on walls
Bathtime
Have everything you need before you start undressing baby.
@ Baby Bath (and stand or table or kitchen bench so you aren’t bending)
@ Bath Support – to place in bath
@ Change mat
@ 2-4 towels
@ 4-6 face cloths/washers
@ Nappies
@ Grooming set – nail file/clippers
Optional
@ Body wash – choose a natural product that wont irritate senstivie skin
@ Nappy Cream
@ Bath toys, scoops and cups
@ Bath thermometer
Nappy time
Adjust if you are using disposables or cloth. Have you considered using a mixture of both?
@ Barrier cream
@ Natural baby powder or cornstarch for drying creases
@ Baby wipes – consider cloth, homemade or sensitive (alcohol and fragrance free)
@ Nappies – disposable
@ Nappies – cloth – either 8 wraps and 12-16 inners, or 8-12 pockets in each size, or 20 traditional cloth and 6-8 pilchers
@ Nappy Bucket with tight-fitting lid
@ Natural laundry powder for washing
@ Change table or mat (see notes in Nursery). You can set up changing stations in the bathroom, bedroom and living room to make life work for you!
Optional
@ Nappy disposal Unit
@ Nappy Soaker
@ Nappy Liners
Baby First Aid
It can be helpful to stock up before you need it!
@ Emergency Numbers – GP, hospital, parents and in laws, your cellphones, neighbours, healthline and poisons line
@ First Aid guide or book, and information on childhood illnesses (consider your WellChild book for this information!)
@ Digital Thermometer
@ Baby Paracetomol and a dosing chart (which usually goes on weight). Be sure to talk to your doctor before giving paracetamol and don’t double-dose accidently by offering other medications such as cough, cold or other pain-relief medicines.
@ Saline drops (or mix your own, salt in warm water) to clear blocked nose
@ Syringes and droppers
@ Soothing cream – try Lucas’ Papaw or Bepanthan as ‘first aid in a tube’ – nappy rash, bites etc or calamine lotion
@ Antiseptic
@ Sterile band aids/plasters
@ Sunscreen for the older babe
@ Anti-fungal cream
@ Ice pack
Optional
@ Vapouriser
@ Insect repellent – a natural one is a must, avoid DEET and other chemicals.
Out
Ensure all your equipment meets safety standards (check this with any second-hand gear) and is clean. Also make sure you can work all of it with a doll or teddy BEFORE baby comes!!
@ Car Seat – capsules are great for up to 6 months, then convertibles work well. Or go straight to a convertible.
@ Buggy/Pram – choose something to meet your needs, whether off-road, beach, jogging, in town, public transport etc.
@ Rain and Shade covers for the pram
@ Pram blanket or foot muff to keep baby sheltered
@ Nappy Bag with change mat
@ Nappies, wipes and plastic bags
@ Baby carrier, sling or frontpack
@ Change of clothes or two!
@ Bottles (keep water in them and add formula when ready to feed). Keep spare sachets of formula in nappy bag. Use an insulated bottle carrier.
@ Sterilising tablets
@ Tissues
@ Sanitary pads, breast pads, wallet, phone, water bottle and keys!
@ Baby sunblock – for older babes (keep babies under 12 months in the shade). And a spare sunhat!
@ Toys or other distractions
@ Car window shade
Optional
@ Portable high chair
@ Swim nappies and towel
@ Dummy/pacifier
@ Umbrella Stroller – highly recommended for quick trips!
Feeding
@ High chair (although the rocker/bouncer will work well for starting solids!)
@ Soft-tipped spoons
@ Small glass bowls
Breast (and Expressed Breastmilk)
@ Steriliser
@ 6 feeding bottles
@ Breastpump
@ Nipple cream
@ Breast pads
@ Storage containers
@ Glass jug for warming bottles
@ Bottle and teat brush
Formula
@ Formula
@ Formula dispenser or sachets
@ 6-8 bottles
@ Glass jug for warming bottles
@ Bottle and teat brush
@ steriliser
