YOUR GUIDE TO

The Newborn Essentials

As your due date approaches, it's only natural to experience a range of emotions: excitement, butterflies, longing and even a touch of anxiety. These feelings are all a normal part of the journey into parenthood. You probably also have plenty of questions running through your mind, such as which baby essentials you need before the arrival of your little bundle of joy.

To get you off to the best possible start, we've listed some of the best newborn must-haves below. And remember – you’ve got this!

What do I need for my newborn baby? 5 Baby Essentials

1. Clothes

Babies may be tiny, but their needs are not. But what do you need for a newborn baby? Clothes are definitely a necessity, but an abundance of clothes in a newborn size is not. Aim for 5–7 pieces of each clothing item, since babies grow quickly. Opt for soft, stretchy and durable fabrics that can withstand frequent washing. Make sure you also have a couple of outfits in the next size up ready for when your baby needs them.

2. Baby Bouncer

Here’s a newborn essential you’ll never regret getting! A baby bouncer can help soothe your baby while giving you some well-deserved time to do things like brush your teeth or grab a snack. (We recommend our parent favourite Baby Bouncer Bliss. It rocks naturally from your baby’s movements!).

3. Nappies

As a newborn, your baby is likely to use about 10 to 12 nappies a day. Stock up in advance so you’re prepared. It might be a good idea to try out different kinds of nappies in case some brands irritate your baby's skin or don’t fit well.

4. Baby Carrier

Your newborn will want to stay as close as possible to you for the first few months. This is where a baby carrier comes in handy! With a carrier, you’ll be able to keep your baby close, so they can feel your heartbeat and are aware of your scent and presence, but you’ll still be able to have your hands free for everything else. Baby Carrier Mini is a top tip for a great newborn carrier.

5. Baby Wipes & Nappy Rash Cream

A baby’s bottom is sensitive, so gentle baby wipes and nappy rash cream are essential. Opt for unscented wipes because they’re usually less irritating to your baby's skin. You can also use reusable baby wipes made from washable fabric. You'll also want to keep a good nappy rash cream on hand, either to prevent rashes or to care for them if they occur.

The best baby things to buy before your due date

As we mentioned earlier, babies need a lot of stuff, and it can be tricky to know which newborn essentials you need to get first. We suggest you start by looking at the larger necessities, since they may require more research and evaluation before making a purchase. That said, here are the best baby purchases you should make before your due date!

Crib

It’s always nice to have a crib ready before the baby arrives, no matter your sleeping arrangements. Our Baby Cradle is a great, safe option that looks good in every home. If you travel often or live in a smaller space, we warmly recommend our Travel Cot Light.

Baby Bouncer

Finding a moment to do everyday things – like brushing your teeth or enjoying a snack – can be surprisingly tricky when you have a newborn. This is where our baby bouncer comes in: your baby can sit comfortably while you keep your hands free for a while. Baby Bouncer Bliss is lightweight, easy to assemble and perfect for bringing with you, and you can replace the fabric.

Pram

You probably won’t be going on long walks or crazy adventures right after delivery, but you’ll still need to visit the clinic for your baby’s check-ups or the supermarket for some groceries. A pram is great to have before the baby is born, and it’s always nice to try it out before your baby arrives.

Baby Carrier

The early days with a newborn are lovely – and turn your life upside down. Many babies enjoy physical closeness around the clock, and a baby carrier is a must to meet their needs.

When should I start buying baby stuff?

We’ve already discussed the newborn must-haves and the best things to buy before your due date, but there’s still one question left. When should you start buying baby stuff? There's no correct answer, really, but we suggest kicking off your preparations midway through your pregnancy, especially if this is your first child. It might feel a bit overwhelming to do all the research, so by starting early you get more time to enjoy the process.

If this isn’t your first child, you may already have most of what you need. In this case, consider beginning your preparations about three months before your due date. This timeframe can help you mentally prepare for the arrival of your new little family member.