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Key takeaways

• Gather essential items for feeding, changing, and dressing your newborn.
• A safe sleep space and a properly fitted car seat are vital.
• Always buy a new cot mattress and car seat if possible.
• Some baby items are not essential and can be skipped.

Covering the basics: Your newborn's immediate needs

Preparing for your baby's arrival means gathering some essential items. These will help you care for your newborn in the first few weeks.

Feeding essentials

If you are breastfeeding, you will need:

• Nursing bras – you can get fitted for these when you are around 36 to 38 weeks pregnant.
• Breast pads – to absorb leaks.
• Nipple cream – to soothe sore nipples.
• A breast pump – for expressing milk if required.
• Muslin squares – these are useful for burping your baby.

If you are formula feeding, it is important to clean and sterilise all equipment. This helps prevent infections and stomach upsets for your baby. You will need:

• Bottles – with teats and caps.
• Brushes – to clean the bottles and teats.
• Sterilising equipment – such as a cold-water, microwave, or steam steriliser.
• Formula milk – either powder or ready-to-feed liquid formula.
• Muslin squares – for burping.

Nappy changing essentials

Before changing your baby's nappy, wash your hands and gather everything you need. You will need:

• Nappies – a few packs of newborn disposable or reusable cloth nappies.
• Cotton wool – or gentle, non-scented, alcohol-free wipes.
• A changing mat or towel – to protect surfaces.
• Barrier cream – to protect your baby's skin and prevent nappy rash.
• A bag or bucket – for dirty nappies and cotton wool or wipes.
• Clean clothes – in case of leaks.

Clothing essentials

Babies grow very quickly. For the first few weeks, you need enough clothes to keep your baby warm and clean. It is best to dress your baby in several light layers. You will probably need:

• All-in-one sleepsuits or babygrows – at least 6.
• Vests or bodysuits – 4 to 6, with poppers that close under the nappy.
• Cardigans – 2, choose wool or cotton.
• Scratch mittens, socks, or booties – to keep hands and feet warm and prevent scratching.
• A sun hat – for summer.
• A wool or cotton hat – for colder months.
• A shawl or blanket – to wrap your baby in.

Bathing essentials

When bathing your baby, make sure the room is warm. Your baby can get cold quickly. Have everything you need ready before you start. You will need:

• A baby bath – or a clean washing-up bowl.
• 2 towels – one for drying, one as a backup.
• Cotton wool – for gentle cleaning.
• A clean nappy – to put on after the bath.
• Clean clothes – for dressing your baby after the bath.

To prepare the bath water:

1. Fill the bath with cold water first.
2. Then add hot water.
3. The water should be warm, not hot.
4. Check it with your wrist or elbow.

Plain water is best for your baby's skin in the first month.

Essential gear for sleep and travel

Some larger items are essential for your baby's safety and comfort. These include a safe place for them to sleep and a car seat for travel.

Safe sleep spaces

For the first few months, your baby needs a safe, warm place to sleep near you. This could be a cot, carrycot, or Moses basket. If you are borrowing a cot or using one from another child, ideally this should have a new mattress. If you cannot buy a new mattress, ensure the existing mattress meets safety standards. It should also have a fire-resistant label. The mattress must be:

• Firm
• Flat
• Clean
• Dry
• Waterproof
• Not ripped or torn

You will need:

• A firm mattress – it must fit the cot snugly without gaps.
• Sheets – at least 4, as they need frequent changing.
• Light blankets – for warmth, or a baby sleeping bag.

Pillows and duvets are not safe for babies under one year old. They pose a risk of suffocation and can make your baby too hot. Sheets and blankets should be tucked in firmly below your baby's shoulder level.

Cot standards and mattress fit

Your baby will spend many hours in their cot, so safety is key. If buying a new cot, look for one that meets the British safety standard BS EN 716.

The mattress must fit snugly, with no space for your baby's head to get stuck. The cot's bars should be smooth, securely fixed, and not more than 6.5cm (2.5 inches) apart. The cot itself should be sturdy, with moving parts that work smoothly.

Safe sleep position

The safest place for your baby to sleep is on their back. They should sleep in a cot in the same room as you for the first 6 months.

Cot bumpers and ties

Cot bumpers are not recommended. Babies can overheat or get tangled in the fastenings. Never leave anything with ties, like bibs, in the cot.

Baby nests

Baby nests are also not suitable for sleep due to the danger of suffocation.

The baby box

In Scotland, every baby receives a Baby Box. This provides a comfortable sleep space if sleeping guidelines are followed.

It also contains essential items for the first few months. Most babies outgrow the Baby Box by 3 to 6 months.

Car seats

If you have a car, you must have a baby car seat. Your baby must always be in their seat, even when coming home from the hospital.

It is illegal and very dangerous to carry your baby in your arms in a car. The safest way for your baby to travel is in a rear-facing infant car seat. This should be in the back seat.

If it is in the front passenger seat, ensure that seat is not fitted with an airbag. It is illegal and extremely dangerous to put a rear-facing infant car seat in a front passenger seat with an active airbag. You must ensure the airbag is deactivated.

Buying and fitting your car seat

Ideally, buy a new car seat. If you get a second-hand seat, only accept one from a family member or friend. This way, you can be sure it has not been in an accident and is not too old. Make sure the car seat is fitted correctly. Ask the sales assistant to show you how to fit it.

Prams and pushchairs

A pushchair, also known as a buggy, is only suitable for young babies if it has a fully reclining seat. This allows your baby to lie flat. Wait until your baby can sit by themselves before using other types of pushchairs.

There are several types of prams and pushchairs to consider:

• Prams – These offer a lot of space for your baby but can be large and difficult to use on public transport.
• Carrycot on wheels – This is a light, portable cot that can attach to a wheeled frame. Your baby can sleep in it for the first few months.
• 3-in-1 travel system – This includes a carrycot and wheels that can convert into a pushchair, offering versatility as your baby grows.

Helpful items that are nice to have

Beyond the absolute essentials, some items can make life with a newborn a little easier and more comfortable. While not strictly necessary, many parents find these additions valuable.

• Baby monitor – A baby monitor provides peace of mind, allowing you to hear or see your baby from another room. Modern monitors often include video, temperature sensors, and two-way audio.
• Baby swing or bouncer – These can be a lifesaver for soothing a fussy baby, providing a safe place for them to rest while you need your hands free. Always ensure they are used safely and for short periods.
• Diaper pail – A dedicated diaper pail with an odor-locking system can significantly help manage the smell of dirty nappies, especially in smaller living spaces.
• Baby carrier or wrap – Wearing your baby close can promote bonding, keep them calm, and allow you to move around more freely. This is helpful whether you're doing chores or out for a walk.
• Play mat or gym – As your baby grows, a play mat with hanging toys provides a stimulating environment for tummy time and encourages early development.

These items can enhance your daily routine and provide extra comfort for both you and your baby. Remember they are optional and can be added as needed.

What you can wait on or skip entirely

Some baby items are often unnecessary, especially in the early newborn stage. You can save money by waiting on or skipping these.

• Newborn shoes – While adorable, babies don't need shoes until they start walking. Socks or soft booties are sufficient to keep their feet warm.
• Wipe warmers – Wipe warmers are often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity, as wipes at room temperature are fine for most babies. Warmers can also dry out wipes or promote bacterial growth if not cleaned regularly.
• Bottle sterilizers (after the newborn stage) – While sterilizing is crucial for newborns, thorough washing with hot soapy water is usually sufficient once their immune system develops. This is unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
• Baby food makers – Many parents find that a blender or food processor they already own works just as well for making baby food.
• Specialized changing tables – A changing mat on a dresser or bed works perfectly well and saves space and money.