Are you in the process of getting your nursery organised? It may be a bit daunting at first, but you don't have to break the bank. Here are the items you will need in the first few weeks at home with your new baby. Many of the items listed are essentials which you probably cannot ignore, whilst those marked with an asterisk (*) are those “nice-to-have” extras which will make your life a little easier.
Clothing
- 6 vests
- At least 6 babygros or tops and leggings
- 2 jerseys
- 2 pairs socks or booties
- 4 bibs
- 1 sun hat or warm hat depending on the season
Bottlefeeding
- 6 bottles with teats and covers
- Sterilising kit – possibly consider a microware bottle sterilising kit
- Bottle brush
- Baby milk powder
Bathing
- Baby bath or large plastic bowl
- 2 soft towels
- *Hooded towels
- A pair of baby nail scissors
- 2 soft sponges (one for face, one for body)
- Cotton buds for cord cleaning
- Baby shampoo, soap, oil and powder
- Cotton wool
- Hair brush
- 3 winding nappies
Breastfeeding
- 3 nursing bras
- Breast pads
- *Breast pump
Changing and cleaning
- Nappies - disposable or towelling (if you choose towelling, you will also need nappy pins, liners, waterproof pants and sterilising fluid)
- *Nappy bin for disposables
- *Changing mat
- Barrier cream such as Vaseline if you are using towelling nappies
- *Baby wipes
- Tissues
Bedding
- 3 Crib or cot sheets
- 4 receiving blankets
- 2 woollen blankets
- *Cot bumper and cover
- 1 baby pillow and 3 pillow cases
- Sleep wedge for supporting baby on side or back
Nursery hardware
- *1 crib (good idea to borrow one as your baby will soon outgrow this)
- Cot with safety mattress
- Cot mobile
- *Compactum or chest of drawers for changing and clothing storage
- *Nursery chair for breastfeeding in
- *Scented nappy sack
- *Baby monitor
- *Cot net for summer
- *Baby carrier
- *Night light
- Pram with adjustments for lying down
- Car seat
Miscellaneous items
- Gripe water
- Baby fabric detergent and softener
- 3 winding nappies/towels
- *Baby changing bag for outings
- *2 Dummies
- *Dummy chain
- *Medicine dropper
- *Dinky feeder for medicine
- *Thermometer
- *Rattle and soft toys