Newborn Essential Consumables

Newborn Essential Consumables

The baby business is booming!! And it can be overwhelming at the amount of STUFF there is available to buy for baby!

I aim to give you a checklist of Newborn and Postnatal essentials. Anything extra is totally up to you!

Baby Care

Nappies – cloth or disposable (some shires offer a subsidy if you buy cloth … check with your local shire)
Baby wipes (or soft reusable cloths)
Nappy rash cream
Change mat or change table
Nappy bin or bucket (especially if you’re using cloth)
Wraps / swaddles – some parents use baby sleeping bags rather than swaddling
Clothing – onesies, singlets, socks, mittens (for scratch prevention)
Baby bath (or a clean sink!)
Soft towels and washcloths
Gentle baby wash
Cot / bassinet with firm mattress and fitted sheets
Wool or cotton light baby blankets

Health and Care

Feeding

If Breastfeeding:

If Bottle Feeding:

Out and About

Rear-facing car seat (installed and checked)
Pram / stroller (think about the terrain you will be using … if you live on a property or like to walk on trails, you will likely want a robust pram with sturdy wheels!)
Nappy bag
Light blanket or pram cover
Capsule (optional)

Optional but Helpful

Night light
Baby carrier / wrap – I recommend having something like an ‘Ergo’ for long walks and a ‘Ring Sling’ for quick trips in and out of the shops, or while hanging out the laundry etc.
Freezer meals prepared in advance
Journal / notebook – for jotting down memories / feeding or sleep tracking
Laundry detergent suitable for babies
Baby monitor
Breast pump - double and electric (although I suggest you wait and see if you actually do need it)

Tips

Skip the extras / fancy gadgets until you know what you will really use.
Borrow or buy second hand – especially clothes, wraps and bassinet.
Meal prep for yourself or organise a meal train with family and friends … you won’t regret it!!