Newborn Essentials
Bassinet or cot – Australian safety standard approved. If you are using a family bassinet or cot passed down, then it is recommended you buy a new bassinet or cot mattress for your baby. Check the safe sleeping recommendations at rednose.org.au
Bedding for bassinet or cot – mattress protector x3 and at least 3 sheet sets (one in use, one in the wash and one ready to go) and no pillow.
Blanket to fit a bassinet or cot.
Change mat with raised edges on a change table or chest of drawers.
Baby wipes – gently scented and alcohol/paraben-free.
Barrier cream – a zinc and castor oil base is good.
Nappies – cloth or disposable newborn size. If cloth, you will need at least 8-10 nappies for each day. No less than 24 cloth nappies for a 3-day cycle of washing. Waterproof outer layer pant with each cloth nappy.
Night light – for the baby’s bedroom.
Feeding chair – only if feeding in the baby’s bedroom. You need to be comfortable. Otherwise, any lounge chair will do.
Baby bath, clean tub or bath with bath ramp.
Soap – an unscented baby soap for bath time or a light baby bath oil.
Shampoo – a natural lightly scented baby shampoo. Don’t use adult shampoo.
Cotton buds – for those initial weeks at home when cleaning and drying around the umbilical cord area only. Do not use for eyes or ears.
Bath towel and washer.
Baby Massage Oil or Sorbolene Cream for use after a bath.
Soft Nail File – a good alternative for trimming baby nails and a safer alternative to scissors/clippers which can cut the skin under the nail.
Feeding.
Fitted maternity bras (approx. 3)
Disposable breast pads.
I would speak with Angela our Lactation Consultant about the need for breast pumps/bottles and sterilisers. Also, check out her expressing and storing class for more information.
On The Move.
Australian Safety Standards car seat or capsule. Information at www.roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au
Sunshades for car or window tinting. Make sure the shades cover the whole car window.
Pram – this may be a combination of the pram and car restraint. Be guided by good recommendations that may suit you and are also Australian Safety Standard approved if combining with car restraint.
Baby Pouch or Sling.
Nappy bag – that can carry the essentials for a day out, including change of clothes, portable change mat and the baby’s ‘Blue Record Book’ you receive in the hospital.
Rain cover for the pram.
Travel Cot – always helpful for holidays or the overnight stay.
Clothing Essentials for the Early Weeks.
Grow suits (all in ones – onesies) – at least 7. Clip together between the legs for easy nappy changing. Covering the hands and feet is helpful, then you don’t need to worry about socks and mittens for warmth.
Bodysuits – for warmth and good for colder months. At least 7.
Singlets – plain cotton and good for all year round. At least 12.
Baby Wraps – can never have enough! 1×1 metre size.
Sleeping suit/bag – at least 3 – zip-up ones are the best.
Cardigans or little soft jumpers over the growth suits are good for the winter months.
Safety First.
First Aid Kit.
Fitted smoke alarms.
Recommend for all new parents – First Aid and CPR training.
Thermometers– the old shakedown glass mercury, is accurate and easy to use. Under the baby’s arm for 2 minutes whilst cuddling your baby in a wrap. Alternatively, a forehead thermometer approx. $100 and also an accurate measure.
A good local family GP.
Check you have working smoke detectors and no household trip hazards.
Pet Safety around the baby. (SM&B Blog – Pet Safety in Pregnancy and for the Newborn)