Looking back at the first month with a new born, here is a list of the essential things you might want to look at buying before your baby arrives.
(I have linked items that we purchased from online – some in the UK and some in Switzerland – of course lots of other options available, but these worked for us!)
Hygiene
New born nappies
Size 1 nappies
Water wipes/sensitive new born wet wipes
Cotton wool pads
Scented nappy bags
2 x changing mats (one for upstairs during night changes and one for downstairs)
Baby oil/almond oil
Baby bath (although we washed our baby in the kitchen sink for the first 3 months!)
Flannels/sponges
Tissues
Health care set (thermometer, nail scissors, etc)
Sleeping
Bassinet/Moses basket
Sleep suits/sleeping bags
Blankets
Feeding
Breast pump these are quite expensive – I would recommend only getting one after you have had the baby if you need it.
Clothes
Sensitive washing powder. Top tip: wash poo stained clothes at 90 degrees to remove the stains.
New born size clothes:
8 x full body babygrows / zip up babygrows
Socks
2 x Cardigan/jacket
Outdoor jacket/suit. Weather dependent for the time of year that your baby is born!
Good to also have some of the next size up (who knows how big your baby will be when they’re born, but it’s good for layering and also one things for sure, they grow fast so you will definitely make use of them!)
0-3 month size clothes:
8 x vests
8 x full body babygrows / zip up babygrows
Plenty of bibs/neckerchiefs for sick/dribble
Of course you will receive many more clothes as gifts – so just buy the essential and practical items.
Transport
Pushchair (lying down and sitting up options)
Carrier(s) – (We have an Ergobaby and a Hana wrap.)
Toys (I guess this section is less essential, but nevertheless we used these items a lot!)
Black and white books and pictures for new borns. They can only see contrasting shades at this age.
Teething toys and Sophie le giraffe
Milestone cards (for the cute pics!)
In the UK, we keep this bouncer, travel cot and play mat (all from John Lewis) at our son’s Grandparents for when we visit.
Baby Steps 