What Do You Actually Need at Home for a New Baby?
You really don’t need to have most things ready before your baby arrives. Many things can be bought later, if and when you discover you actually need them.
Think about what is worth buying new, what you can borrow from friends or whānau, and what you can buy second-hand or hire. There is no need to spend a fortune - there are much better things you can do with that money after the birth, like ordering food or paying someone to clean the house.
Everything on this list is a recommendation, not a must-have.
Sleeping
A safe sleep space - a bassinet, cot or wahakura, with a firm, flat, well-fitting mattress.
Fitted sheets.
A waterproof mattress protector, if the mattress itself isn’t waterproof.
Getting around
An approved rear-facing infant capsule or car seat that fits your baby and your car. If buying or borrowing second-hand, check that it hasn’t expired or been involved in a crash.
A pram or stroller suitable for a newborn - preferably one that actually fits in your car boot!
A baby carrier or wrap - I recommend one.
Changing and everyday care
A chest of drawers and changing mat. You can buy an official “change table”, of course, although it often ends up being mainly a cupboard for baby clothes while the actual nappy changing happens everywhere else in the house.
Nappies - disposable or reusable, whichever you prefer.
Unscented, alcohol-free baby wipes, or reusable cloths.
Nappy rash cream.
Muslin cloths and a few flannel wraps/cloths.
A nappy bin - useful, but hardly essential.
Baby nail scissors or clippers.
Bathing and skin care
A baby bath or suitable tub.
A bath thermometer if you find one useful - although you can also check that the water feels comfortably warm with the inside of your wrist.
Soft towels and facecloths.
Gentle baby wash if you want to use one - newborns don’t need much in the way of soaps or skincare products.
Baby massage oil or a gentle moisturiser, if needed.
And remember: you don’t need to bathe a newborn every day.
Health & First Aid
A digital thermometer.
Infant paracetamol - useful to have at home, but for babies under 3 months, check with a health professional before giving it.
Clothes
Don’t go overboard with newborn clothes. Babies grow out of them ridiculously quickly, and clothes have a mysterious habit of arriving from friends and family anyway.
A small collection of:
bodysuits and onesies
warm layers appropriate for the season
socks/booties if needed
a sunhat or warm hat, depending on the weather.
Feeding
A breastfeeding pillow - useful for some women, completely unnecessary for others.
A breast pump - I’d usually wait until after the birth and buy or hire one if you actually need it.
Bottles - it’s worth having one or two at home, just in case. You can always buy more later, if needed.
A steriliser is optional.
One tin of newborn infant formula, just in case - even if you’re planning to breastfeed.
If you do need to use it in the early days, seek breastfeeding support promptly.
I wouldn’t routinely buy a tin of formula “just in case” if you are planning to breastfeed. If supplementation becomes necessary, you can get appropriate advice and buy what you need then.
Useful extras
A baby monitor - optional.
A fit ball, if you bought one during pregnancy. It can still be surprisingly useful once the baby arrives.
And, perhaps most importantly: food in the freezer, people you can call for help, and permission to spend your money on making life easier rather than filling the house with baby equipment.
Naama Sela - Birth Doula and Childbirth Educator
