Essential feeding supplies for newborns
A fed baby is a happy baby, so whether you're breastfeeding or going straight to formula there are a number of items in your newborn baby starter kit that you’ll need to ensure your little one is comfortable at feeding time. Here's what we recommend you have to hand:
For breastfeeding moms:
Nursing bras – These allow your baby quick access to your breasts and ensure you're comfortable too.
Nursing pads – Ensure any leaks are kept at bay with pads.
Nipple cream – It's no secret that hungry babies can make you a little sore, so cream is essential.
Breast pump – This is essential for between feeds and if any friends or family are caring for your baby for the day.
Breastmilk storage bags – Keep the breast milk you've pumped hygienically stored in these.
Nursing tops – These complement your nursing bra, allowing you to feed your baby easily, wherever you are.
For bottle-feeding moms:
Sterilized water – you can sterilize water by boiling it and letting it cool completely. Leave the water to cool in the kettle for no longer than 30 minutes. Always test the water temperature on the back of your hand or wrist before feeding.
Several baby bottles – You'll need these to feed your little one throughout the day and night.
Teats – Each time you feed your baby you'll need to change the teat on the bottle.
Bottle warmer – Ensure your formula mixture is warm for your newborn with a bottle warmer.
Bottle sanitizer and teat brushes – Keep things clean at all times!
Plenty of formula – Sometimes, it pays to stock up on formula and store plenty in the cupboard ready to go. You'll need to change your formula as your baby grows, going from newborn to older ages to keep them healthy and full.
What you'll also need for feeding time
Burp cloths – You'll wonder what you ever did without them. Great for mopping up so many fluids, regurgitated milk, peep, liquid poop, tears (yours and theirs), you name it.
Baby wipes – If your baby (or you!) gets into a big mess, then wet wipes can save the day. Created using just water and a drop of fruit extract, WaterWipes® are the world’s purest vegan, cruelty-free and sensitive baby wet wipes and are the closest alternative to cotton wool and water.
Let me be clear, you can never have too many wet wipes or burp cloths during those first few weeks. Babies dribble, drool, and spit-up almost constantly. And don’t get me started on the many, many explosive diaper incidents
Must-have bath time essentials for babies
Getting your baby used to the water is important early on and bath time can be fun for you both. Here are some recommendations for your newborn baby starter kit to ensure you have what you need for that first bath.
A baby bathtub – These are usually portable and some fold in on themselves to save you space. You can pick up a basic plastic tub or you'll also find baby bathtubs that have inbuilt thermometers and scales!
Bath cushion – Ensure your little one is comfortable with a bath cushion that you can fit inside their bathtub.
Washcloths – Pick up some soft washcloths to gently clean and rinse your baby with.
Baby soap – Choose baby soap that is gentle on sensitive skin.
Clean jug – You can use this to pour a little water onto your baby to clean them and keep them warm during bath time.
Hooded towel or robe – Get your little one all snuggled up and cozy after that bath by wrapping them in a hooded towel or robe. We love the varieties with animal ears!
Newborn clothing and accessories checklist
It's easy to get carried away when buying clothes for your newborn but in reality, they'll grow out of them so fast you won't get to enjoy them all!
Whether it’s spitting up after a feed or a leaky diaper, babies go through an extraordinary amount of clothes every day – so make sure you have an abundance of baby grows and bibs available. Here's a baby item checklist for clothing and accessories:
Bodysuits Onesies – Clothes like shirts and sweaters are cute, but you’re going to be undressing and redressing your baby so many times that front-opening onesies are always a winner. You'll need a fair few of these, we'd say two for every day of the week, plus some to sleep in.
A coat or jacket – Ideal if you live in a cooler state or it's coming close to the winter season when they're born.
Hats – Heading outside in the cold? You'll need some cute, warm hats. Take a look at our guide on what to include in your baby bag, and check out a full list of what you should bring.
Blankets – Keep your newborn warm with a blanket or two. Cellular blankets are a good idea as they keep baby cozy, while also being breathable.
Diaper changing essentials you need
It's safe to say you need to stockpile these like there’s no tomorrow. It’s that or risk a bleary-eyed trip to the store.
Diapers – A newborn baby will go through up to 12 diapers per day, so make sure you buy accordingly during those first few weeks, whether you're leaning towards disposable diapers or cloth varieties.
Changing mat – We recommend having more than one changing mat, one for the nursery, and one that moves around the house with you. A fold-up one for when you venture outside is a good idea too.
Diaper rash cream – Keep a tube or tub of hypoallergenic, dye-free and fragrance-free diaper cream close by just in case your newborn starts to show signs of diaper rash. Take a look at our guide to newborn diaper rash for more tips.
Wet wipes – Use wet wipes during diaper changes to clean your baby’s bum and genitals. WaterWipes are the world’s purest baby wipes and are suitable for newborn and even premature skin.
We had a lovely changing station set up in the nursery, complete with diapers, wet wipes, cotton pads, and creams. But sometimes, if the diaper was particularly full or Gruff was particularly cranky, it just wasn’t practical to move him from where he was, so we had a second changing mat that used to come around the house with us
Check out our diaper-changing tips from our expert midwife for all the ins and outs on this messy topic!
New parent must-haves
It's not just baby that you need to prep for when writing up that newborn baby checklist, it's important you also have everything you need to keep you healthy both mentally and physically while caring for your new little one.
Comfortable trousers or joggers with a high-waistband
Loose-flowing tops
Cozy pajamas/robe
Large and comfortable underwear
Bathing oils and post-partum creams
Stay hydrated and ensure a nutrient-rich diet
Ask for support when you need it!
We hope that this guide to your newborn baby starter kit and newborn baby checklist helps you prepare for the arrival of your new bundle of joy – our tips on how to trust your parental instincts can also help.
