It’s National Baby Day on the 2nd May so we’ve put together an essential baby checklist to help you get ready for your little arrival.
When you’re preparing for your new baby, figuring out what to buy can be pretty overwhelming, as well as expensive! To help, we’ve drawn up a newborn baby essentials list. Our baby checklist includes everything from travelling with your baby, to cots and cribs to baby monitors to the right pushchairs to everything else.
Nursery
Moses basket or crib
The NHS recommend that your baby sleeps in the same room as you for the first six months. Moses baskets are a great option for a baby’s first bed. Take a look at moses baskets on Uber Kids where you can also get 3% back for your baby.
Cot or Cotbed
You will need a cot or cotbed by the time your baby is about six months old for your baby to move into from their moses basket. The difference between a cot and a cotbed is a cotbed is slightly larger than a cot, and has removeable sides, so it can be made into a toddler bed. You can find cots and cotbeds at John Lewis where you can also get up to 5% back for your little ones (usually 1.5%).
Sleeping bags & Blankets
Sleeping bags are a really safe option for keeping your baby warm at night, particularly if you have a wriggly baby. You can then layer up with blankets in winter when it’s a little colder. Once your baby is one, you can change to a duvet and pillow. It’s definitely worth buying a few bed sheets too. Take a look at My 1st Years where you can get up to 4% back for your baby.
Baby Monitor
You will definitely need a baby monitor. You can choose from video monitors so that you can see your baby at all times, to audio monitors to hear your baby. Some monitors also have temperature displays or heart rate monitors which can be linked to apps on your phone. Bluebell offer 3% KidStart Savings.
Feeding
Nursing Bras & Cover
Next on our baby checklist is nursing bras, which are a definite must if you’re breastfeeding your baby, due to the handy clips for easy access. If you’re unsure of your bra size, John Lewis offer a bra fitting service. It’s worth also getting a nursing cover for when you’re out and about.
Bottles & Steriliser
If you’re bottle feeding your baby, you may need to experiment with a few different bottle brands until you find which one suits you. You will also need a steriliser to keep your bottles super clean. You can choose from electric sterilisers, microwave sterilisers or a water steriliser. Online4Baby offers bottles and sterilisers and you get 2.5% back for your baby.
Muslins
It is worth investing heavily in muslins, you can never have enough! There are a huge amount of colours and designs to choose from. John Lewis offer up to 5% KidStart Savings (usually 1.5%) or try Belo & Me who offer 6.5% KidStart Savings.
Toiletries
Baby Bath & Towels
There’s two options on our baby checklist; a plastic baby bath which can be used anywhere, or a bath support which are used in your bath. You will then need towels with hoods to keep your baby’s head warm. Cuddledry offer 15% off your purchase with an exclusive code (but no KidStart Savings) and Mamas & Papas offer 2.5% KidStart Savings.
Travel
Car Seat
You will need a rear-facing car seat to take your baby home from hospital. There are a lot of car seats on the market. Online4Baby offer loads of affordable options and you get 2.5% back for your baby, or IckleBubba offer 3% KidStart Savings.
Pram or Pushchair
There are a lot of prams, pushchairs and travel systems on the market so it is definitely worth doing your research to figure out which one is right for you.
You will need a pram or pushchair that lies flat for newborn babies and has both a rain cover and shade. Alternatively, try a travel system which is a pram that changes into a pushchair for when your baby is ready to sit up, and also adapts to carry your car seat, which is fabulous for when your baby is sleeping (however, babies shouldn’t be left too long in car seats). Travel systems all differ but generally will last until your baby is a toddler. Have a look at Bugaboo with 4% KidStart Savings or Cosatto with 3% KidStart Savings.
Baby Sling
A baby sling is perfect if you’re just popping out or going for a stroll. Littlelife have some great baby carrier options with 5% back for your baby.
Changing Bag
Babies need a lot of gear when you’re out and about from changes of clothes to changing mats, wipes, nappies and creams. There are lots of stylish options out there.
Baby Clothes
Newborn baby’s clothes need changing a LOT! You will need to buy perhaps 10-15 bodysuits and sleepsuits, along with scratch mittens and an outdoor pram suit to keep your baby warm. Your baby will grow out of their clothes pretty fast so no need to buy too much. You can find baby clothes at a number of our retailers on our children’s fashion page.