As any mommy-to-be (and daddy-to-be) knows, shopping for a newborn baby can be overwhelming, exhausting and financially stressful! There are so many products online and in store that it can be hard to pick out what is needed, what is wanted and what is, in the end, completely useless. So what should Mommy and Daddy be on the lookout for?
The Big Baby Item Checklist
Be prepared to spend a few hundred dollars (or more) on these essential items for baby:
- Infant safety seat for the car
- Stroller
- Bassinet or basket when the baby is first born
- Crib including sheet sets and mattress
- Change table/ dresser
Additional Nursery Items
Although these are not necessary, they can make a nursery a lot more comfortable for both Mommy and Baby. In addition to these items, most parents will also choose a color scheme or theme for the nursery. Some great ideas include “under the Sea” and “in the Jungle”:
- Nightlight and mobile
- Additional sheet sets
- Dirty Laundry Hamper
- Bookcase, dresser or other storage center for baby towels, clothing, etc.
- Glider/Rocker for nighttime feeding
Diapering, Feeding and Bathing Checklist for Baby
Newborns, although as cute as can be, spend the majority of their time sleeping. However, when they are not fast asleep, they are often in need of either a feed or a change. And thus, it’s important to be prepared with these diapering, feeding and bathing essentials. Stock up now to avoid midnight runs to the shop later.
- Baby bath
- 2 soft washcloths, 2 soft towels.
- Baby massage oil, baby bath (such as Johnson and Johnson)
- Baby grooming set including nails, scissors, brush, comb
- 2 packages of newborn diapers
- Wipes, baby ointment
- Diaper genie or pail for soiled diapers
- Nursing cushion
- Breast pump and breast pads (if breastfeeding)
- 6 bottles and 6 nipples, nipple brush, bottle brush and formula (if bottle feeding)
- Thermal bottle carrier
- Sterilization equipment
Clothing for Newborn Baby
Most new parents cannot help but buy a whole stack of cute little outfits for their little one. However, babies grow very fast so it’s important to limit the budget and only buy what a newborn needs.
- 6 onesies
- 6 pairs of booties
- 5 baby sleepers
- 2 hats
- 3 washable bibs
- 4 grow suits
- Cardigans and jackets (depending on season)
- Several blankets including receiving blankets
The Save-for-Later Items
These items are not essential for a newborn baby. Many mothers and fathers will wait a few weeks/months before returning back to the store for these additional items. Another option is to put some of these items on a baby shower registry, especially if the baby shower is after the birth of the little one.
- High chair
- Baby monitor
- Travel cot
- Bouncer, shakers and additional toys for bub
- Pacifiers
Additional Tips When Shopping for Newborns
Garage sales can be a parent’s best friend. Check out ‘baby garage sales’ in the local newspaper and hit the streets nice and early Sunday morning. Often parents are selling their almost-new items for next to nothing
Catalogue and online shop. Do the research and check for sales on all bigger items. Many parents wait until the baby is almost here to start shopping. Do a quick catalogue search every week to benefit from the baby bargains.
And, finally, have fun with it! It’s okay to spoil the little one just a little bit. With a newborn baby checklist new parents are able to buy exactly what is needed without worrying about overspending, impulse shopping and under budgeting.
 |
