A list of essential baby items

A list of essential items needed for babies and moms


Baby
1. Nappies – buy different sizes especially when on sale
2. Baby bath – best not to buy a very small one as they grow so quickly, baby bath can also be used as a chair/bed for baby. Just put enough pillows in bath. 
3. Small baby medical kit from Snookums
4. Clothing – remember that you will receive a lot of baby clothing and to wash everything before hand
- Baby grows
- Vests – long & short sleeved
- Leggings
- Sun hat / beanie 
- Socks
- Baby face clothes
- Baby’s own towels
- Baby tshirts, tops to go over vests
5. Toiletries – usually best not to buy too much before the time as some babies have sensitive skin and some brands don’t always agree with baby
- Baby powder
- Baby oil
- Baby nail clipper
- Spirits, ear buds/ cotton wool for cleaning the naval 
- Baby cream 
- Baby wash
- Baby shampoo
- Wet wipes – loads of it, there is no such thing as too little wipes
6. Laundry basket just for baby
7. Nappy bin & nappy bags – scented to keep out the bad smells
8. Kango Bath seat with cushion
9. Receiving blankets, any blanket will do- baby needs to be kept warm and accidents do happen 
10. Dummy – Optional
11. Car seat, most hospitals won’t let you leave without one
12. Bottles – don’t forget to sterilise bottles before hand
13. Formula

Mommy
1. Maternity pads – lots of them, I found that the maternity pads without the sticky stuff under worked better as the sticky stuff tended to tear at the stitches a bit 
2. Disposable underwear – just a note, for Carriwell, one size does fit all. You do not want to destroy your good underwear so get a few packets. Clicks also sells their own house brand of disposable underwear 
3. Maternity Mats/ Linen Savers – Found at most pharmacies. these are great for wherever you are lying down or sitting down. As you may have some accidents. 
4. Breast Pads- if your breastfeeding, this will help against any leakage...very embarrassing  
5. New Mum Vitamins-  Take care of yourself from the inside too
6. Nipple Shields – Helps when nipples are in pain & cracked
7. Nipple Cream 
8. Belly binder for after birth
9. Baby wrap or sling to keep baby close to you and your hands free
10. Stockings or long socks for the swelling
11. Snacks and easy to make foods for after birth when life gets too busy