Newborn with eyes closed

All The Things You Will Need Newborn Baby

Bringing a newborn home after delivery can be a daunting experience during those first few weeks. It takes a while to adjust to your new routine amidst nappy changes, feeds, and sleep deprivation. Before we share things you will need newborn baby checklist, here are five things you can do before D-day to make your life a little easier on yourself.

***Disclosure -The links in this post may contain affiliate links and I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on a link.***

All The Things You Will Need Newborn Baby

Wash baby bedding and clothes

A newborn baby’s skin is delicate and sensitive, therefore it is recommended to wash all bedding and clothing items with non-bio detergent before using them. This will prevent skin irritation.

Cook in bulk

Once baby arrives, you will often feel as if the days have not enough hours. You are going to have your hands full. Preparing and cooking food will be a challenge. Cooking and freezing meals in bulk before the time will be a huge time-saver during those first few weeks after giving birth. 

Do some spring cleaning

There will not be a lot of time for doing household chores once your little one arrives. Take advantage of your nesting instinct and do a thorough clean of your home or hire someone to help you if you are not feeling up to it. Instead, you can do things like organizing baby supplies and doing the last bibs and bobs to get everything ready for baby’s homecoming.

Buy loads of nappies

You will be amazed at how many wipes and nappies a newborn goes through, so stock up on disposable nappies beforehand. You will need about ten to twelve a day.

Start packing your hospital bag

During the last stretch of your third trimester, labour can happen during any time. Start packing your hospital bag around 36 weeks with baby essentials, clothing, and nappies you will need for labour and after delivery. Place the bag close to the front door so when the time arrives you can just grab it on your way out.


Essential Big-ticket Items You Will Need For Your Newborn Baby

  • A car seat. 
  • A pram that reclines so that baby can lay flat.
  • Crib or bassinet.
  • Baby bath.

During the third trimester of pregnancy, in between naps and resting your swollen feet, you can start stocking up on everything you will need for the big day when your newborn is coming home with you. However, do not buy too many baby toiletries and clothing before your baby shower since you will most probably receive loads of these. Wait until afterwards and buy the things you still need.

Cute baby yawning

How Do You Know What Your Baby Will Need?

The best way to start creating your newborn shopping list is to think about what your baby will need. Break it down into a few primary categories to avoid forgetting something important. Focus on the things they will need for different rooms/activities. This will make it easier to remember and categorize. Make a list and tick the things off the list that you have already bought or received.

Baby Bedroom Necessities

  • Crib/bassinet – The first thing on your list would be a safe and comfortable place for baby to sleep. Moses baskets or cribs are preferred options. Just make sure whatever you choose, is baby safe and adheres to safety regulations.
  • Baby linen – The second item would be what your baby will sleep under. Baby’s bedding must be comfortable, soft, and free from any loose threads or other hazards such as embellishments. Always adhere to safety tips to protect baby’s limbs if swaddled.
  • Sleeping supports – This include extras for entertainment, for instance, a baby mobile. You can also consider things that create white noise, like CDs or white noise toys. Soft teddies are also a firm favorite for when baby gets bigger. Never give babies under twelve months any objects to sleep with, this include teddies.
  • Night light – even though darkness is soothing for newborns who are used to spending time in the womb, a night light could make night time feeds easier on you and less disruptive to other sleeping household members.
  • Baby monitor– Baby monitors proof to be invaluable for keeping an ear, or eye on your newborn when you are not in the nursery. You can compare different models to decide which one would be the perfect fit for you. Remember to test and replace batteries frequently.
  • Bedding – We recommend having three large cotton blankets and eight receiving blankets that can double up as burp cloths. Also, invest in three mattress covers that are waterproof and a sleep sack.
  • Mattress – Crib mattress that is baby approved.

When baby starts growing and moves into his own bedroom, you will have to re-evaluate this list and update some of baby’s necessities. It is also essential to remember to frequently wash baby’s pillowcases, sheets and other baby for hygienic purposes and ensuring your baby stays protected and healthy while sleeping.


Baby Necessities For Outings Away From Home

  • Changing bag – This is something that you are going to use for a long time, therefore invest in a quality one with loads of different compartments for organizing and packing everything you might need. Many changing bags come with a complimentary changing mat which is incredibly useful.
  • Nappies and scented nappy bags – the quantity you will need, depends on the time you will be out. Newborns need regular changing, therefore always pack a few extra, just in case. We have used disposable scented nappy bags for storing soiled or wet nappies in a separate compartment of the bag until we get home or are at a place where we could dispose of them.
  • Baby toiletries – baby wipes, bum cream, and cotton wool are our go-to toiletries for cleaning up messes and changing nappies when you are out and about. 
  • Muslin cloths – These are ideal for wiping spillages on yourself and baby.
  • Extra clothes – Pack an extra set or two of clothing for unexpected accidents. You might want to pack an extra top for yourself as well.
  • Quality pramchoose a pram that is safe and comfortable and not too heavy for you to lift or push. 
  • Car seatA car seat is a must have item for keeping baby safe while traveling. Make sure you select on that meets safety regulations. Practice a few times and familiarize yourself with how everything works, so when baby arrives you will have no issues putting and taking him out of it. 

Baby Feeding Essentials

If you are planning on breastfeeding, having these items can make things a whole lot easier:

  • Plenty baby bibs
  • Burp cloths
  • Nursing pillow
  • Manual or electric breast pump
  • Containers for storing breastmilk
  • Nursing bras
  • Nursing pads (washable or disposable)
  • Nipple cream that is safe for baby

If you are planning on formula feeding, you will need:

  • Plenty baby bibs
  • Burp cloths
  • Nipple and bottle brush
  • Infant formula (always check the expiry date) – make sure to check out the top ten baby formula South Africa so you know which brands to try out! 
  • Thermal bottle carrier

Baby Essentials For Changing Diapers

If you are planning on using cloth diapers that are re-usable:

  • A few dozen (four to five) re-usable / cloth diapers
  • Eight waterproof covers
  • Bum cream or barrier ointment for rash prevention
  • Changing mat
  • Safety pins for securing re-usable diapers
  • Washcloths or disposable baby wipes for cleaning baby’s bottom

If you are planning on using disposable nappies:

  • Two boxes of newborn diapers (Do not buy too many since you do not know what size your baby is and how quickly he will grow)
  • Changing mat
  • Bum cream or barrier ointment for rash prevention
  • Washcloths or disposable baby wipes for cleaning baby’s bottom

Clothing

Let’s face it, it is difficult to resist all those tiny and cute baby outfits online or in the shops. But keep in mind that babies grow rapidly, and they do not fit into a particular size for very long. It is not worth spending hundreds of dollars on baby clothing that is only going to be worn a few times. You will also be doing a lot of nappy changes, so you want to opt for something that is comfy and allows for quick nappy changes. 

Also, keep in mind, how many times a week you do laundry. If you do laundry twice or three times weekly, you are not going to need too many clothes either.

 When shopping for baby outfits, do not buy too many newborn sizes since babies outgrow them too quickly. Also, if your baby is big, it will most likely not fit him. We recommend buying a few newborn items and then rather invest in 0-3 months.

Suggested clothing for newborns:

  • Eight onesies (an assortment of long sleeve and short sleeve).
  • Five nightgowns to use until baby’s cord falls off.
  • Five pairs of pants.
  • Eight baby grows.
  • Two newborn beanies.
  • Eight pairs of booties or socks.
  • If it is Winter, two jackets, or cardigans.
  • Three cute outfits for dressing up (not compulsory).

Bath Time Essentials For Newborns

  • Plastic baby bath – baby baths or basins are useful for bathing newborns. You will use a lot less water and it is safer. Always check the bath water with a baby bath thermometer or test the water with the underside of your forearm to make sure it is not too hot.
  • A few extra washcloths (not used for wiping baby’s bottom).
  • Baby soap or wash suitable for baby’s sensitive skin.
  • Tearless baby shampoo.
  • Nappy rash barrier cream.
  • Baby hairbrush with soft bristles.
  • Three soft hooded baby towels – when drying your newborn, remember to gently pat his skin dry and avoid rubbing. Do not forget to dry in the creases of their little legs, arms, and in between toes and fingers.
  • Baby bath thermometer for testing the temperature of the water.
  • Tap covers – soft tap covers acts as protection against baby burning on hot taps or getting their little toes caught on them by accident.

Baby foot and flower

Other Newborn Baby Essentials

  • Nail scissors or clippers
  • Bulb syringe for suctioning out mucus
  • Medicine spoon or eye dropper
  • Medicine for fever
  • Baby thermometer for checking baby’s temperature

Non-essential baby items, but nice to have

Apart from all the essentials mentioned above there are a few items that are not essential but are incredibly comfortable to have and will make your life a lot easier.

  • Changing table for nappy changes (or a changing mat on top of the bed or dresser).
  • Rocking chair for feeds or swaddling your little one.
  • Playpen.
  • Bottle/food warmer.
  • Baby carrier or sling.
  • Sunshades for car windows.
  • Plastic hangers for baby.
  • Night light.
  • Baby mobile.
  • Two to four pacifiers (if you are planning on using them).

First off, congratulations on your pregnancy. Enjoy every moment because before you know it, it will all be over, and it will be time for baby’s arrival. We know it can be tricky to try and remember every single thing you are going to need once you and your baby is discharged from the hospital. Parents often splurge or overindulge, thinking that they need all the gimmicks and baby equipment they see advertised, especially if it is their first child.

 But, truthfully, newborns only need a few big-ticket items, like a stroller, baby car seat, and crib.  And apart from nappy changes, they feed, and sleep. Rather, stick to essentials and save money for nappies and other baby essentials. You are going to go through a lot of nappies during those first few weeks. 


Conclusion

We hope you have found this article helpful. This list contains the general expectations as far as baby necessities go. Before buying baby clothes, think about what he will actually need. We have only listed the basics, but depending on your budget, aesthetic preference, and lifestyle, your list may vary.

Having children does not come cheap and it is useful to start spending wisely from the very beginning. We hope that our checklist is going to be something that you can use as a guide when you are preparing for the arrival of your newborn. Remember, there are some things that your baby is not even going to use during the first few months of his life. You can always stock up on the essentials and get those at a later stage. 

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90 comments

  1. This blog post is really helpful and everything needed for wen you go to hospital

  2. When My daughter was born people mostly gave cloths some alot of nappies and wet wipes and I was like so much what will I do with all of this until baby came and I was going through 2 packs a month some times even more… Its so important to spend more money on nappies, face cloths, and wet wipes then it is clots. everything in this article is great with the basic things for baby and most important.

  3. Very insightful website! And as a first time mother this info is really helpful

  4. Having children is a blessing my first born was planned and second born unplanned, but we Managing well, kids are expensive, lucking I have 2 boys so clothing is passed on, I’m saving a lot. I felt having them so close in age all my newborn items really helped out till the end. Great article

    • Ah Farhana – I was told that my second was a girl too and then I was so happy knowing that I would be able to pass on all my first baby’s clothing at a later scan my gyni told me he had made a mistake, it was most definitely a boy LOL. Then I was scrambling to buy some boy’s things!

    • A very informative website. Just love it. As a mom of 4 kids i am always learning something new😊❤️

  5. Capitac is one of the best bank which cost less charges always there for the people their charges are less than any other bank charges
    If I win this voucher at checkers it will be a great opportunity for me I will be able to get everything I need

    • I just love this blog…i dont need google…no books…no nothing…only Lynnes blogs…awesome…informative…intresting…helpful…just fantastic…thanks Lynne

  6. Very informative and allows interactions I love this website

  7. What a awesome website! For first timers like me, it is a great help!

  8. Wow, such an informative post about how to prepare for the big day. I’m about to be a first time mom and I’ve been finding these blogs, with way too much info but not the clear consise answers

    So thank you for this ❤

  9. This article is very helpful – I wish there was a bundle for first-time moms with all the essentials; from baby wipes, diapers, clothes, cots, prams/strollers, car seats, walking rings, teething supplies, blankies, baby food, formula, cosmetics, little cups, pads, etc – all this to the little bits to last at least three months until new mom is adjusted to mom life.

  10. Love this website very informative!

  11. I really love this website, it has very valuable information. I learn a lot from you guys. Thank you

  12. Wish I had this is wonderful comprehensive checklist when my princess was born. I had 2 scans and still couldn’t see if she was a girl or boy. So we just bought lots of neutral colour clothes. But somehow I am just knew that it was a girl. I spoke to her while I was pregnant. I called her by her name when I spoke to her. We were so relieved when I gave birth to a girl😅

  13. Very informative article. Appreciate it.

    • Yes, indeed it is. I have a baby on the way and boy oh boy am I stressing about what essentials I need. Great to have come across the above tips.

      • Congrats on your pregnancy Kaylor. It can be very daunting becoming a mom for the first time and not knowing what you will need. I’m glad you have found this post helpful.

    • Awesome blog with relevant content!

  14. So informative

  15. Devandran Anamalay

    Great article, very informative. Thanks It’s really helpful to me

  16. Really practical advice to share with moms to be

  17. Having kids is a blessing. My girls are 20 and 13 ys old this year. I wish i had all this crucial info during my child bearing years. This would have made having kids so much more easier
    Thank you for this information
    Will pass on to family members that are in the process of welcoming babies in the near future

  18. For me a baby carrier is an essential, to keep baby close and my hands free to be able to make food, do some chores, shop for groceries. I wouldn’t be able to do without it.

    • Yes, especially when you have more than one child. I loved my baby carrier with my first baby and when my second baby arrived it was an essential that went everywhere with us and I made use of at home and at the office. I kept my daughter at home with me until she was 2 years old and my son at home with me until he was 13 months old, being able to work and keep baby close was a life saver for me!

  19. Gosh when i think back to baby 1 and all the things we bought and received as gifts at our baby shower, i think half of it we could have done without quite happily. Baby number 3 was a surprise and we just have the essentials.
    Essential for mom: nursing bras, reusable nursing pads for leaky boobs, maternity pads, button down tops.
    Essential for baby: nappies, wipes, bum cream, gentle soap for all over wash, babygrows, blanket, burp cloths (old wash cloths), car chair, baby carrier/pram, baby on board sign for car, saline drops and suction bulb for snot noses.
    Some things really aren’t necessary like a nursing pillow. Just use normal pillows or cushions

  20. Thank you for the amazing tips.

  21. Definitely sharing this with my friends and family members this is very useful

  22. This was so interesting and I have passed it on to my sister in law who is having a baby in a few days time. This really helps to prepare. I wish i had had something like this available when my kids were born

  23. Thanks Lynne…very intresting….Information…i just love your blogs…

  24. Yes a baby is very expensive lol…i just love this blog…its so helpfull…and the tips and information is awesome…i dont need to go on to any site…i find all the information on Lynnes blog.. thanks so much

  25. This blog is very informative and I am very grateful.

  26. I’m expecting my first born and I am nervous. This article has been a great help. There are so many things I didn’t even think about getting.

  27. Woow its a lovely giveaway

  28. Tshegofatso Bopape

    As a first time mom I read a lot of tips when I was expecting and this sums it up perfectly, will recommend the article to other expecting moms.

  29. Where was this list when my baby was born? This is so great for a first time parent that’s basically going into it blind. I didn’t really have any maternal figure to guide me through it. This is such an awesome article.

  30. Thank you for the article.

  31. Reading from this website is always so helpful, so many excellent tips and advice

  32. This is a great website

  33. Wow amazing how many items 1 little human will need. My daughter is 11 and when I think of having another baby I prob would feel like a first time mom all over again. So many things have changed since I have birth. Great tips and very helpful

  34. Priyanti Govender

    This post makes me broody… My son will be 8 next month but I can still remember the first month. Wish I had had this back then. (Hopefully) when my second one arrives I’ll be more prepared and will be able to guide friends and family towards more sensible gift ideas… Like vouchers! Thank you for the amazing work Kaboutjie does. Always great to read.

  35. I just love how this blog is able to give all the essential information, I find myself lucky that I can use a search engine to search about baby subjects. I can only wonder how it was to get information without a quick search on the internet.

  36. List for baby clothing essentials is nice for anyone who needs to plan in advance and is unsure of how many of which is needed.

  37. this blog is extremely helpful, thank you so much

  38. Wow – great info. Wish we knew all this when we became 1st time parents

  39. Marcia Odette Pillay

    Lovely article👌i appreciate detailed instructions and to do lists. By the way it’s my sister who’s pregnant, not me🙈but i forward her every article on your blog to do with pregnancy. It’s a great source of prep and calm especially during this covid period. Thank you and stay safe

  40. Wow, what a very insightful and detailed information blog for first time Moms! So helpful and interesting to read. Thank you for all the amazing tips and suggestions! This is a great help!! xxx

  41. Baby is 6 months now but I don’t or didn’t use bibs for breastfeeding only for solids.
    Was I supposed to use them?

    • You don’t have to! I found bibs really helpful for breastfeeding to help clean up any milk spills and for oopsies, plus for drying my baby’s drool!

  42. These tips really helped me alot. I am 35 weeks pregnant and a first time mom. Always anxious and nervous but this article really helped.

  43. Great read, very informative!

  44. Sunita Van der Westhuizen

    Very important information.

  45. Gathering all the things that my baby will need was the most exciting part Me ❤️❤️

  46. Wow this is amazing.. Very informative

  47. Thank you for this article.

  48. Thanks for the very informative article.

  49. This was truly helpful.

  50. Great site and very informative.

  51. Thank you that was very detailed. Having children is not cheap at all

  52. We wasted on such unnecessary things like baby shoes for a tiny baby and bought so much clothing. They grow so quickly they only need minimal clothing in the beginning.

  53. Great post. Making me broody 🙂 To test baby’s bath water without a bath thermometer, you can use your elbow. If the water feels warm, it’s ok for baby. If it feels hot, then add more cold water.

    • Lynne Huysamen

      Stacey, yes that’s what we did too, and it worked perfectly. We never had a bath thermometer but many moms swear by them so on the list it goes!

  54. This was very informative.. Most of these I already forgot.. My friend is having her first baby and the other day asked me what she needs.. I’m just going to direct her to this article! Xx

  55. Lee-Ann George

    Wonderful article with super awesome helpful list for all expecting..I was super prepared for my firstborn..I bought way too many clothes though…I worked at Woolies,so every chance I got,I’d shop with the eye for cute new outfits and buy it paydays…I kept all his clothes(carseats and prams)eventhough I knew I wanted a little girl as a 2nd child and lo and behold,I had another boy..he is 2 now and still wearing his brothers hand me downs…so I saved a lot!!my advice…If you planning on having more kids keep most of your baby’s clothes…if you have space,keep the carseats and prams too😉

    • Lynne Huysamen

      That’s great advice Lee-Ann and will save a fortune! However we never planned on having more kids so when our second baby came along I had given away almost everything! Oopsie

  56. You can never go wrong with having to much Nappies, wet wipes a on the go change mat and a big enough baby bag to carry everything its almost like taking your whole house with you. and most important if you not breast feeding a container to carry enough milk.

  57. Geraldine Lokchander

    Thanks for the amazing article, this will help me alot

  58. Thank you for this compriensive list of baby items. Its great n will be the list im going on.

  59. Monique Mentoor

    I wish I had these guidelines when I was pregnant. My little niece is due in 3 weeks time. I have shared this article with the soon to be parents. It also helps with ideas for the babyshower we have planned for next week. Thank you Kaboutjie.

  60. So helpful in prepping for the birth of our first little one in May!

    • I absolutely love this blog.
      So true, you have so much to prepare for and sometimes when baby comes you still feel unprepared.

  61. Very helpful article!
    #WinWithKaboutjie

  62. Overall a good post. Here and there a few things that I don’t think is necessarily needed.

  63. Very handy tips and so informative.

  64. Zizipho Mbangi

    Thank you for the informative blog. For my second child will definitely use these tips.

  65. This is extremely helpful advice

  66. For a first time mommy. This was really helpful.
    One can be so overwhelmed by everything advertised and in the stores.

  67. This is an article all first time mothers need. You think you have everything and check multiple times and you keep buying more to stock up but there is always that 1 item you need that is completly forgotten about. Def better to make a list and tick off as you go along. Baby products are really expensive.

  68. Very insightful blog. I learn a lot every time I log in

  69. This voucher will come in handy this month with everything that’s happening

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