Shopping List For A Newborn Baby

Cot or a cradle

A cradle or a bassinete is the best choice for those wanting to have their baby close by in their  bedroom. This works fine for at least for the first 12 weeks, after that you need a cot. A good saving tip is to borrow the cradle from a friend or family member and to buy the cot yourself. A tip on saving your back: buy a cot that has an adjustable base height, also try to look for a cot that can be converted into a bed when baby grows out of it.

Cot bedding

• A firm, clean and good fitting mattress
• A mattress protector
• Cotton or flannelette sheets, at least three set
• A sleeping bag for winter and a muslin wrap for summer
Point of attention, bumpers and pillows or considered a safety hazard!

Pram

There is an enormous choice in prams, you write down for yourself what specs you need. For example: do you need a spare seat for a toddler, do you need storage, should it be lightweight and easy to pop in your car, do you need offroad qualities, adjustable seating and handle, special colour or design wishes.

So you find out what you need first and then start looking for the best deal, use prices you find on the internet as a bargaining tool in the shops, you might be surprised how much discount you can get. Also check out Ebay for even better deals, not only second hand but a lot of new stuff is being sold on Ebay as well.

Change table

Go for one with lots of storage, you  can never have too much storage with a newborn baby. Most change tables can easily be converted into a chest of drawers by simply changing the top. Don't neglect safety as well, a baby that falls from the changing table because mum was distracted for a couple of seconds is absolutely horrid! Think safety harness for anything up high!

Bath

Look for a baby bath that can be adjusted in height, to save your back.

Car restraint

Law requires you to use a car safety restraint when having a baby in your car, this restraint must also meet certain standards. Never economise on a car restraint for your baby, as it can literally mean the difference between live and death in a car crash.

Feeding

• Nursing bras a clean one at least once a day.
• Washable or disposable breastpads
• A Breast pump
• Drinking bottles at least 4
• Bottle steriliser
• Bottle warmer

Small things

• Disposable nappies, start with a couple of packets, look for specials and use coupons for the best price.
• Cotton nappies, if you go for cloth nappies then you need at least 36 of them, don't forget the fasteners, liners and overpants.
• Nappy bucket
• Baby wipes
• Nappy rash cream

Bathing time

• Washcloths and towels, you'll need at least 3 of each per day and to use only for the baby
• Baby wash, lotion and oil
• Cotton wool balls and buds
• Baby comb and brush
• Safety nail scissors
• Toiletries

Clothing 

Lots and lots of clothes,as your baby may need three sets a day.
• Jumpsuits at least 10 of them, with or without feet depending the season
• Singlets at least 8 of them to start with, as soon as the baby grows out of them you need to buy more of them
• Jackets
• Hats for the cooler period and also very important sun hats to prevent sunburn during summer. Don't forget to buy baby sunblock, as a baby gets a sunburn very easily
• Socks and baby booties
• Muslins, bunny rugs and baby wraps  


Handy Extra Items

• Portable cot
• Bouncer
• Baby monitor, the newer ones have a small lcd screen so that you can hear and see your baby.
• Sling to carry the baby
• Toys, mobiles and music that helps your baby fall to sleep