There are a lot of things you'll need when you have a baby, and as a new mother, we can understand how daunting it can be to understand and decide what all to buy, and which brands might be good. So here we are, making life a little easier for you with our checklist for newborn baby essentials.
DIAPERING
Diapers (New born size): You'll likely go through 8-12 diapers a day in the beginning. Choose a gentle, unscented brand to avoid irritating your baby's delicate skin.
(I personally used Pampers Swaddlers and Pampers Pure Shea Butter diapers. Hypoallergenic and extremely soft on baby’s skin)
Wipes: Look for fragrance-free, gentle wipes that are safe for your baby's sensitive skin. Consider buying water wipes for extra sensitive babies.
(I personally used Water wipes which are readily available online. Their delivery times are a bit longer so make sure to order ahead. Sometimes when these weren’t available then Chicco Wet Wipes and Pampers Wet Wipes were also very gentle on baby skin)
Diaper rash cream: A zinc oxide-based diaper rash cream will help soothe and prevent diaper rash.
(One of the best and highly recommended diaper rash cream is Sudocrem. It works wonders on diaper rash and minor skin flare ups if any)
Diaper changing pad: A portable changing pad is a must-have for diaper changes on the go. You'll also want a changing pad for your nursery dresser.
(Baby Jalebi & Abracadabra both have some really nice options)
Diaper Bag: It is a must to have a spacious, light weight and comfortable diaper bag. One that has a lot of compartments, and pockets for storage of different kinds.
(Baby Jalebi, Mothercare, Star & Daisy have good options. BUT moms, if you are willing to spend a little extra then Dagne Dover is my personal recommendation. You will have to call for it from outside but it is a lovely diaper bag. The features are endless. Do check it out. It is extremely pricey, so if you’re not on a budget, give it a shot)
FEEDING
Bottles and nipples (if not breastfeeding): Choose bottles that are easy to clean and assemble. You may want to experiment with different nipple shapes to find what your baby prefers.
(I would highly recommend using glass bottles only. Dr Brown has really good and sturdy bottles with an air vent that doesn’t give the baby too much gas, because it keeps any air successfully outside, while feeding)
Breast pump (if breastfeeding): This can be helpful for expressing milk to store for later feedings or to relieve engorgement.
(I would highly recommend Medela Breast Pump. Philip’s Avent also is a good option)
Breastfeeding pillow (optional): This can help improve your posture and comfort while breastfeeding.
(Mi Arcus, Amala Earth, Pottery Barn, The Mom Store, these are all good brands for a breastfeeding pillow)
Formula (if not breastfeeding): Choose a gentle, iron-fortified formula that is appropriate for newborns. Talk to your pediatrician about the best formula for your baby.
Milk storage bags (if breastfeeding): To prevent spills, it’s essential to store pumped breast milk correctly. That’s where breast milk bags come in, and just like with most baby products, there’s an abundance of options to choose from.
(Medela, Dr. Brown, Spectra are all good)
Nursing pads: Absorbent fabric inserts that easily slip inside your bra to soak excess breast milk.
(Chicco, Medela, Dr. Brown are all good options)
Bibs: Bibs will help catch spills and drool. Look for bibs made from soft, absorbent material.
(Abracadabra, Marks & Spencer, Mi Arcus, Amala Earth, all great brands for good quality and affordable bibs)
Burp cloths: You'll need plenty of burp cloths to clean up spit-up and burps. Choose cloths made from a soft, absorbent material.
(Abracadabra, Mi Arcus, Amala Earth, Pottery Barn, all great brands for good quality and affordable bibs, but you don’t need to go too far because Wuv Bug provides you with the softest, most absorbent, organic burp cloths)
Wash cloths: Believe me when I say this, you will always feel you’re short of washcloths. Choose a soft organic absorbent washcloth for your baby, because every now then you’ll need to wipe something of the other off your baby.
(Try Wuv Bug for top quality washcloths)
Bottle Sterilizer and Bottle Warmer (optional): If you're willing to take the extra effort to have your baby drink bacteria-free and warm bottled milk, then these will prove to be a good buy.
(Tommee Tippee, Philips Avent, Medela, Chicco are all good brands)
CLOTHING
Nothing is cuter than buying clothes that fit into the palm of your hand, and new moms tend to go a little crazy while shopping for their little ones. (Been there, done that) But honestly, talking from experience, it doesn’t make sense to buy too many clothes for your new born because they will change sizes every few weeks. Below is a broad list which might help you plan your baby’s wardrobe.
Onesies – Have atleast 6 to 8 at a time
Rompers – Great for winter babies. Buy the ones which cover feet as well.
Jhablas or Vests – Great for Summer babies (Wuv Bug has some amazing ones you can look at)
Frocks - if you have a baby girl (again, don't look too far. Wuv Bug has some great options)
Socks or Booties
No scratch mittens
Caps
Fleece suit – Essential for winter babies
SLEEPING
Crib: A safe and sturdy crib is essential for your baby's sleep. Make sure the mattress fits snugly in the crib and that there are no loose slats or hardware.
(Star & Daisy, Little Bird India & Mothercare, all have great options with toxic free paint for your little ones)
Crib mattress: Choose a firm, breathable crib mattress that fits snugly in the crib. A waterproof mattress protector is also recommended.
(Usually comes along with the crib, just ensure to check its specifications before buying)
Fitted crib sheets: You'll need several fitted crib sheets in case of accidents. Choose sheets made from soft, breathable fabric.
(Abracadabra, Amala Earth, Mothercare, All Things Baby, Pottery Barn, all offer premium quality crib sheets)
Swaddles: Swaddling can help calm and soothe your newborn baby. It also helps prevent startle reflex which burns precious calories of a new born. Look for swaddles made from soft, breathable fabric. (WuvBug Kids offers just that, swaddles, which can be used in various ways and not just for swaddling)
Sleep sacks: Sleep sacks are a safe alternative to swaddles once your baby starts to show signs of rolling over. Choose sleep sacks made from a lightweight, breathable fabric. It ensures your baby stays safely covered all night without any risk of any loose sheet covering the baby.
(H&M, Connect Zoey, Tulo Baby, Mothercare, all offer great quality sleeping bags for your little ones)
BATHING & GROOMING
Baby Bathtub: A new born bathtub is a small, soft tub that is designed to support your baby during bath time. It’s extremely comfortable to bathe your baby in it, because you can make your baby lie down in it comfortably and have your hands free to bathe the child.
(Skip Hop has the best baby tubs based on age, they are a little on the expensive side. If you’re looking for something more affordable then, Star & Daisy and Babyhug are good options)
Baby soap or shampoo: Choose a gentle, fragrance-free baby soap or shampoo.
(Sebamed, Aveeno, Cetaphil are all great choices. Please ask your paediatrician for a safe recommendation)
Soft baby towel: A hooded baby towel will help keep your baby warm and dry after bath time.
(Masilo is the best I have used for my baby till date. It stays soft even after several washes. Mi Arcus, Mothercare also have decent options)
OTHER ESSENTIALS
Nasal aspirator (bulb syringe): This can help clear your baby's stuffy nose.
Infant thermometer: A digital thermometer is the easiest and safest way to take your baby's temperature.
Nail clippers: Baby nail clippers are specially designed to safely trim your baby's tiny nails.
Pacifier (optional): Pacifiers can help soothe and comfort your newborn baby.
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