Essential baby equipment
There’s nothing a new/expectant mum likes more than a list! Here’s our list of baby equipment which you should consider. Don't go too mad with your shopping - get what you consider to be the essentials, and if you're not sure about an item, maybe try it out first by hiring or borrowing from a friend. And don't forget, if you’re having a baby shower, you’ll receive lots of useful gifts - in particular, clothing and toys. So here’s our list of essential baby equipment:
Sleeping:
- bassinet
- bassinet mattress
- enough bedding for the bassinet –consider 3 sets of everything
- cot
- cot mattress
- enough bedding for cot – consider 2 sets of everything
-
baby monitor
Find More
- Browse the Kidspot baby sleep equipment directory
- Read up on tips for getting your newborn to sleep
- Find how to choose safe nursery bedding
Changing & bathing
- change mat
- change table
- toiletries – just go for the essentials (nappy wipes, barrier cream, sorbolene cream, cotton wool, cotton buds, soap/bubble bath, shampoo)
- nail clippers or scissors
- hair brush
- nappies – cloth or disposable
- bath towel x 2
- face cloths x 2
- baby bath – try to find one with a plug which will save you lugging a heavy bath of water
- bath ramp – this allows your baby to lie in the bath without any risk of him going under the water
-
bath seat – this will stop him slipping in the bath once he’s able to sit
Find More
- Tips for bathing baby
- Water safety for babies
- The benefit of giving your baby a quiet time
General items
- feeding chair
- nightlight
- drawers for storage
- mobile
- toys
- baby gym
- bouncinette/ bouncer chair
- paracetamol – and an up to date First-Aid kit
- thermometer
- Pram or stroller
- raincover for the pram
- baby car seat or capsule
- sun shades for the car windows
- sling or pouch
- nappy-bag with a change mat
- travel cot
Feeding equipment:
If you’re breastfeeding, you won’t need much extra equipment.
- breast pads
- special 'feeding' pillow or 'V' shaped cushion
If you’re bottle feeding, you‘ll need:
- Steriliser – steam or sterilising tablets
- Bottles
- Teats
- Formula – check you have chosen an age-appropriate formula
Find More
- Advice on breastfeeding
- Find the benefits of breastfeeding
- Browse the Kidspot directory of breastfeeding wear
- Find out more about bottlefeeding
- Advice on bottlefeeding
- Top tips for successful bottle feeding
Equipment Hire
Every possible thing you could need for your baby can be hired. From breastpumps to car seats, you can hire it for a week or six months.
Hiring is a great way to have access to the must-have items you only need for a short time, like a bassinet, or if you want to try before you buy, like a motorised baby swing-seat. It’s also particularly handy to hire baby equipment if you have guests to stay who have a child, or you’re going on holiday and want to avoid the hassle of travelling with the entire contents of your baby’s room!
Find More
- Tips on toy safety
- Find out the types of child restraints available
Clothing:
Clothing is a very popular gift choice so just try to cover the basics yourself and avoid buying too many oh-so cute ensembles. You won’t know the size of your baby until he’s born so you may find that that some of your purchases will never be worn.
- bodysuits
- singlets
- growsuits
- sunhat
- beanie
- jackets, jumpers, cardigans
- socks
- bibs
Find More
- Browse the Kidspot Directory for Baby Clothing
- Learn how to avoid dehydration and sunstroke
Common Sense Advice. Share your experiences, tips and advice on the Kidspot Forum.
This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot.
