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

 

Changing & bathing:
 

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
  • 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

   

  General items:
   

   

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  Leaving the house:
   

  Find More

  • Tips for bathing baby
  • Water safety for babies
  • The benefit of giving your baby a quiet time
    • 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.

    If you’re bottle feeding, you‘ll need:
     

     

    Find More

    • Tips on toy safety
    • Find out the types of child restraints available
    • Learn how to avoid dehydration and sunstroke
      • breast pads
      • special 'feeding' pillow or 'V' shaped cushion
      • Steriliser – steam or sterilising tablets
      • Bottles
      • Teats
      • Formula – check you have chosen an age-appropriate formula

       

       

      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!

      Common Sense Advice. Share your experiences, tips and advice on the Kidspot Forum.

      This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot.

       

      • 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

        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