Getting ready for your baby
A useful guide to help you plan
the essential things you'll need as you prepare for baby’s arrival
- Moses basket or crib - your baby can sleep by your bed for the first 3 months
- Cot or cotbed
- New mattress (a must for every new baby)
- 3-4 fitted sheets
- Swaddling blanket or sleeping bag
- 3-4 blankets - instead of a swaddling blanket (never both)
- Room thermometer
- Digital thermometer - for baby's temperature
- Night light
- Baby monitor
- Baby bath or bath support
- Bath thermometer
- Top and tail bowl
- Toiletries, cotton wool, sponge and flannel
- Changing mat and travel changing mat
- Cuddle robe or towels
- Nappies - as many as you can store for several days at a time (not available online)
- Nappy pail or similar/nappy sacks
- Baby wipes
- Muslin squares
- Brush and comb
- Nail scissors or clippers
Breastfeeding
- Nursing bras
- Breast pads - washable or disposable
- Nipple protectors
- 6 muslin squares
Bottle feeding
- 6-8 bottles and teats (slow flow)
- Steriliser (choose steam, microwave or cold water)
- Bottle warmer
- Bottle brush
- 6 muslin squares
- Infant carrier/car seat - it's not recommended to use a second hand car seat
- Pram/pushchair - that's suitable from birth
- Baby carrier or sling
- Parasol or sun canopy in summer
- Rain cover for your car seat and pram or pushchair (if not included in package)
- Travel cot - or you could use a Moses basket
- Sun blinds for your car windows in summer
- Changing bag
- Bouncer/rocking cradle - mums swear by them
- Play/activity mat
- Rattles or musical toys
- Pram toys
- Car seat arch or toys to hang on car seat handle
Nursery advice service
Buying for baby? Our experienced Nursery Partners are here to guide you through your journey into parenthood. Offering impartial, expert advice, we’ll help you to create a newborn checklist and answer any questions you have.
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