With literally thousands of products available in stores and online, many new parents feel a bit confused on what exactly they will need for their new baby. The truth is that this list is probably far shorter than you may think, as many of the gimmicks and gadgets one can actually do without. However, there are many products available which can make parents’ lives a lot easier and, if you are financially able, you may choose to invest in these.
If you are shopping for your first baby, remember that you will also use items for subsequent children, making it more worthwhile spending money on.
If you live in a city area where you can easily get to a variety of stores you may choose to only buy items when you actually need them instead of in advance. Remember that whatever you buy you need to store, so keep your space constraints in mind.
Lastly, some items are better to buy new (like a breastpump) whilst others one can consider buying second-hand (like a pram). In the end, baby doesn’t mind!
Below a list to help you plan or download our PDF document below:
What do you need for your new baby Check List
| Category | Must-haves | Nice-to-haves |
| For Labour Day:
Pack these in a separate bag to take into the labour room so that you can easily reach what you need |
o All your paperwork for admission – ID documents, medical aid card, etc
o A camera and batteries, or cell phone chargers o A two pin plug (often not available when needed!) o Comfortable clothes to labour in; pick a fabric through which your birth partner can easily rub your lower back for pain relief o A gown to cover-up if you want to mobilise in labour. o A bikini-top if you plan to use a birthing pool o Warms socks (many women complain of cold feet) o Your own pillow for x-tra comfort o A soft fleece blanket – hospital blankets are heavy and warm. o A hair-band or elastics to keep your hair out of your face o An exercise ball (if the hospital doesn’t have) o Easy-to-sip water bottle o Caffeine-free energy drinks and some low GI snacks o A wheat-bag to warm – this simple tool can provide wonderful pain relief when held against your lower back or abdomen (HeatyWheaties is a great company who can perhaps list their wheat bags on your site) o Lip-ice o Two face-cloths – one to wipe your face and one for your body o A small bag with basic toiletries o Linen savers (10) o Maternity panties (Carriwell) o Maternity pads (one pack) o Pyjamas for after the birth o Perineal ice-packs – hand to staff to freeze when you are admitted so that they are ready straight after the birth; condoms filled with water and frozen work very well o Homeopathic Arnica tablets – start taking immediately after the birth for bruising and swelling o A basic baby bag – 3 clean nappies, buttock cream, a packet of wet-wipes, two soft blankets, warm socks and a hat, and one set of clothing in case mom and baby are separated and immediate skin-to-skin is not possible
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o Music – you will need a playlist and Bluetooth speaker; if you have CD, check with the hospital if they have a CD player
o Candles – buy electronic ones if the hospital doesn’t allow real flames o Some essential oils – use in a burner or in a massage oil (I can provide some content on the use of essential oils in pregnancy, labour and for babies if you want to link an article) |
| Mom’s Hospital Stay:
Pack for a 2-3 night stay in hospital |
o Easy-to-breastfeed pajamas (3 sets)
o Breastfeeding bra’s o Disposable breast pads o Lanolin nipple ointment o Linen savers o Maternity pads (at least 2 packs; from day 5-7 you can move over to normal sanitary pads) o Basic toiletries o Coarse salt for perineal sitz baths o A spray bottle – mix water with ½ tsp salt and 2-3 drops of tea tree oil to spray your perineal area (I can provide content on perineal care after birth) o An outfit to wear when going home
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o Something to read
o A note-book for jotting down thoughts o Music – your labour playlist and Bluetooth speaker may still come in handy to drown-out hospital noises and to help you relax o Your own pillow and fleece-blanket from your labour bag o A breastfeeding pillow |
| Baby’s Hospital Stay
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o 6 sets of clothing (organise these in separate bags)
o Four receiver blankets o Two fleece blankets o Some burp cloths o Wet wipes and nappies o Gentle skincare products (I have great info on skincare and choosing skincare products that I can put into an article) o Surgical spirits and cotton wool balls (Can provide info on cord care and the choice between open cord care or cleaning the navel) o Saline nose drops o A small orthodontic soother (will write an article on the ins and outs of dummies for babies, especially linking to breastfeeding) o A baby nail clipper – they are often born with long nails already o An SABS approved car seat for safe travelling from the very first trip
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| Nursery and Equipment | o A cot or camp-cot
o A good quality baby mattress o A chair/single bed to sit on in the room o A non-slip bath mat o A nappy disposal bin (or bucket if you are doing cloth nappies) o A clothes hamper o 2-4 dummies and 2 dummy chains |
o A changing station at a back-friendly height (alternatively you can use your bed)
o A carry cot o A musical mobile o A baby bath (alternatively you can bath baby in a basin or in the family bath) o A baby monitor o A feeding/rocking chair – choose one with wide armrests so that you have space to also feed a bigger baby; if it can’t recline, get a foot stool. o A humidifier o A play mat and some toys o A CD-player with some white noise or baby music in the nursery o Baby swing or rocker
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| Clothing and linen:
This can be difficult to plan as both baby’s size and the weather is difficult to predict. Leave labels on clothes so that you can exchange if necessary.
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You will need for each age:
o 6 vests (long and short sleeves) o 6 babygros (onesies) o 2 hats o 4 pairs of socks o 6 bibs (though you may need more if baby drools a lot) o 2 warm jackets o 2-4 warm babygros for colder days and outings (depending on the season) o 4-6 receiver blankets o 2 warm fleece blankets o 1 bigger blanket to use as baby grows o 2 mattress protectors o 2 mattress sheets o A baby pillow with two covers o 2 bath towels o 6-10 burp cloths (face cloths also work well)
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o A baby mosquito net
o A breastfeeding pillow |
| Products and cosmetics
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o Disposable or cloth nappies – you will use on average 5-8 nappies a day
o Wet wipes o Baby bum cream o Gentle and if possible natural skincare products – shampoo, baby wash and lotion o Baby-friendly laundry detergent o Cotton wool balls o Nail clipper o Baby hair brush o Baby-friendly sunscreen o Baby-friendly mosquito repellent
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| Baby Feeding:
Breast is best, and essentially all you need is a baby and a boob…but here are some suggested extras plus necessities for bottle feeding mommies and little ones on solids
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Breastfeeding:
o Nursing bra’s o Breast pads (washable or disposable) o Breastfeeding-friendly clothes o A breastfeeding cover-up for public feeding o A breast pump – choose one wisely to suit your needs o Breastmilk bags or containers for freezing if you are planning to express Bottle feeding: o Bottles and teats o Consider a bottle warmer o Formula dispenser or dispensing containers Cleaning and Sterilising o A dishwasher basket o A basin to wash breastpump parts and bottles in (it’s preferable not to wash it with normal dishes) o Bottle brushes o A bottle drying rack o A steriliser (steam or microwave) Solid foods: o A feeding chair o A splat-mat (a shower curtain or plastic table cloth works well) o Gum-friendly plastic spoons o BPA free containers for storing and freezing baby food o A pureeing tool – blender, food processor, baby food maker, etc |
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| First-aid/medicine kit
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o A high-quality digital thermometer
o A list of emergency numbers o Syringes and medicine spoons for administering any medication o Paracetamol syrup for pain and fever o Colic drops for cramps and winds o Rehydration sachets o Antihistamine ointment for itchy mosquito bites o Homeopathic Calendula ointment for skin irritations and rashes o Traumeel gel – for bumps and bruises; safe to put on a sore arm/leg after an immunisation o Viburcol suppositories – for restlessness and immune support in common infection (not sure if we want to mention specific brands?) o Saline nose drops o Prospan cough syrup o Tissue salts: Mag phos (no 8) for cramps and hiccups Ferrum phos (no 4) for sore throats and inflammation Kali mur (no 5) for blocked noses and mucous o Wound disinfectant, plasters and bandages – for when baby gets older and more mobile
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o A mucous aspirator |
| For Going Out | o A nappy bag
o A changing mat o Spare sets of clothing and burp cloths o A blanket in case it gets cold o A bag with wet wipes, clean nappies and a buttock ointment o Scented bags for smelly nappies o Sunscreen o If breastfeeding: a muslin blanket or breastfeeding cover-up for comfortable feeding in public o If formula feeding: Sterilised bottles, formula, water for mixing o A spare dummy and sterilising wipes o Some toys o Snacks, a spoon, baby food (for older babies)
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o A car window-cover
o A mirror to see baby while in car-seat
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Have you packed your bag yet? Is your nursery ready?
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