What to Buy

When it comes to preparing for your first baby there is a fair amount on your list to buy, and things can be expensive if you don't shop around. Babies grow fast, so it's better to buy bigger for baby to grow into and so your baby doesn't over heat from clothes sticking to him/her. It's wise to accept 'hand-me-down's' from friends and family. Often their baby isn't in the clothes long enough to really wear them out or get them dirty because they are growing so fast. It will help save money as well to use on other baby accessories you will need.

Here's a list of things you might want to consider buying to prepare for your new baby.

Clothes
Fabrics should be soft, machine washable and preferrably cotton rather than synthetic which can irritate your babys skin.
• 6 stretch suits
• 6 cotton vests (with wide or envelope neck)
• 2 cardigans
• 1/2 loose jumpers
• Socks
• Booties
• 1-2 hats (bonnet and sunhat)
• warm jumper for winter
• light t-shirts for summer
• scratch mittens
• plastic pants
• bibs

For the Bed and Bedroom
• A bassinet or cot
• A new baby mattress
• Fitted sheets
• Blankets (maybe a comfort blankie)
• Changing table (optional)

For Changing Nappies
• Nappies (either fabric or disposable)
• If you're using disposable nappies you may want a disposal bin
• Nappy sacks
• Changing mat
• Cotton Wool
• Wet wipes of some sort or a wet cloth in a plastic bag
• Nappy lotion/baby oil
• Barrier cream
• Two nappy buckets for fabric nappies
• Saftey pins for fabric nappies

For Feeding Baby
• 3 Nursing bras
• Breast pads
• Breast pump/expresser
• Bottles (with teats and covers)
• A sterilising kit
• Bottle Brush
• If you are not breastfeeding you will need baby formula

For Bathing Baby
• Towels
• Baby Bath or large plastic bowl
• Soft face clothes and sponges
• Baby shampoo and soap

Mobility and Accessories
• Baby changing bag
• Pram
• Car seat (you must have one to bring baby home, you can hire them through plunket)
• Baby carrier/sling
• Toys - lightweight colourful toys that can't be swallowed or hurt baby

It's a good idea to shop around for prices and space your shopping over a period of time so you don't exhaust yourself. Enjoy this time and soak in the memories!

3 comments for “What to Buy”

• DonnaKeay - Monday, 9 April 2012 at 9:54:00 p.m.

  I fully planned to breast feed my baby, all went well in hospital and for a couple days at home, then it all went down hill!!! my back up midwife was useless!!! I wish someone had told me to have these few things on hand just in case, in my instance it was middle of the night and I was at the end of my wick! Just incase have these...... a tin on NB formula, a new born bottle, some gripe water, and a dummy, even if you say you will never use them and plan to breast feed its always good to have on hand just incase!
• 
  Guest_70450 - Thursday, 23 February 2012 at 10:28:07 p.m.

  stretch and grows are fantastic I made the mistake of buying so many outfits that were hardly ever used
• 
  Ashleya - Monday, 5 December 2011 at 3:07:41 p.m.

  I found that it was easier to shower baby with me and daddy, family shower, after the pregnancy i had only just stopped vomiting but wanted to still take physical part. So we has muslim wraps you can get anywhere, had ours from kmart. We used it to prevent slipping as she liked to fed as well as be washed by daddy. When my partner went back to work i used it as a sling (she was tiny prem size but wasnt born early) and it made it so easy to keep close to her and have my hands free to still wash myself used the no tears shampoo incase it flicked into her eyes :)
  
  It was alo used as a sling in general since it was jan hot weather, even fed her with her in it. Needless to say i highly recommend a muslim cloth.