Baby essentials

When you walk into a baby shop, it’s hard to know where to start – and where to stop! There are some things you need to get in preparation for your baby’s arrival, but before you go shopping, it’s a good idea to talk to other parents about what you’ll actually need in those first few months.

Here's a simple checklist to help you remember all the the must-have or essential items for you and your baby, and some items you might find useful.

Must-have general baby items

• Nappies
• Baby wipes
• Nappy rash cream
• Soft baby towels and facecloths
• Muslin cloths
• Round-tipped nail scissors
• Thermometer
• Changing mat

Useful general baby items

• Portable changing mat
• Baby bath
• Baby monitor
• Safety equipment, such as gates, child-resistant locks and catches, stove guard and door knob covers
• Toys and books

Must-have transport items

• Baby capsule or car seat – you'll probably need this to get home from the hospital
• Pram or stroller – this can be one of the most expensive things you’ll buy, so ask to try out the strollers friends or whānau have. It’s most important that the stroller or pram you choose opens and closes easily, and that it’s safe.

Useful transport items

• Baby carrier
• Pram/stroller rain cover and sun protector shade
• Car window shade

Must-have furniture items

• A safe place for your baby to sleep – this could be a bassinet, cot, wahakura, or Pēpi-Pod® and fitted mattress
• At least two sets of baby bedding (sheets, blankets) – cotton, because it’s breathable

Useful furniture items

• Comfortable feeding chair
• Night light

Must-have clothing and accessories

• Cotton onesies (short-sleeved, long-sleeved, or some of each, depending when your baby is due)
• Cardigans or jackets for cold days
• Hats (sunhat or warm beanie depending on your baby’s due date)
• Socks
• Bibs

Useful clothing and accessories

• Baby sleeping bag with a fitted neck and armholes
• Cute outfits

If you're breastfeeding:

• breastfeeding bras and tops
• breastfeeding support pillow

If you plan to bottle-feed your baby expressed breastmilk or formula, you’ll need:

• four to eight large bottles - you may want to buy the large size, because your baby will soon outgrow the small ones
• bottle rings and caps
• ice cube tray or bags to store breast milk
• teats – these have different sizes for slow flow or faster flow, so see which works best for your baby
• bottle brushes
• teat brushes
• steriliser (optional)
• breast pump (if you plan to pump breast milk) – manual or electric. Some stores hire them out, but you’ll need to buy your own pump kit to attach to the electric pump. It pays to wait until after your baby is born and is breastfeeding well before you buy a pump or kit.

Useful feeding accessories

• Feeding pillow
• Breast pads or muslin cloths cut into squares.

Here are some ways you can spread or reduce the costs of a new baby.

• Start buying things like wipes, nappies, soft facecloths and other necessities each time you go grocery shopping. This means you’ll have a decent amount once your baby arrives. Look for specials and buy in bulk where you can. Remember babies aren’t all born tiny, so buy some larger nappy sizes.
• Borrow items where you can. You can borrow baby beds like basinettes, Pēpi Pod® or wahakura until your child is too big for them, and then return them. Think about joining a toy library rather than buying lots of toys.
• Buy second-hand items. Be careful not to buy second-hand car seats, and make sure any cots or portacots are safe and have no signs of mildew.
• If you’re buying new, don’t pay full price if you can avoid it. Buy bigger, more expensive items like strollers, car seats, and cots when they're on on special.
• Babies grow out of clothes really quickly. You may find that other parents you know offer you clothes (and other things like toys and books) their baby has grown out of – take them! You’re helping them make space for the other clothes, toys and books their baby now needs. If you don’t know other parents, you can pick up bulk lots of baby clothes on sites like TradeMe.
• Newborns don’t need shoes. Warm socks are just fine.
• If friends want to throw you a baby shower, think about what you need and don’t be afraid to ask for specific things. You can also ask for vouchers so you can buy once you know what you need.