What babies actually need: Shopping list for a newborn

If you’re expecting a baby you may have already done an internet search for a ‘newborn shopping list’. If so, you may have been overwhelmed by the amount of things suggested to buy. This blog takes a different approach and discusses the practical things needed that will help support you and your newborn in the first few months.

So what do babies actually need:

• A caregiver who consistently provides warmth and affection

• Milk and supplies

• Clothing including nappies

• A safe space to sleep

• A way to be transported including in the car if you have one

That’s it! They don’t need any toys, books, devices for sleep or soothing and some of the devices out there can be harmful, dangerous or make your life harder. Let’s look at each of these needs in turn.

A responsive caregiver: This is the most fundamental need for any baby as none of the other needs can be provided without you. Some of the devices on the market try to replace this need by rocking or bouncing baby, however, they will always feel safer and happier with you. A baby who does not want to be put down for the first three-six months of life is a normal baby and there is no need to hurry this process along; they’ll soon be on the move!

Milk and supplies: Depending on how you choose to feed your baby you may need bottles or a pump to express. If breastfeeding you may find a breastfeeding pillow helpful, but it isn’t essential. Be sceptical of complicated devices for making up bottles or sterilising equipment - the old fashioned ways work just as well.

Clothing including nappies: You may be lucky enough not to need to buy any clothing if you receive gifts or hand-me-downs from others. You can also usually find package bundles second hand, online for minimal cost. The season will impact the type of clothes you need but try to resist the urge to buy cute looking outfits; babygrows are usually the most practical for day and night. Most parents will buy nappies, although around the world many babies use a potty from birth. Reusable, or cloth, nappies can be a great cost-saving option.

Sleep: Babies should always be placed to sleep on their backs and there shouldn’t be any toys, heavy bedding or pillows in their sleep space. These guidelines apply whether you are using a cot, crib or bedsharing. For more information on safe bedsharing see The Lullaby Trust. It’s worth being aware that a recent study showed that 90% of new parents have co-slept with their babies and many of these times it was unplanned and in unsafe situations. It’s best to plan how to bedshare safely even if you have no intention of doing so.

Transportation: A car seat is of course a must if you have a car. You will also want to consider a way of transporting baby on foot. Most people buy a pram from birth but as babies much prefer to be held it can be helpful to buy a sling as well, or instead of, a pram. We’ve previously written a blog on the benefits of using a sling, which can be found here.

So that’s it, hopefully this will give you the confidence to resist the pull from shops and websites to buy anything that baby doesn’t need. Remember that most of all they need you.