Shopping for newborn babies

How can babies be so small, yet need so many things!

Whether you're planning to buy for your own baby or looking for ideas for a friend, our shopping list tips will help you on your way.
 

Shopping for newborn babies

1. What do babies really need?

There are so many wonderful products on the market, but you need to work out what’s best for you and your baby, what you actually need and most importantly, what you can afford.

Luckily you don’t need everything at once, and chances are that you will be given lots of gifts when your baby’s born to help spread the cost.

You may also have things given to you from friends or left over from your own older children that you can use.

 

2. Baby shopping list ideas

Here's a shopping list of ideas on what you might like to buy for your baby.

However bear in mind that babies really do need less than you think!

Suggestions include:
 

Baby clothing

• Body suits

• Open-ended night gowns

• Socks/booties

• Hats

• Cardigans/Jackets

• Scratch mittens

 

Baby feeding gear

• Bibs

• Highchair

• Spill cloths/mat

• Nursing pads

• Bottles

• Teats

• Bottle brush

• Sterilising tablets & container

• Expressing equipment

 

Baby bath time

• Change table

• Hair and skin products

• Nappies

• Nappy bucket

• Baby wipes

• Baby facecloths

• Baby brush and comb

• Bath toys

• Baby towels
   

Baby bed time

• Bassinet/Cot

• Mattress

• Mattress protector

• Sheets

• Blankets

• Baby monitor

• Sleep wrap or sleeping bag

• Night light

• Cot mobile

 

Baby health

• Thermometer

• Sterilising tablets

• Medicine spoon or syringe

• Plastic covers for electrical outlets

• Safety latches

 

Baby gear for when you're out & about

• Car seats

• Pram/Pushchair/Stroller

• Sunshade

• Rain cover

• Blankets

• Pram toys

• Nappy bag

• Changing mat

 

3. Baby shopping list tips

 

Baby clothing

•  Remember, babies don’t stay babies for very long. So don’t buy too many newborn-sized clothes.

 

• Buy a year in advance. Start looking for 1 year old clothes In the sales now and save some money!

 

• Boys will always wear jeans whatever the season, so buy them when they’re on special. You can also put long-sleeved tops under t-shirts, shirts and dresses to extend their life.

 

• Buy clothes that your little one can grow into, rather than having the right size for right now, which will probably only last a few weeks!

 

• Choose nightwear with drawstring bottoms as they’re much easier to navigate and undo when your baby needs changing in the middle of the night.

 

• Although there’s a temptation to dress babies up, they’ll be more comfortable in just the basics such as bodysuits and nightgowns for the first few weeks.

 

• Cardigans and jackets are a lot easier to put on than tops and sweatshirts. However tops with envelope openings are slightly easier to put on than tops with normal neck openings.

 

Baby feeding time

• Don't be in a rush about buyigz a highchair. It won’t be needed until several months down the track.

 

• Even if you’re planning to breast feed, look at buying bottles too so that you can express milk when you leave your baby with grandparents or a babysitter.

 

Baby bed time

• If you’re looking to save money, you can probably take a bassinet off your list. They are a nice to have, and will only be used for the first few months. Better to use the money on a well-made cot.

 

• If you do buy a bassinet, fold cot sheets in half rather than buy specifically designed sheets or cut worn large sheets to the correct size.

 

• Bear in mind that cot mobiles can sometimes be more of a distraction than of any help when you’re trying to get you baby to sleep.

 

• Night lights are more for you than your baby, so that you can check on them at night without having to turn the main light on full.

 

Baby health

• Plastic covers for electrical outlets and safety latches for cupboards are not needed straight away, and can be bought when your baby is about to start crawling.

 

• Baby thermometers are a good investment. Buy the best that you can afford.

 

Baby gear for when you're out & about

• Car seats for newborns should have a five-point harness for safety and a head/neck support for very young babies so that their windpipes are kept clear whilst you are travelling.

 

• Car seat capsules for newborn and young babies can be hired from Plunket and the Baby Factory. However you may need to request one before your baby is born to ensure you don’t miss out.

 

• Make sure the car seat or capsule is fitted correctly and is rear facing until your baby is older to help protect them in the event of an accident.

 

• When you're buying buggies and strollers do your research first. There are so many on the market, but essentially it comes down to your preference and your budget! Remember to try out several in the shop (ideally with something in them) before you make a purchase. Make sure they’re easy to fold, not too heavy to lift and will fit in your car.

 

• Buy a rain cover and sunshade at the same time so you know that they’ll fit the pushchair/pram/stroller that you buy.

 

• Buy a nappy bag that you always keep filled with nappies, wipes, toys, food etc. That way next time you go out everything’s already packed and it’s one less thing to think about!

 

More baby articles for you to enjoy

• Benefits of merino wool for better sleeping babies
• Baby clothes size chart
• Tips on bathing your newborn baby

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