Buying for Baby?

You’re pregnant – congratulations! It’s time to start accumulating way too many things that you will never use…

When I started on this journey myself, a dear friend sent me an Excel sheet with everything I may need as a new parent. While it felt like a life saver at the time, when I opened it up again during my second pregnancy, I found that I could easily delete half of it.  It’s actually astounding how little you need for a new-born baby…but if you’ve never been there, how will you know what you really need?

I reached out to all the parents I know, and included their suggestions with my own in the list below to help you get started…

Top 6 Useful Items

1. Nurture One Cushion

The best thing I owned as a new mom! I wouldn’t have known how to navigate the new-born phase without it. It’s a safe sleeping place for your baby, and allows for a familiar space for them to sleep, no matter where you are. We transitioned both our babies off their Nurture One Cushions at around six months old.  

2. Swaddle Suit

Most babies love to be swaddled, and I used the Love to Dream zip-up suit. It helped my babies to feel secure and sleep longer, as they weren’t woken by the Moro reflex. Babies can be swaddled until they learn to roll over, and then transition to a sleep suit that allows for their arms to be free.

3. Night Light

Night lights are great in the new-born days, as you will be waking up several times a night to feed. It’s best to keep the environment dark so that your baby stays sleepy. I used a Himalayan salt lamp, and loved its soothing pink glow. This later became the night light in my toddlers’ room.

4. Comfortable Pram

It goes without saying that the pram is your new best friend. Walks will become an important part of your daily routine, especially in the early evenings.

5. Wraps & Carriers

Wraps are great for younger babies (I used Noonoo Pie). Carriers (I used Ubuntu Baba and Baby Bjorn) are better as your little ones get a bit older. My second born literally lives in his carrier while we run after his older sister.

6. Feeding Chair

Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, you will be spending many hours in this chair - so make sure that you are nice and comfortable in it.

 

The 6 Items I Never Used

1. Bath Thermometer

I’ll be honest - for my darling first born we did use this, but I now laugh (a lot) at that, because you can also just pop your elbow in and make sure that the water isn’t too hot.

2. New-born Shoes & Socks

Where do people think your one-month-old is running off to? I found that these always fell off, anyway.  Remember - for the first few months, your baby will literally be in a onesie all the time, and won’t need socks. Rather buy a couple of pairs of bigger socks to last longer.

3. Fancy Clothes

You can count on getting a few cute outfits at your baby shower - which you can use for special occasions - but your baby will spend most of the time in a onesie. It’s easier for you, and warmer and more comfortable for them.

4. Bottle Warmer

I purchased a bottle warmer, and I sold it almost instantly. To heat your bottles, simply pour some boiling water into a jug and pop the bottle in. If you’re using formula, keep a flask of warm water ready.

5. Carry Cot

I really thought I’d use this, but I’m still not entirely sure what to do with it… If someone knows, please do  share! Our baby sleeps on his Nurture One Cushion or in his pram if we are out.

6. Feeding Cushion

Just use pillows!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything you think you need to buy, you are not alone. Just remember that less is more, and that you can buy everything online these days (with next-day delivery), so there is no need to stress about buying everything before you actually need it.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Drue Birch is the founder of The Wellness Initiative. Her experience in retail and her education in nutrition have fuelled her passion for helping small businesses and connecting products to consumers, with a specific focus on assisting brands in getting ready for the retail space. To get in touch, email [email protected] or find her at @db_thewellnessinitiative on Instagram.