At Home.
- Bassinet or cot – Australian safety standard approved. If you are using a family bassinet or cot passed down, then it is recommended you buy a new bassinet or cot mattress for your baby. Check the safe sleeping recommendations at www.rednose.org.au
- Bedding for bassinet or cot – mattress protector x3 and at least 3 sheet sets (one in use, one in the wash and one ready to go) and no pillow.
- Blanket to fit a bassinet or cot.
- Change mat with raised edges on a change table or chest of drawers.
- Baby wipes – gently scented and alcohol/paraben-free.
- Barrier cream – a zinc and castor oil base is good.
- Nappies – cloth or disposable newborn size. If cloth, you will need at least 8-10 nappies for each day. No less than 24 cloth nappies for a 3-day cycle of washing. Waterproof outer layer pant with each cloth nappy.
- Night light – for the baby’s bedroom.
- Feeding chair – only if feeding in the baby’s bedroom. You need to be comfortable. Otherwise, any lounge chair will do.
- Baby bath, clean tub or bath with bath ramp.
- Soap – an unscented baby soap for bath time or a light baby bath oil.
- Shampoo – a natural lightly scented baby shampoo. Don’t use adult shampoo.
- Cotton buds – for those initial weeks at home when cleaning and drying around the umbilical cord area only. Do not use for eyes or ears.
- Bath towel and washer.
- Baby Massage Oil or Sorbolene Cream for use after a bath.
- Soft Nail File – a good alternative for trimming baby nails and a safer alternative to scissors/clippers which can cut the skin under the nail.
Feeding.
- Fitted maternity bras (approx. 3)
- Disposable breast pads.
- I would speak with Angela our Lactation Consultant about the need for breast pumps/bottles and sterilisers. Also, check out her expressing and storing class for more information.
On The Move.
- Australian Safety Standards car seat or capsule. Information at www.roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au
- Sunshades for car or window tinting. Make sure the shades cover the whole car window.
- Pram – this may be a combination of the pram and car restraint. Be guided by good recommendations that may suit you and are also Australian Safety Standard approved if combining with car restraint.
- Baby Pouch or Sling.
- Nappy bag – that can carry the essentials for a day out, including change of clothes, portable change mat and the baby’s ‘Blue Record Book’ you receive in the hospital.
- Rain cover for the pram.
- Travel Cot – always helpful for holidays or the overnight stay.
Clothing Essentials for the Early Weeks.
- Grow suits (all in ones – onesies) – at least 7. Clip together between the legs for easy nappy changing. Covering the hands and feet is helpful, then you don’t need to worry about socks and mittens for warmth.
- Bodysuits – for warmth and good for colder months. At least 7.
- Singlets – plain cotton and good for all year round. At least 12.
- Baby Wraps – can never have enough! 1×1 metre size.
- Sleeping suit/bag – at least 3 – zip-up ones are the best.
- Cardigans or little soft jumpers over the growth suits are good for the winter months.
Safety First.
- First Aid Kit.
- Fitted smoke alarms.
- Recommend for all new parents – First Aid and CPR training.
- Thermometers– the old shakedown glass mercury, is accurate and easy to use. Under the baby’s arm for 2 minutes whilst cuddling your baby in a wrap. Alternatively, a forehead thermometer approx. $100 and also an accurate measure.
- A good local family GP.
- Check you have working smoke detectors and no household trip hazards.
- Pet Safety around the baby. (SM&B Blog – Pet Safety in Pregnancy and for the Newborn)