Yes, yes, having a baby is magical and it brings so much happiness and joy to couples But let's be real for a second, it can be pretty stressful being a first-time parent. You'll be getting advice from every Tom, Dick and Harry that you meet until all their advice jumbles up into one huge ball of confusion.
Who do you listen to? What do you even do? Well, to be frank, just do what you think is right and follow your gut! It is much less stressful that way!
But, if you're going to start shopping for the baby, then you'll need a proper checklist so that you don't miss out on anything important. To make your life less stressful, here's a complete shopping list of everything you could possibly need for the arrival of your bundle of joy:
1. For the mum-to-be
While all your focus is on getting ready for the new baby, don't forget to also take care of yourself! Here are some of the essentials that you will need to keep you comfortable during your pregnancy:
- maternity support bras
- sleeping bras (to use before and after the birth)
- nursing bras (to use after birth)
- maternity underwear
- nightwear
- maternity tops, trousers/jeans, dress
- pregnancy pillow
2. For the hospital stay
It is always important to keep a hospital bag ready to go just in case of any emergencies. Here are some of the essentials to pack in your hospital bag:
- a hospital bag (to put all the stuff in)
- nursing nightwear and some comfortable dressing gowns
- comfortable slippers
- nursing bras
- breast pads
- maternity pads
- comfortable cotton underwear
- toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, hairbrush, towel & other essentials)
- drinks and snacks
- newborn wet wipes
- cotton wool
- diapers
- baby onesies
- baby pyjamas
- baby blanket
- infant car seat
- comfortable clothes for mum to go home in
3. Essential baby clothes
When you start shopping for your baby, the cute little outfits and all the colours will dazzle you, but try and keep your excitement in check. You don't need that many clothes because your baby is going to grow pretty quickly, here is what you will need:
- 6-8 x pyjamas/sleepsuits
- 4 x wrap-over vests
- 2-3 pairs of socks
- 6-8 x onesies and 1-2 cute outfits
- 2-3 pairs of mittens
- 2 x cotton hats
- 2 x cardigans/jackets
4. To go out
When you have a baby, going out on spontaneous trips to get snacks won't be as easy as it used to be, so it is important to have all the important things needed for a day out with a baby:
- a pram with a weather shield and parasol
- infant car seat
- footmuff/cosytoe
- child view mirror
- changing bag (with changing essentials, like diapers and wet wipes)
- baby sling
5. For sleep time
Sleep time for a baby is very important, not only for the baby but also for the parents. If the baby isn't comfortable then, you're not going to have a good night's sleep. Here are some of the things you'll need so that your baby has safe and comfortable night:
- cot with mattresses, waterproof mattress cover, fitted mattress sheets, flat sheets and blankets
- blackout curtains
- baby monitor
- swaddling blanket
- changing unit
- diaper disposal bin
- cot mobile
6. For breastfeeding
Breastmilk is the best milk but at the end of the day, it is your decision if you want to breastfeed your baby or not. If you want to, here are some of the things you'll need:
- nursing bras
- sleep bras
- nightwear that can easily be opened
- breast pads
- breast pump
- breast milk storage bags
- bottles & steriliser
- pacifiers
- a bib or cloth
7. Bathtime and change time
Bathtime is probably one of the most fun times for a baby but is it always important to ensure that it is safe. Here's what you will need:
- baby bathtub
- towels
- sponge
- baby toothbrush and toothpaste
- baby nail clipper
- baby hairbrush and comb
- baby soap and shampoo
- bath toys
- diapers
- baby wet wipes
- changing mat
