The Full Product Checklist for your Newborn

Congratulations! You’re going to be parents! Aside from narrowing down eligible names, there’s plenty to plan and things to get ready. Where do I start? There are so many different baby products on the market today. 

As first time parents, shopping for your little one might seem overwhelming and a little scary, especially if you are on a budget. What should you buy for your baby? Breathe, we have a complete list just for you so that you can start planning early. It lists major items you need to buy in advance, plus optional items that help and everything else that you can purchase a little later after you meet your precious one.

Feeding

I’m Breastfeeding!

The best part about direct latching is that you don’t really need a lot of things. Here are some of the things you will need on your list:

• Plenty of bibs and burp cloths.
• Breastfeeding cover
• Nursing bras (if you’re buying them ahead of time, buy a cup size bigger than what you are wearing while pregnant).
• Breast pads (disposable or washable).
• Lotion for sore nipples.

Optional items

• A nursing pillow helps but is not essential because you can also prop your baby up with a regular pillow.
• Hot and cold compress to ease block ducts.

I’m Bottle Feeding!

Breastmilk 

• Breast pump
• Milk storage containers (either bottle or bag form)
• Bibs and burp cloths
• Bottle Steriliser 
• Bottles(link to silicone bottle article) and teats
• Bottles and nipple brush

Formula

• Bibs and burp cloths
• Bottles(link to silicone bottle article) and teats
• Bottles and nipple brush
• Bottle Steriliser 
• Milk formula container
• Thermal bottle carrier

Optional items

• A bottle warmer is not essential because you can always warm up the milk by plonking the bottle into a cup of hot water.
• A bottle-drying rack helps you to be organised but is not required.

Diapers

Disposable diapers

• One large pack of newborn-sized diapers (one first because your baby might outgrow them in a blink of an eye)
• Changing pad
• Baby ointment or nappy rash cream
• Disposable wipes

Optional items

• A covered bin for proper diaper disposal.

Cloth diapers

• Having 24 diaper inserts is the absolute bare minimum as newborns go through 12 -15 changes in a day
• 8 waterproof covers
• Changing pad
• Baby ointment or nappy rash cream
• Disposable wipes 

Clothing

• 8 shirts or onesies
• 5 sleep romper with booties and hand covers (zips are easier than buttons!)
• 5 pairs of pants
• 3 pairs of socks or booties
• 5 pairs of mittens, to keep baby from scratching his or her face
• Sleepsack/swaddle (although swaddle is the more commonly used)
• 8 receiving blankets (they also make great makeshift rolled bumpers)

Optional items

• 2 newborn hats (not necessary in our Malaysian weather unless your mother or mother-in-law insists!)
• 4 outfits and baby shoes for dressing up 
• Laundry detergent for infants (unless your baby has sensitive skin)

Bathtime

• • 1 plastic infant tub
  • 6 washcloths
  • Baby soap or cleanser
  • Baby soft-bristled hairbrush
  • 3 soft-hooded towels
  
  Optional items
  • Getting an infant tub with a stand.

Bedding

If you are using a crib:

• A standard crib and a firm mattress
• 2 waterproof mattress covers
• 4 fitted cribsheets
• Baby monitor
• Night light

Optional items

• Blankets are not essential and might be a hazard especially if they are too big or heavy. Besides, your baby would either be swaddled or be in full rompers at night.

Travelling

• Approved infant safety car seat 
• A stroller that reclines so that your newborn can lie down flat
• Diaper bag
• 1 or 2 change pads

Optional items

• Car bottle warmer.

Other necessities

• Eucalyptus oil for babies
• Nail clippers or scissors
• Bulb syringe clearing mucus out of their tiny nostrils
• Baby thermometer
• 2 pacifiers (if you choose to use these)
• A small pack of formula just in case your breastmilk comes in late. Fed is best.

What you can buy later

• A changing table is a nice touch but you can also just use a changing pad on top of your bed or even on the crib itself.
• A playpen is great for when they are older, otherwise, most cribs can be lowered and double as a playpen
• Weighted bean pillow so that your newborn doesn’t startle too easily
• Sling or baby carrier
• Sunshade and mobile toys for the car
• Mobiles, rattles, bath toys and other baby toys for at home
• Playgym
• Pacifier clips (if you are offering pacifiers)

When it comes to purchasing the more expensive products like the stroller, car seat, breast pump and baby carrier, you might want to talk to other parents to get their insight before taking the leap. 

Not all expensive brands are the best and there are cheaper more practical options if you really do your homework. So do make an effort to ask around and also keep an eye out for the best deals especially during baby fairs. 

In fact, you might even save more money if you have no qualms about hand-me-downs. Just remember to check when it comes to second-hand car seat (link to car seat article) because all car seats have an expiry date. When safety is at stake it is better to be safe than sorry. 

Now that you have the full list, have fun shopping and good luck!