Baby essentials – checklist

Sleep

• Cot, carrycot or crib with a firm mattress
• 2–3 fitted sheets
• Baby duvet or sleeping bag Newborns sleep on their back without loose pillows and blankets.
• Swaddle or thin blanket
• Baby monitor Can wait – in a small flat you will hear everything.

Nappies and care

• Nappies size 1 (and a couple of packs of size 2)
• Changing mat or table
• Washcloths or fragrance-free wipes
• Zinc cream or other nappy cream
• Baby bath or bath bucket
• 2 hooded towels
• Thermometer
• Baby nail file
• Nappy bin or bags

Clothes in size 50 and 56

Wash all clothes before the birth. 6 of each is plenty to begin with.

• 6 bodysuits
• 6 sleepsuits or trousers + tops
• Socks and small tights
• 2 hats
• Snowsuit or pram bag for the season
• Cardigan or jumper

Feeding

• Nursing pillow
• Nursing pads and lanolin
• Muslin cloths and bibs
• Bottles, teats and brush – if you plan to bottle-feed Can wait until you know what you need.
• Dummy – if you want to use one

Out and about

• Pram with carrycot
• Car seat that fits your car Practise fitting it before the birth.
• Baby carrier or wrap
• Changing bag with a small mat
• Rain cover and mosquito net for the pram

For you after the birth

• Large pads and soft underwear
• Nursing bras or soft tops
• Pain relief (paracetamol) – ask your midwife