Buying for a new baby

Your first few days at home with your newborn are an exciting but very hectic time as you adjust to life with your new little person. In all likelihood the last thing you're going to want to be doing is running around panic buying everything you need. For this reason its best to get the basics sorted (often called a layette) before baby arrives so that you are all prepared and know where everything is.

Whilst its tempting to buy an array of gorgeous little outfits and 'must have' baby bits before your little one arrives you should try and remember that newborns grow incredibly fast and have a habit of being more than a little messy so for the first few weeks at least its only really worth investing in the bare essentials - you can always get more when you figure out what you need. It's also incredibly likely that you'll receive lots of baby clothes as gifts once junior arrives and these will help to build up the more 'ornamental' side of your baby's wardrobe.

Here's our guide to the layette basics that are worth investing in before your baby is born.....

Clothing essentials

• 6 - 8 babygros (with inside leg poppers) - footed babygros should be bought to fit but footless babygros can be purchased the next size up and rolled up - a mix of both is always good
• 6 - 8 bodysuits (again poppers essential) - these can be worn under babygros in winter and on their own in summer
• 1 - 2 cardigans or sweaters
• 4 - 6 pairs of socks
• 1 - 2 booties
• A winter suit (if baby is born in winter)
• A wide brimmed hat (if baby is born in summer
• 2 - 3 hooded towels

Changing essentials

• 24+ cloth nappies
• 5+ nappy wraps
• nappy liners
• nappy grips (if your nappies aren't fitted with fastenings)

or

• disposable nappies

and

• nappy sacs
• baby wipes / cotton wool and baby lotion
• nappy bin
• changing mat

Travel essentials

• rear facing car seat (remember to keep in the car ready for coming home day)
• sling or front baby carrier
• pram or pushchair (needs to be reclining so baby can lie flat)
• changing bag

Feeding essentials

If breastfeeding.....

• 3+ nursing bras
• nursing pads
• nipple cream or soothers

If bottle feeding.....

• formula powder
• 6 small bottles complete with teats
• bottle steriliser
• kettle
• bottle brush

Bedding essentials

• cot, crib or moses basket
• cot/crib mattress (most are sold separately)
• waterproof mattress protector
• 3 - 4 cot sheets
• 1 - 2 cellular cotton blankets
• nightlight

Other essentials

• muslin cloths - a must have for mopping up anything and everything
• maternity pads/pants (for after the birth)
• baby bath or washing up bowl (either will do!)
• washing power and fabric softener suitable for sensitive skin