A MATERNITY NURSE GUIDE AND NEWBORN ESSENTIALS CHECK LIST
Preparing for a new baby can be overwhelming especially if it is your first. There are a few essential items you will need to have ready before your baby arrives. The quantities are guidelines. At Abundant Life Family Care we are determined to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience when your baby arrives. Please contact us for more information.
Dressing and baby clothes
- 10 body suits
- 4 wrap over vests
- 5 pairs of socks
- 2 pair of pants
- 3 pairs of scratch mittens
- 4 cardigans
- 1 Dressing gown
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can help to give your baby the best start in life. Breast milk helps to protect your baby from infections and diseases. If you choose to occasionally express breastmilk, you won't need much in terms of equipment and it is easy to do with a little practice.
- Milk storage freezer bags
- Lots of muslin squares
- Breast pump
- 3 four ounce bottles
- 3 eight ounce bottles
- Bottle and nipple brush
- Lots of breast pads
Bottle feeding
- 8 four ounce bottles
- 6 eight ounce bottles
- Electric or microwave steriliser as the baby's bottles will need to be sterilised
- A lot of muslins squares
- 14 teats
- Bottle and nipple brush
- Formula milk
Sleeping and soothing
- A cot because it may be cost effective as it can be used up to 2+years compared to a Moses basket which they will grow out of soon and will need a cot in the end.
- Mattress
- Fitted sheets (consider buying two or more as it is useful to have a spare one)
- Swaddles. Most new-borns sleep much better being swaddled because it replicates the coziness in the womb and helps prevent them from waking themselves with their flailing arms.
- Blankets (consider two or more)
- Water proof mattress cover
- Room thermometer
- Snap up pyjamas
- 2 flat sheets
- Baby listening monitor
- Night light
Changing and bathing time
Bathing can be one of the most enjoyable times of the day, checking that the temperature is safe for your baby is essential, whilst adding some bath time toys is a little extra that can help put a smile on your baby's face.
- A baby bath
- Nappy sacks
- 3 towels (baby hooded towels are thin and often have hoods)
- Face clothes and baby sponge
- Disposable or reusable nappies
- Nappy wipes or cotton wool balls
- Changing mat or changing table
- Nappy disposable system
- Baby ointment
- Bathing toys
- Top and tail bowl
- Baby hairbrush and toothpaste
- Bath thermometer
- Dressing gown
- Baby bath support
Tip: Protect your new baby's skin by only bathing every other day or so with just some warm water (or a mild, non-soap based cleanser if required).
Going out with a new born.
- Your new born is required by law to be in a rear- facing car seat while travelling in a car. It is a good idea to have one professionally installed. Make sure you are familiar with the car child restraint laws.
- You might want to invest in a good quality pram. Look for one that reclines flat for a new born but can be converted into a stroller for a toddler. Many families however prefer to use a baby carrier for new born babies and perhaps a cheaper stroller for older babies and toddlers.
- Nappy bag with a changing mat to carry spare nappies, clothes, wipes, change of clothes etc.
- 2 hats depending on the weather
- Cosy toe
- Weather shield
- Baby padded snowsuit
- 1 Jacket
Time to play (from birth to around 6 months+)
- Light rattles
- Stuffed animals; these are usually for decoration in new born stage but after a couple of months can be fun to use to interact with the baby
- Activity gym. This becomes useful at 6-8 weeks when babies are able to interact with the toys
- Play mat for tummy time
- Light and musical toys
Toiletries
- Baby lotion to moisturise the baby's skin
- Baby massage oil
- Hand sanitiser
- Baby bath gel
- Nappies
I hope this helps those preparing for baby's first few months. You may find the following store links useful. Mamas and papas, Marks and Spencer, Debenhams, BHS and mother care.
