As your due date draws near, it will be nice to know that you will have everything you need at hand and not be in want of any important items when you need it. It’s not always easy to ensure you have all the necessities in place and ready for you. A new mum’s list of things to get can seem endless, for there are so many nice things out there to buy for both baby and you. However, to make sure you do not leave out the really important stuff, here’s a list of essentials you might want to make sure are already on standby for baby and you way before your little one arrives on the scene!

Clothing

  • 4 sets of baby short pants and button-up shirts
  • 8 onesies, including long-sleeves
  • 8 pajamas including one-piece sleepers
  • A baby hat
  • 4-6 pairs of booties and mittens
  • A few pairs of warm clothing (if baby’s nursery is air-conditioned)
  • A few dress-up outfits
  • Baby laundry detergent

Diapering

  • Changing pad
  • Baby rash cream or ointment
  • Disposable wipes or wash cloths for changing time
  • 1 diaper pail with lid

Disposable diapering:

  • A few dozen newborn size diapers (check for pack sizes)
  • Cloth diapering
  • Several dozen cloth diapers
  • Diaper inserts
  • A dozen waterproof diaper covers
  • A dozen bibs
  • A dozen burp cloths
  • A nursing pillow

Breast feeding:

  • A breast pump
  • Breast milk storage bottles or bags
  • A few nursing bras
  • A box of nursing pads (disposable or washable)
  • A tube of safe nipple cream

Formula feeding:

  • Infant formula
  • 8 four-ounce feeding bottles
  • 4 eight-ounce feeding bottles
  • Bottle brush (and nipple brush)
  • A thermal bottle carrier

Bath time

  • 1 infant bath tub
  • 2-3 wash cloths (only for bath use)
  • Baby cleanser or soap
  • Baby shampoo
  • Baby brush or comb
  • 3 soft hooded towels

Bedtime

  • Baby crib
  • Baby mattress
  • 4 fitted crib sheets
  • 2-3 waterproof mattress covers
  • 4 baby sleep bags
  • Optional: Baby blanket

Other baby necessities

  • Infant car seat
  • Diaper bag
  • Baby carrier
  • Baby closet or cupboard
  • Baby stroller
  • Baby nail-clippers
  • Baby soft toys (for visual stimulation)
  • Baby aspirator (for mucus suction)
  • Baby thermometer
  • Fever medication
  • Baby syringe for giving medication

Nice to have

  • Baby mobiles
  • Night light
  • Baby play-gym
  • Changing table
  • A comfortable nursing chair