The day you get to bring your baby home is approaching, and even if this is a reason to celebrate, assembling all those necessities can be a daunting task.

As a new mum, it’s even more challenging to figure out what you need for your newborn in their first months. You already know that motherhood comes with a lot of responsibilities – nursing, feeding, and putting your baby to sleep are a few of them. But that’s what all the magic is about. You can enjoy the time with your newborn while doing all those things if you’re a little organised and patient.

It’s also worth knowing that your baby doesn’t need everything under the sun – there are some essentials that will make life with the little one more than convenient – but, don’t buy all the baby products and gadgets on the market because you just don’t need them to welcome baby boy or girl. My personal biggest waste of money purchase as a first time mum was buying one of those nappy bins with the cartridges that turn the nappies into sausages – PLEASE DON’T BUY ONE OF THESE!

Here are a few of the things you will need.

Crib/Mosses Basket

Cribs or mosses baskets are definitely on top of necessities when it comes to a baby nursery. Did you know that newborns sleep at least 16 hours a day in their first weeks? Given this fact, it’s pretty clear that they need a safe place to snooze, and a crib is perfect for ensuring a restful shut-eye. Plus, it’s the safest option – your baby is unlikely to fall out because cribs are specially designed to meet safety standards. We know that a high-quality crib can be pricey, but it’s a long-term investment.

Moreover, if you choose a crib that transforms into a toddler bed, you can use it for many years to come. Some cribs can even turn into daybeds, which makes them nothing but a must-have. Investing in a high-quality crib is highly recommended for a mum who plans to bring more than a child into this world. If you don’t use it for future children, you will be able to sell it on to another mummy.

As for the crib’s placement, the NHS suggests that babies should sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months for health reasons. Babies born prematurely, in particular, are at greater risk of getting SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), so keeping them by your side would allow you to take better care of them during the night-time.

Nappies

One of the most obvious essentials for newborn babies are nappies. They’re as challenging to choose as they are trivial. Nappies come either as disposable or cloth, and you have to select the ones that best suit your family’s lifestyle. One thing is for sure – you need them in a large number! A newborn may go through 8 to 10 nappies a day (that would be about 70 a week), so make sure you have a significant stock at hand.

Maybe you know, maybe you don’t, but nappies also come in various sizes, so if you’re unsure of the size suitable for your baby, consider buying small packs of a few sizes. This shouldn’t be a problem because you have to stock up anyway. Experiment with different brands until you find the ones that suit you and your baby.

Pushchair

This is also one of the most critical necessities when it comes to newborns. Pushchairs are part of the travel checklist – whether you are going for a walk in the park or on a trip with your child, it is essential to provide them with a safe and comfortable means of transportation. Pushchairs are suitable for all lifestyles. They come in various models, colours, shapes, and, of course, prices, so it shouldn’t be challenging to choose a pushchair that best suits your family’s needs.

Car Seat

Some pushchairs come with a car seat, but you need to buy one separately in other cases. You need to know that car seats are not optional – they’re mandatory. From the first day when you bring your newborn home to when you go on a family road trip, you’ll need a baby car seat to ensure your little one’s safety. You are not allowed to leave the hospital without a car seat. Every time you travel by car with your baby, consider making their journey even more comfortable by keeping a fleece blanket and their favourite toy at hand. The trips with the little ones are almost always underestimated – you can bring your baby with you on holiday and still have a great time if you consider grabbing some travel essentials with you.

Newborn Clothes

Now the clothing checklist – what does a baby really need in their first weeks? Well, not much really. I bought tons of outfits for my first baby which she just never wore. I didn’t make that mistake again with my boys. Consider following the rule of ten bodysuits and ten sleepsuits for home wear – they would be more than enough. Depending on the climate, you can add a few cardigans, or a couple of fleeces, and for the days when you’re out and about, one or two hats would be perfect.

Now, we know that maybe you want the cutest outfits for your little one, but they will outgrow them at lightning speeds in their first months. So, you probably don’t get to dress them in all those mini-size clothes.

Remember that you have to do the laundry more often once the baby is born since newborn clothes can easily pick up dirt.

Nursing Bras

When it comes to breastfeeding, if that’s your method of feeding, nursing bras are necessary for each and every mum. These are specially designed to ensure both you and your newborn comfort when you’re feeding them. Due to their handy clips, the little ones can easily access your milk without you being forced to take off your bra every time your baby needs to be fed. You can also use breast pads to deal with the milk leaks or a breast pump to go about your daily tasks while preparing the healthiest and most delicious meal for a newborn.

Bottom line

Sure, there are also some nice-to-have items, such as a rocking chair, baby swing, bibs, wipes, or toys and other gadgets, but you really don’t need everything baby related.