The Newborn Shopping List: What you need when you get home.

You bought what you thought you needed. And then you got home.

The transition into motherhood is often filled with anticipation, excitement, and a fair share of anxiety. When I became a mother for the first time, I had an idealized vision of what it would be like to bring home my newborn. I meticulously planned every detail, from the nursery decor to the essential items on my shopping list. However, the reality was far more challenging than I had anticipated. The emotional rollercoaster post-delivery, particularly after a C-section, added layers of complexity to those early days with my newborn.

Upon bringing my first child home, I quickly learned that the necessary items often listed online fell short of what I truly needed. One of us was always on ordering/buying things we needed right away. While I had researched extensively, nothing could fully prepare me for the fatigue or the unique needs of my newborn. I compiled this list with the assumption that the ‘big ticket’ items are set up – crib, stroller, car seat, etc. You probably also have cute baby clothes, but these are the things you might have overlooked.

Essential Items for Newborns:

Preparing for a newborn can be an overwhelming experience and to simplify this process, I laid out some of the key things you need when you get home.

Breastfeeding/feeding Supplies: The feeding phase is critical for both the baby’s growth and the bonding experience. Key items include the Medela breast pump, which is invaluable for mothers who prefer to express milk. If you’re going in this direction, don’t forget the pumping bra, nipple cream, and leak pads. Those will save you! Dr. Brown’s baby bottles are recommended for their anti-colic features, making feeding easier for both baby and parent. A good bottle brush and sterilizer are also necessary to maintain hygiene. Additionally, consider investing in a nursing pillow to facilitate comfortable breastfeeding sessions.

Diapering Essentials: Diapering is an unavoidable aspect of caring for a newborn. A well-stocked changing station should include changing pads that are easy to clean, and a selection of disposable or cloth diapers suited to your preferences. Diaper rash cream is equally important, as it helps prevent or alleviate discomfort. Wipes (either traditional or eco-friendly) ensure cleanliness and ease during changes.

Comfort Items: Providing comfort is paramount for newborns. A variety of swaddles can help in soothing them and promoting better sleep. A reliable baby monitor ensures that parents can keep an ear out for their child without being overly intrusive. Lastly, a supportive baby carrier allows parents to keep their newborn close while remaining mobile, facilitating bonding and providing security for the baby. I found the soft carrier was particularly helpful post C-section.

With these essential items identified, new parents can approach the newborn stage with greater confidence, ensuring they have what is genuinely needed for the well-being of their little ones.

Baby bath time: A baby wash tub is a must-have, providing a safe and comfortable space for your little one to get clean. We loved the Stokke Flexi Bath as it’s foldable and grew with our newborn. You’ll also want to stock up on small wash towels that are gentle on their sensitive skin. For delicate areas, Q-tips are perfect for applying diaper cream post bath. When it comes to cleansing, a mild baby body wash is the way to go, designed specifically for newborn skin. To keep those tiny nails trimmed, baby nail clippers are a necessity, and always have a good therometer for overall monitoring baby’s temperature pre/post-bath.

Here’s to a prepared home for your newborn! If you have other suggestions, feel free to leave me a note.