What do I need for my newborn baby after birth? The essentials, and what you ca leave on the shelf

(For transparency- this blog post contains affiliate links. I will earn commission on any successful purchases made through my link)

There is one question that crops up in my pregnancy yoga class most weeks, especially when ladies welcome in 30weeks +.

"Are you ready for afterwards?"

This is often met with chuckles, nervous "no", and "I don't even know what I'll need!"

And I want to say one thing.

That's OK!

We are constantly bombarded by other mums telling you what you should get (even though, you don't even know yourself), partners who find the latest gadgets- a baby monitor that alerts you every time your baby moves or gurgles (need much?), and not to mention the adverts, the algorithms showing you THE latest product that promises to take the guesswork out of being a parent (isn't that learning who your baby is and their needs?)

But it becomes so overwhelming, right?!

Suddenly the thought of just sticking to basics and then building what you actually need, as you find you need it, becomes an epic 4 page shopping list of everything that you'll find in the baby aisles.

So I want to give you a refreshing take on these endless lists online.

You CAN absolutely start with just the basics. Here is my guide to newborn baby essentials

What are the basics?

OK, let's break this down into categories:

• What you will genuinely need,

• What you can possibly wait to buy,

• What you need for yourself

Newborn Essentials

Sleeping

Possibly the most important thing to start with. If you're unsure on safe sleep for newborns, take a look at The Lullaby Trust here before reading on.

• a safe sleep space

• a new, flat, firm mattress,

• fitted sheets

• baby sleeping bags

*please note that cot bumpers or anything else (like those cushions or bumpers that keep baby in a certain position) in the same space as baby, or a mobile hanging directly over baby's cot is NOT recommended for safety reasons.

Clothing

They'll need clothes right, but they don't need as many different options for the first few week's months as you think. You'll probably be changing them lots, you'll be tired and you've better things to do than wrestle with those baby tights! So here's to keeping things simple!

• Baby vests

• Baby sleepsuits

• Season dependent clothing- like warm layers, blankets, little snow suit

Nappies and changing

• Nappies!- disposable or reusable

• Wipes- cotton wool, reusable wipes or water based wipes (to avoid those nasties on baby's sensitive skin)

• Changing mat- don't forget a foldable for when you're out too- changing tables aren't always the cleanest

If you're using reusable nappies, there are a couple of extra things to consider:

• Somewhere to keep the nappies and wipes (I used one of those hobby trolleys)

• a wet/dry bag for taking them out with you- it has a separate compartment for dirty nappies and one for clean

• a box for keeping some wipes wet

• Somewhere for dirty nappies until you clean them

Getting around

• Pram

• Car seat

• Newborn baby carrier/sling

Feeding

Each feeding journey is deeply personal, so I'll break this down into formula and breastfeeding. Obviously if you're planning to combi-feed, you'll probably need things from both lists.

Breastfeeding:

• Nursing bra- daytime and nighttime

• Reusable breast pads (for those leaks)

• Muslins- to wipe baby's chin and mop up any other drops, or any spit up afterwards

Formula

• Bottles- with newborn teets

• Sterilizing equipment

• Cleaning brushes

• Formula- they're all the same, legally have to be, so there's no 'better brand'

*Prep machines aren't recommended by the NHS or feeding services due to hygiene reasons

And there we have it! The basics.

If you'd like to purchase any of the above or checkout what any of them actually are, check out this link here :)

What you can wait to buy

Now there are some items that are on every list out there on the web, but you can do without until you feel you need them. Helpful, because you'll be finding your way of doing things, and you don't need things cluttering up your space as you're learning about your baby.

You can always buy these later!

• A baby bath cotton wool and warm water on a change mat, is absolutely fine for those first few weeks, or months)

• A highchair- not needed until they're weaning

• Potty- unless you're trying potty training from the off- it's a thing!

• baby toys- baby's only need you ;) plus, they won't be playing with toys until much later on

• A ton of clothes! Learn what you need and would like first.

• ALL the feeding equipment. We never know how feeding will go, I'd invest in support before buying everything if you're planning on breastfeeding (unless of course you're choosing to bottle feed from day 1)

• Baby monitor- it's recommended baby be in the same room as you for the first 6 months

Again, I'd always tell women to build on what they'd like as you go through the days, and weeks. Preparing for a baby shouldn't be overwhelming, if you want to spend money or suggest presents others can get you, I'd focus on things for mum, since she is often missed out of these lists.

What about mum?

Here are some ideas for a new mum that are THE most wholesome gift ideas that put her first:

• Breastfeeding support session with an IBCLC

• A postpartum doula (even if it's just one session)

• Bodywork- massage, reiki, whatever mum usually likes

• Food! Meals to nourish her and help her body heal

• Housework- when you visit, or create fun little coupons to clean her house, walk the dog, take the older kids to the park

I've put together my own personal favourites for new mums here (affiliate link)

While we're on the subject of preparing for a newborn, there are many things to think of, that aren't just things to add to a shopping list. Things that can make your life flow a little easier during this transformational time.

• Have you thought about who can help with chores?

• Where your meals will come from?

• Have you thought about your own healing, and what your body will need afterwards?

• Who can come round and be useful, rather than needing to be entertained?

• Who you can call if you're having a particular shit day?

• Support services out there you can call on

Preparing in this way is what I go through in my FREE Postpartum Planning Guide

I've also created a downloadable checklist for you to print out

Shopping list

I'd love to hear from whether you found tis helpful!

I honestly believe having a baby doesn't have to feel so overwhelming.

Let's make this a more breathable time

Amy xx