During pregnancy, it’s so easy to drive all of our excitement and joy to the new addition. We buy all things baby and we forget about ourselves! Here is an *ultimate* list of all things maternity that you can use!
Recommended:
Maternity support bra
Sleeping bras
Nursing bras
Maternity pants
Pajamas
Maternity tops
Maternity dresses
Swimsuit
Support belt
Stretch mark cream
Pregnancy book
Journal
Devotional
Baby development book
You’ll want alllll the bras for comfort and support. Do not sacrifice this unless you absoloutely must. A swimsuit is only necessary if you’ll be swimming. ( you should! It’s the best form of exercise. You get a gentle way of exercising everything at once) The stretch mark cream will obviously help the marks fade quicker.
And I always recommend a pregnancy journal, like this one, or this one so thata you never forget those precious memories.
A devotional is paramount if you’re spiritual as it’ll help keep you on track during the easy and tough times alike.
Lastly, like the pregnancy book, you’ll love having this baby development book for keepsakes.
Hospital checklist (for a 1 or 2 day stay in hospital)
hospital bag
nursing nightwear
dressing gown
slippers
comfortable cotton briefs
pads
disposible briefs
toiletries
hairbrush
toothpaste
toothbrush
towel
face cloth
diapers
baby onesies
sleepsuits
baby blanket
car seat
comfortable clothes
birth plan
pillow
nursing pillow
enough cash for parking
cell
charger
camera
drinks
snacks
music
Now, you may not need all of these things in your bag. First, ask your hospital what they’ll provide and do yourself a favour and pack lighter.
Baby clothes (for first 2-3 months)
When you begin shopping for clothes for your new arrival, the vast array of tiny and cute items of clothing can be completely overwhelming! Adding to that, you’ll need to decide what size clothes you will actually need to buy. Our comprehensive list below provides the essential items to stock up on for your baby’s arrival to make your life easier.
recommended
- 6-8 xsleepsuits
- 4 xwrap-over vests
- 6-8 xbodysuits
- sun hat
- 2 xsoft cotton hats
- 2 xcardigans
- 2-3 xsocks (pairs)
- 2 xscratch mitts (pairs)
nice to have
- jacket/coat
- 3-4 xdaywear outfits
- shawl
The coat may be a necessity depending on the season your due. So plan accordingly.
Out and about
You will be eager to take your baby out to introduce them to the world. If you are planning to transport your baby by car then it is essential to have a fitted child car seat. However, there are plenty of other essentials you will need to make traveling with your baby as safe and easy as possible; check out our list to get yourself and your baby travel-ready, quickly and easily.
recommended
- stroller (suitable from birth)
- weathershield
- stroller umbrella
- infant car seat
- child view mirror
- changing bag
- cosytoe
Believe it or not, depending on where you live and whether or not you’re traveling by bus, car, etc. You may or may not need a stroller. If you’ll be planning a lot of air travel, I highly recommend it as it’s super convenient. And if you’ll be using a car at your destination then you’ll want a car seat as well. (double check if one will be available and save yourself the hassle of lugging yours around)
nice to have
- car seat base
- baby sling or carrier travel
- baby mattress
- sun blinds
Sleep time
Sleep is especially precious to new parents. So you to be able to sleep soundly you will want to be sure that your baby is safe and comfortable in their cot. There is a lot to consider, from picking the right mattress to decorating the nursery. Below you’ll find a list of essential and ‘nice to have’ items that we’ve put together for you to create the perfect sleeping environment for your baby.
recommended
- moses basket & stand or crib
- mattresses*
- waterproof mattress cover*
- 4 xfitted mattress sheets*
- 4 xflat sheets*
- 2-3 xblankets*
- changing unit orcot top changer
- baby listening monitor
- room thermometer
- diaper pail
Full disclosure here, I’ve always been a minimalist at heart, well before it before THE thing. I didn’t use all of these bedding items for every child. When I did have a crib, it was just that and several fitted sheets. (you’ll wash often anyway) And of course a few blankets when needed. This won’t be necessary though if you opt for a swaddle. I’ve also never used a room thermometer in my life but I know some moms may like the option. Same goes for a diaper pail.
nice to have
- wardrobe
- chest of drawers
- mobile
- swaddling blanket
- 2 xsleeping bags
- blackout blind
- nightlight
- nursing chair
As I mentioned the swaddling blanket earlier, this wa actually a must have item for me. Everything else are nice extras.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding your baby can help to give your baby the best start in life. Breast milk helps to protect your baby from infections and diseases. There is lots of advice and guidance available to get you started. We have listed out everything you will need to begin.
recommended
- 3 xnursing bras
- 2 xsleep bras
- easy opening nightwear
- breast pads- disposable or reusable
- 20 xmuslin squares
- breastfeeding support pillow
- nursing tops
- mobile
- breast pump
- breast milk storage bags
- bottles/sterliser
- soothers / dummies
- nipple cream / shields / shells
Bottle feeding
If you are bottle-feeding your baby it is important to be fully prepared, as unlike breastfeeding you will not have your babies food available on demand. It is vital that you know how to sterilise equipment safely and have a good supply of formula milk. Our list will guide you through the items needed to successfully bottle feed your baby.
recommended
- 6-12 xbibs
- 4 xbottles
- 4 xteats
- 20 xmuslin squares
- sterilizer(steam, cold water or microwave)
- formula milk
- bottle brush
- pacifiers
- milk powder storage container
- sterilizer bottle
- breast pump
- breast milk storage bags
- bottle warmer
- bottle storage bag
I’ve gone both routes, breast and bottle feeding and everything here is right on the money.
Weaning (6 months)
Once your baby reaches 6 months it is time to begin gradually introducing solid, non-milk foods into their diet. We understand the weaning process and how stressful it can be, with common problems such as your baby not eating enough or not liking vegetables. To prepare them (and you) for this time we recommend investing in the essentials we have listed out below:
recommended
- highchair
- larger bibs
- bowls
- cutlery
- beakers
- soothing teethers x 3 for first teeth
nice to have
- storage pots
- splash mat
- bumbo baby seat
- food blender
- weaning guide / book
Bath and change time
Bathing can be one of the most enjoyable parts of the day. Try and maximize the fun while keeping bath time safe. Checking that the temperature is safe for your baby is essential, while adding some bath time toys is a little extra that can help put a smile on your baby’s face. Here’s a list below of everything you will need to bathe your newborn.
recommended
- disposableor reusable diapers
- wipes
- changing mat
- top ‘n’ tail bowl
- baby sponge & face cloth/s
- non-slip bath mat
- baby towels
- cuddle ‘n’ dry robes
- baby toothbrush and toothpaste
- baby nail scissors
- baby hairbush and comb
- baby bath
- bath thermometer
- diaper cream
- bath support
- bath toys
- baby toiletries
- aqua pod6 months +
Time to play (from birth to around 6 months +)
It can be hard to know which toys are most suitable for babies at different stages of their development. To help you we have narrowed down the most popular toys that are suitable for new born to 6-month babies.
recommended
- baby activity gym
- play mat for tummy time play
- lightweight rattlesg. loopy links
- soft teddies and toys
- baby books with mirror and textures
- bouncing cradle or baby swing
- sophie the giraffe – rattle and teething toy
- bath toys
- pram or pushchair toys
- light and musical toys
Home is the most common place for children to have accidents. That’s why baby proofing your home before your child becomes mobile can help avoid traumatic experiences. Different rooms pose different risks; therefore it is important to take precautions. To help with this task we have created a complete list of items to help you.
recommended
- smoke detectors
- carbon monoxide detector
- window catch
- safety gate/s
- socket covers
- cupboard catches
- harness and reins
- non slip bath mat
- fire guard
- first aid kit and book
- medical thermometer
- book – common baby illnesses
- humidifier
- corner cushion protectors
- play pen
Want to grab this list in a pretty little checklist?
PIN THIS FOR LATER:
