List of things for a newborn for the first time

The birth of a child is an important event in the life of every family. And preparing for the arrival of a baby is a responsible task. During this period, you may encounter a problem: where to start and what do you need to buy?

The KP will tell you what to add to the list of things for a newborn, and what can be safely crossed out. The main thing is the necessary minimum that is needed in the first months of life. Over time, parents will have a better understanding of what their baby needs.

What to buy for a newborn

These things should be prepared in advance, even before the pregnant woman goes to the hospital. Then such a turmoil will begin that there will be no time for shopping. In addition, many items will be needed immediately after discharge from the hospital.

Crib

You can buy a regular crib 120 cm long. It will last for a baby up to 3-4 years old. Of course, if the parents do not decide to purchase a bigger bed for the child earlier.

It is optimal if one side of the bed drops slightly: it will be more convenient for parents to lean towards the child. 

There are options for beds with a pendulum, with an arena, with a changing board. These are all optional options, you can buy them based on personal preferences. The main conditions for a baby cot:

• hard and high sides so that the child cannot get out on his own;
• the distance between the crossbars is not more than 10 cm, so that the baby’s head cannot get stuck. 

Cocoon

Some people buy a cocoon in addition to a crib for a newborn. This is a special ergonomic mattress with a recess that creates the most comfortable position for the baby. The cocoon can be placed on an adult bed while the child sleeps, and it is also convenient to move it around the house during the day. The baby is comfortable in it, and thanks to the holding belt, the baby is safe.

Mattress in the crib

The mattress for a newborn should be hard, the optimal height is 10-14 cm. This is necessary, since the child’s spine has not yet been formed. 

The best option would be a springless mattress made of eco-friendly, hypoallergenic materials. A good filler is coconut or buckwheat fiber. The thickness of the filler is 3-5 cm. This thickness provides the necessary rigidity. 

MATTRESS

There are fabric mattress covers and those with an oilcloth surface. Waterproof will not allow liquid to be absorbed into the mattress and will keep it in its original form for a long time. A soiled mattress pad is easy to clean in the washing machine.

Linens

For a newborn, only a sheet is needed. It is convenient if it is on an elastic band: with age, the baby begins to fiddle more and more in the crib and every time it is troublesome to straighten the sheet. 

It is not recommended to use an ordinary pillow for babies under one year old. However, special orthopedic butterfly pillows for children from birth can be used. Contraindications: frequent regurgitation and breathing problems. 

In the first months of a baby’s life, it is safer and easier to use a diaper folded several times under the head instead of a pillow. It can be washed 1-2 times a week or when it gets dirty. Duvet cover – at the discretion and under the control of parents. 

Whatever bed linen you buy, it is important that it is made from cotton.

Baby blanket

The use of a blanket under 1 year is undesirable: the baby may suffocate if it is on his face. If you really want to use a blanket, you can gently cover the child with it no higher than the level of the belt. 

But since the baby is actively moving, the best option would be to simply dress him according to the temperature in the room.

Changing table

An alternative is a changing chest or board. A special changing board is attached to the chest of drawers from above. When the baby grows up, the board can be unscrewed and the chest of drawers can be used for its intended purpose. 

The table is convenient if the space in the home allows. A great solution for a small apartment is a changing board. It can be moved, transported and when stored it does not take up much space.

Bath

To bathe a newborn, you will need a plastic baby bath up to 94 cm long. A convenient addition to it can be:

• bottom drain, 
• stand, 
• built-in thermometer
• slide or hammock. Holding a baby in your arms while bathing is not very convenient, so you need to purchase a bathing slide along with the bath. An alternative is a soft hammock that helps to create a feeling of “fetal position”. It is used from birth up to 3 months. 

Thermometer

Can be electronic or alcohol. In the baby’s room, you need to maintain a temperature of 20-22 degrees.

Bathing procedures require a special thermometer. Water for bathing a healthy newborn should be 36-37 degrees. With the appearance of a rash, atopic dermatitis in a child, taking hot baths is not recommended. The water temperature in this case should not exceed 34 degrees.

baby monitor

The video baby monitor allows you to monitor the baby even on the street. The main thing is to catch the signal from the camera. The gadget allows parents to calmly go about their business without forcing her to sit next to the child without interruption.

Unlike a baby monitor, where there is no picture and you can only focus on sounds, a video baby monitor is more versatile. There is a way to connect via wi-fi, and maybe an option for radio waves.

Stroller

There are transforming strollers, where there is a walking block, a cradle, an autocradle. With such a wheelbase, it is easy to fold and can be transported in any car. 

Pay attention to the wheels: inflated ones are much softer than rubber ones. Choose material that is not easily soiled. By the way, manufacturers cover modern strollers with a special water-repellent agent, so you can not be afraid of stains on them – they are easy to clean with wet wipes.

In addition to the stroller, you can purchase:

• mosquito net, 
• raincoat, 
• coaster, 
• bag, 
• armbands 

Often these items come with a stroller.

Infant car seat

The car seat is used for children from 10-13 kg, so for the first time you need a car seat. It can be purchased as a set with a stroller or purchased separately. Some strollers are installed in the car with seat belts, and some on Isofix. Choose what will be more convenient for you.

Care products

Children’s “cosmetic bag” is usually much more voluminous than mother’s. It is important that all care products are hypoallergenic and of high quality, since the skin of a newborn is sensitive to external factors. What you need in the first year of a child’s life:

• cotton diapers 5-7 pieces,
• diapers (for newborns – up to 5 kg),
• diaper cream,
• disposable diapers,
• wet wipes,
• children’s manicure scissors,
• moisturizing baby cream
• cotton wheels,
• powder and conditioner for washing children’s things,
• detergent for bottles and toys.

Apparel

For a full-term baby weighing over 3 kg, the ideal clothing size is usually 56. Important: babies grow quickly, so things can be bought for growth – up to size 62. What exactly is needed for the first time:

• slips 56-62 sizes 3-4 pieces;
• bodysuit 4-5 pieces;
• sliders 4-5 pieces (comfortable – with straps for tying on the shoulders);
• undershirts 3-4 pieces;
• 2-3 thin hats + warm according to the weather;
• socks – 2-3 pairs of thin and 1-2 warm;
• anti-scratches 2-3 pairs;
• warm overalls for walking;
• jumpsuit with insulation as outerwear.

Toys

The newborn sees clearly at a distance of about 20 cm from the face, so toys should be bright. As a rule, first of all they buy rattles that can be hung over a crib or stroller. Bright toys teach the baby to fix his eyes, and in the stroller they help him fall asleep. 

What to take a newborn to the hospital

Things for a newborn in the maternity hospital must be packed in a separate bag, they will be required in the postpartum department.

Each medical institution has its own requirements for such kits, therefore, before hospitalization, it is important to familiarize yourself with the conditions of your maternity hospital and collect things according to the list. For example, some maternity hospitals allow you to bring things for a newborn only for discharge. And there are those where diapers are not given out – you need to take them with you.

What is useful in the hospital:

• diapers for newborns (or up to 5 kg) – 1 pack (36 pieces);
• baby wet wipes – 1 pack;
• baby cleanser (soap);
• diaper;
• moisturizing cream for children;
• disposable diapers 60×90 or 90×90 – 1 pack;
• clothes for a newborn: slips – 2 pcs, vest – 2-4 pcs, hat – 2 pcs, socks – 2-3 pcs, warm overalls.

What to buy a newborn for discharge

Mom can take things for discharge immediately with her to the postpartum department or her relatives will bring her later. Each maternity hospital has its own rules: it is necessary to find out in advance exactly how the discharge will take place, whether it is possible to take things in advance or when it is allowed to bring them. 

What will come in handy:

• an envelope for an extract or a jumpsuit (a blanket is enough in summer, and a jumpsuit with a heater is needed in winter);
• slip thin;
• cap thin;
• fleece overalls (if it’s hot outside, you don’t need it);
• a warm hat and warm socks (if it is below 10 degrees outside);
• car seat – to safely bring the child home from the hospital;
• care products: a diaper, wet wipes, optionally a nipple (pacifier).

Seasonal shopping

Depending on the season, the baby will need a different set of things. The main part of the clothes for all seasons is the same: slips, overalls, sliders and undershirts will come in handy both in the warm season and in winter. But some things are useful only at certain times of the year.

What to buy for a baby who was born in the summer

It is important to understand that summer is not always warm and comfortable. It can be rainy and windy, and you should not forget about mosquitoes and other minor troubles. To prepare for different situations, you need to have the necessary things in reserve.

What will come in handy:

• undershirts (quantity optional);
• sliders;
• slips (3-4, more if desired);
• warm fleece overalls (1-2, more if desired);
• mosquito net;
• thin hat (1-2, more if desired);
• socks.

What to buy for a baby who was born in winter

In winter, the set of things is increased due to warm outerwear. And at home or away, the usual set of things will come in handy: undershirts, sliders, slips, socks.

What will come in handy:

• warm overalls for growth (it will be possible to wear next winter). There are options with detachable insulation – this can be worn in spring, autumn and even in cold summer.
• a warm hat (just in case, you can have 2 pieces – if one goes to the wash);
• warm fleece overalls (1-2, more if desired);
• warm socks (quantity – optional);
• blanket for the stroller.

What to buy a baby who was born in the spring

Spring in many regions of Our Country can be quite frosty, windy, and hot as in summer. Therefore, in a short time, you may need both winter and summer things.

What will come in handy:

• mosquito net on the stroller;
• warm overalls for growth with detachable insulation;
• warm and thin caps;
• warm fleece jacket.

What to buy a baby who was born in the fall

Time and again it doesn’t happen: either we have a protracted Indian summer, or suddenly frosts come. You need to be ready for any conditions.

What will come in handy:

• rain cover for the stroller;
• warm fleece jumpsuit;
• demi-season overalls (with detachable insulation);
• warm socks;
• warm and thin hats.

What not to buy for a newborn

You can not buy everything you need for the baby at one time. Some things will not be needed at all, and something will be needed only in a year. You also need to be prepared for unforeseen circumstances: for example, a child will become allergic to some material, and relatives will give you something. We will tell you that it is definitely not worth buying in advance.

Footwear

The child will need shoes only when he starts to walk. And this is not earlier than 9 months. In addition, it is not known what the size of the legs will be, what the weather will be like outside at that moment. Therefore, it is recommended to buy shoes only when necessary.

Walkers

In children’s stores you can often find walkers. It is an assistive device for maintaining balance and stability while walking. Manufacturers recommend buying them when the child is learning to walk.

Walkers are handy for parents. But harmful to the child. It is more difficult for a baby to learn to understand his body and balance independently, such devices disrupt the natural development of motor skills (1).

Car seat

The car seat is definitely not useful at first – it is suitable for a child weighing from 10-13 kg. You don’t need to buy it in advance. Moreover, more modern options may appear on the market or there will be discounts.

Highchair

Essential item from 6 months. Theoretically, from 6 to 8 months you can use a deck chair: in the maximum vertical position, it replaces the high chair. And for babies who still do not know how to sit on their own, a high chair is contraindicated. Complementary foods in this case are given lying down or in a deck chair at a slight slope.

Popular questions and answers

We discussed important issues related to preparing things for a newborn with pediatrician Olga Rubleva. 

Sources of

1. Epidemiological aspects of the use of baby walkers in Our Country. A.N. Sharov, A.V. Krivova, S.S. Rodionova // Health risk analysis. 2018. №3. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/epidemiologicheskie-aspekty-ispolzovaniya-detskih-hodunkov-v-rossii/viewer