BABY ESSENTIALS LIST
Preparing for a new baby can become an overwhelming experience. At Manuka Baby we would like to help you by providing a complete list of New Born Baby Essentials, including all the ‘little things’ that can easily be overlooked. This list was compiled by Founder of Dimples and Fringe of Heaven by Dimples, Jane McAllister – experienced mother of 14 children.
Try to stage your shopping over a period of time so as not to exhaust yourself, or better still, enjoy shopping online with Manuka Baby. We realize that as a mum-to-be, you’re often tired and not up to ‘hitting the shops’.
We've included approximate guidelines on quantity.
ESSENTIAL CLOTHING FOR BABY:
2 Day/homecoming outfits – good idea to have a woollen outfit for transporting baby from hospital. Could include bodysuit, pants, cardigan, booties and hat.
3 Wool Bodysuits – Dimples Bodysuits dome under the crotch to prevent them from riding up, easy for nappy changing
6 - 8 Cotton Bodysuits
3 Gowns – comes with draw string at the bottom. This helps Baby feel secure much like in the womb.
3 Dome Front Stretch n Grows – domes make changing baby easy especially for first time parents. The Stretch n Grow eliminates the need to push baby’s head through a neck hole.
2 Cardigans - Most babies don't like having clothes pulled over their heads.
3 - 4 Booties – Dimples booties are renowned for staying on.
3 - 4 Socks
2 Hats/Beanies – For a winter baby, a Merino Wool hat is especially warm.
1 – 2 Sunhats (summer) – broad-brimmed to protect Baby’s delicate skin from the sun
1 Mittens – prevent baby scratching
2 Swaddling Blankets – Dimples Snugglewraps or Wraps are made with a bit of ‘stretch’ which makes baby feel snug and secure while still able to move their arms. Recent studies have shown that the ability of Baby being able to move their arms while wrapped directly links to brain development.
SleepSac The Fringe of Heaven SleepSac will keep your baby snuggly at night. Ingenious, unique design makes it great for the pram and car-seat too. Can also dome into a jumpsuit for when baby becomes mobile.
SUGGESTED SUMMER RANGES:
The Classics Range is made from Cotton (93%) Elastane (7%). Cotton is the perfect fibre for newborns as it is a natural fibre which breathes freely. The elastane component of the fabric allows for freedom of movement and the ultimate in comfort.
Wool Cotton Blend NZ Merino Wool and 100% Cotton blended together to create one unique fabric, making it the perfect garment for your baby to wear all year round. Merino wool helps regulate baby’s temperature, it breathes in warm conditions and insulates in cooler climates.
Organic Cotton - produced without the use of toxic chemicals at any stage of processing from the farm to the yarn. Organic cotton makes the softest, purest fabric ideal for newborn baby’s sensitive skin.
SUGGESTED WINTER RANGES:
The Honeycomb range (100% Merino Wool) can be worn on its own or layered under other garments for extra warmth. Merino Wool is the ideal fabric for babies as its natural fibres help to regulate temperature.
Wool Cotton Blend 50% NZ Merino Wool and 50%Cotton are blended together to create one unique fabric - making it the perfect garment for your baby to wear all year round. Merino wool helps regulate baby’s temperature, it breathes in warm conditions and insulates in cooler climates.
NURSERY ESSENTIALS:
2 Dimples Snugglewraps
3 Sheet sets
2 Crib or Cot Blankets – Crib size is also useful for car seat or pram
1 Changing Table
1 Crib - New born Babies feel more secure in a smaller space.
1 Cot for baby to grow into
Mattress
Mattress protector - wraps around mattress to protect baby from harmful toxic fumes which can be emitted from mattresses
4 100% Cotton under blankets – to place on top of mattress protector, and under sheets
Safety pillow/sleep positioner for Crib or Cot
Baby monitor
Musical toy or CD player to build into sleep routines
4 Dummies/Pacifiers if you choose to use them
FOR CHANGING NAPPIES:
Nappies - either fabric or disposable
If you're using disposable nappies you may want a disposal bin
Two nappy buckets for fabric nappies
Disposable nappy bags
Wet wipes or cloths
1 Baby Bottom Balm – you’ll also want one for your nappy bag
BATH TIME ESSENTIALS:
Baby bath
1 Baby Shampoo and Body wash – if you choose to use anything on that lovely newborn skin
1 Baby Oil – great for building into sleep routine
4 Dimples Muslin Flannels
2 Dimples Hooded Towels - keeps baby’s head warm after bathing and shampoo
FEEDING ESSENTIALS:
6 Muslin Wraps– great for cleaning up milky mouths, sticky fingers and for providing a bit of privacy while feeding
6 Bibs
3 Nursing bras
Breast pads
Nipple Cream
Nursing pillow
Breast pump/expresser
6 - 8 glass Bottles
Sterilising kit
Bottle Brush
If you are not breastfeeding you will need baby formula
LAUNDRY ESSENTIALS:
20ltr bucket – useful for soaking soiled baby clothes
Whitening agent such as Ecover Laundry Bleach
FIRST AID ESSENTIALS:
Thermometer
Medicine Dispensers
Cotton Wool – Great for cleaning eyes, and newborn skin creases
OUT AND ABOUT:
Pram
Pram blanket – See Natural Bedding for a selection
Rear facing infant car seat
Baby carrier/sling
NAPPY BAG ESSENTIALS:
1 Baby Changing bag
Nappies
Wet wipes
Bottom Balm
Disposable nappy bags
Change mats