Bringing home a newborn baby brings a wave of excitement and joy, but it also brings looming financial responsibilities. Just the thought of all the expenses associated with a baby can be overwhelming.
While your little one does require plenty of items, there's no need to buy the most expensive or top-of-the-line products. Instead, focus on the absolute essentials your bub needs, as well as what you can afford.
This baby checklist has all the bare essentials to simplify the process, without picking up unnecessary items or blowing your budget.
It’s tempting to pick up everything but the kitchen sink when baby shopping, but truth be told, you only need a handful of essential items for changing your baby. Here are our top picks to help you save money where you can.
A baby bag is one of the first things you'll need to carry all the newborn essentials for change time and is a must for your shopping list. It should be roomy enough to include nappies, baby wipes, nappy rash cream, and a travel change mat.
A change mat is a must-have for changing your baby, whether you're at home or out and about. It provides a clean and comfortable surface for your baby to lie on while you change their nappy.
Look for bulk buying wipes and nappies that are on sale. You’ll need an endless supply so the cheaper you can get them the better.
Ensuring your baby gets a good night's sleep is crucial and the right sleeping setup can ensure they get a deep sleep. Make sure you buy sleep sacks, onesies, dummies, and a bassinet, which are all essential for a comfortable slumber.
Sleep sacks or swaddles are great for keeping your baby warm and cosy, while onesies provide an extra layer of warmth and comfort. Consider buying 2-3 sleep sacks and several onesies for your baby so you aren’t washing all the time
Dummies can be helpful for calming a fussy baby. A bassinet is essential in providing a safe and comfortable place for your baby to sleep.
Dummies can often be bought in bulk, so look out for bulk buys.
Keeping your baby clean is essential to their health and the right bath kit can make the process a lot easier. You’ll need a tub, multipurpose wash, lotion, and nail clippers, which are all must-haves for keeping your bub clean.
A baby bath tub makes it easier to keep your baby safe while bathing. A multipurpose wash is great for cleaning your baby's skin and hair and you won’t need to splash out on separate shampoo and bubble bath – also, a plus if you’re also short on space.
Baby lotion helps keep your bub's skin soft and moisturised, while nail clippers help prevent them scratching their little faces with too-long nails.
When buying lotion and multipurpose wash, watch out for specials to buy in bulk.
With a new baby, you'll find yourself heading out more frequently to run chores or see family and friends. A baby car seat and pram are key essential items for getting around with your baby.
A baby car seat is necessary and a legal requirement for transporting your baby safely in the car, while a pram makes it easy to take your baby out for walks and shopping trips.
If you want a hands-free option for shorter trips, consider a baby carrier as a possible extra.
Don’t be afraid to invest in quality items as they’ll be for the long term, look for products that will last from newborn right through to the toddler stages.
The right gear can make feeding your baby a lot easier. Bottles, a steriliser, a breast pump (if you’re breastfeeding) and a bottle drying rack or cleaning brush are key items you may need for feeding your baby.
Consider buying a few bottles and a steriliser so that you always have a clean bottle on hand.
To help keep your bottles clean and hygiene, make sure you have a bottle drying rack and cleaning brush.
It’s always a good idea to scour for specials and sales for everyday feeding items. Buying newborn necessities on offer can help you stretch your dollar further.
Keeping your baby entertained and active supports their development. The right toys at play time will help ensure their sponge-like minds are active and receptive to new experiences.
A baby gym also provides stimulation and helps your baby develop motor skills while keeping your baby entertained, active and help with their development.
Looking for a safe place for your baby to learn? A play mat is a good idea as it can provide a cushioned surface for your baby while they explore.
To make your pennies go further, throw a baby shower and add your essential items to your baby registry. For bigger ticket items for the nursery, such as furniture and play gyms, look for second-hand goods, or ask friends and family for hand-me-downs.
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