A new baby in your life can be a huge adjustment to make.
It can sometimes be a bit daunting setting up everything your baby will need,
so here is a baby layette shopping list and tips of everything to consider.
There are so many wonderful products on the market, but you need to work out what’s best for you and your baby, and most importantly, what you can afford.
A new baby usually attracts lots of love and gifts. Some of these items may be given as gifts and you don't necessarily need to get all these things at once - but it is nice to be prepared!
Our shopping list and shopping tips will help you weigh up your options.
Just one more thing to remember, a baby does not regulate their temperature like an adult so they need extra layers and merino clothing. In this layette list we've highlighted the merino baby clothes that is available within this online store.
Shopping List
Clothing
|
Feeding Time
|
Bath Time
|
Body Suits |
Bibs |
Change table |
Night gowns |
High chair |
Hair & skin products |
Socks/booties |
Spill cloths / mat |
Nappies |
Hats |
Nursing pads |
Nappy bucket |
Cardigans/Jackets |
Bottles |
Baby Wipes |
Scratch mittens |
Teats |
Baby face cloths |
|
Bottle Brush |
Baby brush and comb |
|
Sterilising tablets & container |
Bath toys |
|
Expressing equipment |
Baby towels |
Bed Time
|
Health and Safety
|
Out & About
|
Bassinet / Cot |
Thermometer |
Car seats |
Mattress |
Sterilising tablets |
Pram/Pushchair/Stroller |
Mattress protector |
Medicine spoon or syringe |
Sunshade |
Sheets |
Plastic covers for electrical outlets |
Rain Cover |
Blankets |
Safety latches |
Blankets |
Baby monitor |
|
Pram toys |
Sleep wrap or sleeping bag |
|
Nappy bag |
Night light |
|
Changing pad |
Cot mobile |
|
|
Shopping Tips
Clothing
- Remember, babies don’t stay babies for very long. So don’t buy too many newborn-sized clothes.
- Buy a year in advance. Start looking for 1 year old clothes In the sales now and save some money!
- Boys will always wear jeans whatever the season, so buy them when they’re on special. You can also put long-sleeved tops under t-shirts, shirts and dresses to extend their life.
- Buy clothes that your little one can grow into, rather than having the right size for right now, which will probably only last a few weeks!
- Choose nightwear with drawstring bottoms as they’re much easier to navigate and undo when your baby needs changing in the middle of the night.
- Although there’s a temptation to dress babies up, they’ll be more comfortable in just the basics such as bodysuits and nightgowns for the first few weeks.
- Cardigans and jackets are a lot easier to put on than tops and sweatshirts. However tops with envelope openings are slightly easier to put on than tops with normal neck openings.
Feeding Time
- A highchair won’t be needed until several months down the track, so need to rush in and buy one straight away.
- Even if you’re planning to breast feed, look at buying bottles too so that you can express milk when you leave your baby with grandparents or a babysitter.
Bed Time
- If you’re looking to save money, you can probably take a bassinet off your list. They are a nice to have, and will only be used for the first few months. Better to use the money on a well-made cot.
- If you do buy a bassinet, fold cot sheets in half rather than buy specifically designed sheets or cut worn large sheets to the correct size.
- Bear in mind that cot mobiles can sometimes be more of a distraction than of any help when you’re trying to get you baby to sleep.
- Night lights are more for you than your baby, so that you can check on them at night without having to turn the main light on full.
Health & Safety
- Plastic covers for electrical outlets and safety latches for cupboards are not needed straight away, and can be bought when your baby is about to start crawling.
- Digital thermometers are a good investment and easy to read them. Buy the best that you can afford.
Out & About
- Car seats for newborns should have a five-point harness for safety and a head/neck support for very young babies so that their windpipes are kept clear whilst you are travelling.
- Car seat capsules for newborn and young babies can be hired from Plunket (within NZ) and the Baby Factory. However you may need to request one before your baby is born to ensure you don’t miss out.
- Make sure the car seat or capsule is fitted correctly and is rear facing until your baby is older to help protect them in the event of an accident.
- There are so many prams, pushchairs and strollers on the market, but essentially it comes down to your preference and your budget! Remember to try out several in the shop (ideally with something in them) before you make a purchase. Make sure they’re easy to fold, not too heavy to lift and will fit in your car.
- Buy a rain cover and sunshade at the same time so you know that they’ll fit the pushchair/pram/stroller that you buy.
- Buy a nappy bag that you always keep filled with nappies, wipes, toys, food etc. That way next time you go out everything’s already packed and it’s one less thing to think about!
This article was written by Carol from
Under 5s.
An online directory with products & services for babies & kids under 5 years old – all in one place!