List of essentials

Furniture/room:
1 cot
Compactum or changing table
Compactum cushion
Changing mat
Feeding chair (optional))
1 cot mattress
1 cot duvet inner
1 cot bumper inner
1 or 2 lift wedges
1 cot waterproof mattress protector
Cupboards
Mobile for over compactum or cot
Dustbin
Laundry basket or bag
Side table for next to feeding chair
Side lamp with dimmer switch
Diaper basket/caddie
Shelving
Mozzie net (Optional)
Night light
Baby monitor
Wallpaper/paint (optional)
Wall art (optional)
Curtains/blinds
Height chart (optional)

Linen
2 x Change mat covers
2 cot fitted sheets
2 cot duvet covers
2 x Cot Bumper covers
1 sleeping sacs (optional)
2 baby blankets
2 cellular blankets
4 receiving blankets
Towelling nappies
Cot pillow (optional)

Bathtime
Baby bath (Optional)
Moulded seat for bath
Bath towels
Face cloths
Body wash and shampoo
Body lotion
Bum cream
Massage gel
Cotton wool (balls)
Aqueous cream
Nappy rash cream
Soap
Wet wipes
Disposable nappy sacks

Out and about
Pram/stroller
Car seat
Carry cot/moses basket (optional)
Camp cot
Nappy bag
Pouch/sling
Feeding chair (optional))
Baby on board signs
Car window covers
Doughnut
Disposable change mat
Bottle warmer bag
Travel food storage containers
Formula dispenser containers

Feeding
Bottles and teats
Dummies
Dummy steriliser
Bottle steriliser (microwave or steam)
Electric bottle warmer
Bottle drying rack
Bottle and teat cleaner
Breast pump
Formula dispenser containers
Baby’s first spoon and bowl
Burp cloths
Bibs
Breast pads
Nipple cream

Grooming and medical items
Baby nail clippers or safety scissors
Medicine dropper
Thermometer
Brush and comb set
Medicine kit

Others
Baby CD’s
Bumbo seat (and tray optional)
Play gym or mat
Teethers and toys

Books
Baby Sense
Books for kids

Clothing:
Initially you will need the following:

6 x Vests (preferably the bodysuit type. Long sleeved for winter babies, short sleeved for summer babies)
6 x full babygros (for winter babies)
6 x playsuits (for summer babies)
3 x leggings
6 x pairs of socks
2 x beanies (for winter babies)
2 x sleep sacks (optional)

HANDY HINTS

• Don’t cut off the labels on items – it will be difficult to sort them into sizes later on!
• Don’t cut tags off gift clothing – if you don’t use it, you can then return it to the retailer!
• Prewash all items before baby’s due date

Hospital Bag
A few pairs of button down pyjamas (easy to feed in)
Dressing gown
Slippers
Hairdryer
Facecloths
Breast pads
Nipple cream
Feeding bra (x2)
Maternity pads
Disposable panties (x3)
Clothes to go home in (loose and comfy)
Cell phone
Cell phone charger
Camera (and extra batteries)
Double adaptor
Magazines/books
Notebook & pen to write down feeding schedule
Toiletries
Bath Towels (x2)
Some non-perishable snacks and energy drinks (for mom and dad)

For baby
Baby clothes to go home in
3 to 4 sets of clothes for baby at the hospital
1 warm blanket for baby to go home with
A few receiving blankets
Disposable newborn nappies
Cotton wool or bum wipes
Dummy
Aqueous cream
Surgical spirits & earbuds (for cleaning belly button cord)
Toiletries

Get partner/hubby to organise: car seat safely installed in the car, camera and video camera, battery for camera and chargers
Any medical aid cards, ID book for parents and marriage certificate for registering baby. As well as a list of all people to notify when baby is born.