Baby Essentials: What to Buy for a Newborn and Why

The arrival of a baby is a life-changing event, full of excitement. To welcome your little one in the best possible conditions, it's worth putting together a well-stocked layette. But which items are the must-haves you shouldn't forget? Don't panic, we'll guide you through it!

1. Clothing

• Bodysuits: go for bodysuits that are easy to put on and take off, with handy openings at the shoulders and between the legs. Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton. Allow around 6 to 8 bodysuits per size.
• Pyjamas: choose comfortable, warm personalised pyjamas in cotton or velour. Allow around 4 to 5 pairs per size.
• Baby sleeping bags: a sleeping bag is essential for a peaceful night's sleep. Pick models to suit the season, in lightweight cotton for summer and velour for winter. Allow 2 to 3 sleeping bags.
• Bibs: personalised bibs are essential for protecting your baby's clothes from posseting and dribble. Go for absorbent, waterproof cotton designs. Allow around 10 bibs.
• Hats and booties: a baby hat and booties are essential for keeping your baby's head and feet warm, especially in winter. Allow 1 to 2 hats and 2 to 3 pairs of booties.
• Outerwear: if your baby is born in the colder months, get a cosy snowsuit or warm dungarees, along with a coat and hat suited to the weather.

2. Washing and changing

• Oleo-calcareous liniment: this gentle, natural liniment is ideal for nappy changes.
• Micellar water: micellar water is perfect for gently cleansing your baby's face and bottom.
• Cotton pads: cotton pads are essential for applying liniment and micellar water.
• Nappies: choose nappies suited to your baby's weight and shape. Keep enough in stock for the first few months, allowing around 8 to 10 nappies a day.
• Baby wipes: baby wipes are handy for cleaning little hands and faces when you're out and about.
• Cotton buds: cotton buds are useful for cleaning your baby's ears.
• Thermometer: a thermometer is essential for keeping an eye on your baby's temperature if they develop a fever.

3. Feeding

• Bottles and teats: if you're bottle-feeding, get several bottles, teats and a bottle brush to clean them. And so you never misplace the dummy, consider a dummy clip to keep your baby's dummy close at hand.
• Feeding bibs: silicone or fabric feeding bibs are handy for protecting your baby's clothes at mealtimes.
• Bottle warmer: a bottle warmer is useful for warming breast milk or infant formula.
• Steriliser: a steriliser lets you clean and disinfect bottles, teats and other baby accessories.

4. Sleep

• Mattress and fitted sheet: choose a firm, good-quality mattress so your baby sleeps comfortably. Pick a fitted sheet to match the mattress size.
• Cot bumper: a cot bumper protects your baby from the bars of the cot and gives them a sense of security.
• Night light: a soft night light helps soothe your baby and settle them off to sleep.

5. Accessories

• Muslin: a muslin is a multi-purpose accessory that works as a blanket, a bib, a changing mat or even a swaddling aid.
• Changing bag: a practical, roomy changing bag is essential for carrying all your baby's bits and pieces when you're out.
• Pushchair: a pushchair is essential for walks and trips out with your baby. Choose a model to suit your needs and your budget.
• Car seat: a car seat is compulsory for travelling with your baby by car. Make sure you choose an approved model suited to your baby's size and weight.

As well as these essentials, you can add other items to your layette depending on your needs and wishes. For example:

• Sensory toys to stimulate your baby's senses
• A bath thermometer to check the water temperature
• A soft hairbrush for your baby's first grooming
• A teething ring to soothe sore gums
• A baby monitor to keep an ear on your baby from another room

Don't hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice on choosing the products best suited to your baby.

Here are a few more tips for putting your baby's layette together:

• Start buying your items from the second trimester of pregnancy.
• Make the most of offers and sales to save a little money.
• Remember to wash all your baby's clothes and accessories before the birth.
• Build up a stock of nappies and toiletries so you never run out.
• Above all, enjoy it and choose the items you love!

The arrival of a baby is a unique and wonderful time. By preparing your layette in advance, you can welcome your little one with peace of mind and make the most of these magical moments.