What a Baby Needs
For expectant parents, the joy of welcoming a baby also means creating a baby registry and building your nursery wish list. You look up a crib or a car seat and are bombarded with ads, your family and friends suggest products they just couldn’t have made it without, and now you’re confused and overwhelmed; you think to yourself ‘What does my baby NEED?’
Millions of products are adorable, many make life with a baby easier, and many more are simply a preference. In reality, babies have a few needs. They need a way to eat, a safe place to sleep, some appropriate clothing, a safe way to transport, and a way to keep them clean. But the most important thing a baby needs is your love and protection! The rest is down to your lifestyle, your preferences, and your budget.
A Way to Eat:
Most newborns generally have two options. Bottle feeding formula or human milk, or breast/chest feeding.
For breast/chestfeeding, you already have the main components! I always recommend reading about lactation, taking a class by a Lactation Professional such as a Certified Lactation Consultant or Certified Lactation Educator, or reaching out to an Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultant. Yes, breast/chest feeding is natural but that does not mean it is easy or automatic. Your baby will have to learn how to feed properly, you will have to learn their cues, how to hold them properly, understand how to ensure a proper latch/suck, and of course, wait for your milk to come in fully. Even when it isn’t your first, some challenges may make breast/chestfeeding more difficult, which is why educating yourself and finding a lactation professional is important.
Products such as breastfeeding pillows, covers, and accessible clothing such as nursing bras and tops may make the experience easier, more accessible, and more comfortable. The pillows and blankets you already own can be used to prop your baby into a better position and make you more comfortable, but many will use a breastfeeding pillow. Covering yourself is a personal decision, but a light and breathable fabric is a good choice. I recommend wearing something comfortable that will provide the access needed for feeding, for some parents this has been tops that stretch well, soft button-down pajama shirts, or just a t-shirt. Nursing bras come in many varieties and sizes, my clients have chosen to wear them or not depending on what was comfortable for them and fit their lifestyle. They can be great to hold in pads or cups to catch leaks. Be prepared for yourself, you might need some type of nipple cream, possibly a hot/cold compress of some kind.
For bottle feeding, I typically recommend at least 3 bottles but preferably 6 per baby. Three bottles allow you to prepare two feeds ahead of time and be able to offer a snack with the third bottle if needed. This does require more washing, which is why 6 is preferable, you can prepare for more without having to wash as frequently. If you plan to pump and feed your baby human milk, I always recommend having 2-3 sets for your pump, so you always have a clean one available. You can store pumped milk in bottles or purchase milk storage bags. To freeze you will need milk storage bags or freezer-safe glass or BPA-free jars, the amount needed will depend on your supply, how much baby eats, and how much you want to save.
To wash, you will want a wash basin (I often use the wash basin you get from the hospital), a bottle brush (make sure it can scrub all the parts!), and dish soap (I typically recommend dye/fragrance-free). To sanitize, the old-fashioned method of boiling in a pot of water works! A drying rack doesn’t need to be designed for bottles, but they do need a place to air dry. A bottle sterilizer isn’t necessary but can make the process easier and faster.
To prepare powdered formula, the first step is always to read the package instructions! Boiling safe water is often recommended for newborns unless the formula package states otherwise. Check out this Healthy Children’s article for formula preparation. Warming a bottle isn’t a necessity, but many babies prefer a warm bottle. You can use a mug and some warm water to warm a bottle for a few minutes, be sure to check the temperature – it should NOT be hot!
For more information about bottle-feeding
For more information about Breast/chest-feeding, breastmilk storage, and handling check out:
A Safe Place to Sleep
As a professional in the United States, I follow AAP safe sleep guidelines and require safe sleep accommodations for any baby in my care.
As a disclaimer, I respect that safe sleep is defined a little differently around the world and many cultures’ practices may not align with the AAP recommendations. Many of these practices have an important history and are passed down from generation to generation. Some families simply choose not to follow the guidelines because they have decided what is best for their family. I recognize and respect the cultural, historical, and geographical differences as well as a parent’s right to choose, but as a professional, I will educate my clients about safe sleep and risks we’re aware of so they can make the best choice for their child. But I will always encourage safe sleep as a professional, and I require it for any child in my care.
In general, a firm, flat, level sleep surface designed for infants without any loose bedding/toys (only a fitted mattress sheet) or anything besides a pacifier (not attached) in the sleep space is recommended. AAP approved and size/developmentally appropriate swaddles/sleep sacks can be used. Further recommendations will suggest the infant to room-share with the parents, meaning their sleep space is in the same room as the parents. It is recommended that infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep, even if they can roll. If the baby can roll, their arms should be free. Safe sleep spaces should follow current CSPC safety standards and could be a crib with an appropriately-fitting, infant-safe mattress, portable crib/play yard (do not use a travel mattress if it did not come with the product itself), or a bassinet. Most of the cribs, play yards, and bassinets on the market today will be safe but always read their specific manuals and check for CSPC safety standards just in case. I do encourage families to have 1-3 fitted sheets (appropriately sized for crib mattress/bassinet).
Even for families that choose to co-sleep with their infant or end up co-sleeping, a safe sleep space is also a safe place to put the baby down when you need a moment, whether you need to cook something, use the bathroom, attend to other children, or just compose yourself. While I cannot encourage bedsharing, I know realistically, many will bedshare, even if they never planned to. If you do co-sleep, La Leche League does offer the Safe Sleep 7 to help families determine if co-sleeping can be considered – again this is still not considered safe sleep by the AAP. Having a safe place for the baby to sleep or just be put down should be a priority. I would encourage all parents to ensure their baby has a safe sleep space and a plan to reduce the likelihood of bed-sharing. As a professional, I encourage room sharing and even prefer it when I am caring for infants.
For more information about safe sleep, check out these sources below:
Appropriate Clothing
What your newborn needs to wear will partially depend on where you live and what weather/season they will be born in.
I typically recommend fabrics such as cotton. Newborns will likely outgrow the newborn size quickly, some only lasting a couple weeks to a little over a month and then they will need the 0–3-month sizes. In the first couple of months, you will likely go through many loads of laundry, expect that the clothes will get dirty, even stained.
For newborns, I recommend at least:
6 short-sleeve onesies/bodysuits
3-6 long-sleeve onesies/bodysuits
6 footed-pajamas (or replace a couple with sleeper gowns)
A few pairs of socks
2-4 bottoms such as leggings
It’s always better to be prepared, so make sure to have both newborn and 0-3 month sizes in your nursery. Remember, not all brands are sized the exact same, so a newborn in one brand may run too big or small for your baby. Keep in mind your baby may also just fit some brands better depending on how tall, skinny or chubby they are. After your baby is born, you will know what styles of clothes you like best. If your baby spits up more frequently, you may want more clothes or additional bibs. If you are expecting a preemie or smaller baby, some preemie clothing may be more suitable for the first few weeks.
When considering the weather, think about if it will be cold or hot. Some areas may require warmer clothing options in addition to my minimums list. We like to keep babies warm without letting them overheat, so layering clothing is recommended. Hats can be used too, when supervised. For babies born in warmer temperatures, remember to keep them cool, ensure good airflow, and keep them away from direct sunlight.
A few extras I would recommend are 2-4 muslin swaddling blankets! They can be used for swaddling or just to add a light layer when needed. They are also great for laying on the floor for play, covering while nursing, or folding it up to use as a burp cloth.
A Safe Way to Transport
If your baby will ever be in a vehicle, they will need a car safety seat designed for infants.
There are many on the market, but it is recommended to buy one new to ensure it has never been in a crash and meets all the current standards. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS/MANUALS for both the car seat AND your vehicle. These can be very important for proper installation, use, and care. For more direct help, reach out to a local Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.
For more information about car seats:
Many parents will also consider a stroller, especially if a personal car/taxi isn’t the main form of transportation. Follow CSPC guidelines and ensure the stroller will accommodate a newborn appropriately. The type of stroller depends on your needs and uses. Another option is a baby carrier. This will also be determined by the type that is designed for newborns and fits you! Read the instruction manual and practice how to use it before trying it with your baby. You may be able to find a local instructor that can help you determine the best type for you. Technically, strollers and carriers are not a need but most people have to think about how they will get around with their child. Think about what makes the most sense for your lifestyle and needs.
Keeping Them Clean: Hygiene and Diapering
Babies are peeing and pooping machines. They may not get sweaty or dirty from play yet but between spitting up and blowout diapers, they will need some hygiene care.
Until the umbilical cord falls off, a simple sponge bath will do. Along with washcloths, you can use disposable cotton balls/pads to clean the face/eyes or simply use a clean cloth for each wipe.
For bathing you will want:
Soap/Shampoo (many are both a shampoo and body wash)
2 hooded towels
5+ wash cloths
Gauze for gum brushing
Wash basin/infant tub (ensure it is appropriate for newborns)
Newborns will often go through 8-12 diaper changes a day. Just like clothing, sizing isn’t always equal. Some diapers will fit snugger than others even when your baby is within the weight range. Just like clothes, they will likely grow out of newborn sizes quickly, depending on their birth weight and growth. The babies in my care typically stay in Newborn sizes for the first few weeks or closer to the 2-3 month mark, depending on their size. If you choose to cloth diaper, your newborn will need around 24 diapers (give or take) depending on how often they need to be changed, how often you will wash them, and the type of cloth diaper you use.
You will need wipes! Either disposable or cloth. In my experience, most changes can be successfully cleaned with 1-3 wipes. You will want some diaper cream, if you are using cloth diapers, make sure it is appropriate since some creams can reduce the absorbency. Another option to consider is rinsing baby off in the sink after a bowel movement, thoroughly drying, and then diapering. Alternatively, to standard wipes, some may use a diaper lotion used with disposable or washable cloths.
Building your nursery or baby registry can be daunting but always find joy in it. At the end of the day, your baby needs you. You don’t need to limit yourself if that’s not your goal, if something is going to make your life easier during this stage, or if you just want that cute outfit, add it to your list! Think about your lifestyle and what could work best for your family. I hope this list can either make the process easier or be a good starting point.
