Anna's New Parent Pages

What You Really Need for Baby (UK Version)

"All a baby really needs is a mothers arms, a mothers breasts and a mothers love."

The Newborn

  • Pushchair or pram. Preferably lightweight and easily folded to get in the car or even on the bus. Must be labelled as "suitable from birth".
  • Pushchair basket, if one not supplied.
  • Pushchair rain cover.
  • Pushchair sun-shade, in summer.
  • First stage, rear-facing car seat.
  • Carry cot or Moses basket, as newborns like a confined space to sleep in.
  • 3 pram blankets of open-weave material suitable for newborn babies. Cotton in summer, acrylic in winter.
  • A shawl or crochet blanket for going in the pram etc. that folds up small.
  • Mattress for carry cot or Moses basket. Preferably new.
  • 3 cotton pram sheets or large pillow cases to cover mattress.
  • Stand for carry cot or Moses basket (optional - a table can be used).
  • 1 dozen muslin squares (for mopping up, large bibs for toddlers, spit cloths, as anti-vomit covers under the baby's head, and 101 other uses)
  • 1 nappy bucket with lid and Napisan (even if not using terry nappies) - baby poo gets on everything. 2 buckets at least if you are using terries.
  • One large laundry basket.
  • 1 dozen terry nappies or "all-in-one" washable nappies, such as Kooshies (if you are intending on using cloth). A few old terry nappies for emergencies even if you are not intending on using them properly, or are sticking mainly to all-in-ones.
  • Half-dozen medium sized rubber pants or nappy wraps (the newborn size are often too small), if not using "all-in-one" nappies. I can recommend "Elliepants" covers from the Ellie Nappy Co. (tel:0151-2005012), which you use with folded up terries (and no pins!).
  • 1 packet of "mini" sized disposable nappies (newborn nappies are useless)
  • 1 packet of nappy sacks.
  • 1 box of baby wipes suitable for newborns.
  • I roll of cotton wool.
  • 1 jar of Sudocream (to be used very sparingly in case of nappy rash).
  • 1 box of disposable, one-way nappy liners, suitable for terries or disposables (also available from the Ellie Nappy Co.)
  • 6 newborn size babygros plus 6 0-3 months size babygros (for big newborns).
  • 6 newborn size baby vests with poppers under the crotch plus 6 1-3 months size vests for bigger newborns.
  • 3 mattinee jackets.
  • 3 pairs of newborn size socks.
  • Bonnet (winter) or sun-hat (summer).
  • Pair of mittens (winter)
  • 6 velcro-fastened bibs (not tie-ons as baby can choke on them if left unattended).
  • Musical mobile to go over the cot.
  • Milton's sterilizing fluid (for wiping down things etc.)
  • Good sling - the Snugli type front-loaders are killers on your back. A better style resembles the one I am wearing Emma in, in the photograph above, the "Sling-Easy". They are generally obtained by mail-order, with adverts often appearing in parenting magazines. I obtained my Sling-Easy from "Kids In Comfort" based in Reading, UK (Tel: 0118 9404942). Mine cost about 30 pounds, but I was able to breastfeed in it and consider it an essential worth paying money for, especially as I liked to avoid using a pushchair (I am on a train in the photo). They are also easy to get in and out of. They are the only cure for colic, clingy babies and being embarassed about breastfeeding in public. An essential.
  • 2 towels exclusively for the baby's use.
  • 2 face flannels for the baby's use.
  • A small plastic bowl for doing "bed baths" and washing the baby's face.
  • Mansize tissues (lots).
  • Baby changing mat.
  • Baby bubble bath/shampoo. Go for a hypoallergenic brand and use sparingly. My babies had very dry, very sensative skin so I personally used Aqueous Cream from the chemists instead of detergent.
  • Baby changing bag with zip-up pocket for personal items, purse etc. and fold-up changing pad.

For You

  • 1 dozen disposable knickers.
  • 3 packets of over-night, super-plus or maternity sanitary pads.
  • A shower to wash your "bits" under every couple of hours plus a hair drier with a warm setting to dry yourself afterwards.
  • 1 box of breast-pads (with one-way liners) regardless of how you are feeding.
  • Homeopathic arnica tablets (to heal bruising).
  • Valley" cushion for pernineal soreness (on hire from NCT).
  • Paracetamol (for after pains).
  • 3 nursing bras (if breastfeeding).
  • Single-handed breast-pump for occasional use or relieving engorgement (electric ones can be hired from La Leche League or the NCT, on request). Single-handed breast-pump for occasional use or relieving engorgement (electric ones can be hired from La Leche League or NCT) or better still, the instructions for Marmet hand-expressing technique.
  • The telephone number of your nearest NCT Breastfeeding Counsellor, La Leche League Leader or Breastfeeding Network Supporter.
  • Lots of "ready-meals" or ready prepared food in the freezer.
  • Snacks for fridge attacks (breastfeeding makes you hungry but you'll have no time).
  • Cordless phone 

The Older Baby

  • High chair or low chair with integral tray.
  • High chair inset (to keep smaller sitting baby in the chair).
  • 2 harnesses to strap baby in highchair and in pushchair (to be used as reins later on).
  • Large bibs.
  • Plastic mat to go under high-chair.
  • 3 plastic bowls (picnic type).
  • 6 plastic weaning spoons.
  • 3 plastic beakers with sealable tops.
  • Hand-held blender (for making baby food from your dinner).
  • Simple, attractive toys (Rattles, activity center, teething rings).
  • Non-slip bath mat.
  • Umbrella buggy with rain-cover.
  • "Toy tie" to keep rattle attached to buggy.
  • Travel cot/play pen.

Compiled by Anna Hayward (c) 1996.
Disclaimer: This document has not been compiled by a medical professional. Any opinions expressed are personal and should not be construed as medical advice. I am not a representative of any of the companies discussed, nor do I receive any form of commission.