This is a what-to-buy guide for new or soon-to-be parents who want to get their nurseries ready before the newborn baby’s arrival.

It has the most essential items that a newborn baby will require in the initial months. In India many cultures believe that it is not auspicious to buy things for baby before its birth, which probably stems from the very high infant mortality rate that used to prevail in olden days. However, nowadays more and more young parents are breaking this norm and stocking their baby nursery beforehand. The reasons vary from nuclear families, paucity of time and the need to buy things of their own choice.

Although it is easy to go overboard while buying things for your baby, especially if you are a first-time parent, a newborn does not require a lot of things and the stuff that you will buy at the spur of the moment may end up never being used.

So shop but don’t break your bank.

Newborn Baby Essentials Checklist

Larger items:

Infant safety seat/Car Seat (Rear-facing)–Although not mandatory in India but keeping in mind the traffic conditions, highly advisable. Suggested brands- Chicco, Graco,
Stroller/pram-Can range from Lightweight strollers to complete travel systems with inbuilt car seats.
Baby Carrier
Diaper bag/Nappy bag including change mat
Diapering :

2 packets Newborn size Nappy Pads
Wipes – disposable or washable /cotton swabs (boiled in dettol/Savlon)
Baby ointment/barrier cream to prevent rash
24 cloth or re-usable diapers
Clothing:

10 Onesies/ t-shirts (lightweight, short sleeve, poppers over diaper area)
6 Pairs socks or booties (booties tend to fall off all the time)
2 Baby Sleepers or nightgowns
8 Washable bibs
10 Singlets/sleeveless vests/undershirts – for hotter climates
10 rompers/sleepsuits for colder climates
6 Outing clothes
7 Swaddling blankets (cotton or muslin)
4 Scratch Mittens
2 receiving blanket (lightweight) & 2 blankets (for colder climates)
Bathing supplies:

2 Soft towels (with hood if preferred)
“Baby bath” solution or mild soap (pears)
Baby hair brush and comb
Baby nail scissors or clippers
Baby massage oil
Cotton wool balls
Cotton buds (Baby ones with one end enlarged so cannot be pushed too far and do damage)
Disinfecting hand sanitizer
Optional accessories:

Digital thermometer
Nasal aspirator (ear syringe can also be used)
Feeding:

Breast-feeding

Breast pads
V-shaped cushion (so you don’t have to stoop down to feed the baby and hence prevents back pain)
Breast-pump or something for hand expressing – including containers for expressed breast milk
Bottle-feeding*

6 bottles and 6 nipples (teats)
Nipple brush
Bottle brush
Liquid detergent for cleaning bottles and teats
Sterilizing equipment (Microwave, Electric, Chemical or boiling)
Thermal bottle carrier
Milk Powder container
Bed Time

Cot
Cot Mattress
2-3 Waterproof mattress covers
2-3 Fitted cot sheets
2-3 light blankets (In case room is air-conditioned)
Macintosh for sleeping
Pillow and Mosquito Net
Baby Toys

Cot mobile
Rattles
Musical toys
Even armed with this baby list of essentials you should try to pare it down further if you expect gifts from your friends and relatives. Also try to borrow whatever possible from your circle of moms who don’t need them anymore. Only exceptions to these are Car seats which should definitely be first hand.