Buying for baby: What you really need

It is an age-old belief that you should shop for your baby only after he is born healthy and all is well. However, being organised will help you prepare for your baby's arrival. If you and your family prefer not to shop in advance, you can compare prices in different shops and choose together the items you want to buy later, or even have them put aside. That will give you a sense of how much you will need to spend and will make shopping after the baby is here easier for the family member doing it. You can prepare a 'things to shop for' list with the shop name and price listed.

Some parents delay the shopping till they find out the gender of their baby. They prefer to buy specifically for a baby boy or girl. If you feel the same, you could buy a few clothes in unisex colours (green, yellow or white) for the first few days. That way you will have something ready for your baby when he arrives.

Family and friends who will visit the baby are likely to bring him clothes. And in many communities, newborn babies wear only hand-me-down clothing for the first few days.

Whenever you choose to do your shopping, we hope to make your task easier with this list of things you will need for a newborn. It is tempting to think that when your baby is born, you will need lots of expensive equipment. In fact, you can do with very little.

You will need to consider the weather while shopping though so we have arranged your baby's essentials according to the season your little one will be born in.

Baby essentials for every season

• Nappies. Newborn babies need their nappies changed 10-12 times a day. So buy enough nappies for at least the first few days. If you plan to use cotton nappies, it is a good idea to have at least one packet of disposable nappies handy for visits to the doctor's or just in case none of the cotton nappies have dried in time. If you are getting some nappies sewn, choose soft, absorbent cotton material. Readymade cotton nappies are available in the market with drawstrings, so you do not need to use nappy pins. See that you wash and iron the nappies before you use them on your baby. Ironing helps kill extra germs that linger on the clean cloth. Read more about nappies and nappy changing accessories.
• Baby wipes. These are for cleaning your baby's bum during nappy changes. You may prefer to wash with water and cotton wool most of the time but these wipes can come in handy during the night or when out of the house.


• Changing area. You could choose a changing mat, a protective plastic sheet that you can place on your bed as and when needed, a baby mackintosh or a changing unit with drawers underneath. This will depend on the space in your room and your budget.


• 3-4 pairs of cotton socks and 2 -3 cotton hats Socks and hats are useful in all seasons because as newborns do not regulate their body temperature well, it is best to cover their heads and feet. Even in summer, these will protect them from drafts from the fan, cooler or air conditioner for example.


• 3 - 4 pairs of cotton gloves Newborns can also have long nails and the gloves will prevent your little one from scratching himself.


• Six small bibs. Babies often bring up milk while burping. The bibs will protect your baby's clothes and can be changed more often.
• 8-10 small hand towels or napkins. Your baby needs to burp after every feed and will often spit out a bit of milk as well. These cotton cloths or towels can be placed on your shoulder as you burp your baby and so protect your clothes as well as be used to clean up your baby after.
• Baby washing powder or detergent. Newborns have very delicate skin so using a mild baby washing product for your baby's clothes is a good idea.
• A cot . You will find that if your baby is used to sleeping in a cot from birth, you will not find it difficult to move him onto his own bed and then room when he is older. If you'd like him to sleep with you in your bed, make sure your bed and bedding are safe for co-sleeping.


• A bumper . If you choose to use a cot, you might find a bumper to cushion the sides of the cot useful. This way your baby's hands or feet cannot go between the rails. This is an optional accessory for the cot though that you can do without.
• 4 - 5 sheets. Sheets might get dirty with spit-up milk or in case you use cotton nappies, urine so it is helpful to have a few.


• 3-4 wrap around blankets . After nine months in the womb, babies like feeling swaddled or bundled up. You can use lighter blankets in hot weather and warmer ones in cold weather. Check out our Photogallery: How to swaddle your baby.
• Bath tub or bath bed. You will find giving your baby a bath much easier if you have a baby bath tub or a newborn bath bed that helps you hold your baby securely.
• 3-4 towels . You can use these for after the bath and to lay your baby on during an oil massage.
• Toiletries . You will need a rounded comb or soft brush, a mild baby soap and shampoo, massage oil, a baby nail cutter and a good nappy rash cream in case you use disposable nappies. Other useful toiletries could include baby moisturiser cream, baby talc powder and ear buds to dry the nooks and crannies of your baby's ear after a bath.


• Car seat . Choose a rear-facing car seat, if you have a car. Make sure the seat suits the specifications of your car.


• Pram . Prams are useful for trips to the mall, while travelling, and even sometimes at home to soothe a crying baby. Choose a pram, a pushchair or a stroller that is suitable for newborn babies (with a lie-flat position).
• Bottles. If you plan to bottle-feed your baby, you will need between four and six bottles as well as a bottle brush to clean them. You can sterilise the bottles either in boiling water over the gas or in a steam steriliser.
• A baby bag. This will help when you go out with your baby. It has separate sections, where you can keep nappies, clean clothes, a feeding bottle, baby wipes, tissue paper and medicine.
• Mosquito net . If mosquitoes are a threat in your area, a cot mosquito net will help to protect your baby.


• Medicines. Ask your doctor which medicines you can give your baby for common problems like fever or colic. Store the medicines in cool place. You may want to take a look at our first-aid kit shopping list and emergency numbers checklist for more information.
• Baby cupboard . For all the new things you are getting, you will need some more storage space. What you buy will depend on the space you have and your budget.

What you need for winter babies

In the winter, in addition to the check list above, your baby will need some warmer clothing.

• One baby quilt. Read more on buying baby bedding.
• 2-4 flannel sheets for your baby's cot.
• 2 - 3 blankets, preferably with hoods for outings. In the winter, a couple of blankets to wrap your baby would be ideal.


• 4 -5 long-sleeve vests. These will go on your baby's skin so it is best to have cotton vests. You can then layer your baby with other clothes and a woollen layer at the end.


• Three sets of thermal wear. Three pairs of thermal vests and pants will give your baby extra warmth.


• 4 - 5 body suits. This is a one-piece clothing that has long sleeves and covers even the feet. It opens in the front, usually with popper buttons. It is good for winters since there is no gap in the clothing that can let in cold air. If you are using cotton nappies though, a full body suit might not be practical because it will get wet very often. You might then prefer two-piece clothing by which you can remove just the pants every time your baby wets himself. You will then need four to five two-piece clothing sets with long sleeves and full leg-length pants.
• 3-4 cardigans or sweaters. You can put the sweater on as the last layer of your baby's clothing. Keep an eye out on your baby's cheeks or neck in case the wool starts to irritate his skin. If so, opt for more cotton layers with a wool blanket. Make sure the sweaters have a large neck opening or buttons that allow you to easily put them on without constraining your baby's head.
• 2-4 warm woollen caps. Most woollen sweater sets come with caps and socks, so your baby has a cute matching set. Just make sure the wool does not touch your baby's skin directly. You can put a cotton hat on first followed by the woollen one.


• Two pairs of warm booties. Again it is best not to put these directly on your baby's skin but on top of a cotton pair of socks.

What you need for a summer baby

In addition to the check list for all babies, here are some items you will need for a summer baby.

• 4-5 short sleeve baby vests . You will need at least three or four vests or even body suits, with envelope necks and popper buttons underneath. Your baby can wear them under dresses or jhablas. When the weather is very hot, a vest may be all your baby needs to wear.


• 3 - 4 sleep suits. Three or four loose jhablas or all-in-one sleep suits will be very handy. Small babies tend to live in these in their first few months.


• A sun shade for the pram or car, if you plan to travel with your baby.
• A summer hat. Choose one with a rim that also shades your baby's eyes from the sun.
• 2-3 muslin sheets or cloths. Most prams, rocking chairs and car seats have synthetic fabric, which will make your baby sweat a lot. Keep these cotton sheets to line anything your baby lies in to help keep him cool.


• Sun screen or sun block. Check with your doctor which type you should use for your baby.
• Insect repellent or insect baby cream. Ask your doctor which creams and repellents you can use to protect your baby from flies and mosquitoes.

What you need for a monsoon baby

Here are some items you will need for a monsoon baby in addition to those mentioned for all seasons:

• 5-6 short sleeve baby vests . You will need at least five or six vests or even body suits, with envelope necks and popper buttons underneath. Your baby can wear them under dresses or jhablas. When the weather is very hot, a vest may be all your baby needs to wear. You will need more clothes in the monsoon than if your baby were born in summer because with the humidity, clothes take long to dry.
• 4 - 5 sleep suits or jhablas. Three or four loose jhablas or all-in-one sleep suits will be very handy. Small babies tend to live in these in their first few months.


• 1 - 2 cotton sweaters or jackets. These will be useful for cooler days during the monsoon. If you buy a size or two bigger, your baby can wear them in the winter too.
• Insect repellent or insect baby cream. Ask your doctor which creams and repellents you can use to protect your baby from insects and mosquitoes.
• prickly heat powder. Ask your doctor what powder you can use to prevent prickly heat rash and what you can apply if he gets it.

What you need for yourself just after giving birth

• 2-3 nursing bras and breast pads. These will be helpful if you are breastfeeding. Take a look at our breastfeeding accessories guide for more information.


• Sanitary pads. Read on to find out how many sanitary napkins you may need after birth.
• Medicines. Check with your doctor which vitamins or supplements you'll need to take once your baby is born. Many women report that taking arnica tablets helps to reduce bruising after birth.
• Shirts with buttons down the front or loose kurtas for easy breastfeeding.