Baby Gear Essentials (When to Buy, and What You Can Hold Off On)
Tired of searching the internet for a list of things you need for the baby you're expecting, only to be given lists that are WAY too comprehensive. As a mother of three I laughed at some of those lists, some of them are so long you'd just about need to take out a personal loan to buy everything.
One thing I've learned is to keep it simple, you can always buy more things if you need them. Here's my list of what to buy, when to buy, and what you can hold off on.
A note about Laundry
If you're going to take some time off for maternity leave, you can probably do a load of washing every day. Baby clothes are small so they dry quickly, meaning that baby doesn't need 10 singlet and 10 pairs of leggings. You can buy less, and wash more.
A Little Disclaimer
You might be surprised by how much gear something so small can seem to require! But the truth is, your baby doesn't need everything at once. While we'd love for you to shop with us at Ohbubs, we also know you'll likely be gifted items from family and friends.
Pro tip: Keep the tags on and keep your receipts in case of double-ups!
Stroller
When to buy: During pregnancy, ideally before 36 weeks.
Why: Strollers are a big-ticket item, and some models require pre-ordering. Start researching around the halfway mark of your pregnancy.
FYI: Some parents skip the stroller and use a baby carrier instead, but we think a stroller is a must-have.
Bassinet or Moses Basket
When to buy: Before baby arrives
Why: Baby will sleep in your room for the first 6 months. A bassinet makes night feeds easier and is safer.
We recommend: Babyhood Co-Sleep Cradle
Alternative: If your bedroom is big enough, you could skip the bassinet and use a cot from day one.
Wrap/Baby Carrier
When to buy: Before baby arrives
Why: Perfect from birth, and easier to use than you'd think. Great for contact naps, hands-free chores, and outings.
We recommend: Ohbubs Baby Wrap
Capsule/Car Seat
When to buy: Before baby arrives
Why: Hospitals won’t let you leave without one. Install a couple of weeks before your due date.
We recommend: Look for a capsule that is compatible with the stroller that you buy. This way you'll be able to click it in and out of the stroller frame (you might need to buy additional adapters)
Pro tip: There’s a common misconception that capsules only last until a baby is six months old. However, most capsules are rated up to 13kg, and many children can still fit comfortably in their capsule well past their first birthday.
Check your capsule’s manual, you may be able to delay buying the next stage car seat for a few more months. Most experts agree that it’s safer for a child to fit snugly in a properly sized seat than to have too much room in a larger one.
Cot
When to buy: Before or after baby arrives
Why: Not essential from day one if you use a bassinet. If you're setting up a nursery, it’s easier to do it pre-baby, and there's always something special about setting up a nursery.
We recommend: Babyhood Riya Cot (converts to a toddler bed with toddler rail)
Change Table
When to buy: Optional, before baby arrives
Why: Not essential, but very handy. Consider a foam change pad on drawers or bed if you’re short on space.
We recommend: Babyhood Ultimate Change Pad
Nappy Bag
When to buy: Before baby arrives, or later
Why: Helpful but not essential. You could use a large tote or handbag.
Baby Mirror (Car)
When to buy: Before baby arrives
Why: Lets you keep an eye on baby while driving, as baby's car seat will most likely be rear-facing for the first two years
Breast Pump
When to buy: After baby arrives, if needed
Why: Only essential in certain feeding situations. Wait and see what you need.
We recommend: Start with a silicone pump or rent a hospital-grade one
Breast Pads
When to buy: Before baby arrives
Why: To protect clothing from leaks
We recommend: Ohbubs Washable Breast Pads or Disposable Pads if your let down is fast.
Maternity Pads
When to buy: Before baby arrives
Why: Yes, you will need them! Trust us.
Tip: Stock up at the hospital or buy a few packs from the supermarket in advance. They're kept with the menstrual pads, usually on the bottom shelf (which is difficult to get to when you've just had a baby).
Baby Monitor
When to buy: When baby moves into their own room
Why: Useful for naps or nighttime, especially once baby moves to a big bed. I also found it handy as I liked to work in the garden while my toddler napped.
Comfy Chair
When to buy: Before baby arrives
Why: You’ll spend a lot of time feeding, cuddling, and rocking. Get something supportive and easy to get out of, that's aesthetically pleasing as well of course!
We recommend: Check out non baby stores like Freedom, Bed Bath & Beyond, Early Settler, and Farmers. You can also find good armchairs on Marketplace.
Nappies
When to buy: Before baby arrives
Why: You'll use a lot in those early weeks. Don’t stockpile too many in case sizing/brands don’t suit.
Travel Cot/Portacot
When to buy: After 6 months, if needed
Why: Handy for travel, but not necessary at first.
High Chair
When to buy: Around 6 months, when baby starts solids
We recommend: Kaylula Ava High Chair (adjustable, grows with baby)
Baby Clothes
When to buy: Size newborn and 0-3 months, before baby arrives
We recommend: Look for natural fibres like cotton, and merino wool. 4-5 each long sleeve bodysuit, leggings, all-in-one, jerseys or cardigans.
Other Must-Haves
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Face cloths (lots) check out our 100% cotton wash cloths
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Hats, socks, and booties
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Blankets and bedding
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Baby towel
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Sheets (cot & bassinet)
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Pacifier / dummy (not all babies take a dummy, so just get one to start with)
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Nipple cream
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Baby wipes
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Nappy cream
- Swaddles, we have to recommend our Legs Out Swaddle, or you might like to go for cotton muslin swaddling blankets
Buy Later:
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Hair brush, toothbrush, nail clippers
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Bibs
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Toys & baby gym
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Bath toys
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Extra clothes & shoes
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Books
We hope this guide helped take the stress out of prepping for your little one. If you think we missed anything or want personalised advice, just get in touch here!