What Baby Items You Actually Need

What Baby Items You Actually Need for the First 3 Months

If you are pregnant or about to welcome your baby, I can almost guarantee your phone is full of notes, screenshots and saved posts about what to buy. Prams, wraps, bottles, gadgets you have never heard of and products people swear you cannot live without.

As a mum of two, I want to gently tell you this. You need far less than you think.

The first three months with a newborn baby are about recovery, bonding, feeding and learning your baby. Not having a perfectly stocked house. This blog breaks down what you actually need for the first three months with a baby, without the overwhelm.

A Safe Place for Baby to Sleep

In those early weeks, safe sleep is one of the biggest priorities.

What you actually need:

• A bassinet or cot that meets Australian safety standards

• 2 to 3 fitted sheets

• Swaddles or sleep sacks suitable for newborns- pro tip- get the wraps that have some stretch in them so bubs wont escape as quickly!

You do not need fancy pillows, sleep positioners or extra inserts. Simple is safest and often works best.

Feeding Essentials for the First 3 Months

Whether you are breastfeeding, formula feeding or combination feeding, feeding looks different for every family.

What you actually need:

• If breastfeeding: a comfortable feeding pillow, nipple cream and supportive bras

• If bottle feeding: 4 to 6 bottles, bottle brush and formula if required

• Burp cloths or muslin wraps

Clothing That Makes Life Easier

Newborn clothing is adorable, but practicality matters more than you think at 3am.

What you actually need:

• 6 to 8 zip or snap onesies- i prefer the two way zips over the button ones, trust me!

• 2 to 3 stretchy singlets if it is cooler

• Socks and a soft beanie if needed

Babies grow quickly. You do not need drawers full of tiny outfits. Comfort wins every time.

Nappy Changing Basics

This is one area people tend to overbuy.

What you actually need:

• Newborn nappies or size one nappies

• Wipes or reusable cloths

• Barrier cream- I personally loved Moo Goo and Nappy Goo for my girls

• A simple change mat

That is it. You do not need a fully stocked changing table in every room.

Getting Out of the House With a Newborn Baby

Even short outings can feel big in those early weeks.

What you actually need:

• A pram that suits your lifestyle

• A baby wrap or carrier for hands free cuddles

• A nappy bag with the basics only

• If your budget allows, a capsule was really a lifesaver for me, especially with bubs number two on the go. Because if she fell asleep I could simply click the capsule out of the car and onto a pram rather than waking her up etc.

What You Probably Do Not Need Yet

This is where I see so many new mums waste money.

You can skip for now:

• Shoes

• Toys beyond a soft comforter

• Large play gyms

• Extra feeding gadgets

• Multiple baby containers

If you need something later, shops will still exist. Promise lol.

The One Thing No One Tells You

The first three months are short and intense. You will be tired, emotional and deeply in love all at once. You do not need to have everything figured out. You need support, rest and space to soak in your baby.

As a mum and someone who works with families every week, I can tell you this season passes faster than you expect.

A Gentle Reminder

If this is your first baby, there is so much no one tells you until you are living it. I shared more of those honest, helpful insights in a previous blog called 10 things all first time expecting parents should know, which many mums have found comforting and reassuring during pregnancy. (click the link above to read)

And when you are ready, whether that is now or after your baby arrives, I would love to help you document this season. The tiny details, the quiet moments, the way everything feels brand new. These first months pass quickly, but the memories do not have to fade.

If you are expecting and thinking about newborn or family photos, you are always welcome to get in touch for a relaxed chat about the best time to book.

And one last thing, please be KIND TO YOURSELF! I have no doubt that you are doing an amazing job mama and all that baby really needs is a healthy and HAPPY mama- YOUVE GOT THIS!!

Stace xxx