Things you'll need

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Article Summary

Babies don't take up a lot of room, but their stuff certainly seems to. While you don't need everything you see in the shops, you do need a few basic items. What follows is a list of the basic equipment you'll need when you bring your first baby home and on through his first year.

Newborn to 6 weeks

3 months to 6 months

6 months to 12 months

Newborn to 6 weeks

Your newborn doesn't need much, other than your love, your warmth and your breast milk or formula. There are a few items that will make your life easier, however.

  A cot. As your baby grows, he'll need a cot. Here are some important pointers:

• Make sure the cot slats are 2-6 cm (less than 2 3/8 inches) apart.
• Make sure the mattress is firm and fits snugly (the gap between the mattress and the cot sides must be less than 4 cm, i.e. 1 1/2 inches). Your baby's mattress should conform to British Standard Nos. 1877/7177.
• Avoid cots which do not conform to British Standard No. EN716: they will not be safe for your baby to sleep in.

  

 A car seat. It is illegal and dangerous not to restrain children when travelling in the car. From birth, there are a number of choices: some infant car seats are specifically designed for young infants only (weighing up to 9-10 kg/22 lbs). Other models can be used for small infants and later converted for use with an older baby (weighing up to 13 kg/29 lbs) or converted for use with a young child (weighing up to18 kg/40 lbs). Whichever car seat you choose, ensure that it conforms to European Safety Standard ECE. R44.03 Universal. All car seats for babies under 9 kg must be rear-facing - that is, the baby must face the seat, not the front of the car. For more on car seats and car safety, click here.

 A front carrier. This holds your baby close to your chest and lets you get things done while keeping in close contact with him. Make sure there is good head support for your baby.

 A pushchair. You will want to get outside with your newborn at some point, and as he grows, these outings will become more regular and more important. Consider a pushchair that converts from a reclining infant model into an upright version suitable for older babies.

 Plastic bottles and teats. Even if you're exclusively breastfeeding, it can't hurt to have two or three plastic bottles around, just in case you need to express your milk for someone else to give. Newborns generally use the 4-ounce (120 ml) bottles. Older babies will need the 8-ounce (240 ml) kind. Note: We don't recommend any bottle supplements for breastfeeding babies.

 An infant seat or 'bouncer'. Many families like to use an infant seat to have a safe place to sit the baby while doing something else. A sturdy, well-padded model makes it easier. Although car seats can be used for this, the reverse is not true. Infant seats are not safe as car seats. Also, never place an infant seat on a high counter.

 Baby swing. Some parents swear a swing soothes colic like nothing else. Make sure you buy a safe, reputable brand, and follow the installation instructions closely. Pad the seat well for a very young baby.

 Bath items. You can give your infant a bath after his umbilical cord falls off. You'll need a small plastic tub or basin and a padded safe place to set everything up. For complete details on your baby's first bath, click here .

 A thermometer. Digital thermometers are the easiest to read. Avoid an ear thermometer until your baby is 3 months old.

3 months to 6 months

By 3 months, your baby can probably hold his head up and grin at you, and by 6 months, he will probably be sitting up by himself and rolling over. He'll be so adorable you won't be able to resist buying toys, books and clothes. But remember, your love and attention are still what make him happiest.

 Cot. If you haven't got one already, now's the time to get a cot for your baby to sleep in. Make sure the mattress is firm, conforms to BS Nos.1877/7177, and that cot slats are 2-6 cm apart. For most cots you will be able to adjust the height of the mattress base. It should be lowered completely when your baby can sit up unaided.

 Car seat. Keep your car seat rear-facing, and make sure it's installed correctly. Have a look at our car seat guide .

 High chair. When your baby is ready to start solid foods, typically at around 5-6 months, you'll want to have a high chair to feed him in. Find one that has a wide, easy-to-clean and easily removable tray. You might also want to consider a plastic floor mat, to contain the mess. If you choose a seat that attaches to the table, check that all the brackets are tight and that your table can support it.

6 months to 12 months

Your baby is mobile and into everything - and that's how it should be! He's so excited and curious about the world around him that he can't help but get into trouble. Help keep him safe while giving him every opportunity to learn by having some of these items:

 Stair gates. Now that your baby is mobile, you need to be extra-vigilant about keeping him safe. Keep stairs and certain rooms of the house off-limits with non-accordion safety gates. These should be screwed to the wall and installed at floor level.

 Baby backpack. You and your baby will both love the freedom of a baby backpack. Make sure he can't kick himself up or out of the carrier, and be aware that he can reach things you can't see. A harness inside and a seat are a must. A heavy waist/hip belt will help you bear his weight as he grows.

 Shoes. Your baby won't need real shoes until he's walking outdoors, but when he does, choose shoes that fit him well and are easy to take on and off. Soft shoes are best.

 Plastic plates, baby-sized utensils, training cups. Welcome to the wonderful but messy world of solid food. Make sure you use small spoons for small mouths.

 Car seat. When your baby can sit unaided and weighs 9kg/20lbs (about 9 months), it's time to change to a forward-facing car seat. Have a look at our car seat shopping guide.

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