Baby shopping list - What do you need for a newborn?

Gathering what you need for your baby before delivery isn’t just about practicality – this process also helps you begin to mentally prepare to become a parent. So assembling a changing table and washing new onesies actually serve more than strictly practical purposes. But the market of items for babies is vast – and it’s easy for things to get expensive, especially if you’re expecting twins and need two of almost everything. Opting for reuse and second-hand is great for several reasons, but another idea is to start with the most important items first, and get the rest as the need arises. A lot of baby supplies will go unused, even though they seemed so clever.. Together with midwives Anna and Sofie, we’ve made a list of essential and slightly less essential items that newborns – and new mums – might need. As always, it’s up to you to assess what you think you’ll really need, and consider what you might already have at home. We also want to take this chance to let you know about the Libero Club! Members receive our welcome gift, which is packed with great items for the first few days, including samples of Libero Touch nappies, wet wipes and maternity pads for the new mum.

Baby clothes: what to consider

What should you keep in mind when shopping for, or inheriting, baby clothes? First of all, make sure they aren’t too small. Baby clothes are sized for length, so if you think your baby will be big, it’s probably smart to skip size 48 and go straight to 50 or 56. Newborns also grow incredibly fast; in the beginning, they will jump up a size every time you blink – or at least every month. So it may be wise not to save the adorable onesie you bought for a ‘special occasion’, because it might be too small by the time you get to use it.
Used clothes are great for more than just your wallet and the environment; they’re usually also super soft and gentle on the skin in a way that only well-washed clothes can be. If you’re buying new clothes, choose natural materials, and go ahead and wash them first. Read more about baby clothes or check out our size guide and washing instructions. Most babies throw up pretty regularly, and might also have loose stools– so keep in mind that you might want a few sets of onesies and trousers.

Baby clothes shopping list

• Short and long-sleeve onesies – a wrap style with snaps is handy, and remember, snaps at the crotch make it easier to change nappies.
• Soft trousers or leggings, preferably with feet, so you aren’t constantly picking up baby socks that fall off.
• Pyjamas with feet and an opening at the crotch
• Jumper or cardigan: opt for snaps/a wrap style, so that you don’t have to pull a jumper over an uncooperative baby’s head.
• Light hat for indoors, or outdoors in summer, a thicker hat that covers the ears if it’s cold out.
• Soft jumpsuit for the season.
• Mittens (without thumbs) and warm socks for the season.

Shopping list for baby items & baby pharmacy items

• A pram is great if you don’t want to have to carry your baby for long stretches. If you’re lost, read our tips on choosing a pram.
• Soft nappies for newborns, preferably with wetness indicators so that you can see when the baby has peed. Libero Touch are our best nappies ever, and are of course eco-friendly and super-soft against baby’s delicate skin.
• Unperfumed wet wipes. Our plastic-free wet wipes are mild and moisturising, and perfect for your baby’s sensitive skin.
• Baby stroller sleeping bag – make sure it works for the given season (and don’t forget a mosquito net for the stroller in summertime).
• Nappy bag – but you can just as well use a bag or backpack that you already have at home.
• Soft baby blanket – but you can absolutely use some well-washed little blankets that you already have at home and that smell like baby’s parents.
• Baby nest and, if you like, a crib/bedside crib with a crib liner if baby will be sleeping on their own.
• Teeny tiny sheets and a blanket.
• Changing table and a changing table pad.
• Unperfumed baby oil is great for baby’s bath or massage, but can also be used to wash away their first poo, which can be quite tar-like and viscous.
• Moisturiser for dry baby skin and protective zinc cream for red baby bottoms.
• Bath oil and possibly a bath thermometer – read more here about how to bathe your baby.
• Cotton buds to clean baby’s navel.
• A nail file to file down tiny baby nails that can otherwise easily scratch baby’s face.
• A thermometer to check if baby has a fever.
• Saline solution to clear out baby’s nose if it’s stuffy from a cold – many parents also have a nasal aspirator, available from the pharmacy.
• Baby harness or wrap carrier if you want to be able to carry your baby, but keep your hands free.
• Car seat if baby will ride in the car.
• Pacifiers for newborns – we suggest ones that glow in the dark.
• Baby bottle and formula if you know baby will not be breastfeeding.
• A colourful mobile to hang over the changing table can make nappy changes easier (babies quite like bright colours).
• A baby bouncer can be a lifesaver if you need to take a shower or put on the coffee – and many models can be used with newborns.
• A baby monitor isn’t a must-have, but it can be good to have if your baby will usually be sleeping in a different room, and you might not be able to hear or see them.
• A breastfeeding pillow can be practical for breast-fed and bottle-fed babies – and you can also use it to find a nice, comfy resting position for a body that’s just given birth. However, a big, soft pillow can work just as well, so if you don’t want to buy one, then take a look at what you already have at home.

Shopping list for the mum who has just given birth

• Large size maternity pads, like these.
• If you’re breastfeeding: a soft nursing bra, nursing pads, nipple cream, nursing tank top, and a breast pump.
• Mild soap without fragrance or perfume for your body – baby prefers eau de parent to perfume.
• Pain relief, such as paracetamol, and a pain-relieving salve for the vulva.
• Soft clothing for a post-pregnancy belly that is easy to breastfeed in (if you plan to do so).

You can rent or buy second-hand many of the baby items we list above. A pram, crib, baby nest, clothing, harness, breastfeeding pillow and car seat are all things you can often find used. And many of these items generally have a perfectly fine second-hand value, if you want to re-sell them later. Our last tip is to prepare food and snacks to have waiting in the freezer when you get home from the postnatal ward – it’s unbelievably nice to just grab something when your energy is waning and you need to eat something fast.

Please note that all information above is based on Swedish recommendations.