Newborn essentials

In our culture(I guess in most of India), we don't buy things for the baby before the birth. Even a newborn is clad in used or at least washed clothes for the first time.

I diapered the baby in the hospital, though my mom had brought cloth squares to cloth diaper him. You would be battling with new emotions (esp if you're a first time mom), a fragile baby, breast-feeding issues and visitors. So I chose to use disposable diapers for him 24/7 in the hospital. The pharmacy had bella diapers and I would highly recommend it for a newborn.

A baby soap or baby wash will be required to bathe the baby in the hospital. And yes of course some set of jablas (vest-like). You may most probably receive these as gifts from visitors.

In short, you will only need the following things for the baby in the hospital:

1. Baby soap/ wash
2. Diapers
3. Wet wipes
4. Towel
5. Clothes
6. A hooded wrap to carry the baby

Once you're home, you may need a host of other things depending on your preferences and affordability.

I will list the things I had brought and their reviews. My baby is two months old now and these are the things that I find handy.

1. Disposable diapers: Bella and Huggies for night time use. Since the baby will keep pooping so very often, you'll need more diapers even its only for the night time use.

2. Wet wipes: Himalayas and Mee Mee

     I used Himalayas wet wipes for the first month. Since babies poop very often you may need to big packs for the month 1.

     From month 2, I am using Mee Mee wipes as they are cheaper and also of good quality.

3. Baby soap/ wash: Johnsons baby top-to-toe wash

4. Baby lotion: Himalayas

5. Baby Shampoo: Johnsons top-to-toe wash

6. Baby clothes: I had sewn them myself as I didn't find the store bought ones comfortable

7. Quick dry sheets

8. Soft Towels

9. A mosquito net to cover the baby

10. Cloth nappies

       I am cloth diapering my son during the day. I will review my cloth diaper stash soon.

11. Baby bath seat