having a baby - what do we need?

Having a baby?

Having a new baby in the house means you'll buy more equipment and clothing than you ever imagined was possible. It's worth considering how much of it you really need?

If you plan to be eco-friendly (and budget conscious) right from the start here are some recommendations:

• Talk to other mums (and dads) about what they found really useful and what items they only used once!
• Buy Preloved Baby Equipment where you can - check out our selection.
• Your local Toy Library (in NZ), or toy rental places are great for toy hire.

Eco Baby showers:

If you're an eco-conscious parent, ensure you have a list so you get the organic/eco-friendly items that you really want. Items indicated (OB) are available from Organic Baby.

You can set up a Baby Gift Registry with us by "logging in" on any shopping page.

For Mum:

• Birthing Wrap (OB)
• Skincare (OB)
• Sanitary Care eg Natracare

Sleeptime:

• Swaddling wrap (OB)
• Wool protector for mattress (OB)
• Organic cotton cot linen (OB)
• Sleeping Bag eg GO GO Bag or
• Organic wool, wool aircell or merino blankets (OB)
• Safety Sleep

Playtime:

• Activity play gym (natural timber or fabric) 
• Organic cotton dolls/toys (OB)
• Mobile (OB)
• Wooden rattles (wooden, non-toxic finish) (OB)
• Teething rings (wooden, non-toxic finish) (OB)
• Black n' white frieze (OB)
• Baby's first board books (OB - instore only)
• Recycle! Outgrown baby toys/books  (OB - instore only)

Bathtime:

• Organic muslin face wipes (OB)
• Tummy Tub (or baby bath)
• Bath support (if using bath)
• Bath thermometer
• Organic cotton baby towels (hooded = best) (OB)
• Organic baby shampoo and bath oil (OB)

Feedingtime:

• Breastfeeding pillow (tripillow)
• Baby Muslins (great for swaddling/burping) 4-6 (OB)

Out & About:

• Organic baby suncream
• Front pack or sling (OB)
  A Guide to Slings & Carriers (Sling Babies web site)

Clothing:

• Organic cotton singlets or bodysuits (summer) 3-4 (OB)
• Organic wool or merino singlets (winter) 3-4 (OB)
• Organic cotton baby gowns (for easy changing) 4-6 (OB)
• Organic cotton bodysuits and onsies 6-8 (OB)
• Organic wool cardigans 3-4 (OB)
• Organic wool or merino hats (OB)
• Organic cotton hats (summer) (OB)
• Organic wool booties* that stay-on 3-4 pairs (OB - instore)
• Slip-on leather shoes eg Bobux (OB)
• Organic cotton socks 6-8 pairs
• Organic cotton bibs lots!!! (OB)

Changetime:

• Baby sheepskin (makes nice, soft change mat)
• Organic skincare - calendula cream, nappy cream (OB)
• Reusable wipes (OB)
• Nappy flushable liners (OB)
• Nappy bucket (with sealable lid)
• Nappy washing liquid (eco store etc) your local supermarket
• Nappy whitening powder
• Nappy bag (OB)
• Cloth nappies (see below)

Nappies:

There are many brands to choose from.
For more information, see our nappy page.

How many will I need?
As a rough guide, you'll need 8-12 per day for a newborn plus covers.
We based our guidelines on an average on 10 per day (and 10 in the wash).
Depends how often you want to wash.
You'll need less as the baby gets older. My toddler only wet her nappy 3-4 times per day.

Large ticket items:

• Pram
• Carseat
• Portacot
• Cot (one model converts from a bassinet, to a cot, to a junior-size bed and/or seating)
• Mattress - preferably organic wool
• Bassinet insert for cot
• Highchair (one model grows converts from a highchair to a chair, as the child grows)
• Change table (one model converts to a writing desk and/or bookcase)