When it comes to shopping for newborns, it is completely normal to get thoroughly confused and overwhelmed by the myriad of buying options. You will find things that are absolute essentials, some that will make your job a lot easier, and others that are a teeny-weeny bit extra (but fun to have around!).
WHAT TO GET
Thankfully, getting everything together is not too hard. We have sorted the items you will need into different groups and further categorized items in each group into essentials and upgrades. It is a good idea to start by gearing up on the essentials before the baby arrives and acquiring the upgrades if and when the need arises.
Clothing
In the clothing department we are aiming for comfort for the baby and ease of handling for you.
In the midst of all the excitement, it is important to remember that your baby will outgrow the newborn size rather quick. It is therefore, best to get a limited quantity of each item.
Essentials:
- Long sleeved sleep suits
- Onesies (mix of short and long sleeves)
- Bodysuits (innerwear)
- Hats
- Mittens
- Socks
- Fleece jumpsuits for colder weather
- Jackets and cardigans for winter babies
- Baby friendly laundry detergent
Upgrades:
- Special outfits
- Booties
- Soft hair accessories for baby girls
[Related: A Financial Checklist for New Parents]
Diapering
Disposable or reusable diapers – the choice is yours. You will need different supplies for both.
Essentials:
- Newborn size disposable or reusable diapers
- Disposable wet wipes
- Snaps for reusable diapers
- Reusable wash cloths
- Changing mat
- Diaper rash cream
- Diaper pail
Upgrades:
- Disposable wet wipes warmer
- Diaper disposal system (like the Tommee Tippee Sangenic bin)
Feeding & Nursing
Depending on whether you choose to nurse or bottle feed your baby, the selection will vary.
Essentials:
- Burp cloths
- Bibs
- Nursing blanket
- Feeding bottles
- Bottle sterilizer
- Infant formula milk
- Baby friendly dish soap
- Bottle brush
Upgrades:
- Bottle warmer
- Milk expressing pump
- Sterile breastmilk storage containers
- Formula milk dispenser
- Thermal bottle carrier
Nursery Gear
Your baby’s special space needs to be just as functional as it is fabulous.
Essentials:
- Storage cabinet
- Storage bins or baskets
- Crib
- Crib mattress
- Night light
Upgrades:
- Nursing glider chair with ottoman
- Changing table
- Bouncer
- Rocker
- Slider
- Baby monitor
[Related: UAE Maternity Insurance Cover – All You Need to Know]
Sleeping
Sleeping is what your new baby will spend the most time doing. Here’s everything you need to make it comfortable.
Essentials:
- Bedding and linen
- Swaddling blankets
- Cotton blankets
- Head support pillow
- Night light
Upgrades:
- Crib bumper
- Sleep sack
- White noise machine
Bath Time & Hygiene
Things you need to make clean up time safe and convenient.
Essentials:
- Baby massage oil
- Plastic bath tub with infant support
- Baby hair and body wash
- Wash cloths
- Soft hooded towels
- Baby facial cream
- Baby body lotion
- Baby talcum powder
- Baby hygiene kit including soft comb, soft bristled hair brush, baby scissors, nail clippers, nasal aspirator and oral thermometer
Upgrades:
- Bath thermometer
- Bath toys
Traveling
Here is a roundup of what you will need to make things easier when you’re out and about with your baby.
Essentials:
- Diaper bag
- Buggy or stroller
- Car seat suitable from birth
Upgrades:
- Baby carrier bag or sling
- Carrycot
- Collapsible travel bassinet
- Inflatable bath tub
- Rear facing car seat mirror
- Sun shade for car windows
[Are newborn expenses overwhelming your budget? How about a personal loan to ease the financial burden?]
WHERE TO GET IT
There are plenty of options in the UAE to shop for baby gear – both in stores and online. Here is a list of some absolute favorites:
- Babyshop
- Mothercare
- Mamas & Papas
- Just Kidding
- The Baby Boutique
- Mumzworld.com
- Sprii.ae
- Babysouk.com
While the above are niche stores and websites, there’s a bunch of other options where you can buy baby essentials. Amazon and Noon are great online platforms to browse through a wide range of baby items.
Lots of other popular brands and stores like – Debenhams, Zara, H&M, River Island – also have some cute baby outfits, shoes and accessories on offer.
[Related: DHA scraps health insurance waiting period for newborns]
