What do you REALLY need for a new baby?

Having children is expensive, there is no denying it. However it doesn't need to be nearly as expensive as the retail outlets would like you to think. Working out what you really need, what is an useful extra and what will really sit in the drawer probably untouched is a bit of a guessing game, until you have been there.

The basics: A baby needs some way to stay warm, some way to be fed, some where to poop, some where to sleep and a parent who loves it. That's the bare basics. Going by this, at a pinch, you could get by with a warm swaddle (or two), some nappies, some boobs and a loving parent figure who is happy to share their bed.

There are a few more things that would really be helpful, almost essential to modern life with a baby however.

Clothing:
Don't go crazy buying new born clothes! Babies don't fit them for long (some never do) and people will give you lots of newborn outfits at a baby shower/ once baby is born. On the other hand, do buy a couple of outfits just in case, we only had 2 and had to venture out on a shopping trip on the way home from hospital to get two more. Ask around - you will be surprised how many people are willing to lend you their newborn things, they are in them such a short time, and with careful washing they stay new looking for a lot of wears!

Bodysuits: (short or long sleeved) are useful as they avoid the clothes all riding up every time you hold baby by their torso, they act as the singlet layer when its cooler and as a t-shirt when its hot. Body suits with envelope necks that stretch over the head and clip together between the legs are the easiest to put on and off - important when dealing with poo-splosions, as you can also remove them down over the bottom. Get 4 or 5 

Growsuits: Can be worn day or night for the first while. Choose growsuits with press studs that go all the way down the inside of the legs for ease of nappy changing. Get 4 or 5

Hats: Select a hat that can be thrown into the wash and that has a brim that's big enough to shade baby from the sun. Choose a beanie that doesn't have a cuff as these can unroll unexpectedly and cover your baby's eyes and face, which can pose a safety threat. Ones with ties stay on much better than those without. Get one warm hat and one sunhat.

Warm things: Jackets, jumpers, cardigans. Select outer wear that can comfortably fit another layer or two underneath so you can easily keep baby warm. Find a local Nana and see if they will knit you something, or look at the hospice shops, they often stock handmade nana-cardys.

Socks: Consider choosing one colour and sticking to it for each size. You will lose many socks and being able to pair up odd socks will save you having to buy more.

Bibs: paying for quality really does pay off with bibs. When it comes to eating solids I reccomend getting some sleevey-bibs (ie ones with sleeves). They save a lot of washing. Again the good quality ones last much longer than the cheaper quality ones.

Swaddles: My babies mostly lived in a nappy, bodysuit and a swaddle the first 2 months, of course they were given plenty of not-wrapped-up-tight time, but they preferred to be snuggled in. Buy a good quality, large swaddle. There are all sorts of fancy ones on the market, but I prefer a simple flat one that will work as a cot blanket later on. Merino is amazing as you can use it in the hot and the cold weather.

Bathtime:
A baby bath is handy, but a kitchen sink is much easier to fill and empty. Some babies go straight to showering with mum or dad. Which ever you choose always keep your grip hand soap-free, those bubbas get SLIPPERY!

Babies don't really get dirty, and I am all for natural things, so don't go crazy washing baby with harsh soap. Warm water removes most things, and a very mild bar soap in small amounts will wash anything that needs more, including their hair. Babies with eczema should avoid anything with Sodium Laural sulphate as it is very harsh on their skin.

Massage oil: Again go for something natural, and some thing as simple as olive oil would work. Iti Baby makes a nourishing natural baby massage oil, which is also available fragrance free on request.

Towels/Cloths: You can buy specific baby cloths and towels, but the ones you already have at home will work just fine!

Change Time:
It is well worth doing the maths on buying a good set of cloth nappies. They do up with either Velcro or domes and are very easy to use and to wash. They no longer need soaking and just wash in a normal wash. We worked out for us buying 15 reusable nappies saved us $1000 in disposables in the first year alone. Once you have a second baby the savings get crazy!

Bottom Cream: Again natural is the way to go, something as simple as coconut oil can act as a barrier, moisturiser and anti fungal/antibacterial all in one. For more intense barrier/moisturising try Iti Baby Bee Balm or Bottom Cream. The Bee Balm also doubles as a dribble barrier and great on eczema prone creases.

Change Table: These are helpful but by no means essential. A simple blanket on the floor will do just fine, once baby starts rolling (as young as 10weeks) change tables are no longer safe to use.

Sleep:
Bed sharing, when done properly, is the cheapest safe option for a sleep space. Babies only use a bassinet for about 12 weeks, so don't spend alot on buying one. Ask around you may well be able to borrow one. The other option is to go straight into a cot. Buy the best quality one you can afford and it will last all your kids and re-sell well too, or look for a good condition one second hand. If buying second hand, check that it meets the Australian or NZ safety standards and that all the bits that are supposed to move do so and those that aren't, don't.

Bedding: Don't go crazy buying bassinet bedding, a pillow case makes a great fitted sheet, and cot blankets folded in half will work well if they are needed. If baby is swaddled they won't need much by way of blankets anyway so you are better off spending the money getting a good couple of swaddles.

Out and about:
Baby car seat/capsule: Legislation concerning car seats and infant restraints have changed in recent years so ensure the car seat you plan on using complies to current legislation. If you are planning on having more than one baby it is often cheaper to buy a capsule then hire it more than once.

Pram/stroller Try to road-test friend's prams before purchasing your own. This can be one of the most expensive baby purchases you'll make and finding a pram that serves your purposes is important. Despite the style you like, make sure it is easy to open and close, and preferably fits in the boot of your car with ease.
 Rain cover for the pram Some prams have their own rain covers which can be bought separately, but you can buy universal rain covers that are designed to fit various styles of pram and these are generally cheaper than the branded version.

Sling/pouch carriers: Road-test slings and pouches with your baby in place before you purchase - you need to find one that evenly distributes baby's weight, is comfortable and is the right size for you so you don't hurt your back. I bought a Moby wrap second hand quite cheaply and found it amazing for getting out and about without needing a pushchair for the first 6 months.

Nappy-bag: Choose a bag that is big enough to house the essentials but not so big you could move house in it. A "good" nappy bag should have internal compartments, a 'wet area' and a fold able change mat. However a computer laptop bag with pockets and a folded flat cloth nappy works just fine and costs about 1/3 the price.

So there you go. I'm quite sure you will end up with much more than this, but this is the basics that you would need to survive the first 6 months. Anything you need to buy look out for lay by options, big sales and second hand goods. Luckily most of us get at least 7 months warning that baby is on its way, plenty of time to look around for bargains and pay things off if need be.

Is there anything you wouldn't be without? Feel free to comment below!