Dear baby shops, don’t come for our heads. At Malaica, we believe in educating our mums, because motherhood is already expensive enough without a 10-page shopping list that looks like you’re preparing for a royal arrival. The truth is, your newborn doesn’t need half of what marketing tells you they do. What you really need are the basics, items that keep your baby safe, fed, clean, and comfortable, and keep you, mama, sane. Everything else can wait.
Let’s start with the most important: Sleep. Newborns sleep a lot, sometimes up to 16–18 hours a day, but how and where they sleep is what truly matters. You don’t need an elaborate nursery setup with a crib that has a thousand attachments. A simple bassinet, co-sleeper, or even a safe, flat sleeping surface is enough. What’s most important is that it’s firm, flat, and safe for your little one.
Experts recommend that babies sleep in the same room as you, but not in the same bed, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Sharing a bed may feel comforting, especially during those long nights, but it can be dangerous if blankets, pillows, or even a parent accidentally block a baby’s breathing. That’s why having a separate sleep surface designed for infants is essential.
A few fitted sheets (no pillows, heavy blankets, or stuffed toys) and maybe a light swaddle are all you need. Forget the fancy crib mobiles and matching bedding sets, they might look cute for Instagram, but your newborn couldn’t care less. Safe sleep isn’t about the aesthetics; it’s about giving your baby a secure, breathable environment where they can rest and grow.
Then there’s Feeding, and this one depends on your journey. If you’re breastfeeding, your essentials are quite minimal: a good nursing bra, breast pads, and nipple cream can go a long way in keeping you comfortable. A nursing pillow can help support your back and arms, but even a regular pillow can do the trick. For mums who plan to express milk, a reliable breast pump and storage bottles will make life easier, but you can build your collection slowly. Formula-feeding mums, on the other hand, will need bottles, a bottle brush, formula, and a sterilizer (or just a clean pot for boiling water). Remember, feeding time isn’t about gadgets, it’s about bonding.
Diapers and wipes; the holy duo of the newborn world. Whether you go the disposable or cloth diaper route, you’ll need a steady supply. Don’t buy too many newborn-sized diapers upfront because babies grow fast, and sometimes, your baby will outgrow them before you finish the pack. A good diaper rash cream and gentle baby wipes are worth having, though even soft cloth and warm water can work perfectly. A portable changing mat is another small lifesaver; it lets you change your baby anywhere, anytime.
When it comes to Clothing, here’s where most new mums overdo it. It’s tempting to buy every cute onesie you see, but your newborn will likely live in simple bodysuits, sleepers, and swaddles for the first few months. Choose soft, breathable cotton outfits that are easy to put on and take off; trust us, you’ll thank yourself during those 2 a.m. diaper changes. A few hats and mittens help keep your baby warm, but you don’t need a fashion runway of newborn outfits. Babies grow out of clothes faster than you can say “adorable.”
Bath time doesn’t have to be a spa day either. A baby bathtub is nice but not necessary; a clean basin or even your sink (lined with a towel for comfort) can do. What you’ll truly need are gentle baby soap or shampoo, a soft washcloth, and fluffy towels. Always keep the room warm, bath time short and sweet; newborn skin is delicate and doesn’t need daily washing.
Now, let’s talk about health and safety. A digital thermometer is a must-have. So are nail clippers or baby nail files, since those tiny nails grow surprisingly fast. A nasal aspirator will come in handy when your baby catches their first cold, and cotton swabs for cleaning around the ears (never inside!) are always useful. You can also add a small first aid kit with baby-safe essentials like saline drops and gas relief drops, but that’s about it. Don’t let marketing convince you that you need an entire pharmacy at home.
And finally, for you, mama. Don’t forget that you’re part of the essentials list too. Comfortable postpartum underwear, maternity pads, and a good water bottle are your best friends in the early weeks. Have snacks within reach, keep a cozy corner for feeding, and give yourself grace. The first few weeks can feel chaotic, but they pass, and your comfort matters just as much as your baby’s.
As for all those fancy extras, wipe warmers, diaper pails with Bluetooth lids, bottle sterilizing stations that could double as a rocket launcher, they’re nice to have but not must-haves. You’ll figure out what’s worth adding as you go. Every baby is different, and every parent’s rhythm is unique. What one mum swears by might not work for another, and that’s perfectly okay.
At the end of the day, your newborn needs love, warmth, food, and a safe space to sleep, everything else is just bonus. You’ll learn to improvise, to adapt, and to know what your baby truly needs with time. So, take a deep breath and step away from the overwhelming shopping lists. You’ve got this. And if there’s one thing we at Malaica can promise you, it’s that the best “essential” your baby will ever have is you.