Top 10 Newborn Essentials 2025
Top 10 Newborn Essentials 2025
Welcoming a new baby, especially your first, can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, everything seems important. But here’s a gentle reminder: while every baby item is designed for a reason and offers specific conveniences, you don’t have to buy them all at once.
So, what’s truly essential in those first few months? Let us guide you through the 10 most important newborn items, perfect for first-time Malaysian parents (besides the obvious basics like baby clothes, mittens, and towels!).
1. Baby Cot
Safe sleep is a top priority. With rising awareness of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), we do not recommend co-sleeping, which may increase the risk. A baby cot is a much safer and more practical option.
What to consider when choosing a cot:
- Your budget and available space
- Measurements - always plan where you’ll place it and check dimensions before purchasing
2. Newborn Diapers
Newborns need 8–12 diaper changes a
day (yes, really!). Choosing the right diaper isn’t easy, since you won’t know if your baby will have sensitive skin or a different body size than average.
Tips:
- Shortlist 5 diaper brands and types you’d like to try
- Request or purchase samples
- Do a mini absorbency test with water to compare
Start with a max of 3 packs of Newborn size. Then stock up on Size S or M; your baby will grow into them quickly.
3. Baby Wash & Shampoo
Newborn skin is soft and delicate, so it’s crucial to use gentle, non-irritating products.
Do you need an expensive one? Not at all. Look for something within your budget, but always check the label. Avoid:
- Sulphates like SLS and SLES
- Harsh fragrances or parabens
Choose a top-to-toe wash to save time. If your family has a history of sensitive skin or eczema, go for dermatologist-recommended brands for peace of mind.
4. Feeding Bottles
Even if you plan to breastfeed, it's wise to have 1-2 bottles ready, just in case. If you're a working mum aiming to breastfeed, you can start bottle training around the baby’s 30th day.
If you're formula feeding, get more bottles. You’ll thank yourself at 3 AM when you’re too tired to wash one after every feed.
When choosing bottles, consider:
- Material (glass, PPSU, silicone, stainless steel, etc.)
- Nipple flow rate (based on baby’s age)
- Anti-colic features
- Easy-to-clean design
- Must be BPA-free!
Bottles also let you share feeding duties with your partner, a big win!
5. Digital Thermometer
Newborns can get unwell quickly. Yes, your mommy instinct is strong, but don’t risk it. A forehead infrared thermometer is safe, fast, and non-invasive.
- Normal newborn body temp: 36°C to 37.9°C
- Fever: 38°C and above, contact a doctor or visit the ER immediately.
6. Baby Bathtub
Bath time is easier and safer with the right tub. Choose a non-slip, contoured tub with a sling or insert for newborn support.
Modern parents often bathe their babies themselves, so why not make it easier? A bathtub with a stand helps with your posture and saves your back, something many parents don’t realise until they’re bending over daily!
7. Swaddle Wraps or Sleep Sacks
Swaddling mimics the womb, helping your newborn sleep longer and more soundly by reducing the startle reflex.
In Malaysia’s warm weather, go for lightweight muslin or bamboo swaddles. You can also try Velcro swaddles or zipped sleep sacks, they’re much easier than wrapping a traditional kain bedung.
Longer baby sleep = longer rest for mum & dad!
8. Diaper Bag
'You will bring your newborn out, at least for check-ups! A well-designed diaper bag makes outings easier and more organised.
What to look for:
- Comfortable to carry
- Adjustable straps and back support
- Multiple compartments
- Insulated bottle holders
- Built-in changing pad
- Easy-to-clean, durable material
Keep everything from diapers to spare clothes in one handy spot.
9. Breast Pump
Working mums, after your breastfeeding journey begins, it’s time to start pumping! Around day 30, you can begin collecting expressed breast milk (EBM) and store them in 3oz bags.
Choosing your pump:
- Start with a manual or medical-grade funnel style
- Consider a hospital-grade model, they’re powerful and durable
- Before investing in an electric wearable pump, visit a store that lets you test a few models
Pumps can be expensive, so try before you buy!
10. Infant Car Seat
For any car ride, a car seat is non-negotiable. Babies are small and fragile, and even a minor collision can be dangerous without proper support.
Check before buying:
- Does your car have ISOFIX?
- If not, you’ll need a seatbelt-mounted model
- Consider a convertible seat that lasts until your child is 150cm
Many car seats today can grow with your child, it’s a great long-term investment.
What about strollers and baby carriers? Yes, you’ll need them, but not immediately. Once the baby is here, bring them along to test these items so you can choose what suits your lifestyle.
In this house, we shop smart. The most important thing is making sure both the baby and parents are physically and mentally well. So choose wisely, not based on trends, but based on what will truly help you.
