Before your baby arrives, you need a safe place for them to sleep, clothes for the first weeks, diapers and changing items, feeding supplies, bathing basics and, if you travel by car, a car seat. Buy newborn sizes sparingly, because babies grow fast. This checklist covers what Kenyan parents commonly buy, with dated prices.
Each section links to a detailed guide, so you can go deeper on the items that matter most to you. Tick things off as you go, and ask family what they plan to gift so you do not buy twice.
Nursery checklist
A newborn needs a safe, flat place to sleep in your room, and not much else. Start with these:
- A cot, co-sleeper or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly. Our guide to baby cots covers sizes and prices, and you can browse our cots and cribs.
- Two or three fitted sheets for the mattress.
- A mosquito net that fits the cot.
- Lightweight blankets or a baby sleeping bag. Keep pillows, duvets, cot bumpers and soft toys out of the cot.
- Optional: a baby monitor, a soft night light, and a nursing chair for night feeds.
Feeding checklist
What you need for feeding depends on how you plan to feed. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breast milk only for the first 6 months, so for many families the feeding list is short:
- For breastfeeding: a nursing pillow, breast pads, a few burp cloths, and comfortable nursing bras. Read our breastfeeding guide.
- For expressing milk: a breast pump and milk storage bags or containers. Our breast pump guide compares the types.
- For bottle feeds: bottles with newborn teats, a bottle brush and a steriliser. Our feeding bottles guide explains how many you need.
Clothing checklist
Newborns can need several changes of clothes a day, so aim for enough to last between washes, mostly in 0 to 3 months rather than newborn size. The basics are:
- Onesies (bodysuits) as a first layer, and rompers on top. Our guide to baby rompers covers fabrics and sizes.
- A receiving set: most Kenyan parents buy one. See our receiving sets.
- Hats, mittens and socks for outings and cool days.
- A shawl or warm blanket for carrying your baby outdoors.
You can see everything in one place in our newborn clothes collection.
What do you need for diaper changes?
You need diapers, something to clean with, and somewhere clean to lay your baby down:
- Diapers in newborn or size 1, chosen by weight. Our diaper guide explains sizing.
- Cotton wool and warm water, or fragrance-free baby wipes.
- A changing mat and a barrier cream.
- A diaper bag for outings. Our diaper bag guide covers what to pack.
What do you need for bathing and everyday care?
Bath time needs soft towels and a few simple care tools:
- Two hooded towels and a few soft washcloths.
- A bath support, such as our baby bath support net. Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a moment.
- A care kit with a thermometer, nail clippers and a soft brush, such as our baby care kit.
Soft cotton towel with a hood to keep your baby's head warm.
KSh 850
Lipa na M-Pesa Delivery across Kenya
What do you need for going out with a newborn?
If you will travel by car, the most important item is a rear-facing infant car seat, fitted before your baby’s first trip home. You may also want:
- A baby carrier for matatu trips and errands. See our baby carriers.
- A stroller, if you walk a lot on smooth paths.
- A car seat from our car seats and carry cots.
Is a newborn package worth buying?
A newborn package can save time, and it makes a good group gift. Before you buy, compare the item list on the package page with this checklist, so you are not paying for things you already have.
| Package | What it includes | Price (September 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn Starter Pack | 18 pieces: clothing, hygiene items, bedding and a 5-in-1 diaper bag | KES 10,000 |
| Newborn Gift Package | 30 pieces, including a nursing pillow, baby carrier and manual breast pump | KES 20,000 |
| Newborn Gold Package | Clothing, blankets, feeding and hygiene items | KES 28,000 |
| Newborn Essentials Set | 39 pieces, including a co-sleeper with a net | KES 30,000 |
See them all in our newborn packages.
Where can you buy newborn essentials in Nairobi?
You can buy everything on this list at Zawadi Baby Shop, Shop F12, IBEA Building, Moi Avenue, Nairobi. We are open Monday to Saturday 8:30am to 7pm, and Sunday 11am to 6pm. Call or WhatsApp 0706 561 855 before you visit.
You can also order online, pay with Lipa na M-Pesa, and we deliver across Kenya.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to buy before my baby is born?
The essentials are a safe place to sleep, clothes for the first weeks, diapers and changing items, feeding supplies, towels and a care kit, and a rear-facing car seat if you will travel by car. Everything else can wait until you know what you need.
How many clothes does a newborn need?
Newborns can need several changes a day, so keep enough onesies and rompers to last between washes. Buy mostly 0 to 3 months sizes, with only a few in newborn size, because babies outgrow them quickly.
When should I start buying baby things?
Many parents start in the middle of pregnancy and finish the essentials a few weeks before the due date. That leaves time to compare prices, set up the cot and pack the hospital bag without rushing.
How much does a newborn package cost in Kenya?
At Zawadi Baby Shop, newborn packages cost KES 10,000 to 30,000 as of September 2026, from an 18-piece starter pack to a 39-piece essentials set. Prices change, so check the product page for the current price.
Do I need a car seat for a newborn?
If your baby will travel by car, use a rear-facing infant car seat from the very first trip home. Fit it before the due date and check it suits your baby’s weight. You can see our car seats in the shop.
