New parents in Nepal face a checklist problem that parents in Singapore or London do not. Some baby products that appear in every international guide are not available here. Others come in at three times the import price. A few items that seem essential turn out to be unnecessary in Nepal’s climate. And some things are far easier to find locally than you might expect.
This checklist is built for Nepal. It tells you what to get, where to get it, when to start shopping, and which items from international guides are either unavailable or unnecessary in the Nepali context.
When to Start
Begin collecting by the end of the second trimester. Third-trimester mobility becomes uncomfortable quickly, and certain items – seasonal clothing and hospital bag supplies in particular – are worth having in hand before the final weeks.
One category-specific caution on diapers: buying newborn-size diapers in large quantity in advance can be a waste. Babies grow quickly, and a larger-than-average newborn will skip through the smallest size in days. Buy two to four packets of newborn diapers initially and stock up on the next size once your baby’s growth pattern is clearer.
Diapering
- Diapers (newborn size, 2-4 packets): Pampers and Mamy Poko are both widely available across major supermarkets and baby shops in Kathmandu. Both brands perform reliably. Stock up once you know your baby’s size preference.
- Baby wipes (2-3 packs): Available in every major supermarket. Keep a pack in the hospital bag.
- Changing mat: A portable waterproof mat for travel and a larger fixed mat for home. Available locally.
- Nappy rash cream: Widely available. Sudocrem and Bepanthen are common brands found in pharmacies.
- Diaper bag: Not a newborn-phase essential, but worth having before the hospital bag is packed. Allows you to carry supplies for outings.
Clothing
Newborn clothing sizes in Nepal skew toward smaller builds. If your baby is average or larger for newborn weight, some 0-3 month items may be snug from day one. Buy a mix of newborn and 0-3 month sizing.
- Bodysuits or onesies (8-10): Long-sleeved for cooler months, short-sleeved for summer. Cotton is most practical.
- Sleepsuits/babygrows (4-6): For sleep and lounging at home.
- Cotton hats (2-3): Newborns lose heat through the head quickly, particularly in the first weeks.
- Mittens (2-3 pairs): Prevent newborns from scratching their own faces.
- Socks (4-5 pairs): Small socks disappear constantly. Buy more than you think you need.
Winter-born babies need additional layers. Add cardigans, bunting bags, and fleece sleepsuits if your due date falls between October and February. Kathmandu winters are cold, and unheated rooms can drop to single digits at night.
Planning ahead for your baby’s Pasni ceremony is worth doing early. Traditional clothing and ornaments are easier to source before the baby arrives. Wash everything with baby-safe detergent before first use. Many parents in Nepal also iron new clothes on a low heat setting after washing, to clear any residues from manufacturing or packaging that could irritate newborn skin.
Feeding
What you need from this section depends on how you plan to feed.
- Nursing bras (2-3): Available in Kathmandu but sizing options are more limited than international retailers. Order ahead if you have a less standard size.
- Breast pads: Washable cotton pads or disposable. Both available locally.
- Small feeding bottles (2-3, 120ml size): Useful even for breastfeeding mothers as backup. Philips Avent and Pigeon bottles are available in Kathmandu.
- Bottle brush: For cleaning.
- Steriliser: An electric steam steriliser is the most practical option. Some parents use the microwave bag method; both work.
- Formula: If using formula, Aptamil, Similac, and Nan are available in major supermarkets. Stock is generally reliable.
On breast pumps: the Naturebond Silicone Pump is available in Nepal and works well for occasional expression. Haakaa is not yet distributed here – order through Daraz or bring from abroad. Electric pump options are narrower than international markets. If you have a preference for a specific model, check availability early.
Baby toiletries: Kodomo and Farlin baby body wash and shampoo are reliably stocked at Bhatbhateni, Salesways, and Big Mart. Johnson’s Baby is also available. Stick with fragrance-free or baby-formulated products for the first months.
Sleep
- Crib or co-sleeper: A firm, flat sleeping surface with no soft padding in the sleep area. Many Kathmandu families use a woven basket-style crib (the traditional Nepali doko-style cradle) as a secondary option, though a flat-bottomed crib mattress is safer for newborns.
- Fitted crib sheets (2-3): For washing rotation. Fitted sheets that stay secure matter more than the number.
- Thin cotton blanket (2-3): For layering over a sleepsuit in cooler rooms. Avoid thick loose blankets in the sleep area.
- Sleeping bag/swaddle: Swaddling cloths are widely available locally. A wearable sleeping bag is useful for winter months.
Bathing
- Baby bathtub: A small plastic tub that sits inside your adult bathtub or on a counter. Widely available in Kathmandu baby shops.
- Hooded towels (2-3): Soft cotton hooded towels let you wrap and dry a newborn without exposing them to cool air. Available locally.
- Soft washcloths (4-5): For gentle washing. Avoid anything with synthetic fibres on newborn skin.
- Baby body wash and shampoo: Kodomo and Farlin are reliable locally available options.
Health, Safety, and the Hospital Bag
Pack the hospital bag in the last month of pregnancy so nothing is assembled in a rush.
- Digital thermometer: Newborns cannot communicate illness; a thermometer tells you what their body cannot. Available at all pharmacies in Kathmandu.
- Nasal aspirator: For clearing blocked newborn noses. Small and inexpensive; available at pharmacies.
- Nail file or soft nail scissors: Newborn nails are soft but surprisingly sharp. A fine-grit baby nail file avoids the risk of scissors at this stage.
- Baby-safe pain relief (Paracetamol drops): Have a bottle ready before you need it. Calpol and generic baby paracetamol drops are available at pharmacies.
- Health record book: The hospital will issue this at birth. Keep it safe and bring it to every appointment.
On-the-Go Essentials
Newborns do not need much for outings in the early weeks. The carrier matters most.
- Baby carrier or wrap: A structured carrier or woven wrap lets you move around Kathmandu’s uneven pavements and steps while keeping your hands free. International brands like Ergobaby and Tula are available through select retailers in Kathmandu or via Daraz; local fabric wraps are more widely available and work well.
- Pram or stroller: Practical for flatter areas and shopping trips, less practical on Kathmandu’s older-neighbourhood streets. A lightweight foldable stroller is more manageable than a larger travel system.
- Car seat: Required if you plan to travel by private car with the baby. Not optional for safety.
Where to Shop in Kathmandu
KidsPasal stocks a reliable range of baby products including feeding equipment, clothing, and health items. Their physical store and online shop both carry the brands mentioned above. Baby Basics Nepal, Kuddlekubs, and Mero Baby Store are additional options with good local stock.
For everyday consumables – diapers, wipes, toiletries, and formula – Bhatbhateni, Salesways, and Big Mart cover most of what you need. Daraz Nepal fills the gap for brands not available in stores, with delivery across Kathmandu.
What You Do Not Need to Buy Before the Birth
International baby lists include items that do not apply in the Nepali context or can wait until after the birth:
- Baby monitor: In a Nepali home where the baby rarely sleeps far from family members, a baby monitor is often unnecessary.
- Baby food processor: Not needed until weaning begins at six months. No urgency before birth.
- Activity gym or play mat: Useful from around six to eight weeks, when the baby can track movement and respond to stimulation. Buy when the time comes.
- Large diaper stock: Buy in small quantities until you know your baby’s size and brand preference.
A Note on Seasonal Timing
Nepal’s seasons shape the shopping list in practical ways. If your due date is in winter (October to February), prioritise warm layers, a bunting bag, and a wearable sleeping bag alongside the core list. If your baby arrives in the monsoon months (June to August), cotton is your primary fabric for everything – bodysuits, blankets, and swaddles. Humidity and heat mean less layering, but more frequent washing.
The second trimester is the right time to assess what is immediately necessary and what can wait. A lean, practical hospital bag and a core stock of the essentials above will cover the first weeks. What else you need will become clear once your baby is home.
