Welcoming a newborn into your life is an exciting and life-changing experience, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to preparing for their arrival. With so many products on the market, it’s hard to know what’s truly essential for your baby’s first few months.
In this blog post I have created a list of ten must-have items with choices for new parents and bubs that provide you with a good head start in preparing for your new little bundle of joy, on top of a few basics such as nappies and wipes of course (trust me, you’ll need hundreds of those!!).
1. Portable Baby Changing Mat
We’re starting the list with an absolute must-have for all babies- a baby change mat. Using a baby change mat is not just about convenience—it’s also about hygiene and safety. These mats create a barrier between your baby and any germs or bacteria that may be present on changing tables or other surfaces. By using a baby change mat, you can help reduce the risk of infections and keep your baby clean and healthy.
Lightweight and portable, you can throw this change mat into a bag and take with you, enabling you to change your baby anywhere, anytime, on the go!! This one also includes a handy little storage compartment that provides ease of access to products whilst you’re changing your little one, and it’s super easy to wipe clean when you’re done.
2. Sudocrem Healing Cream
Nappy cream, also known as diaper cream, is a topical skincare product designed to protect the skin from irritation and inflammation caused by wearing nappies. These creams typically contain a combination of ingredients that create a barrier between the skin and moisture, preventing nappy rash. This is essential in keeping your babies skin healthy, reducing irritation and to promote healing.
Not only is this one of the best creams on the market for your baby, it also can be used for infant eczema, heat rashes and sensitive skin! This is an absolute essential for all new parents, and can make a very useful gift as well. My advice- stock up on these! I like to have one for my nappy bag, one for travelling and one in bub’s changing area, you never know when you’re going to need it!
3. Baby Healthcare and Grooming Kits
When it comes to caring for your little one, having the right tools at your disposal is crucial. Safety is paramount for babies, and it’s important to find a good quality grooming and healthcare kit that is optimal for your babies delicate skin.
Tommee Tippee Baby Healthcare and Grooming Set
This kit is an essential as it contains all of the tools you need to care for and protect your baby right at your disposal. It also comes in a handy little travel case that you can take along with you on all of your outings- convenience is key here!
Haakaa Baby Nail Care Kit
The Haakaa Baby Nail Care Kit is another must-have grooming essential for babies. It features an electric nail file that is easy to use, and is extremely gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. It comes with five grinding pads for different ages and has a safety system equipped to immediately stop working when it comes into contact with skin, preventing your bub from any injury. This truly is a lifesaver as babies nails grow SUPER quick and they can easily scratch themselves. Plus, their fingers are too small and wiggly for nail clippers, which is where the electric nail file comes in. This one is a winner!
4. Sleep swaddle/sack
A baby sleep swaddle is a snug wrap that helps calm and soothe newborns by recreating the feeling of being in the womb. The gentle pressure and secure fit of a swaddle can prevent the startle reflex, which often wakes babies up during sleep. This sense of security can help infants feel more at ease and sleep longer stretches at a time.
They also create peace of mind, as they are a safe way to keep your baby warm during the cooler (and warmer!) months without the need for blankets. They come with Thermal Overall Grade (TOG) measurements to indicate the temperatures they are suitable for, so your baby can be comfortable at all times.
BebeBiu 2 Pack Baby Swaddle
This swaddle sleep pack comes with 2 swaddles and has everything you are looking for in a swaddle: breathable, stretchy and flexible whilst still remaining snug and comfortable for baby! It also has a two way zip for ultimate convenience during those late night nappy changes, did someone say longer, less interrupted nights of sleep?
5. Dreamegg Portable White Noise Machine
Hear me out: How much your baby sleeps is SUPER IMPORTANT. It can really impact your day, night and overall mood (as well as baby’s!). Baby sound machines can make all the difference in your babies sleep, ensuring they have an undisrupted, peaceful sleep.
The sounds they play can range from white noise (imitating the sound of the womb) and nature sounds to lullabies and heartbeat rhythms. The goal is to mask disruptive noises and provide a consistent, calming background noise for better sleep.
Studies have shown babies who are more alert and difficult to go off to sleep are benefited greatly by the assistance of a sound machine, and what’s better than one you can take with you on the go?! No more fearing the neighbourhood dog barking on a walk, or the early morning sing-song birds! Peace and quiet is at your fingertips, and a well-rested baby = a happier baby.
This sound machine is portable, user-friendly, and comes with an adjustable clip for prams, car seats or to attach to bags and take with you anywhere.
6. Baby Gym Play-Mat
Baby play mats are a soft, cushioned surface designed to provide a safe and comfortable area for babies to explore, learn and play. Made from non-toxic, baby-friendly materials, these mats often feature vibrant colors, engaging textures, and interactive elements such as shapes, animals, or mirrors to stimulate sensory development. Ideal for tummy time, rolling, crawling, and sitting, play mats support babies’ physical and cognitive growth.
Babies are visual learners, and these mats help them to develop important motor and sensory skills and can provide them with endless entertainment (meaning a well-deserved break for mum’s and dad’s!). This play mat is colourful, machine-washable (very important), comfortable and has lots of stimulation attached to keep your baby fascinated. This item is definitely a must have and can be used for babies from day dot!
7. Nannio Hero 3.5″ LCD Non Wi-fi Baby Monitor
A baby monitor is an obvious essential for any parent, it allows you to keep an eye and ear on your baby at all times without physically being in the room, and know that if your baby wakes and needs you, you’ll know right away. The best monitor is one that has audio and video, so you can watch your peacefully sleeping baby and know they are safe and sound at all times. It is important to keep in mind what kind of monitor you are looking for, as each one on the market has its own attractive features. This combined with budget, brand and ease of use are all considerations when purchasing a monitor that’s right for your family.
The Nannio Hero baby monitor is a highly-rated monitor that has the added benefits of a long battery life, temperature monitoring, two-way talk and the ability to play lullabies for your bub. On top of that, one of the best perks is its affordability compared to other highly marketed monitors. The no Wi-Fi addition also adds to your peace of mind as it provides a private and secure connection between you and your baby, ensuring the optimal safe space for your little one. This is one of, if not the most essential item in preparing for your bub’s arrival.
8. Baby Bouncer or Rocker
Baby bouncers are lightweight, portable seats designed to provide a gentle, soothing bounce while your little one relaxes or plays. With a comfy seat and secure harness, they offer a safe space for babies to rest, giggle, or enjoy interactive toys. A rocker does all the work for you and bub by providing a gentle rocking motion, soothing your baby off to sleep with a range of different modes. You definitely don’t need to have both, it depends on what you’re looking for, but if you buy any item for your baby (and for yourself), let it be one of these!!
VEVOR Baby Bouncer Chair
The VEVOR baby bouncer chair is lightweight and easily transportable so bub can relax whilst you organise dinner, take a shower or just give your arms a rest! It also comes with adjustable positions, helping to support development and strengthen baby’s neck muscles while also allowing them to sit up and play. Some babies prefer a bouncer over a rocker so they can move a little more freely, and a bouncer is definitely easier to move around the house, however it just depends on your needs!
Ingenuity Keep Cozy 3-in-1 Rocker
The Ingenuity Keep Cozy 3-in-1 Rocker is a soothing, gentle seat that provides a relaxing experience for babies. It has 3 available modes, bouncing, rocking and stationary for each babies preference and can be used up to 30 months. It has 2 reclining positions, a 5 point harness for ultimate safety, and comes with a plush toy to support babies grabbing development. It’s the perfect place to sit your baby and give your arms a break!
9. Baby Carrier
A baby carrier is the ultimate convenient baby hack to keep your hands free, allowing you to move freely and complete tasks whilst still having your baby close to you. This promotes bonding with your bub, strengthening the emotional development and providing a sense of security and reassurance to your baby.
They are particularly helpful for babies who suffer from colic or reflux, as being in the upright position can help alleviate symptoms and the gentle rocking motion assists in keeping your baby relaxed. They also allow you to have better mobility in crowded or tight spaces, and having your baby on you provides that extra reassurance that they are safe and comforted at all times. A baby carrier will be a godsend for those babies who are extra clingy and only settle while being held, it will save your arms and your sanity!
My top two picks for carriers are the KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier and the Ergo baby Omni 360 Baby Carrier.
KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier
The KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier is the perfect starter, and budget-friendly wrap for mums and dads alike. It features soft, stretchy and breathable fabric that is versatile and comfortable for both baby and mum. This wrap is easy to use, and evenly distributes your baby’s weight across your body, providing both support and comfort for extended use.
Ideal for newborns and infants, it allows for multiple carrying positions, including tummy-to-tummy and hip carry, ensuring ergonomic support for both you and your baby. It is super lightweight, machine washable and comes in a huge variety of colours. Most importantly, this wrap is certified by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, meaning it is safe and supports your baby’s healthy hip development.
ErgoBaby Omni 360 All-position Baby Carrier
The Ergobaby Omni 360 All-position baby carrier is a premium, all in one carrier designed for ultimate comfort and versatility. Although a little pricier, it has the ideal structure and support for you and bub past the newborn stage. With four ergonomic carrying positions—front inward, front outward, hip, and back—it offers a customizable fit to suit both you and your baby as they grow, and is super simple to get on and off.
The carrier’s adjustable straps, lumbar support, and light, breathable fabric ensure long-lasting comfort for parents, while providing optimal support for your baby’s hips and spine, as it is also recommended by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. Suitable from newborn to toddler (7-45 lbs), the Omni 360 grows with your little one, allowing you to enjoy hands-free convenience while keeping them close and secure. Perfect for active parents, this carrier is easy to use, machine washable, and designed to promote bonding and comfort for both you and your baby.
10. 10 Pack Burp Cloths:
Though they may seem simple and possibly even unnecessary, burp cloths are an indispensable product to have in your home with a newborn. These burp clothes are exactly what you’re looking for, they are made from super soft muslin material which is perfect for your bub’s delicate skin, and they are super absorbable, helping keep you both clean during and after feedings! They can also double up for other uses in the home and out and about, such as wiping away drool, messes on the ground or even used as a makeshift changing pad! A very simple, but necessary item.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission for any sales made.
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