Welcoming Your Little One: A No-Frills Guide to Must-Have Baby Items
Preparing for the arrival of your precious bundle of joy is an exhilarating journey, but let's be real – it can also be incredibly overwhelming. With a market flooded with an abundance of baby products, from high-tech gadgets to adorable yet unnecessary accessories, it's no wonder that new parents often find themselves lost in a sea of choices. I mean, who knew there were six different types of swaddles, right? 🙋🏻♀️ But fear not, because we're here to guide you through the process of getting your nursery ready without drowning in a sea of baby gear confusion.
Here is a list of items you may want to consider getting before your baby boo arrives, making your life easier while ensuring your little one's safety and comfort.
Sleep and Nursery Essentials
Cot or Moses Basket: A safe and cozy sleep space for your baby. Choose one with adjustable mattress heights for easy access.
Mattress and Mattress Protector: Ensure a comfy and clean sleeping environment. Opt for an eco-friendly, hypoallergenic mattress.
Fitted Sheets: Soft bedding to line the cot. Organic cotton sheets are gentle on your baby's skin.
Swaddles: Choosing a swaddle can be daunting as it can pose a risk to the baby’s airway, if not swaddled properly. If you are not a pro yet, look into swaddle bags with a zipper and velcro tightening. It will keep your baby cozy and safe.
Baby Sleep Bags: A safer alternative to loose blankets. Look for sleep bags with a tog rating suitable for the season. Don’t buy sleeping bags that are too long (unless the baby’s arms will be out if arm holes are provided). The bag can move up and cover the baby’s face. If in doubt, consult a shop assistant, they will be able to guide you on appropriate sizing.
Baby Monitor: Keep a watchful eye and ear on your little one. Consider a video monitor with night vision, can be useful to watch what on earth they’re up to in the pitch-black of the night. Promise, you will be <3
Diapering Must-Haves
Nappies: Whether disposable or cloth, you'll need plenty! Choose eco-friendly options for a smaller environmental footprint.
Wipes: Gentle and hypoallergenic for those messy situations. Opt for biodegradable wipes to reduce waste.
Changing Mat: A comfy spot for diaper changes. Look for one with raised edges for added safety.
Nappy Bag: Keep all the essentials organised for on-the-go changes. Backpack-style bags are convenient and stylish.
Barrier Cream: Keep diaper rash at bay with a trusted cream. There are a few different types of bum creams: moisturising, like Bepanthen; barrier - like Sudocrem; and healing, if the damage has already occurred, like Metanium. Generally, consider a simple list of ingredients without essential oils or perfumes.
Feeding Essentials
Bottles and Teats: If you are planning on bottle feeding or mixed feeding having a few on hand can be a lifesaver. Look for anti-colic designs. My personal favorite are NUK or MAM brands, as the teat is softer than other brands, therefore more similar to the breast.
Breast Pump: If you plan to breastfeed, this can provide flexibility. Choose between manual and electric pumps based on your needs. In the UK, you can often rent a hospital-grade pump, ask for further information in your local pharmacy or hospital.
Nursing pillow: If you are planning on breastfeeding your baby, a moon-shaped pillow can be a life-saver for your back, neck, shoulders, and arms. Starting the breastfeeding journey can be time-consuming, as you learn how to position, and the baby learns how to latch. It is useful to get a nursing pillow as it provides support and comfort while breastfeeding.
Nipple shields: Controversial item on this list, but can be helpful if the latch is becoming painful while you are both working on perfecting that nose-to-nipple and wide-open mouth position. Can also be helpful if your nipples are soft and the baby is struggling to ‘find’ them. I stand by supporting mothers to breastfeed for as long as they want, sometimes it includes a little plastic helper.
Bottle Steriliser: Keep feeding equipment clean and germ-free. Choose between steam sterilizers, microwave sterilizing bags, or chemical sterilizing tablets. Tommee Tippee sells a contraption that both steam-sterilises and then DRIES your baby items; is it necessary - no; but I have to admit - convenient as hell. You might find it more useful if you plan on sterilising a lot of items.
Clothing and Bathing Basics
Babygrows and Sleepsuits: Comfortable and easy to change. Look for ones with front snaps or zipperfor easy dressing.
Muslin Squares: Versatile for swaddling, nursing covers, and more. Choose high-quality, absorbent muslin, having smaller ones for feeding and very big ones for swaddling can be helpful.
Hats and Mittens: Keep your baby warm and prevent scratching. Opt for organic cotton options for sensitive skin.
Baby Bathtub: A safe space for bath time. Consider foldable tubs for space and water saving. Look into getting a little chair too.
Baby Towels and Washcloths: Soft and gentle for delicate skin. Hooded towels are great for keeping your baby warm after baths. Using a muslin to cover your baby while in the bath so they feel more secure can greatly improve bathing experience for everyone.
Seasonal Clothing Essentials
Winter:
Warm Bodysuits: Layering is key to keep your baby cosy. Look for thermal options for added warmth.
Woollen Hats and Booties: Keep their little extremities warm. Choose natural fibres to prevent overheating.
Fleece Blankets: Perfect for stroller walks in the cold. Opt for soft, breathable fleece.
Spring:
Lightweight Babygrows: Opt for breathable materials. Consider options with built-in mittens to prevent scratching.
Cardigans or Sweaters: Easily removable layers. Choose ones with buttons for hassle-free dressing.
Raincover for Stroller: Prepare for unpredictable showers. Look for stroller-specific raincovers for a snug fit.
Summer:
Short-Sleeve Babygrows: Keep your baby cool and comfy. Opt for lightweight, organic cotton.
Sun Hats with Wide Brims: Protect their delicate skin from the sun. Look for hats with UPF protection.
Lightweight Swaddle Blankets: Versatile for shading or swaddling. Choose breathable muslin for optimal airflow.
Autumn:
Long-Sleeve Babygrows: Prepare for cooler temperatures. Opt for soft, brushed cotton for added warmth.
Soft Jackets or Cardigans: Easy to put on and take off. Consider knitted options for extra cosiness.
Cotton Sleepsuits: Comfortable sleepwear for transitional weather. Look for ones with fold-over cuffs to prevent scratching.
Stroller Footmuff: Keep your baby warm during stroller rides. Choose a footmuff that's easy to attach and remove.
Safety and Health Essentials
Car Seat: A legal requirement for safe travels. Choose one that's suitable for your baby's weight and age.
Baby Thermometer: Check for fever with ease. Consider a digital ear thermometer for quick and accurate readings.
Nasal Aspirator: For those pesky blocked noses. My personal favorite is ‘NoseFrida’, it does indeed get all the yuk out, quite satisfyingly.
Baby First Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor emergencies. Include essentials like bandages, antiseptic, and a digital thermometer.
Socket Covers and Safety Gates: Ensure your home is baby-proofed. Choose safety gates that are easy to install and won't damage walls.
Comfort and Entertainment
Dummies/Pacifiers: Soothe your baby when needed. Look for orthodontic options that promote healthy oral development. Advisable to use after you have established a good breastfeeding technique, so around week 2.
Toys and Books: Stimulate your baby's senses by purchasing or printing out black and white images as their vision is still limited.
Clothing and Laundry Essentials
Baby Clothes in Various Sizes: They grow fast! Have a mix of sizes on hand to accommodate growth spurts.
Laundry Detergent for Babies: Gentle on their sensitive skin. Look for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free options.
Laundry Hamper: Keep the baby laundry separate and organised. Choose a hamper with handles for easy transport.
Health and Hygiene
Baby Nail Clippers or Files: Trim those tiny nails safely. Opt for nail clippers with rounded tips to prevent accidental nicks.
Grooming Kit: Includes a brush, comb, and other grooming essentials. Choose a kit with soft bristles and a non-slip handle.
Baby Shampoo and Body Wash: Keep your baby clean and fresh. Look for gentle, tear-free formulations with basic ingredients. You don’t have to use any soaps for the first few weeks, a warm rinse is just enough.
On-the-Go Essentials
Pushchair: Navigate the streets with ease. Consider a travel system that includes a car seat and stroller for seamless transitions.
Baby Carrier or Sling: Keep your baby close while keeping your hands free. Choose a carrier with adjustable straps and proper support.
Portable Changing Mat: For quick and clean diaper changes. Look for a mat with pockets for storing wipes and diapers.
Changing Bag Essentials
Extra Clothes: Accidents happen! Pack spare clothes in different sizes for unexpected messes.
Nappies and Wipes: Always have them on hand. Choose a compact changing wallet for quick access.
Changing Mat: For on-the-go changes. Look for foldable mats that fit neatly into your bag.
Muslin: For burps, cleans and cover.
Dummy: you know, just in case.
Non-Essentials and Useful Extras:
Baby Swing or Bouncer: It can help you keep your baby entertained and soothed. Some models are electric with multiple swing settings and melodies; because sometimes you just need to put the baby down.
Baby wipe warmer: Now, warm wipes, especially in winter, can seem like a kinder option; will they make the little one love the nappy change - unlikely, but it’s a nice extra. Keep in mind, that it is yet another gadget that will take up space on your changing table.
Baby-specific laundry/washing-up detergents: While it's important to use a gentle detergent for your baby's clothes, you don't necessarily need to buy a specialized baby detergent. Regular fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent is as effective as its pricey counterpart.
Electric nail files: Personally, not a fan of these for newborns; I find that newborn nails are too soft for the file to catch the right angle to trim the nails. It might be a more convenient tool, once the nails are a little thicker, Tomee Tippy one is brilliant!
Baby formula dispenser: If you plan to use formula, this might be worth the investment. Once you set the amount of feed you require, the machine will add hot water to the powder. Mixt it a little and continue, it will then add cool water, to reach just the right temperature for the feed to be given immediately.
Remember, every baby is unique, so adapt this list to your own preferences and lifestyle. Stay tuned for our next blog post about baby vaccines: to give it, to stagger it, or to hold it. Until then, happy parenting and enjoy preparing for the arrival of your little one! 🍼👶