Introduction

It’s amazing how much a tiny baby needs. From nursery necessities to baby bath essentials, we’ve covered it all in this complete guide. Split into handy checklists, our guide includes everything you’ll want for those first few months together.

Once you’ve gathered the essentials, you might find it helpful to wait until your baby arrives before deciding what else you really need. Remember, not everything needs to be brand new. The only things that should always be bought new are your baby’s cot mattress and car seat.1

It’s worth checking for any baby Nearly New Sales in your area – they’re great for picking up pre-loved baby clothes, toys, and other essentials at budget-friendly prices.

Nursery and baby bedroom essentials

The safest place for your baby to sleep for the first 6 months is in the same room as you, but the nursery is still a great place to organise clothes, nappies, and everything you’ll need for changing and getting your baby ready.

Nursery and baby bedroom must-haves:

  • Portable crib, carrycot, or Moses basket – a safe place for your baby to snuggle up and sleep
  • Firm, flat mattress – that fits snuggly, leaving no gaps. This should be bought new
  • Mattress protector – a waterproof mattress protector in case of any leaks
  • 3-4 fitted sheets – soft, breathable cotton, easy to change and fits the mattress
  • 2-3 baby sleeping bags, or sheets and a cellular blanket – to keep your little one cosy – avoid duvets and pillows
  • Changing mat or unit – a comfortable and hygienic place for nappies changes – they’ll be many!
  • Wardrobe and/or drawers – somewhere to store your baby’s clothes and other essentials
  • Baby monitor – for peace of mind when your baby sleeps in another room. These can also come with additional features like a night light, they can play music or display the room temperature

Nursery and baby bedroom nice-to-haves:

  • Nappy bin – great for keeping dirty nappies and bad smells locked away
  • Room thermometer – the ideal sleep temperature for babies is 16-20°C.2 Newborns can’t regulate their body temperature well yet, so what may feel comfortable to you, may not be comfortable for your little one
  • Night light – low lighting to help keep night feeds calm and relaxed
  • Nursing chair – somewhere comfortable you can sit for feeds
  • Blackout blinds – keeps bright light out

Here is a handy article on preparing your baby nursery.

a pregnant woman looking at baby clothes

Baby clothes essentials

It’s easy to get carried away with all the cute baby outfits, but before you rush out and buy a whole wardrobe, it’s best to start with the essentials and then see what you actually need.

Baby clothing must-haves:

  • 6-8 all-in-one sleepsuits or babygrows – comfortable and easy to put on and take off
  • 4-6 vests or bodysuits – with poppers that close under the nappy. Great for layering
  • 2-3 cardigans or jumpers – in natural fibres like wool or cotton
  • Coat or jacket – warm and great for layering – for safety reasons, never put your baby in a bulky coat in a car seat3
  • Pramsuit or snowsuit – if the weather is cold
  • 2-3 hats – for sun protection or warmth depending on the season
  • 6 pairs of socks or booties – to keep tiny toes warm
  • Gentle non-bio laundry detergent – suitable for baby/sensitive skin

Baby clothing nice-to-haves:

  • 2-3 scratch mitts – to prevent your little one from scratching themselves – newborns have surprisingly sharp nails!
  • Dresses, skirts, dungarees, tights, tops, trousers – nice to have but not a necessity
a pile of nappies on a blue blanket

Baby changing essentials

Nappy changes – there are going to be plenty of them! Stocking up on the changing essentials will help you feel prepared.

Baby-changing must-haves:

  • Newborn nappies (disposable or reusable) – your little one will go through many!
  • Wipes (unscented, alcohol-free) – gentle on your baby’s delicate skin
  • Cotton wool – a safe alternative to wipes
  • Barrier or nappy cream – good for preventing or soothing nappy rash
  • Changing mat – hygienic and comfortable and can be moved from room to room
  • Changing unit – somewhere safe and clean to change your baby
  • Changing bag – to carry all your essentials when you’re on-the-go
  • Portable changing mat – handy for when you’re out and about

Baby-changing nice-to-haves:

  • Disposable nappy sacks – to bag up those dirty nappies when you’re on the move
  • Nappy bin – hygienic way to lock away dirty nappies and bad smells

Baby bath essentials

Bathtime can be a lovely way to bond with your baby. With just a few simple essentials, they’ll be clean and cosy in no time.

Baby bath must-haves:

  • Baby bath or small tub – safe and comfortable for your newborn
  • Baby toiletries – mild baby soap and shampoo – safe for their delicate skin
  • Bath thermometer – ensures water is a safe temperature (37°C approx.)4
  • 2-4 soft washcloths or baby sponges – to keep them clean
  • 2-4 hooded towels – to keep your little one warm post-bath

Baby bath nice-to-haves:

  • Bath toys – baby-safe toys to keep bathtime fun. Choose ones that drain well and check them often for mould

“I’m so excited to start buying things for the baby, but wow — there’s a lot more to choose from than I expected. I’m trying to keep it simple and focus on the real essentials first. It feels like the first step in getting ready to meet them, and that makes it all feel very real.”

Charlie

Baby feeding essentials (breastfeeding and bottle-feeding)

Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, there are a few basics that’ll make your life a little easier.

Breastfeeding must-haves:

  • Breast pads – to soak up any leaks
  • Muslin cloths – to protect clothes and mop up any messes
  • Nipple cream – to soothe any soreness
  • 3-5 nursing bras – for comfort and easy access

Breastfeeding nice-to-haves:

  • Bibs – in soft cotton, to catch any dribbles or spit-up
  • Breast pump – if expressing milk
  • Milk storage pots or bags – to store expressed milk
  • Steriliser or sterilising tablets – for your breast pump and bottles
  • Breastfeeding tops – for comfort and easy access
  • Breastfeeding cover – for extra privacy. Large muslin cloths also work well
  • Nursing or breastfeeding pillow – for extra support and help with positioning
  • Nursing chair – somewhere comfortable you can sit for feeds

Bottle-feeding must-haves:

  • 8-10 bottles and teats – read this article for guidance on the right size and flow for your baby
  • Steriliser or sterilising tablets – to keep bottles and teats hygienically clean
  • Bottle brush – for cleaning those hard-to-reach places
  • Formula milk – suitable for your baby’s age stage. They come in two different forms: a dry powder you make up with water or a ready-to-feed formula
  • 4-8 bibs – to protect clothing from dribbles and spit-up
  • Muslin cloths – to protect clothes and mop up any messes

Bottle-feeding nice-to-haves:

  • Bottle drying rack – helps keep bottles clean and organised
  • Nursing chair – somewhere comfortable you can sit for feeds
  • Nursing pillow – for extra support and comfort

Baby travel essentials

Again, you might wonder how someone so small can need so much stuff – and yes, getting out of the house may take longer than you expect. But don’t let that stop you. With these essentials, you’ll be all set and ready to go.

Going out and about must-haves:

  • Rear-facing car seat – this should be bought new. By law, babies must use a car seat (suitable for their height, size and weight) when travelling by car. Look for the ‘E’ mark label on the seat. Check out the latest R129 or iSize European safety regulations
  • Pram or pushchair (fully reclining) – safe for newborns
  • Changing bag – to carry all your newborn essentials
  • Baby blankets – for extra warmth or nursing cover
  • Pram or pushchair rain cover – to keep your baby dry
  • Portable changing mat – clean and convenient for nappy changes

Going out and about nice-to-haves:

  • Baby carrier or sling – for hands-free carrying
  • Pram sheets – a soft washable layer, protecting your pram from spills and leaks
  • Disposable nappy sacks – to bag up dirty nappies
  • Sunshade for the pram/car windows – to protect your baby’s delicate skin from harmful UV rays
  • Travel cot – for sleeps away from home
a shelf filled with baby toys

Baby playtime

Even though your newborn won’t actually be able to play with toys yet, the right ones can still support their early development.5 Look for baby-safe toys with bright colours, interesting textures, and gentle sounds to engage their senses.

Baby playtime nice-to-haves:

  • Sensory toys – good for their development
  • Musical toys – for fun and relaxing tunes
  • Soft, simple board or cloth books – with simple pictures to look at, and your voice to listen to, reading creates lovely bonding moments
  • Soft toys – can be comforting
  • Baby gym or playmat – good for tummy time and sensory stimulation
  • Bouncer, rocker or swing – fun and soothing
  • Pram toys – handy for when you’re out and about
  • Bath toys – entertainment in the tub

Baby health and safety

Having a few health and safety essentials at home can give you peace of mind and help you feel ready for anything.

Baby health and safety nice-to-haves:

  • Baby thermometer – easily check your baby’s temperature – normal range is 36.4°C to 37.5°C. Over 38°C is high6
  • Room thermometer – the ideal sleep temperature for babies is 16-20°C.7
  • Bath thermometer – ensures safer bathtimes. Water should be approx. 37°C8
  • Baby-friendly first aid kit – basic items like plasters, wipes, bandages, etc
  • Nail scissors or baby nail file – to prevent scratches. Newborn nails can be surprisingly sharp!
  • Sunshades for the pram and car windows – to protect your baby’s delicate skin from harmful UV rays
  • Humidifier – helps ease congestion and prevent dry skin9
  • Smoke and CO alarms – not baby-specific, but ensuring your home has working smoke and carbon-monoxide (CO) detectors helps protect the whole family

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