Must haves for a Newborn

Photo taken by Suzi Bird at our newborn shoot.

This post contains affiliate links, it does not impact what you pay but I earn a bit of commission. Where possible I have used Amazon links so you can take advantage of their Baby wishlist.

While pregnant, I spent hours researching what I needed to purchase for our new baby and what was a waste of money. Everyone seemed to have different answers, what one person said they used every day, another said was a complete waste of money.

Here is what we have used regularly as parents.

Large Items:

A travel system

Rocking chair

I didn’t think I would need a rocking chair, but my mum gifted me one. I have used it more than I expected to.

Chicco next2me

Nighttime essentials:

Sleeping bags

I purchased a few swaddles from Vinted but my little girl does not like to be swaddled. She sleeps with her hands by her face and she has done so since day one. We quickly switched to sleeping bags and she sleeps so well with them.

A night light

I have found it so useful having this clip-on light that isn’t as bright as turning on a bedside light. I can feed or change a nappy without fully waking her up. Staying in a darker room helps her circadian rhythm and she falls back to sleep quicker.

White noise

This can be your phone or a machine.

Changing station

We have a changing station on both levels of our house, one in our living room and one by our bed. It consists of a changing mat and a nappy caddy containing nappies, nappy sacks, wet wipes, Bepanthen nappy cream, and Aveeno moisturising cream.

We have the same items in our changing bag.

Feeding essentials:

Muslins

These are dotted around the house, ready to grab when she spits up. We also keep some in her changing stations as the change of temperature when undressing a baby can make them spit up.

Breastfeeding Pillow

This has been very useful for breastfeeding and supporting younger children who want to cuddle with the baby.

Breast pump

We have both an electric Medela pump and a manual haakaa

Steriliser

Everyone we spoke to said this one was recommended.

First aid and toiletries

Saline spray and Nose sucker

Thermometer

Calpol for 2 months +

Nail file

Vitamin Drops

Baby Bath

Our home has a shower room only and although we shower our little one, we also love seeing her kick away in her baby bath. She loves being in water and if she’s having a bit of a grizzly day, we either bath or shower her to reset her mood and it works wonders!

Clothing essentials:

Sleepsuits

We were gifted so many clothes that I didn’t have to buy any for ages. I’m always mindful that when they are so little in the first couple of months, they spend so much time sleeping that you only need the comfy sleepsuits. I love the zip style with feet and mittens

Vests

Hats & Socks

Blankets

We were gifted beautiful homemade blankets which we treasure. I also love the Bonbini blankets we were gifted which I think can be purchased at TK Maxx.

We also have a star baby blanket which has been so useful. It is thin enough that you don’t need to remove it when putting her in the car seat. Plus she adores it. We’ve had nothing but smiles whenever we put her in it.

Sling

Shoes

I used to think that shoes were a waste of money. However, if you’re putting socks on your baby then putting on a pair of shoes helps the socks stay on and their feet stay toasty and warm. We had one pair of shoes given to us and I found I used them more than I expected I would.

Toys and books

A play mat

Sensory toys

Toys that encourage babies to explore their senses are ideal for the first few months. Things like a rainmaker, ribbon rattles, liquid motion toy

Teething Toys

We have been gifted some beautiful teethers. I love Sophie and this style.

Tummy time activity

Babies initially see in black and white, so this foldout book (or similar) is perfect entertainment while doing floor tummy time.

Fabric books

Our daughter loves her crinkle book. We have Peekaboo Forest a picture book with lift-the-flap elements.

Texture books

The ‘That’s not my …’ books are perfect as she starts to explore different textures.

Documenting

Although not essential, We have chosen to capture this time using the methods below:

Footprints

We used this kit as a mess-free method of capturing hands and footprints.

Birthday letters book

A beautiful book by Emily Rollings to document each year of your baby’s childhood.

Professional photo shoot

We travelled to Clevedon for Suzi to work her magic. I tend to be the main photo taker and although my husband is good, I wanted to be able to focus on our daughter and have someone else capture our little family of three. The gallery Suzi created for us was absolutely beautiful and, where possible, I recommend booking a newborn photoshoot.

Oh the Places You’ll Go

We bought a deluxe edition of the Dr Seuss classic. We have asked people to write messages to our daughter at my baby shower and her blessing day. Some loved ones couldn’t attend either event (family in Canada for example) and we will ask people who are important to us to write messages to her as we see them. As parents, it is beautiful to realise how loved your child is because people love you.

These are the items we have found useful for our newborn. If, like me, you were so focused on providing for your little one that you completely forgot to consider what you would need post-birth. Read here to see what I recommend.