When our newborn baby Millie arrived (now 7 months old!), we felt like we were starting from scratch—even though between us, Rosie and I had already done the newborn phase three times. If you’re expecting or just welcomed a little one, you’re probably wondering what the real must-haves for newborn life actually are. To be honest, even if you’re starting all over again like we were, you’d be surprised just how much and how quickly things have changed.
Rosie obsessed over the research when Millie was on the way and, quite frankly, absolutely smashed it. In the nine months of pregnancy, she scoured just about every resource you can think of to get up to scratch on the latest and greatest products.
She’s put together this practical guide to baby essentials based on what we genuinely used during those first few weeks and months. Hopefully you’ll find it relatable, new parent friendly, and full of tried-and-tested baby gear, baby monitor solutions, and baby items that made all the difference to us in the early days.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use and love, or wish I’d used with the benefit of experience!
Preparing for Your Baby’s Arrival
Getting ready for your newborn baby can be overwhelming. Having the right baby essentials in place before your baby’s arrival can give you peace of mind. This comprehensive baby checklist covers everything from baby bath time to baby care essentials. Whether you’re planning your hospital bag or setting up your baby’s nursery, this guide is your go-to resource.
Baby Bath and Hygiene Baby Essentials
When your new baby arrives, bath time can feel like a nerve-wracking event. But with the right baby bath setup, it quickly becomes part of the routine. These baby essentials will help keep your newborn baby clean and comfortable.
Shnuggle Baby Bath
Our experience: The Shnuggle Baby Bath is a brilliant buy. It’s great value for money, fits nicely in the bath and provides a great level of support. Millie still loves using it now, although she’s rapidly getting too big for it!
Nuby Penguin Baby Thermometer
Our experience: We tried a few thermometers and to be honest, quite a few were pretty useless. This was the first one we found to be reliable, which is so important when you’re looking for that little peace of mind when your baby is so tiny.
Tommee Tippee GroEgg2 Room Thermometer:
Our experience: This is a fantastic product and super helpful for keeping an eye on the temperature, which was important for us as Millie was born in November, so it was particularly cold. What I would say is that the pictures make it appear smaller than it actually is. It’s not obstructively large, but definitely worth looking at the specs.
Naroa Soft Bristle Brush (perfect for baby’s hair):
Our experience: We’ve had this little brush since the day Millie was born and, whilst I’d admit our baby is a little follically-challenged, this has been a brilliant brush for getting her use to the experience of having her hair brushed. Trust me, with three other girls in our family, the sooner you get them used to doing this the better if you want to avoid troubles later down the line!
Happy Belly Organic Coconut Oil (gentle on baby skin and helps with cradle cap):
Our experience: Coconut oil is such a great way of keeping baby’s skin soft and well cared for, right after bath time or just before bed. Be careful not to get sold by the marketing on some of the smaller pots that charge a lot for them just because they’re well branded. Ultimately, it all does the same job.
We skipped the wipe warmer but did stock up on soft towels, gentle soap, and baby shampoo to keep our newborn baby warm and comfy during bath time.
Feeding, Breast Pump, and Nutrition Baby Must Haves
Whether you’re breastfeeding, using a breast pump to express breast milk, or combi feeding, you’ll want these key baby essentials ready. These newborn baby essentials are crucial for feeding success:
Elvie Stride Double Breast Pump:
Our experience: Admittedly, this breast pump is on the pricey side, but our biggest regret was not getting one sooner. Rosie tried a few cheaper brands and she found it incredibly difficult to express enough milk to sustain our insatiable baby. The Elvie Stride was a lifesaver and, if you can stretch to it, absolutely worth every penny.
MAM Anti-Colic Baby Bottles:
Our experience: These bottles are fantastic. They’re so easy to disassemble and sterilised in the microwave, which is so helpful!
Cuddles Collection Nursing Pillow:
Our experience: This nursing pillow was a brilliant aid for Rosie whilst she was still breast feeding, but has lasted as a great support for Millie during tummy time. Now she’s a little stronger, we’ll often sit her in the middle of it, which gives us that little extra peace of mind in case she suddenly falls backwards. At just under £17, it’s a great investment because it has so many potential users. Make sure you add it to your list!
Lansinoh Nipple Balm:
Our experience: Rosie found it hard in the early days because Millie would quite often latch awkwardly, which left her feeling very sore. This cream is great value compared to other products available, particularly considering how well it helped ease the pain caused by breastfeeding.
Reusable Breast Pads:
Our experience: Rosie found these breast pads super helpful whilst she was breast feeding. The fact that they could be thrown in the wash and used over and over again was just what we needed whilst we were in the midst of the newborn chaos. It just meant there was one less thing to think about.
Don’t forget nursing bras for comfort whilst feeding. Add a few muslins and burp cloths (we had loads), and you’re set up for those round-the-clock feeds. These baby essentials will help you manage breast milk feeding with confidence.
Baby Sleep Baby Essentials to Foster Healthy Sleep Habits
Helping your newborn baby fall asleep faster is all about comfort and routine. These baby essentials are designed to foster healthy sleep habits and ensure your baby’s comfort throughout the night.
Tommee Tippee Grobag:
Our experience: My daughter used these sleeping bags from birth to six months, and they’re truly the best; the poppers for swaddling are brilliant, helping her sleep through the night from eight weeks, and the transition to arms-out was seamless thanks to their super soft, warm, and durable quality.
Fisher-Price Soothe ‘n Snuggle Otter (a sound machine and cuddly friend in one):
Our experience: I picked one of these up for Millie just in time for Christmas 2024 and she’s loved it ever since. It’s easy to use and the breathing sensation is definitely comforting for Millie. Fun fact: Tilly, our ten year old, misheard me calling it a Soothe ‘n Snooze otter (I got the name wrong slightly), and thought it was called Susan Snooze. Ever since, we’ve called it Susan.
Large Muslin Blankets (swaddling, sick, shade—you name it):
Our experience: These muslin sheets look great and they’re massive, easily swaddling Millie. They’ve also remained super soft through countless washes.
These baby must haves helped us establish healthy sleep habits, even during those long nights. Consider adding a night light to help with late-night feeds whilst keeping your newborn baby settled in the same room.
On-the-Go Baby Gear and Baby Carrier Essentials
Leaving the house with a newborn baby is daunting, but having the right baby gear makes it manageable. These baby essentials are perfect for when you’re out and about:
Boba Stretch Wrap Baby Carrier
It’s soft, secure, and keeps baby close while you get on with life. Millie practically lived in this baby carrier during the first few weeks.
It goes without saying, but be sure to invest in a quality car seat and infant car seat for safe travels. Pushchairs and car seats are usually at the top of the list, but be careful not to get sucked into the marketing and buy based on purely aesthetic or price; it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re better. Try to really test the pushchair and think about the reality of lugging it about in your car, travelling on different terrain (For example, ours is AWFUL on surfaces that aren’t tarmac, which is a learning for us), and of course, comfort for your baby.
Nappies and Changing Table Baby Care Essentials
There’s no sugar-coating it—you’ll change a lot of nappies. Here’s what kept us stocked and ready with these essential baby items:
Bepanthen Nappy Cream: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bepanthen-Ointment-recovery-Provitamin-suitable/dp/B012TBXGPI
A well-stocked nappy bag is essential. Pack it with wipes, nappies, and a changing table or mat. Some parents swear by a wipe warmer for dealing with dirty nappies, though we didn’t use either. It’s just about what works for baby and you. Having nappy rash cream on hand is crucial for preventing nappy rash, especially for young babies with sensitive skin – it’s amazing how quickly they can get sore.
Creating a Baby Home That Works for You: Baby’s Nursery Baby Essentials
Your baby’s nursery doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect. A safe, simple baby home setup works just fine with these newborn essentials:
- Cot or moses basket with a quality cot mattress
- Waterproof mattress cover (essential for accidents)
- Clothes storage and a changing table
- Rocking chair or glider for night feeds
- Baby monitor for peace of mind (We chose the BOIFUN 2K Wifi Video Baby Monitor)
- Soft play mat for tummy time
- Portable cot for flexible sleeping arrangements
Think about your baby’s small size and changing needs over the first few weeks. Consider whether you’ll transition to a toddler bed later and plan accordingly. A night light can be helpful for monitoring your baby’s temperature and comfort during feeds.
Baby Essentials Checklist Recap: Your Ultimate Checklist
Here’s a comprehensive baby essentials checklist of top newborn baby essentials we recommend:
Baby Bath and Hygiene:
- Baby bath and baby thermometer
- Gentle products for baby’s hair and skin
Feeding Essentials:
- Breast pump and baby bottles
- Nursing pillow and reusable breast pads
- Burp cloths and muslins
- Nipple balm for comfort
Sleep and Comfort:
- Grobag and sound machine
- Soft toys for comfort
- Night light for feeds
On-the-Go Gear:
- Baby carrier to keep baby close
- Car seat and infant car seat
- Well-packed nappy bag
Baby Care Essentials:
- Nappy rash cream and changing table
- Baby monitor for nursery
- Wipe warmer (optional)
- Room thermometer
We found this newborn baby checklist kept us organised and confident during a chaotic time. Remember, this doesn’t replace professional medical advice—always consult your healthcare provider about your newborn baby’s specific needs.
Final Thoughts from The Breaking Dad
Every new baby is different—but having the right baby essentials gives you one less thing to worry about. These newborn essentials have been tested through four newborn babies, and Rosie and I leaned on this ultimate checklist during those exhausting early days with Millie.
Whether your baby spits up frequently, has trouble with their baby’s nose being stuffy, or you’re concerned about your baby’s nails needing trimming, having these baby items on hand means you’re prepared. Some parents find that newborns benefit from specific routines, whilst others discover their baby prefers flexibility—these baby essentials work for both approaches.
Consider taking childbirth education classes before your baby arrives, and remember that even during a holiday or special occasion, having your baby essentials checklist ready makes everything more manageable.
Want more real-parent insights, baby care tips, or toddler chaos stories? Follow us at @the_breaking_dad and check out our latest on thebreakingdad.co.uk.
Disclaimer: This guide contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases. This information does not replace professional medical advice—always consult your healthcare provider regarding your baby’s specific needs.
