PREPARING to welcome your little one is likely to be one of the most exciting times of your life, but it can also feel a little overwhelming.
From cots and sterilisers to baby bouncers and prams, it can be a tricky time to navigate as a first-time mum – especially when it comes to the seemingly never ending list of ‘must-have’ essentials for your little bundle of joy.
Knowing what to shop for is key, so Fabulous teamed up with parenting expert Hannah Love to come up with the ultimate checklist that’ll see you through your first months.
So, here’s what’s really worth splurging on – including items that will make your life a whole lot easier…
FEEDING
When it comes to feeding your baby, there’s no right or wrong, it’s all down to personal preference.
For those hoping to breastfeed, a pump is likely to come in handy as it means others can chip in and feed the baby if you’re not about or struggling with sleep deprivation.
MAM’s newly launched ‘Move Wearable Breast Pump‘ features peaceful, discreet milk expression technology, allowing mums more freedom on the go.
For a manual option, Nuby’s cheap and cheerful ‘Wireless Breast Pump,’ features 9 adjustable power levels, touch screen controls and 3 modes – stimulation, expression and a combined setting.
As for preventing sore, cracked nipples, ‘Pippeta Silver Nip Cups‘ are likely to become your best friend thanks to the natural healing, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties of silver.
Alternatively, if you decide to formula feed, it’s worth noting that brands such as Kendamil offer a subscription which could make your life easier when you already have a thousand and one other things to think about.
Sun readers also recommended purchasing a formula maker to help save those precious moments you could be spending with your little one – and to make life easier for the night feeds!
The ‘Baby Brezza Pro Formula Advanced‘ requires no measuring, mixing or warming and works with virtually all formula brands and all bottle brands and sizes.
Hannah points out that if your baby appears unsettled and crying at feeding time, it could be due to colic.
She says this is diagnosed on the rule of three: “A baby crying for more than 3 hours a day, more than 3 days a week for more than 3 weeks.”
For babies suffering with colic, Hannah recommends anticolic bottles, such as MAM’S ‘Anti-Colic Baby Bottles,’ which claim to reduce colic in babies by 80% and offer a simple microwave steam sterilisation that takes just three minutes.
She explains: “They can help to ensure less air is taken in when feeding – this can help if wind is the cause of the crying.”
As per NHS guidelines, it’s also vital to sterilise all feeding equipment until weaning and bottles until a year.
“Without sterilising, bacteria can build up and this can make baby very poorly,” Hannah explains. “Babies immune systems are immature and even small amounts of bacteria or viruses can make them unwell.
“Sterilising and using cooled boiled water help to prevent your baby coming into contact with this excess of bacteria.”
The ‘Vital Baby NURTURE Advanced pro UV Steriliser and Dryer‘ uses the latest technology to kill 99.9% of germs in just seven minutes and works its magic without water, chemicals or heat.
Another major perk is that is can sterilise pretty much anything – from toys and accessories to breast pumps and even your mobile phone.
Anti-colic baby bottles can help to ensure less air is taken in when feeding – this can help if wind is the cause of the crying
Hannah Love
If you’re looking for something that works even quicker, then MAM’s ‘microwave steam steriliser’ is another product worth considering.
Suitable for microwave and cold water sterilisation, it features dual baskets so you can sterilise up to six bottles in an impressive four minutes, while the innovative lid design can also be use as a drainer for sterilised items.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for a nifty gadget that washes, sterilisers and dries in one easy step, then the ‘Baby Brezza Bottle Washer Pro‘ is a great option.
It features 20 high pressure spray jets that powerfully clean 99.9% of germs with steam, then dries with HEPA-filtered germ-free air.
Feeding can be an uncomfortable journey as it is, which is why some mums opt for a nursing chair.
But from glider to rocker, there are so many available on the market, it’s hard to know which ones are really worth the money.
Sun readers loved the Chelsea nursery glider from iL Tutto which features an ergonomic design and high back rest, providing ample support during feeding time.
While the glider base offers a gentle and smooth gliding motion, the spring-loaded recline option allows you to sit up without using abdominals, making it ideal for resting mothers after birth.
“I think the gliding motion is smoother and could be more comforting for baby than a rocking chair,” Hannah points out.
Thanks to the neutral range of fabric colours available, it also seamlessly fits into any room – unlike some options on the market!
For added comfort while feeding, it could also be worth investing in a nursing pillow, such as the ‘bbhugme.’
Lightweight and portable, it features a handy tie-around design and adjustable firmness, allowing you to customise the pillow to your body and different feeding positions as your baby grows.
As your child grows older and begins weaning, Hannah suggests investing in a high chair such as Stokke’s Tripp Trapp chair.
“We had this chair for our third baby and it’s great,” she comments. “Firstly it’s small – the big plastic ones take up so much space. It’s also much easier to clean than any other high chair.
“It has the option of having a tray for when baby is feeding away from a table but you can also have baby at the table with you – brilliant for family meal times and encouraging sociable eating.
“It also grows with your baby – even newborns can join in family meals or be with you in the kitchen – taking in the noises and smells from an early age. All of which is great practice for when they come to weaning.”
Sun mums love the smooth glossy finish that makes the highchair super easy to clean – with Jessie J even branding it the “best chair ever.”
SLEEPING
NHS guidance is for your baby to be in the same room as you for the first six months when they’re asleep, both day and night.
If space isn’t an issue and your aim is for baby to sleep in a cot next to you from the beginning, Hannah says that Ickle Bubba’s ‘Snowdon classic cot bed‘ is a “great choice that will see them through the first few years.”
She continues: “The advantage of the mattress being high, or low, is that it adapts with baby.
“In the first few weeks its helpful to be able to easily reach and help baby – reassuring them, popping the dummy back in, a little stroke or reposition. This is much easier if the cot is up high.
“It’s also easier for parents, especially mums post birth or c section, to lower and pick baby up from a higher mattress.
“As baby grows you’ll need to be able to lower to cot mattress to ensure baby is safe and can’t climb out.”
However, for those who live in a confined flat, a next-to-me-bed, such as the ‘Snuzpod 4,’ is a handy solution.
It features a removable bassinet and zip up sides for attachment to the bed or as a standalone crib, allowing parents to be close to their baby at night.
It also helps to regulate baby’s temperature thanks to its unique mesh vents and breathable liner.
“These work the same as the cot bed with the higher mattress in the way that you can be on the same level as baby,” Hannah says.
“They’re space saving in that they are small so fit better into most bedrooms, but are bigger than a moses basket, so see baby through the first 6 months (sometimes beyond).”
For another lightweight and portable alternative, you could opt for a moses basket, such as the ‘Little Green Sheep Moses Basket.’
Not only is it a firm favourite amongst many celebrity families including Vogue Williams, Izzy Judd and Ollie Locke, it’s even had the royal seal of approval with Princess Eugene spotted using it.
“This is good as you can easily move it up and downstairs so that baby has the same sleep environment what ever room you are in,” Hannah explains.
Lack of sleep and motherhood come hand in hand, but the good news is there’s a whole host of sleep aids out there that can help to settle your baby, such as the ‘Glow Sleep Easy.’
The 5-in-1 sleep aid comes with a red LED light therapy proven to help sleep, and pink noise, which is the best sound for some shut eye.
It also features a cool mist technology which Sun readers found helped their little one with congestion.
“I often recommend white/pink noise as a part of the bed time routine for babies and toddlers,” Hannah explains.
“This can help as a sleep trigger and also to drown out external noise- helpful if you have a noisy house.”
Ewan deluxe has also been loved for years as it mimics the comfort of the womb with soft red melatonin inducing glow and features a selection of ‘pink and white noise’ soothing sounds – perfect for babies who struggle to sleep at night.
As your little one gets older, you’ll likely start putting them to sleep in their own room, which is when a monitor comes in handy.
If you’re a constant worrier, then the ‘Owlet Baby Monitor Duo 2‘ is a nifty bit of kit that’ll likely give you peace of mind because it allows you to monitor your baby’s heart rate, oxygen level, and sleep trends.
As for the best baby cameras on the market, the ‘Nanit Pro Camera‘ is one of the most advanced.
Offering a clear picture even in complete darkness, it allows parents to keep a close watch on their baby’s sleep and breathing, while providing real-time insights and advice.
PLAY TIME
Hannah says that even in the first few weeks, having activities for your little one is extremely important.
“I think parents often struggle to think of ways to entertain a newborn but even simple things like a kick about on the play mat, nappy off time, a bath, tummy time or lying on their tummy on your chest is great ‘activity’ awake time,” she explains.
“This can help distinguish the difference between days and nights
for your baby which will help with sleep.”
The parenting whizz adds that physical activity also helps build muscle and tone and will eventually help with things like sitting and crawling.
“If your little one is struggling with digestion or reflux then having play time after feeds can help with the digestion of the food, combating things like constipation and helping with the
digestion of the milk (and food once weaned),” she continues.
“This can be teamed up with upright time to help with reflux and by separating feeding and sleep this can help with babies being able to
lie down flat to sleep, which is the safest way of course.”
Stylish and interactive, the ‘Rock Stepper play mat,‘ which is designed to takes baby from birth to KS1 teaching, comes with flashcards that can improve cognitive development, fine motor skills and advance early learning.
Sun readers loved how it’s soft and comes with the choice of two designs – a neutral pattern on one side that’ll fit perfectly into your home decor, and the reverse educational side that helps to encourage development.
For a cheaper alternative, the ‘Nuby Animal Adventures Play Gym‘ comes with four sensory toys which will help to aid your little one’s hand-eye coordination.
Baby bouncers, such as BabyBjorn’s bouncer which is lightweight and easy to move around, are also a great addition to playtime because babies love the up and down motion of the chair.
If you’re looking for two minutes peace and quiet, Sun mums also loved Nuna’s ‘LEAF Grow Bouncer‘ which helped to keep their little ones entertained thanks to its naturally calming, rhythmic side-to-side movement that continues for over two minutes.
It features a three-point safety harness, can be locked into place so that it doesn’t sway and offers three adjustable seat recline positions for added comfort.
Plus, it can be used as a swaying chair when your little one is all grown up.
TRAVEL
From lifestyle to comfort, there are a whole host of different factors parents need to consider when choosing the perfect pram – and with so many options to choose from, it can often seem quite overwhelming.
So, we headed to the pram test track at the Excel Baby Show, which returns to NEC Birmingham on 10-12th May, and Manchester Central on 7th -9th June, to put a selection to the test – and the verdict is in!
While the ‘Nuna Triv‘ is super lightweight and compact, making it the perfect option if you live on the top floor of a flat, the ‘Nuna MIXX Next‘ is a serious contender if you’re after something a bit more heavy and durable.
We joined the hundreds of other parents waiting to queue to give this popular option a test run – and it didn’t disappoint.
The MIXX features built in suspension and large foam-filled wheels that provide a smooth ride over rough terrain – and when we tested how easy it was to go up and down curbs, it passed with flying colours.
It’s ideal to use from newborn thanks to the handy near-flat recline which is perfect for naps on the go, and features a magnetic self-guiding harness that makes it super simple to buckle in your little one.
And we particularly loved the fact the seat can be parent-facing or world-facing.
Available in an impressive colours, it’s also lightweight enough to push one-handed and is easy to fold – not to mention it’s compatible with all Nuna infant car seats.
If you’re looking for the perfect all-rounder, this one gets top marks from us!
If you’re a jet-setter, then you’ll also be needing a cabin approved, portable push chair that’ll allow you to travel around with your little one hassle-free, such as the ‘Joolz Aer+ buggy.’
Designed to take you from birth to four years, it weighs just 6kg, fits in a plane’s overhead compartments, and can collapse in seconds with a simple push of a button.
It also comes with a handy shoulder strap so you can be hands-free if you need to carry your baby, along with a large basket to fit all of your belongings – so it’s little surprise former TOWIE star Lydia Bright, who in mum-of-one to Loretta, revealed it as her top ‘must-have’ parenting buy.
To keep your little one cosy during the colder months, it’s also worth considering the Joolz ‘Aer/Aer+ footmuff.’
Made from a soft fleece lining, sustainable Sorona® filling and water repellent fabric, it’s warm, lightweight and breathable and it folds up while still attached to your buggy – you can’t get much easier than that!
Another stroller giving the Joolz Aer+ some stiff competition is the the ‘Babyzen Yoyo2,’ with the brand loved by the likes of Joe Wicks and Millie Mackintosh.
Its biggest selling point is its compact size and lightweight 6.2kg frame, making it the ideal option for anyone with limited space at home, who has a small car, or who likes to travel.
And if style is important to you, then it’s likely to shoot to the top of your ‘must-have’ list, because it’s available in an impressive 10 different colours.
Despite being incredibly smooth and easy to manoeuvre around even the tightest of corners, making it a practical and stylish option for city dwellers, it doesn’t fare quite as well on grass or gravel – something to consider if you’re one for walking in the great outdoors.
Another ultra-compact stroller worth considering is Didofy’s ‘Aster 2 2-in1‘, which has a genius ‘MagicFold,’ meaning it collapses with a switch of the button.
Amongst the endless pros is the built-in ventilation, which includes extendable UPF50 waterproof hood with peekaboo window, and built-in seat ventilation – not to mention the multi-position reclining backrest which offers ultimate comfort for your little one.
Plus, the in-built suspension guarantees a smooth ride, while the flip-flop friendly brakes make it the perfect addition to accompany you on summer holidays.
And much-loved brand Bugaboo have also recently released their one second fold city ‘Butterfly pushchair‘ in a super stylish taupe shade, which is perfect for travels near and far.
At 7.3kg, it’s the lightest stroller in the range, and is ultra-compact, meaning it’s perfect to store in small places – including on the plane as hand luggage.
It also has a super handy underseat basket which holds an impressive 8 kg, features a large adjustable seat for first-class comfort and has an almost fully flat one-hand recline, from 111° to 145° and anything in between.
For those enjoying sunnier climates, the ‘SnoozeShade’– a universal-fit carrycot & pram sun shade and baby sleep aid – has also been highly recommended as it safely blacks out the pram, blocking 99% of UV and helping baby to sleep.
Meanwhile, a travel cot, such as BabyBjorn’s ‘Travel Cot Light‘ which you can set up in just one movement, will prove priceless to those who enjoy weekend getaways, while mums with a busy lifestyle will also likely find the ‘RapidCool
Kit‘ invaluable.
It cools baby’s feed in just two minutes to NHS guidelines, sterilises with no chemicals, water or fuss and is perfect to use on the go – making it ideal for holidays.
Another must-have before your baby is born is a car seat, which must meet EU standards – it’ll have an E mark on the label.
As per NHS guidelines, you must never buy it secondhand because you don’t know its history – for example, it could’ve been damaged in an accident.
Kit and Portable UV Steriliser Bundle’ is perfect for mums on the go[/caption]
Sun mums have praised the ‘CYBEX Cloud T i-Size baby car seat‘ as the ultimate all-rounder.
When used with the Base T, it can recline for comfy rides, while the all-round air ventilation provides a pleasant seating temperature no matter what the weather.
Plus, the 180° allows you to turn the car seat toward the car door, making on and off-boarding a smooth transition for all involved.
Whether you’re going for a walk in your local park or cracking on with the household chores, a baby carrier, such as the Baby Bjorn Harmony or the ‘Dreamgenii SnuggleRoo‘ is another must-have because it allows you to keep your baby safe, secure and snug while keeping you hands-free.
If you’re an on-the-go family, it’s also worth considering the option of a rental service, such as Tiny Explorers.
From travel strollers, car seats and play bundles to essential travel accessories, it allows parents to access a wide selection of baby equipment to rent for the trip.
You simply just select the items you want, choose a date you want it to arrive on at the UK address and they will be there ready for you.
Once the fun is over, simply package up the used products in the provided packaging and book your collection – it’s that easy!
NAPPIES & WIPES
Dealing with nappy explosions are just part and parcel of becoming a parent, but if you’ve never changed a nappy before, no fear…because you’ll soon get the hang of it!
At the beginning, you’ll likely be changing your baby’s nappies around 10-12 days, with this decreasing to around 6-8 times a day as they get a little older.
Not only can that work out pretty pricey, but with parent life being a constant juggle, chances are there may be a time where you run out without realising.
To save the last minute panic and dash to the shops, it could be worth setting up a monthly nappy subscription.
‘Kit & Kin‘ nappies, a brand co-founded by Spice Girl Emma Bunton, come with patented technology, are made using sustainably sourced, plant-based materials and are wrapped in 100% sustainable packaging.
And what’s more is that for every 10 nappy subscriptions, they purchase 1 acre, making them kind on baby’s skin and our planet.
To make life easier, it’ll also be worth purchasing a changing mat such as the ‘Ralphie Bear Anti-Roll Wedge Mat‘ from Scandiborn, which features padded foam and raised edges to help support your baby during nappy changes. Plus, it can be used for playtime under a Play Gym, too.
Considering you’ll be getting through so many nappies, a bin such as Ubbi’s ‘diaper pail,’ which holds up to 55 dirty nappies, could prove handy – especially because it’s made from stainless steel so doesn’t absorb smells like plastic.
Baby wipes are also both a nappy changing and meal time essential, with parents loving the wipes from eco-friendly babycare brand Pura, which are 100% plastic-free, 100% biodegradable and 100% Water UK certified Fine to Flush.
And of course, when you’re out and about, all parents need a nappy changing bag, after all, those poonami’s can really catch you off guard.
If you’re after something super lightweight, Finnsøn’s ‘INGE Eco Changing Backpack with Changing Mat‘ is the perfect option.
Smart, elegant and unisex, it features four external pockets with waterproof zips, two side slip pockets which are ideal for bottles, and five internal pockets – including a zip compartment for securing keys, wallet or phone.
It also adapts from shoulder to stroller in a few clicks – what more could you want in a bag?
CLOTHING
From your baby being too hot or too cold, being a mum comes with an endless list of worries.
But one purchase parents have praised for making life that little bit easier, especially during the dreaded nighttime change, is Mori’s ‘Clever Zip Sleepsuits.’
Designed with a concealed two-way zip front, Sun readers loved how they’re crafted in a super soft fabric which is breathable, temperature-regulating and gentle on sensitive skin.
As for bedtime, baby sleeping bags are a popular choice, but it’s important to make sure they fit well around the shoulders so there’s no risk of your baby’s head slipping down into the bag.
To ensure your baby is the correct temperature, it’s important to have the right sleeping bag for the time of year.
NHS guidelines recommend:
- 2.5 tog: for use all year and for standard room temperatures of 16 to 20C (61 to 69F)
- 1.0 tog: for use in warmer weather and in warmer rooms of 20 to 24C (69-to 73F)
- 0.5 tog: for use in hot weather and warm room temperatures of 24 to 27C (73 to 80F)
It’s also advised to monitor your baby’s nursery using a device such as ‘Misty the smart cloud4 in 1 night light,’ which is a thermometer, sleep inducing light show, sleep trainer and personal assistant.
As for keeping warm on a winter’s day, a pramsuit, such as Jojo Maman Bebe’s ‘Bear Cosy,’ is the perfect outer layer for chillier weather.
ALL THE EXTRAS
“Muslins came up as one of the top baby ‘must haves’ in my newborn equipment poll in my community – and for good reason,” Hannah comments.
“There’s no end to their usefulness – a cover for the pram, sunshade, putting on a change mat when out and about, makeshift play mat, swaddle, feeding shield for breast feeding, make shift bib, winding cloth, light blanket.”
Sun readers loved Etta Loves for sensory muslins and Jojo Maman Bebe’s ‘5-Pack Pretty Beatrix Potter Embroidered Muslins‘ for softness.
And, when it comes to blankets, Their Future’s sustainable and super soft-touch ‘baby blanket‘ was a popular choice for the eco-conscious.
It features special technology to ensure it doesn’t release microfibres, is created without the use of chemicals, and doesn’t absorb moisture into the fabric, preventing odours from developing.
Plus, once the blanket has reached the end of its working life, it can be returned for recycling where it can then be used to produce new yarn for new fabric.
For anyone looking for a gift for a mum-to-be, the ‘Rockit‘ is a clever accessory that rocks any stroller, pram, buggy or pushchair, helping to soothe the baby to sleep and give you some well-deserved rest.
Another great idea is a subscription for ‘Lovevery playkits,’ which include stage-based play essentials for your child’s developing brain.
Alternatively, the ‘Taf Toys Newborn Kit‘ from Mamas & Papas is an ‘all in one’ gift set that contains 12 must have newborn products to help babies develop through play and exploration.