My Newborn Baby Essentials

My Newborn Baby Essentials

Hello! I want to start by saying a HUGE congratulations if you’re reading this whilst expecting a little baby! And if not; I really hope you find this post interesting or useful for the future or for a friend/relative. This blog post (and video) talks you though everything that I’ve got in preparation of becoming a new mummy (I’m just over 36 weeks pregnant as I type!) and I REALLY hope you find it useful.

 

Prior to buying items for my newborn I did a LOT of research; I’ve read books, I’ve spoken to ALL of my mummy friends and (the most fun for me!) I’ve watched a tonne of YouTube videos from both UK and US mummies. I remember feeling so overwhelmed at this new baby world but I finally feel like I’ve got my head around it and I really hope the information below makes things simpler for you.

 

I started buying items when I was around 20 weeks pregnant (I did buy a few little things before this!!) and I think I’ve just about finished; but if you can recommend anything else to me please say as I am the queen of online shopping 😉

 

So let’s get into it and see what I’ve bought for my newborn under the following categories:

  • Sleeping Arrangements & Clothing
  • Nappy Changes & Bath Time
  • Play Time & Going Out
  • Feeding your Baby

 

PS You can also download my Newborn Baby Checklist to print and tick off as you buy!

 

 

Shop my Essentials!

Sensory Balls
Sensory Balls
P’s favourite sensory rattle
P’s favourite sensory rattle
P’s Vitamins
P’s Vitamins
Car Mirror
Car Mirror
Our new cellular blanket
Our new cellular blanket
Our new swaddles for 0-3 months
Our new swaddles for 0-3 months
Our gro bag for 0-4 months and beyond!
Our gro bag for 0-4 months and beyond!
Our new nappy caddy
Our new nappy caddy
Our new milestone cards
Our new milestone cards
H’s vitamin D drops 0-6 months
H’s vitamin D drops 0-6 months
Your Baby Week by Week
Your Baby Week by Week
Pipi Bear Changing Backpack
Pipi Bear Changing Backpack
Grey Changing Backpack
Grey Changing Backpack
Changing Backpack
Changing Backpack
Baby Bag
Baby Bag
White Noise Maker
White Noise Maker
Next to Me Cot from Shnuggle
Next to Me Cot from Shnuggle
Changing Mat – Ideal for Travel!
Changing Mat – Ideal for Travel!
Sanitising Water
Sanitising Water
Our white-noise maker
Our white-noise maker
Video Monitor
Video Monitor
Quinny Pram
Quinny Pram
Nappy Caddy
Nappy Caddy
Socks On
Socks On
Sleepsuits
Sleepsuits
Baby on Board Sign
Baby on Board Sign
Baby D Drops
Baby D Drops
Baby Nail File
Baby Nail File
Love to Dream Swaddle Up
Love to Dream Swaddle Up
Hana Baby Wrap
Hana Baby Wrap
Baby Car Mirror
Baby Car Mirror
Lamaze Firefly
Lamaze Firefly
Baby Bibs
Baby Bibs
Baby Thermometer
Baby Thermometer
Teether
Teether
Personalised Bunny Comforter
Personalised Bunny Comforter
Soft Book
Soft Book
Lots of Links
Lots of Links
Lumie Bedbug Night Light
Lumie Bedbug Night Light
Hair Brush
Hair Brush
Baby Coconut Oil
Baby Coconut Oil
Black and White Book
Black and White Book
Nipple Balm
Nipple Balm
Manual Breast Pump
Manual Breast Pump
Slow Flow Bottle
Slow Flow Bottle
Reusable Nursing Pads
Reusable Nursing Pads
Breast Pads
Breast Pads
Pretty Muslins
Pretty Muslins
Mother’s Cocoon
Mother’s Cocoon
Nursing Pillow
Nursing Pillow
Changing Bag
Changing Bag
Pramsuit
Pramsuit
Baby Carrier
Baby Carrier
Car Seat
Car Seat
Pram or Car Seat Blanket
Pram or Car Seat Blanket
Water Wipes
Water Wipes
Aqua Wipes
Aqua Wipes
Hooded Towels
Hooded Towels
White Muslins
White Muslins
Swaddle Blankets
Swaddle Blankets
Baby Sponge
Baby Sponge
Soft Fleecy Blanket
Soft Fleecy Blanket
Baby Bouncer
Baby Bouncer
Angel Care Nappy Bin
Angel Care Nappy Bin
Nappy Sacks
Nappy Sacks
Nappy Cream
Nappy Cream
Whale Scoop
Whale Scoop
Bath Thermometer
Bath Thermometer
Shnuggle Baby Bath
Shnuggle Baby Bath
Top & Tail Bowl
Top & Tail Bowl
Shnuggles Changing Mat
Shnuggles Changing Mat
GroEgg 2
GroEgg 2
0-4m Newborn GroBag/Swaddle
0-4m Newborn GroBag/Swaddle
Shnuggles Moses Basket
Shnuggles Moses Basket
Flat Sheets
Flat Sheets
Cellular Blankets
Cellular Blankets
GroEgg Original
GroEgg Original

 

SLEEPING ESSENTIALS & CLOTHING

  • Moses Basket – For the first 6 months our baby is going to sleep in our room, next to our bed, in a moses basket from Shnuggles. It comes with a firm mattress and an ingenious wooden stand which turns upside down so you can turn it into a rocker for during the day (scroll down to see!). We also have their cotton cloud fitted sheets which are so adorable!*
  • Swaddle Blankets – Swaddling allows your baby to sleep snuggly without the need for multiple loose blankets. I have two swaddle blankets (which are a bit like extra large muslins) from Storksak and 3 from Luxe Panda .. luckily there is a card in the box which provides visual instructions on how to do it but the aim is for your baby to have his or her arms wrapped over each other with their legs left with enough space to move around.
  • Flat Sheet & Cellular Blanket – This is the traditional way of tucking a baby up to sleep; with his or her feet to the base of the bed you pop over a flat sheet and a cellular blanket, tucking both underneath the mattress well below the baby’s arms and shoulders (so they can’t wriggle under!). Cellular blankets have little holes in them which help the air to circulate so your baby can regulate their temperature better.
  • Sleeping Bag (also known as sleepsuit bags, bundlers & Grobags) – Using a sleeping bag means that you don’t need a swaddle blank or any top sheets; you simply select the correct tog (thickness) of sleeping bag according to the temperature of your room and pop your dressed baby inside to sleep! I have a cute light weight fox-print newborn sleeping bag from JoJo Maman Bebe and a cosy grey Grobag from The Gro Company.
  • Long & Short Sleeved Vests (also known as Body Suits) – These are what your baby will have on 99% of their time; they help the baby to stay warm and to keep the nappy in place. I’ve got some more expensive cute ones as well as a multi-pack of white ones from M&S & also Mothercare.
  • Sleep Suits (also known as Baby Grows) – Sleep suits go over the top of the nappy and vest and are what newborn babies mainly wear; again I have some really cute more expensive ones and then a multi-pack set from M&S & also Mothercare.
  • White Noise Maker – We have a white noise maker from My Hummy; it’s a super cute teddy bear that works via an app on your phone using blue tooth. You can choose from 5 different white noise sounds which are designed to help sooth the baby to sleep and stay asleep; Amniotic fluid with heartbeat, Rainfall, Sea waves, Hairdryer and Vacuum cleaner.
  • Room Thermometer – I’m planning on getting a Gro Egg thermometer which changes colour depending on the temperature of the room so you can adjust the baby’s environment and/or clothing accordingly. You should aim for a temperature of 16-20 degrees C; look out for it in my nursery tour video!**

 

*The Lullaby Trust recommend that the moses basket or cot is kept free from soft toys and bumpers etc.

**For more information about sleeping arrangements as well as to see a temperature guide for using sleeping bags (tog guide) visit the Lullaby Trust and the Mothercare Website respectively.

 

 

NAPPY CHANGES & BATH TIME

  • Nappies – I bulk bought Pampers Pure Nappies in size 1 when they were on offer as they sounded the most natural (and effective) for my baby’s bottom! They come in packs of 35 to 50.
  • Changing Mat – We have a super soft grey changing mat from Shnuggles that is designed with an elevated head to help reduce colic as well as raised sides to help prevent baby rolling off.
  • Cotton Wool & Top and Tail Bowl –  It is advised to use just cotton wool & water to clean your baby for the first few weeks after birth and to make things easier you can get a top and tail bowl to pop cotton wool in one side and water in the other! At my NCT class I learnt that you must wipe each eye from the inside to the outside with a new cotton pad each time (to prevent infection).
  • Baby Wipes – I have a small collection of baby wipes which I plan on using if cotton wool and water isn’t enough for the infamous sticky poo! I have Water Wipes, Aqua Wipes, Kit & Kin Wipes & Little Angels Wipes.
  • Baby Bath – Although it’s not advisable to bath your baby for around the first 7-10 days after birth (you can top and tail them before this!), we have a super cute baby bath from Shnuggles that comes with a foam back rest and clever bum bump support so your baby can sit upright.
  • Baby Bath Thermometer – I also have a baby bath thermometer which I’ve been using throughout my pregnancy; it’s a little duck from Amazon and the aim is for the water temperature to be 37 degrees C (body temperature).
  • Baby Sponges – To help bath our baby we have some cute baby sponges from Little Angels at Asda.
  • Whale Scoop – This was the very first thing that I bought our baby! It’s from Amazon and it allows you to rinse your baby’s hair without getting water in his or her eyes!
  • Hooded Towel – I couldn’t resist buying a gorgeous bear hooded towel (as shown in the video above) from M&S to use after bath-time. You can also get them from Amazon.
  • Bepanthen or Metanium – These are nappy creams which you should only use if your baby suffers with nappy rash; the best way to prevent nappy rash is to change the nappy regularly, dry your baby thoroughly, and to allow some nappy-free time too!
  • Nappy Sacks – I plan on keeping nappy sacks in my changing bag for when I’m out and about (to pop dirty nappies in!!)
  • Nappy Bin – To save us going back and forth to our main bin we have an Angel Care nappy bin in our nursery which locks away smells as well as dirty diapers!

 

For more information on bathing your baby check out the NCT and Baby Centre websites.

 

 

PLAY TIME & GOING OUT

  • Baby Bouncer – We have a cute baby bouncer from MyBabiie (which I will actually be giving away in my nursery tour post on Instagram!!) which vibrates to help sooth a baby too. It looks amazing, feels so comfy and even has its own matching highchair too (which I think we’ll be using from aged 6 months!).
  • Fleece Blanket – We don’t have a play-gym as yet but we do have a soft fleecy blanket from My Hummy!
  • Muslins Muslins are cotton squares and are essential for both inside and outside the house; you can use them to mop up sick and spillages.
  • Baby Carrier – Babies like to be close to their parents at most times of the day, and a carrier allows you to ‘wear’ your baby whilst getting on with jobs whilst they sleep. They are also a great alternative when going for a walk if you don’t want to take a pram! We have the Baby Bjorn Mini in light grey.
  • Baby Hats – Baby hats are essential for cooler days when you’re out and about and I have a selection from JoJo Maman Bebe!*
  • Baby Cardigan – Similar to baby hats, cardigans help to keep your baby warm; a must in the winter months (my baby is due in November!). I have one from John Lewis so far and my kind mum has crocheted us some too!
  • Pramsuit – Yet another winter essential for keeping your baby warm when you’re out and about; I love our pramsuit (as shown in the video above!) as it even has a cute teddy bear hood and paw print gloves!
  • Pram Blanket – To keep your baby nice and snug; our pram blanket is grey and white and is from Shnuggles.
  • Changing Bag – A changing bag is essential for when you leave the house with a baby and mine is the Charlotte from Storksak; it has special straps which attach to a pram and inside there’s loads of room for nappies, a spare change of clothes and much more. It even comes with its own folding changing mat and bottle insulator!
  • Car Seat – This is an essential requirement if you’re leaving hospital in a car; we have a grey Apramo All Stage Car Seat which as well as spinning 360 degrees C, is suitable from birth up to 12 years of age!

 

*Hats are not recommended for when the baby is sleeping or for when the baby is inside.

 

 

FEEDING YOUR BABY ESSENTIALS

  • Nursing Pillow – A nursing pillow has multiple uses; from supporting your body during feeding time, to acting as a support for your baby during tummy or sitting time. Mine is from Asda!
  • A Mother’s Cocoon – If you plan on breast feeding in public but don’t want to ‘show all’ then this piece of clothing is for you; it’s a beautifully soft large shawl/scarf that can be worn in a number of different ways. You can get one from Amazon.
  • Muslins – I love these bamboo and cotton Storksak Muslins as a change from my plain white ones!
  • Breast Pads – If you suffer with nipple leakage when these will be essential; I have some from disposable ones from Lansinoh and Asda too however I know that the re-useable nursing pads come highly rated too!
  • Baby Bottle – I plan to do a whole blog post on expressing breast milk (which I only plan on doing once breast feeding is established), but for now I have a slow-flow baby bottle for when the time comes! I’m also going to buy a manual breast pump before looking into electric ones; I’ve been recommended the Lansinoh brand though.
  • Nipple Balm – I didn’t show this in the video (as it’s featuring in my Hospital Bag Video!) but I have No Harm Nipple Balm from My Expert Midwife which is designed to make breast feeding more comfortable; as a bonus you don’t have to remove it prior to feeding either!

 

 

OTHER ITEMS YOU MAY NEED

  • Pacifiers/Dummies – I’m still not sure how I feel about pacifiers but I have heard that they can be quite soothing for a newborn baby and there is some research that they can help to reduce the risk of SIDS. The Lullaby Trust has some excellent advice on this and suggests that you don’t use a pacifier until breast feeding is established, which can take around 4 weeks.
  • Baby Scissors & a Baby Hair Brush – I think these are self-explanatory! A baby kit such as this one from JD Williams may come in handy.
  • Your Baby Week by Week – I’ve been recommended this book by so many people that I cannot wait to read it; it’s a bit like a baby manual!!
  • Brain Rules for BabyThis book was recommended in a US baby video that I watched and I thought it was right up my street; I haven’t read it yet but I plan on doing so during those late night feeds!!
  • Black & White Book – I didn’t show this in the video but I remember Fleur de Force recommending this Black & White Book (so I bought it!); this one is for the baby as opposed to the parent!!
  • The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding – Again I didn’t show this in the video but this is a book that has been recommended to me so many times; a must if you plan on breastfeeding.

 

 

Do let me know if you find my list useful & GOOD LUCK!

 

PS You can also download my Newborn Baby Checklist to print and tick off as you buy!

 

 

*This blog post is NOT sponsored. Most items have been bought with my own money however some are gifts. All opinions are my own and are 100% honest. Some links may be affiliated.

 

View this post on Instagram

• HOW MANY CLOTHES & WHAT TO WEAR • ? . The most frequently asked question on my DM’s so far has been ‘how many clothes did you buy’ & ‘what do you dress your baby in’ .. so hopefully between my answers below & your comments (please comment below with your thoughts too!!) it’ll lead you in the right direction..???? . ?? Here is what I bought as a starter & it’s taken me to 8 weeks (I was told to expect an ‘average’ size baby ie 7lbs 8oz which he was!) .. I swapped between sizes (eg I would use a size up vest/sleepsuit if I was behind on washing!) for a while but now that he is 8 weeks old & 11/12 lbs he is firmly out of his newborn/one month sleepsuits! ? . ? NB .. I washed & tumble dried daily at first (sometimes more than once in a day!) & now wash several times a week! . NEWBORN (up to 7.5lbs) ?? 7 x white short sleeve vests ?? 7 x white long sleeve vests (didn’t need!) ?? 5 x white sleep suits ?? These lasted him 2-3 weeks . NEWBORN/ONE MONTH (up to 10lbs) ? 5 x short sleeve vests ? 3 x blue sleep suits (for bed) ? 4 x fancy sleep suits ? 1 x newborn sleeping bag ? 3 x 0-6 month sleeping bags ? 2 x leggings/top combo ? 3 x pairs socks ? 2 x little jackets ? 3 x cotton hats . ONE TO THREE MONTHS (up to 15lbs) ?5 x short sleeved plain vests ?5 x long sleeve fancy vests ?3 x fancy bottoms ?3 x tops ?5 x casual sleep suits (for bed) ?4 x fancy sleep suits ?2 x jackets ?2 x pram-suits ?3 x wool hats . ? Shops size their clothes differently so my advice would be to check the weight guide & to buy at least ‘one month’ (up to 10lbs) for your new born as 0-3 month clothes will drown 99.9% of babies for a number of weeks! . ? For bed he wears a sleep suit +/- a short sleeve vest under a sleeping bag.. . ☀️In the day he wears a short sleeve vest with sleep suit or long sleeve vest & leggings with feet or leggings with socks, or (like today!) a short sleeve vest with tracksuit bottoms & top! . ? When leaving the house we add a jacket & hat! . Have you got any more clothing tips for a new born? ? . PS For more info check out my ‘newborn essentials’ blog post & video on mummynutrition.com! ? . #mummyblogger #newbornclothes

A post shared by Nichola Ludlam-Raine??RD ?? (@mummynutrition) on

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2 Comments

  1. Anna baumann
    October 22, 2018 / 3:10 am

    Awww Nic this is so great, I’m just reading it breast feeding my bubba who has decided not to sleep tonight.
    I wish I had been this prepared, you have everything ready 🙂 just need baby now! Good luck with everything xxx
    So excited for you

    • mummynutrition
      Author
      October 22, 2018 / 5:36 am

      Aww thank you Anna!! I can wait for the final piece of the puzzle just a few weeks longer 🙂 I also cannot sleep.. been awake 3am-5:30am.. ohh no!!! xxx

My Newborn Essentials

Sensory Balls
Sensory Balls
Idela for little hands
P’s favourite sensory rattle
P’s favourite sensory rattle
P’s Vitamins
P’s Vitamins
0-6 months
Car Mirror
Car Mirror
This is our new one so we have one in each car!
Our new cellular blanket
Our new cellular blanket
in pink ;)
Our new swaddles for 0-3 months
Our new swaddles for 0-3 months
1.0 tog
Our gro bag for 0-4 months and beyond!
Our gro bag for 0-4 months and beyond!
Arms in or out!
Our new nappy caddy
Our new nappy caddy
Great value!
Our new milestone cards
Our new milestone cards
H’s vitamin D drops 0-6 months
H’s vitamin D drops 0-6 months
Just one tiny drop a day is all you need!
Your Baby Week by Week
Your Baby Week by Week
Loved this book!
Pipi Bear Changing Backpack
Pipi Bear Changing Backpack
Thousands of great reviews!
Grey Changing Backpack
Grey Changing Backpack
Thousands of positive reviews!
Changing Backpack
Changing Backpack
with changing mat
Baby Bag
Baby Bag
Ideal for your changing bag to keep your baby's nappies, wipes & a spare change of clothes!
White Noise Maker
White Noise Maker
Another of your suggestions!
Next to Me Cot from Shnuggle
Next to Me Cot from Shnuggle
I would get this for baby 2!
Changing Mat – Ideal for Travel!
Changing Mat – Ideal for Travel!
Use the promo code NIPPER for 10% off!
Sanitising Water
Sanitising Water
Travel Size
Our white-noise maker
Our white-noise maker
it's bluetooth so connects to your phone with an app!
Video Monitor
Video Monitor
Essential when your baby sleeps in another room to you
Quinny Pram
Quinny Pram
Love this brand!
Nappy Caddy
Nappy Caddy
Perfect for around the house!
Socks On
Socks On
Because baby socks ALWAYS fall off!
Sleepsuits
Sleepsuits
An essential for day & night!
Baby on Board Sign
Baby on Board Sign
For your car!
Baby D Drops
Baby D Drops
Just 1 tiny drop daily is all you need. Needed from 0-6 months old if breastfed.
Baby Nail File
Baby Nail File
You pop them on your thumb!
Love to Dream Swaddle Up
Love to Dream Swaddle Up
For when my baby is too big for his Gro Snug!
Hana Baby Wrap
Hana Baby Wrap
For baby wearing!
Baby Car Mirror
Baby Car Mirror
Essential when driving alone.
Lamaze Firefly
Lamaze Firefly
Great for development!
Baby Bibs
Baby Bibs
Love the design!
Baby Thermometer
Baby Thermometer
From Braun
Teether
Teether
This one is so popular!
Personalised Bunny Comforter
Personalised Bunny Comforter
Such a gorgeous gift!
Soft Book
Soft Book
For the pram!
Lots of Links
Lots of Links
To attach to the toys!
Lumie Bedbug Night Light
Lumie Bedbug Night Light
We have this in our nursery.
Hair Brush
Hair Brush
The bristles are so soft!
Baby Coconut Oil
Baby Coconut Oil
I was bought this as a gift!
Black and White Book
Black and White Book
For your newborn!
Nipple Balm
Nipple Balm
Essential if you're breast feeding.
Manual Breast Pump
Manual Breast Pump
To have on hand to catch excess milk
Slow Flow Bottle
Slow Flow Bottle
To mimic breast feeding
Reusable Nursing Pads
Reusable Nursing Pads
More environmentally Friendly
Breast Pads
Breast Pads
For leaky nipples!
Pretty Muslins
Pretty Muslins
Love these from Storksak
Mother’s Cocoon
Mother’s Cocoon
For nursing your baby.
Nursing Pillow
Nursing Pillow
For you and baby.
Changing Bag
Changing Bag
Suitable for mum and dad!
Pramsuit
Pramsuit
Essential in colder weather!
Baby Carrier
Baby Carrier
I love this mini from Baby Bjorn
Car Seat
Car Seat
We have this fixed car seat - it's 0-12 years! You can get it cheaper else where though FYI.
Pram or Car Seat Blanket
Pram or Car Seat Blanket
Love this one!
Water Wipes
Water Wipes
For nappy changes!
Aqua Wipes
Aqua Wipes
For nappy changes!
Hooded Towels
Hooded Towels
So cute for after a bath!
White Muslins
White Muslins
I love multipacks of these!
Swaddle Blankets
Swaddle Blankets
Love the panda print!
Baby Sponge
Baby Sponge
For bath time!
Soft Fleecy Blanket
Soft Fleecy Blanket
For tummy time!
Baby Bouncer
Baby Bouncer
This one vibrates too!
Angel Care Nappy Bin
Angel Care Nappy Bin
I have this in our nursery.
Nappy Sacks
Nappy Sacks
These are Eco Disposal
Nappy Cream
Nappy Cream
We use this to protect H's bum!
Whale Scoop
Whale Scoop
To help wash your baby.
Bath Thermometer
Bath Thermometer
Aim for 37 degrees C.
Shnuggle Baby Bath
Shnuggle Baby Bath
Perfect for bath time!
Top & Tail Bowl
Top & Tail Bowl
For cotton wool & water washes.
Shnuggles Changing Mat
Shnuggles Changing Mat
Perfect for nappy changes!
GroEgg 2
GroEgg 2
This is bigger than the original!
0-4m Newborn GroBag/Swaddle
0-4m Newborn GroBag/Swaddle
Perfect for those early months to sleep in (available in summer & winter versions)
Shnuggles Moses Basket
Shnuggles Moses Basket
For 0-6 months
Flat Sheets
Flat Sheets
To go over your baby at night.
Cellular Blankets
Cellular Blankets
To go over a flat sheet at night or to be used alone in the pram.
GroEgg Original
GroEgg Original
To track room temperature (aim for 18-20 degrees!)
Shop Now
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