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Are you a first-time mum-to-be (or dad-to-be) looking for a shopping list that just tells you straight what you actually need to buy? Well, you’ve landed in the right place because I’ve curated a baby shopping list of the essentials you need before the birth of your baby.
I’ve based the list on my own experiences, and from comparing notes with other first-time mums, it’s literally insider information from mums who have been there and done it.
I’ve revisited every purchase and evaluated its usefulness and how much it was actually used. Oh, the fun I’ve had reminiscing!
I’ve included my top brand and product recommendations, along with the best places to buy them.
I’ve highlighted the true essentials, the surprising hits, the not-so-needed buys, and the wish-I-had-known-sooner items.
A quick tip: The first thing I did when I started planning what I needed to buy was to start an Amazon Baby Wishlist.
The Wishlist is a complete no-brainer – you can organise all your baby products in one spot, save 15% when you spend over £200 and choose a welcome gift from a selection of best-selling baby things when you spend your first £20. It’s also useful for sharing with your friends and family or setting up a baby shower.
THE AT-A-GLANCE BABY SHOPPING LIST OF ESSENTIALS
Here is an at-a-glance list of all the essential baby stuff you need to have ready for the arrival of your first baby.
Need a printable version? Scroll to the end of the post to find out how to download a free PDF Baby Shopping List.
I’ve also put together a full baby shopping guide, which follows on from this list, with lots of information on why you need each item and the best products to buy.
1. SLEEP ESSENTIALS
- Bedside crib (with detachable Moses basket)
- Crib sheets
- White noise machine
- Blackout blind
- Swaddle sacks or blankets
- Video monitor
2. NURSERY NECESSITIES
- Bedside crib (with detachable Moses basket)
- Crib sheets
- White noise machine
- Blackout blind
- Swaddle sacks or blankets
- Video monitor
3. NAPPY SHOPPING LIST
- Size 1 disposable nappies
- Nappy cream
- Nappy bin
- Nappy bags
- Wipes
- Changing mat
- Reusable nappies (aim for 12-18 nappies)
- Reusable nappy liners
4. USEFUL TRAVEL EQUIPMENT
- Convertible stroller system
- Car seat
- Baby carrier or baby wrap
- Changing bag
5. ESSENTIAL FEEDING EQUIPMENT
- Baby bottles
- Steriliser
- Breast pump
- Nursing pillow
- Formula
- Nursing bras
- Breast pads
- Burp cloths
- Highchair
6. KEEPING BABY SAFE AND AMUSED
- Baby bouncer seat
- Baby gym
7. BATHING AND HEALTHCARE ESSENTIALS
- Hooded towels
- Washcloths
- Baby shampoo and body wash
- Baby lotion
- Baby bath support
8. BABY CLOTHES BASICS
- Short-sleeved onesies
- Long-sleeved onesies
- Ankle socks
- Sock-Ons (utter sanity-saving genius!)
- Snowsuit (for cooler months)
- Baby beenie hats
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE ESSENTIALS YOU NEED BEFORE YOUR NEW BABY ARRIVES
Want to know more about what to buy and why? Here is a complete guide to shopping for your first baby, everything you need to know in one useful guide to becoming a well-prepared first-time mum.
1. SLEEP ESSENTIALS
Sleep is everything when you have a newborn! For you and your baby. So having the means to get your baby to sleep and stay asleep is vital.
One of the big things my husband and I found really helpful was creating a womb-like experience for our baby daughter; somewhere cosy for her to sleep, something cosy and reassuringly womb-like to wear, womb-like noises and total darkness.
With this in mind, here is a list of the six baby sleep essentials I believe you need to have ready for when you bring your newborn home:
- Bedside crib (with detachable Moses basket)
- Crib sheets
- White noise machine
- Blackout blind
- Swaddle sacks or blankets
- Video monitor
And here’s a little more detail about each of these items, along with my recommendation for the best products to buy.
1. BEDSIDE CRIB
According to the NHS, the safest place for a baby to sleep for their first six months is in their own crib, cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for all their sleeps.
A bedside crib is the safest way to have your baby sleeping right next to you in your bedroom, it is much safer than having them in bed with you, and it is much easier to tend to your baby during the night if you can just roll over and reach out to them, rather than having to get up to reach the crib.
SnuzPod cribs are currently the best-selling bedside crib in the UK. They can be used from birth to six months.
There are a number of reasons why they are so popular, not least because they look so sleek and stylish, with a definite Scandi-chic vibe. They’ve won several design awards, including the Junior Magazine Gold Design award in 2021.
But perhaps more importantly, they fit more beds than any other bedside crib. They can be used as a bedside crib or stand-alone crib, and the bassinet/Moses basket is detachable – totally multifunctional genius.
Take a look at the SnüzPod 4 video to see just how brilliant they are and why they are so popular.
This Scandi-chic multi-functional crib is currently the best-selling crib in the UK.
- Fit more beds than any other bedside crib.
- Can be used as a bedside or stand-alone crib
- Bassinet/Moses basket is detachable
- It might not last as long as some parents would like, particularly if your baby grows quickly or is tall for their age
2. CRIB SHEETS
It’s a good idea to have a couple of sets of crib sheets so you don’t ever get caught out (especially useful in the middle of the night!).
These cotton jersey fitted sheets are made specifically to fit the SnüzPod 4, so if you're buying the SnüzPod4 you will need at least one set, which contains two sheets.
3. WHITE NOISE MACHINE
White noise machines things are AMAZING. They remind your baby of being in the womb, which is such a great way to get them to go to sleep and stay asleep.
There are many white noise machines to choose from. Just make sure to choose one that is specifically for babies to make sure that the sound levels are suitable for delicate baby ears.
My preference is always going to be for Ewan The Dream Sheep, not least because he is so darned cute!
Ewan The Sheep has become a bit of a cult classic for new parents, he's a lovely first baby thing to buy if you're a mum-to-be; cute but also practical!!
4. BLACKOUT BLIND
A black-out blind is a total no-brainer essential, especially in the lighter summer months. It is the perfect partner for a white noise machine for creating a womb-like environment for your baby to get a lovely, cosy sleep.
We used our blackout curtain endlessly until our daughter was several years old. It is also a complete life-saver (or night-saver!) when you are away from home.
This is the blackout curtain we had. It sticks to windows or window frames with suction cups.
5. SWADDLE SACKS OR WRAPS
Swaddle sacks or wraps are another essential for your womb-like armoury!! I vote for swaddle sacks or wraps over swaddling blankets because babies still seem to be able to wriggle out of swaddling blankets.
Swaddle sacks and wraps are like turning your baby into a tortilla pocket!
Make sure to read up on safety guidelines for swaddling before you give it a go.
Little Seeds is a Climate-Pledge Friendly brand and I love the chic grey/white colourway of these sleep wraps.
6. VIDEO MONITOR
The trend is to have a video baby monitor rather than just an audio monitor, so you can see and hear your baby during their nap times and then later on when they are in their own room. However, there is a new kid on the baby monitoring block…
The Cubo AI Plus is the very latest baby monitor on the market. It goes beyond being simply an audio-video smart baby monitor; it actually uses AI to help keep your baby safe!
Here is a quick overview of its main features:
AI-Driven Alerts: It provides proactive alerts for high-risk situations like the baby’s face being covered, potential rollovers, or if the baby crosses a set danger zone. These real-time warnings help to ensure your baby’s safety.
Sleep Analytics: Cubo Ai Plus offers detailed sleep analytics to help you understand and improve your baby’s sleep patterns over time.
Image Quality: With 1080p HD video quality, night vision, and a 135-degree wide-angle lens, you’ll get a clear and comprehensive view of your baby’s crib at any time of the day or night.
Two-way Audio: This feature allows you to hear your baby and soothe them with your voice, even from a distance.
Smart Home Compatibility: The Cubo Ai Plus integrates well with smart home systems, allowing you to control the monitor with voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Home.
Privacy and Security: The monitor offers a high standard of digital security and encryption to protect your privacy and data.
Alongside the long list of cutting-edge technology, the Cubo is also shaped like a cute little baby bird, so what's not to love?
Well, ok, the price! So, maybe this is an item to ask for if a loving relative wants to really treat you or to ask a few pals to club together to buy for your baby shower if you're having one.
2. NURSERY NECESSITIES
We started off with our baby daughter sleeping in our room at night, which is in line with guidelines that say it’s safest for a baby to sleep in the same room as its parent/s for the first six months.
However, we also set up a nursery for her, which she transitioned into once she was old enough. We also transitioned her from swaddling sacks to sleeping bags as soon as she started wriggling.
A cotbed is a major outlay, and you could potentially wait until your baby is older to buy it, but once you are in the throes of parenting a baby, you might be glad of having already bought a cotbed and having it set up.
- Cotbed
- Cotbed mattress
- Cotbed waterproof mattress protector
- Cotbed sheets
- Sleeping bags
Here is a little look at some of the best-selling nursery essentials to buy.
1. COTBED
There are a gazillion different cotbeds to choose from. You want to make sure that the one you buy is sturdy and built to last – the idea of a cotbed is that it will serve you for several years, so you want them to be comfortable years for your baby as they grow.
2. COTBED MATTRESS
We put a lot of thought into buying a natural, breathable crib mattress. It felt right to make sure we were putting out daughter on a natural surface free from potentially harmful chemicals.
This is the PurFlo breathable mattress that we had for our daughter on her cotbed. It has won numerous awards.
The Purflo mattress has a 3D mesh structure and hollow core that enables superior breathability and temperature regulation, helping to reduce the risk of overheating.
The mattress can. be washed at 60 degrees, the temperature needed to kill dust mites, ensuring a hygienic sleeping environment.
It also features an Amicor Pure hypoallergenic layer, which means it is brilliant for toddlers and kids with allergies or asthma.
This mattress worked really well for my daughter, her bedroom was on the second floor of our house, so it was useful for keeping her cool in the summer months.
Top tip: Put a breathable waterproof fitted sheet over the mattress in case of nighttime accidents.
3. COTBED WATERPROOF MATTRESS PROTECTOR
You will absolutely need to have a waterproof mattress protector for your cotbed mattress. Ideally, you want one that is breathable and hypoallergenic but also pleasant to sleep on.
ClevaMama mattress protectors are all of these things and more. They are 100% waterproof and have a breathable internal membrane that blocks any liquid. They are ultra-sort, made from cotton, they are hypoallergenic to protect against mites and pollen and other allergens. They have deep skirts so that once they are on, they stay on. They are machine washable and tumble-drier safe for easy laundering.
These are the best mattress protectors around, breathable and comfortable, perfect for your child's cotbed.
4. COTBED FITTED SHEETS
Ideally, you need to have a couple of sets of fitted sheets that are both breathable and comfortable. These SilentNight sheets are just the ticket.
This two-pack if sheets is 100% cotton jersey. Always go for fitted sheets to keep your baby safe.
5. BABY SLEEPING BAGS
Once your baby can wriggle around, you should stop using swaddling and upgrade them to a baby sleeping bag.
The Snüz sleeping pods are brilliant and hugely popular in the UK.
This is 1.0 Tog sleeping bag, made from 100% Cotton with a zip for easy nappy changing.
3. NAPPY SHOPPING LIST
There are ecological pros and cons to both disposable nappies/diapers and reusable nappies/diapers. So I suggest you go with what you feel most comfortable with. We went with disposable nappies, and I am really happy with the choice we made.
- Size 1 disposable nappies
- Nappy cream
- Nappy bin
- Nappy bags
- Wipes
- Changing mat
- Reusable nappies (aim for 12-18)
- Reusable nappy liners
Here are some of the best-selling nappies and nappy-related kit for babies.
1. DISPOSABLE NAPPIES
If you want to stock up on disposable nappies, get prepared by buying 144 x newborn size (Size 1) disposable nappies.
2. NAPPY CREAM
This stuff is pretty much a cult classic when it comes to baby products. Weleda Calendula Nappy Change Cream makes even the most messy of nappy changes end on a delightful note.
3. NAPPY BIN
Now, this Ubbi odour-locking nappy disposal bin is just brilliant because you don’t need to buy individual nappy sacks for it. You can just use any regular rubbish bags. That’s a BIG MONEY and TIME SAVER right there!!!
I wish, wish, wish we had had one of these. Our nappy bin needed its own cassettes of nappy sacks, and when it was getting full, it gave off an aroma that wasn’t the best.
As well as allowing you to use ordinary bin bags, this nappy bin has an airtight lock to keep that bad nappy smell in, so your nursery smells fresh. Take a look at glowing reviews from over 2.5k happy parents.
4. NAPPY BAGS
This is another area where you can go full-eco and do your bit for the planet. These nappy bags are both biodegradable and compostable.
5. NAPPY WIPES
Go for biodegradable wipes every time - these are perfect because they are 99.9% water.
6. CHANGING MAT
The nappy changing is one area where you can really cut back on costs… by not spending out on an expensive nappy changing unit.
We managed very well by just using a nappy changing pad on either our bed or on the floor of the nursery.
Just make sure you go for a contoured pad to keep your baby safely on it, and never leave your baby unattended on it.
This wedge-shaped baby changing mat is perfect for keeping your baby in one place whilst you change them.
7. REUSABLE CLOTH NAPPIES
If you want to go with reusable (cloth) nappies, then build up a set of 12-18 x reusable nappies.
8. NAPPY LINERS
You will also need nappy liners for resusable nappies. If you are going to seriously adhere to the reusable vibe, you can buy resusable nappy liners.
4. TRAVEL EQUIPMENT LIST
- Convertible stroller system
- Car seat
- Baby carrier or baby wrap
- Changing bag
Walking out of the hospital as new parents with your baby for the first time is one of the strangest feelings in the world ever!! We were eternally grateful that we’d taken the time to fit the car seat in the car way ahead of the birth. But even so, we drove home at around 10 miles per hour because we were so struck by how much responsibility we now had to keep our baby daughter safe!!
Here’s a list of the stuff we found essential for travelling around with our daughter in her first weeks and months.
1. CONVERTIBLE STROLLER SYSTEM
Much as it is lovely to have your baby snuggled into your chest, there are times when you will be thankful for having a stroller you can use.
One of the most cost-effective ways to buy a stroller is to choose one that converts from a flatbed to a stroller, so you can use it from birth through to the toddler years.
The BabyZen YoYo2 is incredibly popular, and with good reason. Watch the video and see how brilliant this slick, well-designed stroller system is.
The BabyZen YoYo2 is lightweight, compact and looks super stylish. It is suitable from newborn right the way through to the toddler years and is great for city families for whom space is at a premium.
2. BABY CAR SEAT
The baby car seat is one of the most important baby items you will ever buy. You literally need one to be allowed to bring your baby home by car or taxi.
We had a Maxi Cosi Pebble, and though this was a few years back now, the Pebble is still one of the most popular baby car seats around.
Maxi Cosi is known for its great safety record, which is just the reassurance you need when you’re putting the safety of your baby in a car seat.
The car seat is compatible with all the major travel systems and pushchair brands, and it can be fixed into your car with an Isofix base or seat belt.
The Maxi-Cosi Pebble Plus Baby Car Seat Group 0+ is a premium ISOFIX, i-Size compatible car seat designed to keep your baby safe and comfortable from birth up to approximately 12 months (0-13 kg, 45-75 cm).
Plus it has advanced safety features such as enhanced side-impact protection and it has a click-and-go installation system so you don't spend ages fiddling about transferring from car to travel system.
3. BABY CARRIER/BABY WRAP
We started off with a front baby carrier, which is a fairly structured piece of kit and my husband loved carrying our baby daughter in it.
We started off with a front baby carrier, which is a fairly structured piece of kit and my husband loved carrying our baby daughter in it.
The Infantino 4-in-1 carrier is an absolute best-seller on Amazon, and it has an almost perfect 5* rating based on, wait for it… 56,156 ratings. So it’s pretty safe to say that it is a great buy.
The carrier has an adjustable ergonomic seat, shoulder straps and a waist belt to shift weight to the wearer's hips, which means you can adjust it to be comfortable for you as well as for your baby.
It has a removable bib that can be machine washed - invaluable for keeping the carrier clean!
Although my husband loved using the baby carrier, I yearned after having a baby sling because I wanted to feel that my daughter was as snuggled in as possible on me.
So I did also end up buying a baby sling, which I totally and utterly loved using. My baby daughter felt so much more snuggled into me than she did in the carrier, which was great for comforting her and a lovely experience for me.
The Ergobaby Aura Baby Wrap is made from acacia and eucalyptus viscose. It is really popular with new mums because it is easy to tie and also has a built-in pocket.
5. FEEDING EQUIPMENT ESSENTIALS
You may plan to breastfeed your baby, or you may plan to formula-feed your baby. Until your baby is born, there is no certainty about how you will actually feed your baby.
For example, I planned to breastfeed but ended up combination feeding (breastfeeding and formula feeding) for a year.
So you want to be prepared rather than having to rush around panic-buying feeding equipment if breastfeeding isn’t working out or going as well as hoped.
Top tip: Don’t go buying a bunch of bottles until you know for sure how you’ll feed your baby. But it is a good idea to have a couple of baby bottles ready for your newborn, at the very least, as it takes the pressure off, and that can only be a good thing if you’re starting to breastfeed for the first time.
- Baby bottles
- Steriliser
- Breast pump
- Nursing pillow
- Formula
- Nursing bras
- Breast pads
- Burp cloths
- Highchair
So here is a list of some of the best-sellers that you might like to buy.
1. BABY BOTTLES
There is a lot of talk about bottle-feeding confusing babies. I had no problem at all feeding my baby daughter from the bottle and breastfeeding her. It wasn’t what I had planned to do, but due to circumstance, it is what I did do, and you know what? My baby thrived on being combination fed, and she’s a super healthy, happy child.
Go for bottles with newborn nipples that mimic breastfeeding, like the original Closer To Nature breast-like bottle by Tomee Tippee.
These bottles have an anti-colic valve that reduces excessive airflow, which is a sanity saver for both mother and baby. Plus, the silicone teat has a 95% latch rate, which means that it is beyond likely that your baby will take to these bottles with ease.
2. STERILISER
I suggest you buy a microwave steam steriliser because they are true space savers, and it’s also much cheaper than buying a whole big baby steriliser set that sits looking ugly and takes up precious space on your kitchen worktop.
You don’t have to buy the same brand of steriliser as your baby bottles. This NUK microwave steriliser is an Amazon Choice product and has a great price.
3. BREAST PUMP
I had a manual breast pump, but if I did it all over again, I would go for an electric breast pump.
The Elvie has a cult-like following with mums, it is wire and tube free and fits discreetly into your bra, and it is ultra quiet, so you can literally pump from anywhere.
It does come with a hefty price tag, so if you think this is the breast pump for you, it could well be something to add to your Amazon Baby Wishlist.
The Elvie Pump is a wearable electric breast pump that manages to combine comfort, discretion, and technology. There are two shield sizes - 24mm and 28mm shields for a personalised fit.
It is touted as the smallest, quietest, and smartest breast pump on the market. It's hands-free and fits snugly into your nursing bra.
It also comes with an app so you can monitor milk volume in real time, track your pumping history, and control the pump remotely.
4. NURSING PILLOW
I made so much use of my breastfeeding pillow, a feeding pillow makes it so much easier to get your baby into a good position to feed and makes it so much more comfortable for you.
The For Your Little One breastfeeding pillow is a best-seller on Amazon and has been shortlisted for several awards, including the Mother & Baby Awards.
5. BABY FORMULA
One of my most important tips is to buy some baby formula. Even if you have your heart set on breastfeeding your baby, it takes the pressure off.
I am eternally grateful that we had some formula to hand in the hospital, as we had a tricky start to breastfeeding.
Once I got going with breastfeeding, I still used to use formula at times. I started off with Aptamil but then switched to the HIPP Organic formula.
HIPP organic baby formula is a nutritionally complete, whey-based, infant milk made from organic ingredients (no pesticides are used in the pastures where the cows graze).
HIPP meets and exceeds EU organic standards by working with nature rather than against it, in a sustainable way that protects biodiversity.
Amongst other things, I love that HIPP is Climate Pledge Friendly, which seems so pertinent when you’re bringing a new person into the world.
6. NURSING BRAS
Make sure to get measured before you buy your maternity bras, it is really important to give your breasts the correct support.
M&S offers a great measuring service. They have an ever-changing collection of breastfeeding bras.
7. NURSING PADS
Nursing pads are one of those items you don’t realise you actually need – until you actually need them to soak up your breast milk!
You can buy disposable breast pads, but I think it is well worth going for reusable ones and these bamboo pads are super eco-friendly.
Over 12,000 ratings put these pads at an almost perfect 5* on Amazon.
8. BURP CLOTHS
Burp cloths are an absolute essential. You find yourself using them for so much more than burp cloths too!
These bamboo cloths are super popular and are a brilliant shape. They are made from bamboo, which makes them lovely and eco-friendly.
9. HIGHCHAIR
We had the Stokke Tripp Trapp chair in natural wood, and it really does last from the baby days right up to adulthood if you want it to, though we sold it on once our daughter started primary school, as she then felt she was far too grown-up to be using it!
There are a bunch of accessories you can buy for the Tripp Trapp, including a newborn insert set, so you really can make use of it from the early days of parenthood.
The chair's ergonomic design promotes correct seating position, while its solid construction and robust materials ensure safety and durability. With a wide range of colours and available accessories, the Tripp Trapp Highchair effortlessly blends functionality with style.
6. KEEPING BABY SAFE AND AMUSED
Much as sleep is a big focus, it’s also important to be prepared for keeping your baby safe and amused during his or her waking hours.
If you’re feeling tired or need to get stuff done, the waking hours can feel very long at times. I think it’s pretty much essential to have a baby seat, and it’s an added bonus to have an activity mat as well. Both of these will keep your baby safe and stimulated during their waking hours.
- Baby bouncer seat
- Baby gym
Here are a couple of absolute classics you might like to buy.
1. BABY BOUNCER SEAT
We had this Fisher-Price Baby Bouncer chair, and our daughter absolutely loved it. She would kick her little legs in absolute delight for ages.
The Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler Rocker chair has calming vibrations to soothe your baby, clackers and rollerball toys attached to help stimulate them and keep them amused and has two recline positions.
You can use it for feeding your baby, too, in the early days before you get to highchairs.
2. BABY GYM
So, this Baby Einstein play mat has everything you could ever want to keep your baby amused!!!!
7. BATHING AND HEALTH SHOPPING LIST
There is a lot of debate over whether you actually need a baby bath, but my vote is firmly that you do. Unless you go for a baby bath support, which is the item I am going to add to the must-have baby shopping list.
In short, you want baby bathtime to be as safe and easy as possible. So you will really value having either a baby bath or a baby bath support when you’re tired and wrestling a wet, wriggly baby.
I found it useful to have a couple of baby towels with hoods and a stack of baby washcloths. Plus, baby shampoo, baby wash and baby lotion. Please don’t buy talc; it’s really not good for your baby in so many ways.
- Hooded towels
- Washcloths
- Baby shampoo and body wash
- Baby lotion
- Baby bath support
Here are a few suggestions of best-selling things you can buy for bathing your baby.
1. HOODED TOWELS
Towels with hoods are an absolute winner for keeping babies and toddlers warm and snuggled as you dry them - and they look super cute.
2. WASHCLOTHS
Wash cloths are endlessly useful, they also last forever. We still have ours, they've been washed and used and washed and used so many times.
3. BABY SHAMPOO AND BODY WASH
It's just delicious to smell and gorgeous to use. Leaves your baby's skin and hair super soft and fragrant.
4. BABY LOTION
You may as well have the Weleda baby lotion if you have the shampoo and bodywash, what's not to love?!
5. BABY BATH SUPPORT
This baby bath support has over 11,000 reviews giving it an absolutely perfect 5* rating.
It's not hard to see why it is so popular, it is lovely and soft to touch, whilst also being ergonomic and it warms very quickly to the baby's own body temperature and the temperature of the bath water, so your baby will be lovely and comfortable in all senses.
It's also got a water sensor, so you know that you have just the right amount of water in the bath for your baby's safety and comfort.
8. NEWBORN BABY CLOTHES NECESSITIES
I’m going to stick to the absolute newborn baby clothing necessities here. You will no doubt get bought gorgeous baby clothes as gifts – and find yourself buying a ton of gorgeous baby outfits as well once your baby is actually born and you know what will suit them.
So here are the absolute necessities that you need for your newborn baby clothing necessities.
Tip: Go for 0-3 months rather than newborn size, because your baby will grow out of newborn size SOOOO quickly!!
- Short-sleeved onesies
- Long-sleeved onesies
- Ankle socks
- Sock-ons
- Snowsuit (for cooler months)
- Baby beenie hats
There are so many briliant
It never ceases to amaze me at how easily a baby can wriggle their feet out of their socks. Sock-Ons are an absolute sanity saver.
I absolutely love how simple but clever Sock-Ons are, they are totally a baby necessity!!

HOW TO PLAN YOUR NEWBORN BABY SHOPPING
There’s a lot to think about when you’re having a baby and quite a few baby things to buy before the birth. So it’s worth taking some time to plan how you are going to shop for the baby.
Here is a list of some useful things for first-time mums to consider that will help you plan your baby shopping better.
WHEN SHOULD YOU START BUYING THINGS FOR YOUR BABY?
Even though finding out you are pregnant can be one of the most joyous moments in your life, I would suggest you pace yourself before rushing to buy lots of stuff for your baby and the nursery. Maybe satisfy your urge to spend by buying yourself some first-trimester of pregnancy must-haves.
There are several things you should take into consideration before you start your baby shopping:
1. TIME IS ON YOUR SIDE
Unless you found out late, you have several months between finding out you are pregnant and giving birth.
2. 12 WEEKS
Consider waiting until you have passed the 12-week point and had your first scan. Maybe satisfy your short-term shopping cravings by putting together your baby registry/wish list?
3. GENDER
I’m massively pro gender-neutral
4. BABY SHOWER
If someone is throwing you a baby shower it would be good to sign up to a baby registry and then do your own shopping once you’ve had the shower. Baby showers usually take place between month six and month eight. So consider the timing that works best for you.
5. AIM FOR DONE BY 8 MONTHS
It’s a good idea to have bought the most important baby things you need to buy before the birth of your baby by the time you are 8 months pregnant. There are several reasons for this:
- You will be at your heaviest and most tired by this point
- A due date is a rough estimate, your baby might come early
- It will keep your stress levels down and you can focus on buying the more fun stuff
As a side note, it’s also a good idea to have your hospital bag prepped and packed by eight months too. I’ve got a post on the hospital bag essentials to include for you, your new baby and the baby’s daddy/birthing partner.
6. MONEY SAVING
Depending on the time of year your baby is due, there might be some good opportunities to buy the big baby stuff and save money.
I’m thinking Black Friday, the January sales and summer sales. It’s a good idea to have a budget drawn up and then you can plan on buying something if you find it with a big saving.
Talking of money-saving, here are some great tips on how to save money on buying stuff for your new baby.
Related: The best baby registries guide
HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR BABY SHOPPING
Here are some great tips on things for first time mums to bear mind before you start putting together your newborn baby shopping list.
1. PLAN BEFORE YOU SHOP ONLINE
Online shopping is SO easy, and I wholeheartedly embrace it. However, it isn’t always the best way to save money, especially if you end up filling up your cart to get free delivery! Sometimes a well-planned shopping trip will save you money.
2. NAPPY SAVINGS
Nappies are a big expense. Your baby is likely to be using them until sometime between 18 months (super early in my book) and 3 years old. Of course, some kids need them for longer. Whilst buying your first packet of nappies will be a thrill, buying your fiftieth will be less so!
Some parents like to nappy stockpile ahead of the baby’s arrival. This way, they can home in on the best deals.
Remember to hold onto your receipts if you do this, as you won’t know for sure that the nappies you’ve bought work well for your baby until your baby is using them.
The other way to go about it is to ALWAYS LOOK FOR DEALS rather than just buy through the same retailer. There is always somewhere that will have a discount running.
3. BUY MULTI-PURPOSE BABY STUFF
You can’t do this with everything, but here are a few ideas:
- Baby crib that converts into a toddler bed
- The Stokke Tripp Trapp baby seat is an amazing piece of kit, as it can be adapted as your baby becomes and toddler and on into childhood.
- Baby travel system – can fit a baby car seat, will support your baby lying down and later when they are sitting up.
4. CHANGE UP YOUR WASHING AND GROOMING ESSENTIALS
The most important thing when washing and bathing your baby is to make sure the products you use are as simple and free from nasties as possible.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to buy everything, especially for a baby. If you don’t already, consider swapping your everyday shower gel, face wash, and shampoo for gentle, organic, chemical-free products that everyone in the household can use.
5. BORROW RATHER THAN BUY
There are some nice-to-haves like a moses basket, that your baby will be in for a matter of weeks. Ask a friend for one to borrow or have as a hand-me-down, then pass on the favour when you’re done with it.
I really hope this list of baby essentials has helped you put together a baby shopping list that means you are ready for the arrival of your newborn baby with plenty of energy to spare for making the most of the first few days, weeks and months with your precious new baby.
DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE PDF VERSION OF THE LIST OF BABY THINGS FOR FIRST-TIME MUMS TO BUY
AND A FINAL REMINDER: DON’T FORGET TO START YOUR BABY REGISTRY NOW!
As I mentioned at the start of this post, it is a great idea for you to take a look through the baby shopping list and add anything you think you will need to your Amazon Baby Wishlist and use it as your reference point and shopping list.
And don’t forget the Amazon Baby Wishlist gives you a saving of up to 15% when over £200 has been spent on products on the list. Oh, and there’s a welcome gift when you spend your first £20. Oh, oh, and there is a 365-day return policy, so anything it turns out you don’t need or use can go back.
QUICK CHECKLIST OF BABY THINGS TO BUY BEFORE BIRTH
Here is an at-a-glance list of all the baby things to buy before birth in case you simply want to start getting your head around all the things you need to buy. I’ve popped it into a printable, so if you keep scrolling down you can grab a copy of to download and print.
QUICK CHECK LIST OF BABY THINGS TO BUY BEFORE BIRTH
- Moses basket/bassinet/co-sleeper
- 3 x Cot sheets and mattress protectors
- White noise machine
- Blackout curtain
- 3 x Swaddle sacks
- Baby monitor
- Convertible crib
- Natural crib mattress
- 3 x fitted crib sheets and 3 x waterproof mattress covers
- Nappies - disposable
- Nappies - reusable
- Nappy liners for reusable nappies
- Nappy changing mat
- Biodegradable baby wipes
- Nappy rash cream
- Nappy sacks - for when you’re out and about
- Nappy bin
- Car seat that turns into a stroller
- Baby carrier
- Baby sling
- Baby changing bag
- Baby bottles
- Bottle steriliser
- Breast pump
- Breastfeeding pillow
- Baby formula
- 3 x nursing bras
- 2 x boxes of nursing pads
- 7 x burp cloths
- Nipple cream
- Baby bouncer seat
- High chair
- Baby activity mat
- Baby bath support
- Baby towels
- Baby washcloths
- Baby shampoo and body wash
- Baby lotion
- 0-3 month onesies
- 0-3 month long-sleeve onesies
- Baby socks
- Sock-ons
- Hat - sun hat or winter hat
- Snowsuit - for winter babies
MORE USEFUL BABY AND NEW MUM CONTENT
I’ve got a growing list of new mom and baby posts, so take a look and see if there is anything else I can help you with.
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Luci is the founder of Mums Make Lists (Est. 2011). Over the last decade or so, she has used her experience as a mum to create useful guides to organising family life. During that time, she has found the most joy in creating lists of ideas and inspiration to make it easier for busy parents to plan and host kids’ parties and find great gifts. Read more.
Pbss
Sunday 13th of November 2022
Thanks for sharing this post, I love this post because this is helpful and very informative for babies’ mothers. Babies accessories
Chidinma Prisca onyenagwa
Wednesday 16th of February 2022
It's my 1st pregnancy and I don't know what to buy,and besides I don't even know them when I see them Will need ur help on what n what to purchase for my new born babies.