Preparing for your baby’s birth is exciting, but it can also feel completely overwhelming. As midwives, we often see new parents caught in a whirlwind of “must-haves” that turn out to be anything but essential. As Black Friday approaches it’s so easy to catch “Buy it Now” fever and spend way more than you planned on things you don’t even need.
Here’s our expert, no-nonsense guide to what you really need, and what you really don’t.
The Essentials You Do Need:
1. Nappies and wipes (lots of them!)
You’ll go through more than you think. Whether you choose disposable or reusable, make sure you're stocked up. Remember to get weight appropriate sizes to make sure they fit well. For disposables we like own brand (Asda, Morrisons, Sainsburys, Boots)
2. Bodysuits and sleepsuits
Start with 6–8 of each in newborn or 0–3 month sizes. Babies grow quickly, so don’t overbuy. Midwife’s Top Tip as your baby outgrows each size cut off the feet of the sleepsuits and pop socks on with them instead to give you extra use and save some ££.
3. A safe place to sleep
A Moses basket, crib, or bedside sleeper, whatever works for your space and your peace of mind. Look for one that meets UK safety standards, and always follow Lullaby Trust safe sleep guidelines.
4. A car seat
Absolutely essential if you’re planning to drive baby home from hospital. Choose one that’s suitable from birth and properly fitted to your car. If you buy second-hand make sure it has never been involved in an accident as that could damage the integrity of the seat and render it unsafe.
5. Feeding essentials
If you’re breastfeeding: a few supportive and professionally-fitted nursing bras, disposable or reusable breast pads, and nipple balm can be lifesavers. Consider investing in a really good breast pump; our Midwives love those produced by Medela.
If you’re bottle-feeding: bottles, a steriliser (Milton’s Cold Water Steriliser is a brilliant piece of kit used in NHS Trusts throughout the country), and formula (always check with your midwife first to ensure you are preparing bottles safely).
6. Muslin cloths
You’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. Great for spills, spit-up, and on-the-go clean-ups. You can never have too many.
7. Maternity pads and big comfy pants
Post-birth bleeding is normal, and comfort is key, again go for own brand. Go bigger than you think you’ll need them! When it comes to pants buy a size larger than usual and go for a high-waisted, dark colour to avoid staining, breathable materials such as bamboo or cotton are preferable and will wash and dry easily. Many women choose to use disposable maternity underwear which can be really useful and comfortable during those early postpartum days.
8. A baby thermometer
A digital one suitable for underarm use is a good place to start.
9. A Baby Carrier or Sling
Baby’s love to be held up close to you, and let’s be honest most parents love to have their baby up close as well. A hands free baby carrier means you and they can be kept close and yet you are free to do other things such as a bit of cooking, playing with older children or taking the dog for a walk. There are so many carriers and slings on the market you will find what suits your needs best. Try and find a local Sling Library where you can try before you buy.
What You Don’t Need (Yet):
1. Fancy outfits
They may look cute, but they are so unpractical, and your newborn will mostly live in sleepsuits. Save the dressing-up for later.
2. A top-and-tail bowl
A regular bowl and soft cloths or cotton wool work just fine.
3. Baby shoes
Newborns don’t need shoes, just warm socks or booties to keep tiny toes cosy. Local maternity units often have knitted cardigans, boots and hats for sale to raise funds and cost much less than even online stores.
4. Loads of toys
Your baby won’t be interested in toys for the first few weeks. One or two soft sensory items are enough at this stage. Even in the first couple of years they’ll be more interested in the boxes the toys come in than the toys themselves. Why not set up a bank account and ask friends and family to donate to that so that when you are ready to buy things you have the money available. There may be a Toy Library in your area so check those out as well so you can loan toys and swap for something different as baby loses interest.
5. A full nursery setup
If baby’s sleeping in your room (as recommended for the first 6 months), there’s no rush to kit out a nursery straight away. You can also find some great barely used baby furniture on local preloved sites such as Marketplace, Vinted and eBay.
6. Nappy Disposal Unit
Basically, a bin where you store a few days’ worth of soiled nappies in expensive scented bin bags. Instead just change your baby, bag it and take it straight to your outside bin, or if you are like any of the parents in our office, throw it out of the bedroom window and hope it lands near the bin so you can pop it in next time you’re out there!
7. Fancy bedding
Keep your baby’s bedding simple, no cot bumpers, no pillows, no head or body supports, no soft toys or mobiles. Cellular cotton blankets or weight and age appropriate sleeping bags are ideal for babies. Use cotton or bamboo bedding which washes well (think vomit, wee and poo) and is breathable. Avoid synthetic materials.
Final Word from our Midwives
Babies don’t need a lot but you do need to feel calm, prepared, and supported. Focus on the essentials that make your life easier and help keep baby safe and comfortable. Everything else? It can wait.
And don’t forget that just as you care for your skin it is vitally important to care for Baby’s skin as well. Did you know their skin is 30% thinner than your making it more prone to damage? The My Expert Midwife Baby Range of products cares for skin from birth without damaging their Invisible Living Shield, the Microbiome. Look out for some great deals on our singles and bundles, and yes we absolutely class them as essentials, your baby deserves Midwife-developed, Paediatrician-approved, award-winning skincare from day one.
