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Baby essentials checklist: newborn baby must-haves
From sleepsuits to nappy bags, the ultimate newborn essentials you can't live without
Preparing for the arrival of your mini-me? While the first few months of your newborn's life are likely to be a simple routine of eat, sleep, poo and repeat, the truth is you're still going to need a lot of baby stuff. From feeding to bathing to nappy changing, every step of the way seems to require an arsenal of specialist gear.
To help you shop wisely and only invest in the absolute baby necessities, we've narrowed down the best baby essentials, so you can focus on the most important thing: gazing lovingly at your remarkable new creation and mainlining espresso.
Baby essentials checklist
So, what constitutes a baby essentials kit? The truth is the list is never ending and we could go on forever. Tiffany Norris, parenting expert from The Mummy Concierge and author of Secrets of the Mummy Concierge has outlined the baby essentials you will need in the early days, especially during the first three months. Keep scrolling for the essential baby stuff the mamas on team Cosmo can't live without, too.
- Nappies: buy a small pack of newborn sizes as babies grow very quickly!
- Baby wipes: avoid fragranced wipes to prevent irritating baby’s soft skin.
- Baby clothes: buy baby grows and vests for the first couple of weeks as this is what babies will live in. You'll need enough for three per day minimum, but don’t splurge. Buy outfits in ages 1-3 months as they last longer.
- Car seat: did you know that you’re not legally allowed to take your baby home from the hospital unless you have a car seat? Consider a swivel car seat to save any awkwardness when lifting your little one out of the car.
- Cot bed: if you’re buying a new cot, look for British Standard mark BS EN 716-1 to made sure it complies with UK safety standards, and think about getting a cot that turns into a toddler bed to get as much use out of it as possible.
- Cellular blankets: this lightweight cotton blanket contains lots of small holes, or cells, for breathability. If you are using a blanket, tuck it under your baby’s arms and then around and under the mattress to keep it from coming loose.
- Waterproof cot sheets: double layer your baby’s cot with one waterproof sheet, followed by a normal sheet. If there's any night-time nappy explosions you can just whip off the top layer and the second layer is ready to go.
- Baby thermometer: babies get temperatures a lot, so ease your mind by having a thermometer nearby.
The baby stuff loved by Cosmo mamas
While the below list is by no means exhaustive, from the best nursing pillows to the squeaky teething toys we can't live without, we've narrowed down our fave baby essentials below.
Bravado Body Silk Seamless Maternity & Nursing Bra
Planning on breastfeeding? The single most important thing you can buy for your new lactating boobs is a comfortable nursing bra. This wire-free one is super soft and stretchy so it will adjust to your changing shape, while drop down cups will keep your hungry baby in check.
Mum hack: use washable nursing pads to mop up leaks while your milk supply regulates. And if your nipples start to sting, pop some Lansinoh nipple cream in your shopping cart for instant relief.
Babymel Georgie Eco Rucksack Changing Bag
Sorry mamas, the days of popping to the shops with just your phone and keys are long gone. For the next two years at least you're going to need to carry nappies, wipes, toys, snacks and the kitchen sink, every single time you leave the house. Fortunately this clever changing bag from Babymel has seven internal and external pockets to house all the essentials, plus a changing mat and insulated bottle holder.
It's also available in pink, lilac, aqua and grey.
bbhugme Nursing Pillow
Feeding you precious new baby is a magical time. But the truth is it can also hurt like hell, and not just your nipples. To stave off back pain and provide a perfect little shelf for your hungry baby, treat yourself to a nursing pillow. This one comes with a beanbag filling to mould gently round your body, so your newborn can snuggle up at 4am.
Mum hack: if you're struggling to feed your little one, don't lose hope. It can take time to master the art of breastfeeding. Visit La Leche League for advice, support and encouragement from other mamas.
It's normal to want to keep your newborn strapped to you like a limpet at all times during the early days. But even the tiniest tots get heavy after a while, so it's worth investing in a sling. This stylish leopard print baby carrier can hold your sprog safely in four different ways on your front or your back, while plush shoulder straps and a chunky waistband will help sidestep back pain. It also comes in blue, black or grey to colour match your wardrobe.
Mum hack: can't decide what to buy? Visit your local sling library where you can try out different carrier styles and get advice and support from baby wearing specialists.
John Lewis Baby Muslin Squares Pack of 6
Newborn babes are the most precious creatures on earth. But your parent friends probably didn't warn you that they're also pooping, puking, dribbling machines that ruin all soft furnishings within a mile radius. To mop up spills, stash a spare muslin square in every single pocket you own. This simple star design from John Lewis comes in a six-pack so it's a good money saver. They also make a great makeshift sun shade, an emergency bib, a comforter and a good old game of peekaboo.
Mum hack: muslin cloths can get a bit rough for baby's skin, so for bath time or face wipes, we're a big fan of these reusable microfibre washcloths from Cheeky Wipes.
The Little Green Sheep Natural Knitted Moses Basket & Mattress
The perfect baby bed debate is a hot topic for all new parents. Should you go for a traditional Moses basket, a side crib or save your pennies and co-sleep? The truth is, the ideal sleeping arrangements for your tiny tribe is a personal choice that only you can make. But if you're on the fence, a Moses basket is a great option. This classic crib has been crafted with palm leaf and comes with a knitted lining. The simple stand makes it easy to assemble right by your bed, while handles mean you can transport your sleepy cherub easily about the house.
Bored of pink and blue? Stick two fingers up at generic baby clothes and let your little one stand out in this pure cotton little sun and baby bear print sleepsuit. It's more than just a cute best seller though, zip-up rompers are game-changing when it comes to speedy late-night nappy changes.
Mum hack: for affordable baby stuff, check out John Lewis' Anyday range. It includes loads of cost-effective essentials including this tiger inspired sleeping bag and cot bedding.
Working mamas take note! Expressing is a great way to store milk supplies for future use and keep your baby fed when you go back to the office. But with meals to cook and Tiktoks to watch, how do you find time to sit about and pump milk in this modern world? Fortunately technology has raised the booby bar. Now you can buy a whisper-quiet wearable electric breast pump that is so discreet, you can pop it into your bra and express milk on the move. Genius. We've tried this one and it really does take the stress out of pumping.
Baby bath time is arguably one of the most pleasurable aspects of becoming a new parent, but navigating splashing water plus temperature control can be a bit scary for everyone. To sidestep anxiety, this clever seat will gently cradle your little one in the tub without fully immersing them in water, leaving your hands free to tickle their tiny toes.
Mum hack: to get the temp just right, pop a baby bath thermometer in your shopping cart while you're here (and you definitely need this adorable hooded duck towel too).
New babies don't tend to move about too much, but before you know it the world becomes their playground and they're ready to explore. If you have a hard floor, curious pets, or you simply want to create a safe space for your little one to practise tummy time, play mats are essential kit for energetic rug rats. This one features 5 sensory toys, a comfortable play surface, and a unique water mat to allow for portable, mess-free aquatic play to support your baby's sensory development while they roll happily about.
Mamas & Papas Bug 3-in-1 Floor & Booster Seat
Once your tiny person is able to support their own head and sit up unaided, they will be able to join you at the dining table. But this clever baby chair is no ordinary piece of kit. It also works as a play-station, a booster seat for when they get older and a highchair for learning how to eat.
Mum hack: Pop these silicone bibs in your shopping cart while you're here for (marginally) less messy mealtimes, and don't forget the sippy cup!
Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Machine
If breastfeeding is off the table, to significantly speed up mealtimes invest in a fast bottle preparation machine. This clever gadget takes water straight from the tap and transforms it into antibacterial body temperature formula milk quicker than you can say where's my dinner?
Mum hack: the formula you choose is down to you (and your baby might have a preference too) but we're big fans of HiPP Organic Baby Milk Powder which is gentle on tiny tummies and additive-free too.
Bouncers are more than just a handy place to park your bubba while you have a kitchen disco/hang out the laundry. They're also rather useful for soothing fussy tots, and they can help little ones develop spacial awareness too. This one's suitable from birth up to 9kgs, plus it comes with dangling elephants to provide a welcome distraction from your dodgy Mum dancing skills.
Sophie la girafe might not sound like an essential piece of kit. But trust us, when your baby's first gnashers start to emerge, you'll be relieved you joined the fan club. Produced in the same small factory in eastern France for over 60 years now, the teething toy is so universally popular, annual sales often exceed the local birth rate where it's made. The rubber toy is a big hit with babies and parents alike, thanks to its perfectly sized knobbly ears, squeaky neck, and magical sore gum soothing properties.
Mum hack: during the summer, pop some Nuby Puree Moulds filled with juice and water into the freezer for a cooling fruity teether.
Investing in a special cocoon purely for baby chill-time might sound wildly extravagant – but trust us, when you're juggling a newborn at home and desperate to shower/pee/make some tea, you will be very grateful for this ingenious product. It's essentially a pod with raised sides to prevent your little one from rolling over, but the peace of mind this clever piece of kit provides is priceless.
One of the biggest initial outlays when you have a baby is the pushchair, so it's worth taking your time and doing the sensible thing – buying the buggy loved by celebs! The BabyZen Yoyo is the stroller of the moment, with A-list fans including Kim Kardashian, Justin Timberlake and Chrissy Teigen. At 6.1kg it's also super-light and folds up small enough to easily fit into your private jet/Ford Mondeo.
Desperate for some kip? Swaddling is said to mimic the feeling of still being in the womb, so it's a great option for keeping fractious babies cosy and calm. However, perfecting your burrito-wrapping skills late at night can also be a total faff. Thankfully, this pre-made breathable cotton swaddle comes with Velcro fastenings, so you can wrap up your tot in milliseconds and (hopefully) all get some shut-eye.
Mum hack: if your mini-me prefers freedom of arm movement, we're also big fans of this classic cellular blanket.
Spoiler alert: babies poo a lot. And once it starts coming thick and fast and your little one learns to wriggle, you'll be grateful for a safe (and wipe-clean) space to perch them while you change a multitude of nappies. This jazzy leaf print mat has slightly raised sides to prevent your tot from rolling off. Not a fan of the tropics print? There's 19 designs to choose from.
Mum hack: for biodegradable and hypoallergenic nappies, check out Kit & Kin, the eco brand co-founded by Spice Girl Emma Bunton – AKA Baby Spice!
Rhalou is a senior digital editor specialising in health and wellness with over eighteen years’ online and print publishing experience. Rhalou has worked for various health platforms including Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Runner’s World, Netdoctor, Women’s Running, Men’s Running, The Running Bug and Women’s Fitness. Covering everything from sexual health to fitness, parenting, marathon running and self-care, Rhalou loves creating fun and accessible lifestyle content and feels strongly about demystifying complex medical jargon and empowering people to better understand their health. Previously, Rhalou was a freelance social media specialist for several major sporting events and race listings including The London Marathon, Breca Swimrun, Findarace, The Westminster Mile and Prudential Ride 100. She has also been a reporter on a local newspaper in remote Scotland, penning breaking news stories about killer otters, cats stuck up trees and the Scottish hill racing scene. Over the years, Rhalou has been lucky enough to run 15 marathons and even a few ultra-marathons. She is still a passionate runner, but these days she can mostly be found at her local parkrun or chasing after her young son.
Chloe Bowen is Cosmopolitan UK’s former Features Intern. She holds undergraduate and masters degrees in journalism, and ever since joining the Cosmo team, Chloe writes about everything from sex and dating to mental health, culture, body image and books. In her spare time, she’s likely to be cooking up tasty vegan food, in a yoga class, binge-watching crime documentaries or going on long walks with an over-priced oat milk flat white.
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