the essential baby starter kit

Real stories, questions and advice from healthcare professionals.

When it comes to baby products, the list is endless. Everything from their nursery décor to their transportation methods needs to be researched, bought and somehow found space for, which can leave you tied up in knots. But to get this journey off to the best start, you only need to focus on the essentials. So, we’ve compiled a list of the products you really do need, plus a few things that it may not be worth wasting your time, money or valuable storage space on.

The essential baby starter kit

1. Wipes

It’s true, your baby really will just feed, sleep and poop so there’ll be a lot of bottom-wiping involved. Created using just water and a drop of fruit extract, WaterWipesare the World’s purest baby wipe and are the closest alternative to cotton wool and water.

2. Nappies

Stockpile these like there’s no tomorrow. It’s that or risk a bleary-eyed trip to the supermarket.

3. Muslins

Great for mopping up so many fluids, regurgitated milk, wee, liquid poo, tears (yours and theirs), you name it.

4. Easy clothes

Proper’ little clothes like shirts and cardigans are cute, but you’re going to be undressing and re-dressing your baby so many times that front-opening baby grows are always a winner. And don’t forget – they grow out of things super quickly so no need to go overboard.

5. Blankets

Cellular blankets are a good idea as they keep baby cosy while still being breathable.

6. Newborn bottle or steriliser kit

Breastfeeding is considered the ideal way to feed your baby. However, if for some reason you do not want or cannot breastfeed, it’s a good idea to have this from the start. You may find you have to bottle-feed for some reason or want to express so someone else can have a go at feeding.

Up for Debate

1. Swaddling blankets

There’s really no need for specific blankets for swaddling; an ordinary one will work just fine.

2. A wet-wipe warmer

This gadget needs to be plugged in, which means your baby wipes will be confined to one room, so not hugely practical.

3. Nappy Bin

This one divides opinions. A nappy genie, for some, can be a really useful utility but they can take up a lot of room and it’s easy to forget they need emptying. A simple alternative is a separate, normal bin for nappy and empty regularly.

Must-have bath time essentials for babies

Getting your baby used to the water is important early on and bath time can be fun for you both. Here are some recommendations for your newborn baby starter kit to ensure you have what you need for that first bath.

• A baby bathtub – These are usually portable and some fold in on themselves to save you space. You can pick up a basic plastic tub or you'll also find baby bathtubs that have inbuilt thermometers and scales!
• Bath cushion – Ensure your little one is comfortable with a bath cushion that you can fit inside their bathtub.
• Washcloths – Pick up some soft washcloths to gently clean and rinse your baby with.
• Baby soap – Choose baby soap that is gentle on sensitive skin.
• Clean jug – You can use this to pour a little water onto your baby to clean them and keep them warm during bath time.
• Hooded towel or robe – Get your little one all snuggled up and cozy after that bath by wrapping them in a hooded towel or robe. We love the varieties with animal ears!

Newborn clothing and accessories checklist

It's easy to get carried away when buying clothes for your newborn but in reality, they'll grow out of them so fast you won't get to enjoy them all!

Whether it’s spitting up after a feed or a leaky diaper, babies go through an extraordinary amount of clothes every day – so make sure you have an abundance of baby grows and bibs available. Here's a baby item checklist for clothing and accessories:

• Bodysuits Onesies – Clothes like shirts and sweaters are cute, but you’re going to be undressing and redressing your baby so many times that front-opening onesies are always a winner. You'll need a fair few of these, we'd say two for every day of the week, plus some to sleep in.
• A coat or jacket – Ideal if you live in a cooler state or it's coming close to the winter season when they're born.
• Hats – Heading outside in the cold? You'll need some cute, warm hats. Take a look at our guide on what to include in your baby bag, and check out a full list of what you should bring.
• Blankets – Keep your newborn warm with a blanket or two. Cellular blankets are a good idea as they keep baby cozy, while also being breathable.

Diaper changing essentials you need

It's safe to say you need to stockpile these like there’s no tomorrow. It’s that or risk a bleary-eyed trip to the store.

• Diapers – A newborn baby will go through up to 12 diapers per day, so make sure you buy accordingly during those first few weeks, whether you're leaning towards disposable diapers or cloth varieties.
• Changing mat – We recommend having more than one changing mat, one for the nursery, and one that moves around the house with you. A fold-up one for when you venture outside is a good idea too.
• Diaper rash cream – Keep a tube or tub of hypoallergenic, dye-free and fragrance-free diaper cream close by just in case your newborn starts to show signs of diaper rash. Take a look at our guide to newborn diaper rash for more tips.
• Wet wipes – Use wet wipes during diaper changes to clean your baby’s bum and genitals. WaterWipes are the world’s purest baby wipes and are suitable for newborn and even premature skin.

Check out our diaper-changing tips from our expert midwife for all the ins and outs on this messy topic!

New parent must-haves

It's not just baby that you need to prep for when writing up that newborn baby checklist, it's important you also have everything you need to keep you healthy both mentally and physically while caring for your new little one.

• Comfortable trousers or joggers with a high-waistband
• Loose-flowing tops
• Cozy pajamas/robe
• Large and comfortable underwear
• Bathing oils and post-partum creams
• Stay hydrated and ensure a nutrient-rich diet
• Ask for support when you need it!

We hope that this guide to your newborn baby starter kit and newborn baby checklist helps you prepare for the arrival of your new bundle of joy – our tips on how to trust your parental instincts can also help.