Must-Have New Baby List

There are countless new baby lists out there, often suggesting you need every item under the sun when you first have a baby. But I’m here to tell you that there are very few things you really need. Sure, there’s a product for everything, but if you want to know which ones will genuinely make a difference and make your life easier, then keep reading.

Before becoming a mum, I was a nanny for many years and worked with numerous families. I’ve seen more baby products than you can imagine, and I've experienced a variety of family setups. After many years of working with babies, and then using these products with my own children, I’ve handpicked a list of my must-have baby items that I truly believe in.

Number 1: A Stretchy Wrap

There are so many baby carriers available now, but in the early days, nothing beats a stretchy wrap. They work by holding your baby snug and close to you, almost replicating the feeling of still being pregnant, we used the Hana baby wrap which I highly recommend (GET 10% off with code CUPPAWITHKATY). It's especially great if this is your second baby, as you’ll likely need to be more mobile than you were the first time around. I recommend watching a good video tutorial (you can find one here) and practising before your baby arrives. Use a pillow or baby-sized object to get the hang of it. It might feel a bit complicated at first, but you’ll soon get used to it. A great advantage is that you can put it on before you go out, even without the baby in it, so it’s ready to go as soon as you arrive somewhere.

Number 2: BabyBjörn Bouncer

Why this one? Why not any other bouncer, I hear you ask? The key benefit of this bouncer isn’t what you might expect. It comes with no bells and whistles; it’s just a simple bouncer, but a very high-quality one. The special thing about the BabyBjörn is that your baby does all the work! They quickly learn that when they move, the bouncer moves with them, which is fantastic for their gross motor skills and early physical development. Before you know it, your baby will be self-propelling and entertaining themselves without the need for flashing lights or noisy buttons. These might be pricey but have a look at market place for a second hand one, they wash well!

Number 3: Cloth Wipes

You don’t need to be a cloth nappy user to appreciate the magic of reusable wipes. Even if you’re using disposable nappies, I would 100% recommend getting a pack of 25 reusable wipes. They are brilliant for cleaning up all kinds of messes and last for years. They’re also the perfect size for little hands, especially when your child starts learning to wipe their own face and clean up during the weaning phase. This small, simple addition gives them early opportunities to work on their physical development and independence.

Number 4: Black and White Muslin Cloths

These are fantastic because they’re the easiest, most portable, and washable play toy for babies. You can use them to line the bassinet or buggy, or simply let your baby hold and explore them. Up until about 3 to 4 months old, babies experience major leaps in their visual development, and black-and-white patterns are the clearest for them to focus on. Not only do they enjoy looking at the patterns, but it’s also great for their brain development. Providing low-stimulation toys that still engage their minds is a clever way to create a bit more downtime for yourself.

Number 5: A Low-Level Mirror

A floor-level mirror is one of the most helpful tools you can have in your house when you’ve got a newborn. Babies love looking at themselves in the mirror. They find comfort in the "baby" they see, even though they don’t yet recognise that it’s their own reflection (this typically happens after 15 months). Watching their movements in the mirror encourages their physical development as they become more active, and they are entertained and soothed by their own reflection. There are countless benefits to mirror play, and I could write an entire blog on it, but suffice it to say, it will become your best friend during those early months!

There are so many more lists you will find across the internet on the things you could buy when you have a new baby but these 5 are always in my top recommendations and will make your life easier, whether you are a first-time mum or a seasoned mum of 5. If you have been thinking about sleeping options for your little one, you can read about floor beds here.