I’m a first time mum…here are all the newborn essentials you’ll actually use
Becoming a mum for the first time is a beautiful, chaotic whirlwind. Between the sleepy snuggles and the 3am feeds, new parents quickly discover which baby items become lifesavers – and which ones just gather dust.
Whether you’re prepping your hospital bag or scrolling through online checklists at midnight, knowing what’s genuinely worth the investment can make all the difference.
From bottle prep to eco nappies and postpartum comfort, here’s a carefully curated list of mum and baby must-haves that combine practicality, style and serious staying power.
Tested, loved and recommended by a first time mum to be – these are the game-changers every new parent should know about.
Momcozy S12 Pro Double Breast Pump, £111.99
Hands-free pumping? Yes please. The Momcozy S12 Pro is a wearable breast pump designed with busy, multitasking mums in mind.
Lightweight and completely wireless, it slips discreetly into a nursing bra and allows you to get on with your day while expressing milk efficiently and quietly.
With a double-sealed flange and hospital-grade suction levels, it’s surprisingly powerful without compromising on comfort.
The LED display, easy-to-clean parts, and built-in memory function add to the user-friendly appeal. For mums looking for convenience, freedom and a smart design, this pump is a top contender.
RapidCool Twin Pack Baby Bottle Maker, £49.99
Say goodbye to the stressful wait for the kettle to cool while half asleep.
The RapidCool Bottle Maker brings boiling water down to baby-ready temperature in just two minutes, aligning with NHS guidelines to safely prep formula on demand.
Compact and portable, it’s a dream for on-the-go feeds and perfect for night-time use – especially since it’s whisper-quiet. No filters, no charging, no fuss.
Just clean, quick, consistent results. A godsend for parents who want peace of mind and speed in one clever bottle prep system.
Nuby 3 Minute UV Steriliser, £100
Sleek, stylish and seriously efficient, the 3 Minute UV Steriliser offers a chemical-free way to zap 99.9 per cent of bacteria off bottles, dummies and more.
No need for water or a microwave, this compact unit uses UV technology to keep baby essentials hygienic in a flash. It’s lightweight and super easy to wipe clean, making it ideal for parents who are short on time (or patience).
The modern design doesn’t look out of place in a contemporary kitchen, and its quiet operation makes it just as suited to travel or night feeds. A premium option, but one that genuinely makes sterilising effortless.
Love to Dream Swaddle Up, £29.99
The Love to Dream Swaddle is a game-changer for new parents craving more sleep.
With its unique ‘arms up’ design, it allows babies to self-soothe while still feeling snug and secure – mimicking the womb in all the best ways.
The zip-up style makes night changes a breeze, and there’s no complicated wrapping or origami folding to deal with.
The fabric is breathable and gentle on newborn skin, helping reduce startle reflex and fussiness. It’s the closest thing to a sleep miracle in babywear. This 1.0 tog version is ideal for summer babies.
Little Butterfly London Luxury Gift Box, £88
This luxury organic skincare range is as gentle as it is gorgeous, designed especially for babies and new mums.
With delicate scents, silky textures and beautiful packaging, it transforms daily routines into tiny rituals of self-care.
The luxury set contains body lotion, nappy change cream, massage oil and top to toe wash – all dermatologically tested and midwife approved. It’s perfect for gifting (or self-gifting), and the ingredients list is as clean as it comes. A little slice of calm in the chaos.
LOVALL Maternity Leggings, £32
Comfort is king during pregnancy and postpartum, and LOVALL’s maternity leggings are the cosiest answer to everything from nursery drop-offs to sofa naps.
Super soft with a thick brushed lining, they keep you warm without bulk and sit snugly over your bump without rolling down. The fit is flattering and the material durable enough to last through all trimesters and beyond. They’re easy to dress up or down, and let’s be honest – if you’re going to live in leggings, they may as well feel like clouds.
The Little Tailor Cotton Knitted Shawl, £29
Made from 100 per cent soft cotton, this timeless chevron knitted baby blanket is ideal to pop on the buggy when you need an extra layer of warmth.
The soft grey hue is timeless and gender-neutral, and the cotton weave is kind to delicate newborn skin.
Featuring a Chevron knit design, this shawl is elegant, practical and built to last – just as baby blankets should be.
dreamgenii Pregnancy Pillow, £49.95
The dreamgenii pillow is the sidekick every pregnant woman needs by her side (or curled around her body) from the second trimester onwards.
Shaped to encourage optimal side-sleeping, it offers hip, back and bump support without taking over the entire bed.
The 100 per cent jersey cotton cover feels soft and breathable, helping mums get the best night’s sleep possible – even during the toss-and-turn trimester. It also doubles as a nursing pillow, making it useful well beyond pregnancy.
Recommended by UK midwives, this pillow is one of the few that ticks both comfort and clinical boxes.
Peachies Nappies, From £15
Peachies are the modern mum’s answer to nappy woes – super absorbent, chemical-free and designed to eliminate the dreaded poonami.
Their clever high-back and snug leg cuffs help lock everything in, meaning fewer outfit changes and more dry sleeps.
Soft, breathable materials protect sensitive skin, while dermatologically tested credentials give added reassurance.
Parents rave about the brand’s subscription service and concierge-style support, which takes the mental load out of reordering. With performance to rival the big names and a much kinder ingredients list, Peachies are a rising star in the nappy world.
Eyas Sensory Pram Gallery, £21.99
Proof that clever design can start from day one, this pram gallery offers scientifically-backed sensory stimulation for your baby’s earliest adventures.
Designed in collaboration with a Montessori-accredited physician and endorsed by paediatricians, this award-winning insert uses bold black and white imagery to stimulate newborn vision and support cognitive development – without overwhelming tiny eyes.
The wedge is angled perfectly to sit within a pram or bassinet, placing the graphics right in your baby’s line of sight.
It’s VOC-free, 100 per cent safety certified, and made with sustainable materials that meet the highest standards of newborn safety.
Newborn Baby Carrier, £56
Nuby does it again with this 3-in-1 baby carrier, a comfy and supportive option for newborn bonding, school runs, or just pottering around the house hands-free.
Designed for babies from as little as one week old (3.5kg) up to 18 months, it offers multiple carrying positions and distributes weight evenly with its padded straps and wide waist belt.
The cushioned seat also keeps little ones snug and secure, helping both baby and parent stay happy for longer stretches. Easy to adjust and durable enough to grow with your baby, this is a brilliant investment for daily life.
Royce Blossom Nursing Comfort Bra, £40
The Blossom Leopard bra proves that comfort and confidence don’t have to be mutually exclusive during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
With its clever ruched centre, it flexes between a comfy crop style for lounging and a more supportive, separated-cup fit for everyday wear – ideal for bodies in flux.
The leopard and grey print adds a subtle statement to your maternity wardrobe, while the wire-free design and ultra-soft fabric keep things gentle on tender skin.
Drop-down cups make breastfeeding simple, and the stretchy band adapts to your changing shape without digging in. Supportive, stylish and impressively versatile, it’s the kind of bra you’ll find yourself reaching for well beyond the fourth trimester.
Miffy Busy in the Veg Patch Outfit, From £7
Adorable, practical and perfect for play, the Miffy Busy in the Veg Patch set from Blade & Rose is a charming nod to childhood nostalgia with a modern twist.
Featuring the iconic Miffy bunny among a patch of playful veggies, the bright and cheerful design is sure to bring smiles.
The leggings are made from a soft, stretchy cotton blend that moves with your little one – ideal for crawlers, walkers and every milestone in between.
The coordinating top and socks (sold separately) make it a full outfit that’s both photo-worthy and parent-friendly, with easy-care fabrics that wash beautifully.
Vital Baby Breast Like Starter Kit, £29.99
For new parents navigating the world of feeding, this Breast-Like Starter set is a thoughtful all-in-one kit that ticks every box.
The star of the show is the cleverly designed bottle with a flattened, breast-like teat that flexes naturally and encourages an easy latch – perfect for mixed feeding or transitioning from breast to bottle.
Triple anti-colic valves help reduce air intake and tummy discomfort, meaning a happier, more settled baby (and less stress for you). Meanwhile, the self-sterilising function is a real time-saver – just add water, pop the bottle in the microwave, and it’s ready in three minutes, no extra kit needed.
The set also includes a non-scratch bottle brush with a clever integrated teat brush for thorough cleaning, and a soft soother designed to be gentle on baby’s sensitive skin. A brilliant starter pack for those first precious months.
Yoto Mini Audiobook Player, £59.99
Small but mighty, the Yoto Mini is the perfect travel buddy for curious little minds.
Designed with all the clever features of its bigger sibling – the Yoto Player – but in a compact, handheld format, it’s ideal for keeping kids entertained on the go.
Whether you’re heading off on a road trip, catching a flight, or just popping to the park, the Yoto Mini offers screen-free access to a world of stories, music, podcasts and more.
Kids simply pop in a Yoto Card to play their favourite audio, all without needing WiFi once it’s set up.
With an impressive 14-hour battery life, it’s made for long adventures and sleepy afternoons alike.
