Mum-of-two Amber Voller shares her essential buys for newborn babies, plus the stuff you really don’t need!]
Take one glance at social media and you'd be forgiven for thinking a self-rocking crib and neon name sign for the nursery are newborn essentials!
But as the first year of bringing up a baby is estimated to cost over £2,100, it's important to know what you should be spending your money on – and where you can save!
As the mum of a toddler and a six-month-old-baby, I saved money by borrowing baby gear from friends and family, and using pre-loved websites like Facebook Marketplace for some baby clothes and equipment. NCT’s Nearly New Sales are another great way to pick up quality second-hand baby and maternity items. (For safety, steer clear of second-hand car seats in case of hidden damage. Mattresses, dummies, and bottle teats can degrade over time and should also be bought new for each baby.)
I tried to ease the pressure by spreading out the cost of higher priced purchases, and I kept most items, including the pram, cot and buggy, for my second baby. I find Asda has a brilliant range of baby buys and it’s where I stocked up on many of many of my essentials.
So read on for the baby items you really need to buy, and the gear you can totally do without!
Baby clothing
Essentials
It’s tempting to buy tons of tiny, super-cute baby outfits, but your newborn outgrows them quickly. These are the newborn clothing items I bought before my first baby was born, based on the recommendation of maternity concierge and mum of four Tiffany Norris. For winter babies, switch one of the cardigans for a snowsuit and some of the short-sleeved vests for long-sleeved. If it's summer, add a sun hat.
7 sleepsuits (babygrows)
7 bodysuits (short-sleeve vests)
7 bibs (to protect baby’s clothing while feeding)
3 cardigans
2 hats
Nice to have
One special-occasion outfit: dungarees or dresses are versatile and easily layered.
Save your cash
Scratch mittens: trim your baby’s tiny fingernails with nail scissors instead.
Personalised clothes: The odd custom item is cute, but you won't be able to use them with future bubbas or easily re-sell them.
2 sleeping bags or cellular blankets: I prefer sleeping bags as they can’t be kicked off. 2.5 tog is a good all-rounder for most weathers.
A crib, carrycot, or Moses basket: Check out the bedside cribs that allow you to easily reach over to baby at night. Anything that saves precious snooze-time is invaluable!
Nice to have
Dimmable night light for night feeds
A bouncer or rocker chair and/or play mat
Dummies: Glow-in-the-dark versions for night and dummy clips for day were my saviours!
Portable sleeping place for daytime naps: If you have space in your home, the pram is fine for this. Otherwise, it can be useful to have a sleeping pod or Moses basket to avoid moving your baby's overnight crib around during the day.
Save your cash
Baby monitor: I kept my newborn close by for daytime naps, so didn’t need one in the first few months.
Newborn toys: while a playmat is a good investment, your baby won’t be playing with toys until they’re a little older.
Baby bath: The kitchen sink will do the job, but a seated baby bath makes the juggle easier
Nice to have
Flannel or sponge
Baby hairbrush
Baby nail scissors, clippers and file
Save your cash
Several baby washes and lotions: My firstborn had a bathroom cabinet to rival my own, but I really overestimated how teeny their bodies are – one bottle will last you a while!
Baby dressing gowns: So adorable but you'll usually put baby straight into a sleepsuit after bathing.
Bath thermometer: ‘These can be useful for your firstborn but later, I just used my elbow to judge,’ advises mum Skye Brown, who is expecting her fourth baby.
Infant rear-facing car seat (you’ll need one for the drive home from the hospital).
Foldable changing mat
Changing bag: Any backpack will work but those designed to be baby bags are most practical with features including insulated bottle pockets.
Pram: Skye recommends saving up for a travel system incorporating a newborn bassinet (carrycot) and a seat that can be used from six months old to four years. ‘These make such a difference to your everyday life so they're worth the investment. Many have adapters so you can place the car seat on the pram base for short trips. So helpful!’
Nice to have
Foot muff for the pram: Easier than blankets for winter babies, as it won't fall off.
Rain cover: A must for the British climate.
Baby carrier: ‘These are great for leaving you hands-free to get things done around the house. I've also found them the best way to clip your baby's nails as you have easy access and they're happily attached to you!’ says Tiffany.
Isofix base: Allows you to easily and safely fix your car seat into the car without the use of seatbelts.
Save your cash
Pram sheets: Use an old pillowcase!
Pram coffee cup holder: I loved the idea of this but found it got in the way when folding the pram.
Travel stroller: Your baby must lie flat until six months and many of these buggies can’t fully recline so wait until later to purchase.
Nursing bras: Buy when you're 36 to 38 weeks pregnant for accurate sizing. I rate comfy bralet styles for support at night and the clip strap kind for easy access during the day.
Nipple balm: Look for those containing lanolin for the best repairing and protecting effect.
Nice to have
Breast pump: If you want to express breast milk to feed your baby in a bottle
Save your cash
Nursing tops: It can be just as discreet to unbutton your shirt, or use a muslin for modesty!
Formula milk powder or ready-to-feed liquid formula
Muslin squares for burping
Nice to have
Compact plastic formula pots for travel
Thermal flask for mixing bottles on the go
Bottle prep machine: ‘This was a life-saver for making bottles quickly at the right temperature, especially during night feeds,’ comments mum of three Stacey Sumner (@stacey_and_three).
Save your cash
Sterilising equipment such as a cold-water or steam steriliser: ‘These are great but I used MAM bottles and dummies that can be sterilised in the microwave,’ explains Stacey.
Visit this government website to see if you’re entitled to any financial assistance when having a baby. Local baby banks provide essential items to those in need, or contact Citizens Advice or StepChange Debt Charity for free, confidential advice.
