I’m very aware that every baby, every mum and every family is completely different, so please take this list for exactly what it is: the things that have worked for us so far.
Ella is just over six weeks old, which definitely does not make me an expert! I’m still figuring things out day by day, working out what she likes, what she doesn’t, and occasionally wondering how such a tiny person can require quite so much stuff!
That said, there are a few things that I’ve found genuinely useful during these first six weeks, and as a first-time mum I thought I’d share my top 10 newborn essentials in case they’re helpful to someone else preparing for their little one.
Life has also changed quite dramatically for my dog Amber. She’s been getting used to sharing the house with a new tiny human, and although she’s still very much part of our little family, she’s had to get used to a lot of new routines, smells and noises too. Having the right baby essentials has definitely helped make those early days feel a little bit easier.
1. Sleepsuits with built-in scratch mitts
These have been an absolute favourite of mine. Newborns have surprisingly sharp little nails, and keeping their hands covered can be useful when they’re waving their arms around and accidentally scratching their faces and my delicate chest area when breastfeeding. I love sleepsuits that have built-in scratch mitts, as it means there’s one less thing to worry about. Sleepsuits and bodysuits have basically been Ella’s uniform. They’re comfortable, practical and make those many, many nappy changes a little simpler.
2. Baby bouncer chair
The Maxi-Cosi Kori https://amzn.eu/d/0hqizUAu is a total game changer for Ella! She’s always much happier being upright than lying completely flat, so having somewhere safe and cosy where she could be slightly elevated has made such a difference. It’s been perfect for keeping her close while I get things done, and she seems so much more settled and content than when she was lying flat. Definitely one of those newborn essentials I didn’t realise I’d need, but now couldn’t imagine being without.
3.. Hats and a snowsuit
Newborn babies can need a little extra help staying warm, particularly when you’re out and about. I’ve found having a selection of soft hats really useful, as well as a cosy snowsuit for when we’re heading outside very early. Even when it isn’t particularly cold, having layers available means you can adjust things depending on the weather. And, of course, when I’m heading out with Ella, Amber always comes along too, so there’s been a lot more preparation involved in getting everyone ready!
4. A Moses basket
The Moses basket has been one of those things that I wasn’t completely sure how much I’d use before Ella arrived, but I’m really glad I listened to my friend Melanie when she recommended I buy one shortly after Ella was born. Having somewhere cosy and familiar for her to sleep has been lovely, particularly during the early weeks when you’re constantly moving between rooms and trying to get into some sort of routine. It also gives you a dedicated little space for baby without immediately needing to have them in a full-sized cot.
5. Soft cellular blankets
I’ve found cellular blankets so useful. They’re lightweight, soft and easy to layer, which is ideal when you’re constantly trying to work out whether your newborn is too hot or too cold. I also like having several because, well… babies are messy! Between milk, nappies, the occasional spit-up and general newborn life, blankets can end up needing washing far more often than you’d expect. Having a few means you’re never completely stuck.
6. Nappies
An obvious one, but you really can’t have too many nappies. Before Ella arrived, I knew I’d need nappies, obviously, but I don’t think I appreciated just how many you actually go through with a newborn…like 8-12 a day! I’ve found it helpful to have a good supply at home so that nappies are one less thing to think about when you’re already running on very little sleep.
7. Water-based wipes
Water-based wipes have been another favourite of mine. I like keeping them close by for nappy changes and general little clean-ups, and having wipes within easy reach is particularly handy when you’re holding a baby who has suddenly decided that being put down is absolutely unacceptable. They’ve also become one of those things that seem to travel everywhere with us. And with a baby and a dog in the house, I’ve realised that having something practical and easy to grab for little messes is never a bad idea!
8. Plenty of muslins
If there’s one thing I’d tell any new parent to buy in bulk, it’s muslins! I think every parent I’ve spoken to has said this actually. You need more than you think.
They’re useful for everything - winding, catching little milk spills, putting over your shoulder, protecting your clothes and generally dealing with the many little surprises that come with having a newborn. I’ve started keeping them dotted around the house so that there’s usually one within reach.
9. A baby wrap or sling
I’ve really enjoyed having a baby wrap/sling, particularly for those moments when Ella wants to be close but I also need my hands free. There’s something lovely about having her snuggled against me while being able to move around and get on with little jobs. It’s also been really useful when we’re out and about, although we’re still very much learning what works best for us. And I think it’s been helpful for Amber too. Having Ella close to me while still being able to interact with Amber has made it easier to give her attention and help her adjust to her new role as big sister.
10. Weleda nipple balm
Finally, something specifically for mum!
I’ve found Weleda nipple balm https://amzn.eu/d/00VGNT98 really useful and, for me personally, I’ve found it more moisturising than the other product that was recommended to me. The first few weeks can be a lot physically, particularly when you’re breastfeeding, so having something that helps keep the skin moisturised has been really worthwhile.
Of course, everyone’s experience is different, and what works brilliantly for one mum might not work for another. This is simply one product that I’ve personally got on well with.
And that’s my top 10!
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Six weeks in, I’m very conscious that I have so much still to learn. I’m not an expert, and I certainly don’t have all the answers. I’m just a new mum sharing the things that have made my days with Ella that little bit easier so far. Every baby is different, and every mum will have their own essentials. Some of these things might become your absolute must-haves, while others might barely get used - and that’s completely fine.
If there’s one thing I’ve learnt in just over six weeks of being Ella’s mum, it’s that you really don’t need to have everything figured out. You learn as you go, find your own rhythm, and discover the things that make your particular version of newborn life a little easier. So, from one very much still-learning mum to another: these are simply our current newborn essentials. No expert advice here - just a few things that have worked for us and that I wanted to share.
