As an editor expecting her second baby—here’s everything I’d recommend to get for birth and beyond

Consider this your comprehensive shopping list

a pregnant woman using a pregnancy pillow - one of the newborn essentials in the article
(Image credit: bbhugme)

Expecting your first little one? Same. When I first became pregnant, I knew that I’d eventually have to drag myself out of my blissful pregnancy bubble to perform some admin. There was a slew of newborn essentials I’d have to acquire in preparation—we're talking car seat, pram, baby carrier, UV steriliser and more. After familiarising myself with the best maternity brands and curating my dream maternity capsule wardrobe, it was time to get more practical.

After asking around and doing my own research, I managed to filter through the noise to curate my perfect newborn essentials checklist. I figured I’d be nice and share, in case anybody out there is embarking on their own parenthood journey and is looking for a bit of inspiration.

There were certain brands—ones that I'd heard other new mums raving about—and others, for their perceived functionality and levels of chic that I kept seeing across my social feeds, that I wanted to try out.

How we tested the products in this roundup

Here at Marie Claire UK, we’re pretty serious about thoroughly testing the products we recommend. Myself and our shopping editor, who had her first baby a few months ago, tried and tested.

I know that newborn essentials don’t come cheap, and are possibly the most important purchases you’ll ever make, so I went through a vigorous testing process to ensure they were as brilliant as they claimed to be.

We know that buying cheap often means you’ll buy twice, so quality was key—these products need to stand the test of time. These are products that I found genuinely useful with my first baby, and that I would recommend to any new mums.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it's everything I’ve procured for myself in preparation and figured you might find useful. I’ve split it up into ‘the essentials’, ‘the nice-to-haves’ and ‘labour prep products’ so have covered pretty much all areas needed to prepare for a new baby. So if you’re looking for some inspiration, grab a (non-caffeinated) brew and settle down for a long read.

Shop the best newborn essentials for first time parents:

The essentials

Best Compact Stroller

Most comfortable stroller

Best car seat

Best baby bouncer

Best baby monitor

Best bedside crib

iL TuTTo CoZee Breeze Plus Co-Sleeping Bassinet

(Image credit: iL TuTTo)

iL TuTTo CoZee Breeze Plus Co-Sleeping Bassinet

Reasons to buy

+
Fold-down side for easy access to your baby from your bed
+
Collapsible
+
Has rocking legs and lockable wheels
+
Loads of storage space

Reasons to avoid

-
It's quite big - check your space beforehand

A crib is undoubtedly an essential. It has a fold-down side which attaches to your bed for easy access during night feeds. It collapses super easily (making it great for travel), comes with both lockable wheels to move it around easily and rocking legs to help soothe your baby to sleep and has a handy shelf underneath for extra storage.

Best pregnancy pillow

bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow

(Image credit: John Lewis)

bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow

Reasons to buy

+
Adjustable firmness
+
Chic design
+
Versatile
+
So, so comfortable

Reasons to avoid

-
It's expensive - but so worth it

I didn’t realise quite how difficult it would be to find the perfect pregnancy pillow until I tried the bbhugme pillow—yes, the one Sofia Richie raved about during her pregnancy. I know it might be on the pricier side, but trust me, the amazing nights’ sleep you’ll get thanks to this pillow makes it worth every penny. It’s neither too small nor too large, has a cooling, washable cover and is adjustable to your preferred level of firmness. It has helped me sleep during these final few months and for that I am truly grateful. Oh, and it can also be used as a chic nursing pillow once the baby is here. I do love a multipurpose product. Saying this, if you’re after a designated nursing pillow, the brand’s version is just as chic, comfy and practical, with a shorter middle section and longer straps on either side which you can tie around your waist for on-the-go support.

Best baby bottles

Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic Baby Bottle

(Image credit: Boots)

Tommee Tippee Advanced Anti-Colic Baby Bottle

Reasons to buy

+
Helps to prevent colic
+
Slow-flow teat

Reasons to avoid

-
There are quite a few different parts to wash

I’ve heard enough about colic to know that I’ll do anything to help prevent my baby from having to deal with it, and many mums swear by the Tommee Tippee anti-colic bottles for doing just that. It has a slow-flow breast-like teat, perfect for newborns, and a vented anti-colic wand to allow smoother suction. Oh, and Pixie Lott was spotted feeding her son with one of these Tommee Tippee bottles during London Fashion Week recently, so it has the fashion set’s seal of approval, too.

Best changing bag

lululemon New Parent Backpack

(Image credit: lululemon)

lululemon New Parent Backpack

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight and water resistant
+
Loads of handy pockets
+
Large opening for easy access
+
Attaches to your pram
+
Separate crossbody pouch for changing essentials

Reasons to avoid

-
It's expensive - but hands down the best I've tried

You’re going to need a changing bag, and while practicality is key, a sleek design always helps. I knew I wanted a backpack for the space and functionality, but still wanted a stylish design, this one, by lululemon delivers on all counts. With plenty of pockets (including wide side pockets for easy access to my wipes or bottles) a wide-opening top section, straps to attach to my pram handle and a removable changing pouch complete with a travel changing mat and crossbody strap, it ticks all the boxes. It’s also water resistant and super lightweight, perfect for lugging around in all types of weather.

Best stroller organiser

Finnson Freya Eco Stroller Organiser

(Image credit: Scandiborn)

Finnson Freya Eco Stroller Organiser

Reasons to buy

+
The perfect medium size
+
Has loads of handy pockets, including an insulated bottle holder
+
Attaches to your pram and can also be worn crossbody

Reasons to avoid

-
You'll probably need a bigger bag too for a long day out

On days when I’m just heading out for a quick walk or don’t want to take a big backpack with me, this stroller organiser will come in super handy. The medium size is perfect for packing all the essentials without having to take half of the house out with me. It has loads of handy pockets, both inside and out, and can be worn as a crossbody bag or strapped onto my stroller’s handles. I’m currently using it to store baby’s clothes and other bits and pieces for the hospital. As a serial over-packer, I know this handy medium-sized bag will help make sure I stick to the essentials day-to-day.

Best muslin squares

Etta Loves Animal Print Muslin Squares

(Image credit: Etta Loves)

Etta Loves Animal Print Muslin Squares

Reasons to buy

+
Brilliant for cognitive and visual development in newborns
+
Can be used in many different ways
+
Super soft and a nice big size

Reasons to avoid

-
You'll want way more than just three

Etta Loves specialises in creating sensory products for newborns that don’t compromise on style, and as soon as I saw these black and white animal print muslins I knew I wanted them. All of the graphic black and white prints used in Etta Loves products are designed to help develop a newborn’s visual and cognitive development (seriously, check out the brand’s whole range of sensory toys), and these super soft muslin squares can be used in so many ways. Whether I’m using them as burp cloths, for tummy time or general sensory play, I know I’ll get so much use out of them. Oh, and these sensory hanging squares made in collaboration with Camille Walala are among the chicest I’ve found.

Best pacifiers

NUK for Nature Baby Dummy

(Image credit: Amazon)

NUK Baby Dummy

Reasons to buy

+
Can be used from birth for soothing baby
+
Lovely colours
+
Made from 100% natural raw materials

Reasons to avoid

-
Again, you'll want more than just two

NUK pacifiers are soothing, suitable from 0 months, made from 100% natural raw materials and some of the prettiest on the market. Needless to say, I’ve stocked up on several colours.

Best breast pump

The bottle prep machine

The (very) nice to haves

Best changing table

Best Moses basket

Best nursing chair

iL TuTTo Louie Electric Recliner Glider Nursery Chair

(Image credit: iL TuTTo)

iL TuTTo Louie Electric Recliner Glider Nursery Chair

Reasons to buy

+
So comfy and supportive
+
Reclines, swivels and rocks
+
Chic boucle design

Reasons to avoid

-
It's a big piece of furniture - make sure you have enough space

In the UK, a nursing chair is not considered an ‘essential’ baby product, but this one from iL TuTTo has genuinely changed my life—and I haven’t even given birth yet. I’ve given up a very beautiful set of table and chairs to make space for this nursing chair in my living room, and I don’t have a single regret. It reclines, it rocks, it swivels, it has an unbelievably pretty boucle finish and (most importantly) it supports every part of my currently heavily pregnant body. I’ve been using the Louie chair to work from home in, and the built-in leg rest has helped to prevent swollen feet and ankles, the cushioned back provides me with ample support, and it’s so stylish that I’ve had multiple comments on it from team meeting calls. I have absolutely no notes—IMO, it’s worth every penny.

Best baby nest

DockATot Deluxe + Dock

(Image credit: Very)

DockATot Deluxe + Dock

Reasons to buy

+
A safe and comfy space to keep your baby in
+
Can be used for lounging, tummy time and more
+
The Willow Boughs print is utterly beautiful

Reasons to avoid

-
Not suitable for unsupervised lounging/ naps

The ultimate gift for new or expectant parents. The Dockatot Deluxe+ Dock is suitable for babies aged 0-8 months and can be used as a safe spot for supervised lounging, tummy time, baby massage and more. It’s designed to mimic the comfort of the womb—the perfect balance of chic and practical. I have the Willow Boughs print and every time I catch a glimpse of it I let out a little sigh of contentment.

Best baby carrier

Best UV steriliser

Tommee Tippee Ultra UV Steriliser

(Image credit: Amazon)

Tommee Tippee Ultra UV Steriliser

Reasons to buy

+
Dries and sterilises bottles, pacifiers and more
+
Has multiple shelves
+
Sleek design

Reasons to avoid

-
It will take up a fair bit of space on your counter

This UV steriliser looks a little bit like a mini fridge, so you’ll have to make room for it on your kitchen counter, but my mum sources tell me that what it takes in counter space it more than makes up for in time and effort saved. It fully dries and safely sterilises bottles, pacifiers and more, so you won’t have to worry about tap water droplets getting into your baby’s system. I find the black design super sleek too.

Best baby bottle for travelling

Ember Baby Bottle System

(Image credit: Harrods)

Ember Baby Bottle System

Reasons to buy

+
Warms your milk to the exact right temperature
+
Keeps it warm for hours
+
Great for bottle feeding on the go

Reasons to avoid

-
It's quite expensive

Another product I’m assured will be priceless when it comes to travelling and while out and about. The Ember baby bottle system includes two bottles (which can be used from 0 months +), a smart warming puck and an insulating thermal dome. It’ll warm your milk to precisely the right temperature, and keep it that way for hours, making bottle feeding on the go—something I’d been worried about—so much easier.

Best nappy bin

Tommee Tippee Twist and Click Nappy Bin

(Image credit: Amazon)

Tommee Tippee Twist and Click Nappy Bin

Reasons to buy

+
Individually wraps each nappy to prevent smells escaping
+
Affordable
+
The set includes six refills

Reasons to avoid

-
Only comes in one colour

Nobody wants their house smelling of dirty nappies. The clever twist and click design ensures that each nappy is individually wrapped and compressed, so no smells can escape and you’ll be able to fit in a fair few before it fills up. With a newborn, you can expect to change their nappy up to 12 times a day, so I know the Tommee Tippee nappy bin will come in super handy.

Best high chair

Best nappy caddy

Tiba + Marl Organiser Caddy

(Image credit: Scandiborn)

Tiba + Marl Organiser Caddy

Reasons to buy

+
Plenty of pockets
+
Chic borg design
+
Not too big but has loads of room

Reasons to avoid

-
It's not waterproof

As mentioned above, my flat isn’t the biggest, and while I don’t have space for a designated changing station I still want to be able to keep all my changing essentials in one place for easy access. Enter: the Tiba + Marl caddy. Not only does it come in the most beautiful camel borg finish, it has plenty of sections (including both inside and outside pockets and an insulated bottle holder) to keep everything separate and organised. I plan on using this for storing my changing essentials but also as an extra organiser in the car or when I pop over to my mum’s house.

The buggy board

The traveller stroller

The portable changing basket

Best sleep machine

The labour prep

Best labour prep kit

Frida Mom Labour & Delivery Postpartum Recovery Kit

(Image credit: John Lewis)

Frida Mom Labour & Delivery Postpartum Recovery Kit

Reasons to buy

+
Includes loads of essentials for labour
+
Packaging turns into a handy caddy to store your maternity pads and more

Reasons to avoid

-
Depending on your personal preferences you might not use everything in the kit

This labour and delivery kit from Frida Mom is absolutely genius. It includes disposable underwear, a peri bottle, compression socks, a dark-coloured cooling gown and more—I consider a large chunk of my hospital bag prep sorted thanks to this kit. There’s even a caddy-style insert inside the box packaging which you can use to store your maternity pads and more post-labour, the brand has really thought of everything.

Best hospital bag

Monos Carry-On

(Image credit: Monos)

Monos Carry-On Suitcase

Reasons to buy

+
Lightweight and compact
+
Fits a surprising amount
+
Perfect for packing hospital essentials
+
Has wheels so you won't have to carry a heavy bag

Reasons to avoid

-
The lighter colour may get scratched over time - but it's available in loads of shades

This Monos carry-on suitcase isn’t just great for travel, I’m planning on using it as my main hospital bag too. It has smooth gliding wheels and multiple compartments, perfect for sectioning up different products I’ll need at different stages of labour.

Saying that, when heading to the hospital, I’ll need to bring items for me and baby, but also my birth partner and more general things like snacks too - so it helps to have an extra bag or two to fit everything inside. The Monos Metro backpack has tons of pockets, a large capacity and slides right onto the carry-on suitcase, so my partner can carry both with ease.

Best duffel bag

Embark Compact Duffle

(Image credit: Troubadour)

Troubadour Embark Compact Duffle

Reasons to buy

+
Compact but has a large capacity
+
Great for both travelling and hospital essentials

Reasons to avoid

-
Only comes in one colour

I’m also a huge fan of this Troubadour duffel bag. It’s surprisingly compact but fits a ton of items inside, making it perfect for packing with clothes and other essentials for your hospital trip, but also any babymoons or staycations you might have planned too!

Best lip balm

RAYBALM SPF 50+ Lip Balm

(Image credit: Amazon)

RAYBALM SPF 50+ Lip Balm

Reasons to buy

+
Hydrating
+
Has SPF
+
Not greasy or sticky

Reasons to avoid

-
Leaves a bit of a sheen - if you're more a fan of matte balms

During my antenatal classes, one of the essentials listed by my midwife was a good lip balm, as your lips supposedly get very dry during labour. I’ve been loving this new—and affordable—one from Raybalm, which is enriched with natural plant oils, doesn’t feel sticky or oily and contains SPF50+ too.

Best cooling PJs

Eberjey Short-Sleeve Gisele Pyjamas

(Image credit: Harrods)

Eberjey Short-Sleeve Gisele Pyjamas

Reasons to buy

+
Cooling material to help with night sweats
+
button-front design is great for breastfeeding
+
Super luxurious feel

Reasons to avoid

-
They're quite expensive

I’ve been doing my research on what to pack in my hospital bag, and the consensus is clear: button-up PJs in a cooling material are essential. Even if I don’t end up using these in the hospital (they’re so pretty, I’ll probably want to save them from the mess), they’ll come in super handy once I’m back at home. The cooling material and button-front design makes them perfect for the breastfeeding night sweats, and they’re so unbelievably comfy. At a time when I'll be in loungewear and pyjamas 99% of the time, I can imagine I'll get lots of wear out of these luxurious PJs.

Best maternity robe

Ergopouch Matchy Matchy Robe

(Image credit: Ergopouch)

Ergopouch Matchy Matchy Robe

Reasons to buy

+
Cooling material
+
Great for breastfeeding
+
You can get a matching babygro and swaddle for your baby

Reasons to avoid

-
It's not particularly warm

I’ve watched countless hospital bag packing videos by now, and they all suggest bringing cute matching outfits for pictures, but for me, practicality has to come first. Luckily this Ergopouch maternity robe and matching babygro and swaddle bag ticks both boxes. The robe will come in super handy while breastfeeding, and the matching material used in each product is super soft and stylish to boot.

Penny Goldstone

Penny Goldstone is the Contributing Fashion Editor at Marie Claire UK. She writes about catwalk trends and the latest high street and Instagram sartorial must-haves. She also helms the Women Who Win franchise.

She has worked in fashion for over 10 years, contributing to publications such as Cosmopolitan, Red, Good Housekeeping, and Stylist.

With contributions from