Valeza Bakolli
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
Whilst I live in Surrey, I do often make trips into London, and travel abroad, so a compact pram was top of my list for both babies. The Stokke Yoyo model is cult for a reason. It collapses and reassembles in lightning speed, is light, and can be manoeuvred very easily on cobbled streets and public transport.
It has a surprising amount of storage space underneath, perfect for a changing bag and more baby-related bits and pieces. The wheels are effortlessly smooth and the design is unbelievably chic. Do note that you'll have to buy the newborn pack separately from the 6 month+ stroller, but once you have you'll be set through to toddlerhood.
Most comfortable stroller
Shopping editor Valeza says: "My sister has the original Bugaboo Fox pram so when I first became pregnant, the newest Fox 5 Renew model was top of my most-desired prams list. I went for the all-black model, which is just about the chicest design I have ever seen. Like Bugaboo’s previous Fox prams, it’s incredibly spacious and comfy and moves with ease, with large wheels which make strolling over bumpy roads and cobblestones a breeze. It also has a large storage basket along with plenty of pockets around the pram: ideal for muslins, phones, keys and everything in between.
It folds up with one hand, which is super handy when juggling multiple bags and comes with a rain cover. What’s different about the brand new Renew model, though is the sustainability element. It features recycled fabrics, an aluminium construction and bio-based materials which reduce its carbon footprint by 30%. As a sustainably minded (and extremely picky) shopping editor, it ticks every one of my boxes."
Best car seat
Car seats are expensive, so ideally you don't want your baby to outgrow it too quickly. Which is where the Darwin Next Stage seat comes in. It's suitable from 40 cm (birth) until the child is 105 cm tall (about 4 years old), so it's well worth the investment.
It has four different reclining positions for extra comfort and has a 360 rotation range which means you can easily swivel it to strap your baby in without breaking your back.
Please note you'll need to be the isofix base separately.
Whether you're travelling or want a compact stroller for everyday, the Doona car seat and stroller is an absolute game changer. In one simple motion, it transforms from a car seat to a stroller, without compromising on safety or comfort. The newest model also features three different recline positions, including a lie flat position, and is made of more breathable materials. Crucially, the new features are in line with the most advanced safety regulation for car seats in Europe.
If this is your second baby, chances are your eldest will need upgrading to a toddler seat soon. Enter the Nuna Aace™ Lx booster car seat. Its genius growth system means you can adjust the headrest height as well as the depth as your child grows, accompanying them right up until they don't need a booster seat anymore.
Best baby bouncer
I was very excited when Stokke got in touch with their latest launch, the Yoga baby bouncer and swing. I didn't get on very well with the bouncer I got first time round, but this one is ticking all the boxes so far, mainly thanks to its dual movement. It's both a bouncer and a swing, so you get two products in one, justifying the slightly higher price point. It's designed for even the smallest of newborns, a relief since my first was very small so this one is likely to be too. I love the fact that it has a removable newborn cushion for optimum ergonomic comfort, as well as three reclining positions. It's also super easy to clean, which, trust me, is very important.
I also had to include Nuna's Leaf™ Grow bouncer because it is an all-rounder that is well worth the investment. Its main draw is that it's not just for babies, it grows with your child and turns into a great swivel chair for big kids (it can take up to 60kg weight). For babies, it makes for the perfect safe cocoon for them to bounce and snooze in. Its ergonomic design provides different recline positions optimal for each stage. I also love the sleek Dutch design aesthetic.
Best baby monitor
I used the Cubo baby monitor with my first baby, and since I still use it with her now, I'm getting a second one which can be added to my account, so I can keep an eye on both my babies while they sleep. It uses an app so you can watch on your phone rather than carrying around a second monitor, and you can leave the noise on in the background while you use your phone for other purposes. The video quality is excellent, and you get safety alerts too, including when the baby rolls over or cries. It also comes with a wall mount set so you can easily attach it to the cot, or a floor stand if you prefer.
Another essential which gave us peace of mind with our first baby. The Dream Sock® features a simple, non-invasive design that comfortably fits around baby’s foot with adjustable Velcro straps, and delivers key data straight to your phone. The app tracks oxygen level, pulse rate, and movement, and notifies you straight away if there are any concerns, through the Base Station’s lights and sounds, as well as in-app alerts. It comes with different sock sizes so it grows with baby too. A new version has come out so we will be upgrading ours.
Best bedside crib
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
Pretty and practical, this pillow supports your back, hips, knees, neck and head while you sleep, and doubles up as a nest for baby too.
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 sleeping bag
Forget buying a sleeping bag for every season, Pure Earth's bamboo bag works for all seasons. It's made of 100% certified organic cotton and 100% organic bamboo, which help babies to regulate their body temperature, whether the room is 13 degrees or 27.
Best baby bottles
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
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
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 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 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
I exclusively breastfed with my first, and plan to do so with my second as well, so a breast pump is a must. I mainly use it for when I'm away from baby, or want to stock up on breast milk to freeze, so that my husband can do those early morning feeds when I need a lie in! The Medela pump is super fuss free and easy to use, and more importantly leaves my hands free so I can carry on with other jobs. It's compact and lightweight too, so a great one to take travelling with you.
The bottle prep machine
I breastfed for a year with my first one, and after that switched to formula. A bottle prep machine saves the faff of boiling the kettle to make up the milk (you need boiling water to kill the bacteria), which often ends up being too hot. Tommee Tippee's PerfectPrep solves all those issues. The new model delivers a body temperature bottle at the touch of a button in just 90 seconds, and is scientifically proven to make a fresh formula feed as safely as the NHS method. It comes with an antibacterial filter, which is as effective as boiling water, and you can set it up easily with your app, which then lets you re-order filters.
The (very) nice to haves
Best changing table
If you're going to invest in a baby item, you want to make it last to justify the cost. This is exactly what you get with the Stokke dresser and changer. It's stylish and functional. The drawers slide in and out at the touch of a hand, fitting everything you need for baby, from clothes to nappies. It comes with a removable changing table, so you can have everything in one place. The table is safely secured to the top so it won't budge when you are changing baby, and it comes with a removable and washable cover for all those little accidents that are bound to happen.
Best Moses basket
I like to have baby napping close to me during the day for the first 6 months, so a Moses basket is essential. This one from The Little Green Sheep is made of natural palm leaf and is free from harmful substances and any nasties. It's beautiful, but more importantly is a safe place for baby to nap. I also love the rocking stand it comes with, for when my arms are too tired to bounce.
Best nursing chair
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
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
Valeza says: "This baby carrier has been a complete game changer for me. It’s unbelievably comfortable for both me and my baby and is designed to be worn while active: think long walks and baby-wearing workouts. It’s helped me to stay active during the first few newborn months and for that I am truly grateful. With every purchase of a carrier you’ll also get a one-year subscription to the Carifit app, which has loads of pregnancy and postpartum workouts tailored to you along with expert advice for new parents (the app alone costs £119, so you’ll be making a huge saving). But what really impresses me with this brand is the care and attention to detail it puts behind its product - you can even book an online session with one of the team to ensure you’re wearing the carrier correctly. In case it’s not already clear, I’m a huge fan."
Best UV steriliser
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
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
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
This chair isn't just beautiful in a sleek, minimalist Scandi way, it's functional too. It's super easy to put together, clean and take apart, making mealtimes a breeze. It will grow with your child too, turning into a seat for toddlers.
A high chair that is practical, stylish and can be used throughout your child's life? Yes please. The Click & Fold is a new addition for CYBEX, and is so easy to set up, fold and out away for space. It comes with a newborn attachment, which can be swapped for a tray and seat as baby grows. Then, it transforms into a normal foldable chair which can be used up until 99 years old. Genius.
Best nappy caddy
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
My eldest doesn't really use her pram anymore, but for those days she is too tired to walk, she can hitch a ride with her baby brother thanks to the Lascal buggyboard, which attaches to all prams.
The traveller stroller
This is a great option to ask the grandparents to buy for baby's first Christmas. The smarTrike traveller stroller isn't just a great travel pram, it transforms into a trike for when you hit toddler age, and features a parent-to-child steering mode to foster independence.
The portable changing basket
Crafted from natural maize with a jute trim, this changing basket is stylish and super easy to carry around the house.
Best sleep machine
Trust me, white noise is your saviour when it comes to baby's sleep, especially on the go. Featuring nine soothing sounds, cry detection, a personalized recording function, and a baby-friendly night light, this one helps babies fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It's portable too so you'll want to take it with you wherever you go.
The labour prep
Best labour prep 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
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
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
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
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
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.
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