Essential Baby Items: What You Really Need (And What You Don't)

When you’re preparing for a new baby, it can feel like you need to buy everything. Every website, ad, and baby aisle seems to have a hundred "must-haves" — but the truth is, you only need a few essentials to keep your newborn happy, safe, and comfortable.

At Beyond the Bump, we believe in making things simpler, not more stressful. So here’s your no-nonsense guide to what you really need for your baby — and what you can happily skip (for now!).

Baby Essentials Items Checklist: The Must-Haves

You don't need mountains of stuff. Focus on these baby essential items basics:

1. Safe Sleep Space

A cot, crib, or Moses basket that meets current safety standards.
A firm, flat mattress that fits your sleep space snugly.
Fitted sheets (2–3 is plenty).

✅ Tip: Nothing else should be in the sleep space, such as bumpers, pillows, or soft toys — just a clear, safe space.

2. Car Seat

A rear-facing car seat that meets UK regulations and fits your car safely.

✅ Tip: Practice installing it before baby arrives so you're confident on day one.

3. Nappies and Changing Essentials

Plenty of nappies (disposable or cloth).
Baby wipes or reusable wipes.
Barrier cream to help prevent nappy rash - we recommend a plain old coconut oil, you don't need anything more at this stage.
Changing mat — and it’s smart to have one in each room you’ll be using regularly. It saves you running upstairs every time!

✅ Tip: Newborns need changing A LOT — keep essentials close by!

4. Baby Clothes

Babygrows (6–8)
Vests/bodysuits (6–8)
Cardigans (2–3)
Soft hat (if the weather warrants it, you don't need hats on babies inside)

✅ Tip: Go for easy, comfortable clothes that are simple to get on and off.

5. Feeding Supplies

Depending on how you plan to feed:

Breastfeeding: A few nursing bras, breast pads, nipple cream and lots of muslin cloths for spills.
Bottle feeding: Bottles, a steriliser, and formula (if using).

✅ Tip: If you are going to be formular feeding then don't faff with sterilising in the hospital, take in the ready made liquid formular bottles that already have a teat included.

6. Baby Care Basics

Digital thermometer
Baby nail clippers or a soft emery board
Baby bath or simply a clean sink
Plain water for bathing at first (no special baby washes needed!)

✅ Tip: Keeping it simple protects their delicate skin in the early weeks.

Nice-To-Haves (But Not Essentials)

You might find these helpful, but they aren't must-haves right away:

Baby carrier or wrap (perfect for cuddly, hands-free moments)
Bouncer chair for short spells of awake time
Play mat for tummy time
Breast pump (especially if you plan to express later)
Nappy bin (not essential but handy)

✅ Tip: You can always pick up extras later based on what your baby actually likes.

🌟 Want to feel even more prepared?

Our online course, The Birth & Baby Academy, takes you step-by-step through newborn care — from how to bath your baby safely to nappy changes, winding techniques, safe sleep tips and so much more.

▶️ Explore The Birth & Baby Academy today

What You Really Don’t Need

Here are a few things you can safely leave off your shopping list (at least for now):

Fancy nursery furniture — Your baby will sleep in your room for the first six months.
Baby monitor — Not needed at first as your baby will be nearby day and night.
Fancy rockers - most of the time they take up a huge amount of space & won't be used
Tons of newborn-size outfits — Many babies go straight into 0–3 month sizes.
Lots of fancy baby clothes — Comfort over cuteness wins (you’ll thank us later!).

✅ Tip: Focus your energy (and money) on what your baby really needs, not what the marketing tells you to buy.

Preparing for Baby: Keep It Simple

The truth is, babies need much less “stuff” than the shops would have you believe. What matters most is:

A safe place to sleep
Milk feeds
Clean nappies
Lots of cuddles

The rest can be figured out as you go — and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

🌿 If you're ready to feel calm, capable, and genuinely ready for life with your newborn, take a look at The Birth & Baby Academy. It’s full of practical guidance to make those early weeks easier.

▶️ Get all the newborn tips and support here.

You’ve got this — and you’re going to be amazing. 💛