Baby Essentials Checklist for First-Time Parents

By Jordan Malik, Family Gear Reviewer | Product Picks Column | Childcare Standards Council

Becoming a parent for the first time is exciting and slightly terrifying. One minute you're marvelling at a tiny pair of socks, the next you're wondering whether you need a bottle steriliser that connects to Wi Fi. (Spoiler: you don’t.)

As someone who’s tested hundreds of baby products over the years and a parent myself I can tell you this: you don’t need all the flashy gear. What you do need are the essentials that make life safer, simpler, and more comfortable for both baby and you.

So, here’s an honest, no nonsense checklist of must have baby essentials for first time parents. Everything on this list has been chosen for its usefulness, value for money, and durability. Let’s get into it.

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Sleeping Essentials

1. Cot or Crib (with a Firm Mattress) Whether you’re going with a cot, a bedside crib, or a Moses basket, the important part is a firm, flat mattress that meets British safety standards (look for BS EN 16890:2017). Avoid second hand mattresses if possible to reduce the risk of SIDS.

2. Baby Sleeping Bags or Swaddles Loose blankets are a no go for newborns. Opt for a couple of tog rated baby sleeping bags or swaddles instead, depending on the season. Look for a snug fit around the neck and armholes.

3. Baby Monitor You don’t need a monitor with all the bells and whistles. A basic audio or video monitor with decent range and night vision will do the job.

Feeding Essentials

4. Bottles and Steriliser (Even if You Plan to Breastfeed) If you’re bottle feeding (formula or expressed milk), you’ll need at least 4 to 6 bottles, a bottle brush, and a steriliser. A microwave steriliser is simple and fuss free.

5. Breastfeeding Kit If you’re planning to breastfeed, invest in reusable breast pads, a supportive nursing bra, and lanolin cream for sore nipples. A manual or electric breast pump can also be handy, even if you don’t plan to express regularly.

6. Muslin Cloths You can never have too many muslins. Use them for spills, burping, makeshift bibs, and emergency changing mats. Get at least 10 to start.

Changing & Toiletries

7. Nappies and Wipes Start with a small pack of newborn nappies until you know what fits your baby best. Whether you go disposable or reusable is a personal choice but either way, stock up.

8. Changing Mat or Table A wipe clean changing mat is essential. If space is tight, a travel mat or foldaway option will work just fine.

9. Nappy Cream and Baby Wash Go for gentle, fragrance free products that are paediatrician approved. You don’t need a bathroom full of baby products just the basics.

Clothing Basics

10. Sleepsuits and Bodysuits Babies go through a lot of clothes. Have at least 6 to 8 sleepsuits and bodysuits in 0 to 3 months size. Stick with soft cotton and envelope necks for easy dressing.

11. Hats, Mitts, and Socks Newborns can lose heat quickly, especially in cooler months. A few soft hats, scratch mitts, and socks are handy. Just don’t go overboard they grow fast!

Out & About

12. Pushchair or Travel System Think about your lifestyle. City dwellers might want a lightweight stroller, while rural families may need something all terrain. A travel system with a compatible car seat can simplify life early on.

13. Car Seat This one’s non negotiable if you’re planning to drive. Choose one that meets the i Size (R129) standard for added safety. Always check compatibility with your vehicle.

14. Changing Bag A decent changing bag will save your sanity. Look for one with multiple compartments and a changing mat included. It doesn’t need to look like a nappy bag many stylish options double as everyday backpacks.

Health & Safety

15. Digital Thermometer A quick and accurate thermometer is a nursery essential. Ear and forehead thermometers are popular, but underarm digital thermometers tend to be more reliable for young babies.

16. Baby First Aid Kit You don’t need a full trauma centre at home, but a small kit with baby safe nail scissors, a nasal aspirator, plasters, and saline drops will come in handy.

17. Room Thermometer Babies can’t regulate temperature well. A simple room thermometer helps keep the nursery between the recommended 16 to 20°C.

Nice to Haves (But Not Urgents)

There’s a long list of baby products that sound handy but aren’t essential at first. Things like bottle warmers, wipe warmers, and fancy nappy bins can wait if you need them at all.

What you don’t need straight away:

• Baby shoes

• Cot bumpers (they’re unsafe)

• White noise machines (nice, not necessary)

• Expensive baby clothes (they grow out of them fast)

  
  

Final Thoughts

First time parenting is overwhelming enough without tripping over unused baby gear. This checklist is all about keeping it simple. Start with the basics. You can always add to your setup once you know what you and your baby actually need.

Remember: the most important thing your baby needs is you. Everything else is just there to help you along the way.