I’ve been a mother now for six whole weeks, and these are the must-have items for a newborn baby. It’s pretty overwhelming becoming a new parent from all aspects of the situation, and knowing which items are honestly ‘must have’, as opposed to ‘nice to have’ can be a real minefield! These products are some of the most genuinely helpful (and beautiful) items that I have been using over the first six weeks with my new baby.
1. BB Hug me breastfeeding pillow
The bbhugme nursing pillow is a game-changer however you’re feeding your baby. Much to my surprise as a new mother, even holding the smallest of babies can take it’s toll on your back after many hours in the same position, so a little support is very welcome! The bbhugme has a tie-around design and adjustable firmness allowing you to customize the pillow to your body and different feeding positions as the baby grows (they also make a gorgeous pregnancy pillow, of which every pregnant person must have. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’ll change your life). Not only is this pillow aesthetically pleasing on the eye, but it’s practical (washable cover) and light enough to travel around with you or chuck in the car if going for an overnight stay. I found the pillow particularly helpful and comforting during an unexpectedly long stay in hospital with my newborn.
2. Mamashack changing mats
Something I have realised since becoming a mother is the absolute necessity for everything to be as easy as possible, and if that means multiple changing mats, then it means multiple changing mats. One in the nursery, one downstairs and then our next-to-me crib actually came with one too, and all have served their purposes. What I totally forgot to consider as a new mum was that I should probably get a baby kit for the car too! Honestly, when they say you need a lot of things for a baby- they’re not joking. The Mamashack changing mat is the perfect solution for the car or for smaller homes where you want something discreet and comes in a really vast range of patterns to suit all tastes.
Mamashack mats
3. Burts Bees Mama and Baby range
Burts Bees is one of those brands that feels nostalgic to me, I was always trying to steal my sister’s lip balms and was ever so jealous of anyone who had their products. They’re still very much one of my favourite brands so I was thrilled to see that they now offer a baby range. I’ve been loving their multipurpose ointment/ balm and have kept this in my nappy caddy downstairs. Whether you’re buying for yourself or a friend/ family member who is expecting, you can’t go wrong with some beautiful, natural skin care products (which don’t break the bank).
4. Etta Loves sensory baby items
Did you know that when babies are born, their hearing is completely developed but their eyesight is not? Not a huge surprise really given how much there is for their little eyes to learn! Etta Loves is a sensory brand developed specifically to help babies’ eyesight develop from birth onwards and they have some very, very smart products. I’ve got the full sensory play kit and have really enjoyed ‘tummy time’ with my newborn on her beautiful padded sensory mat. Are these items essential for a newborn? No, but. they make a really thoughtful gift.
Sensory playmat £75.00 at ettaloves.com
5. Bamford baby range
Bamford is a brand that is well known for their luxurious products, and if you’ve visited their London store, you’ll know that anything made by Bamford smells unbelievably good. Back in the spring of this year they launched the Bamford baby range, which as well as being full of lovely baby lotions, balms and oils also boasted the cutest Daylesford-inspired printed muslins, bibs and dressing gowns. It’s well worth checking out as a gift to yourself or someone else, if you’re looking to find something a little upmarket for the little one!
6. Willa and the Bear muslin bedding
If you’re looking to find those small, pretty touches to finish off your nursery or looking for a thoughtful gift for a new mother-to-be then you need to know about Willa and the Bear, a small UK brand who have beautiful prints and designs on high-quality fabrics that will make any new mother swoon. I love their cot bolster in our nursery and the muslin cot sheet which has been brilliant in the up-and-down Summer temperatures. They also have a brilliant range of muslins, and muslin squares in the most divine array of prints. They’re now my go-to brand for gifting to other mum friends.
Fitted muslin cot sheets for £40.00 at willaandthebear.com
7. Moonie bear
Contrary to nearly everything I read, my baby has been totally uninterested in the white noise playlists from Spotify. I am so glad I didn’t buy her a white noise machine! She does, however, very easily melt away into a sleepy trance the moment I pop the Moonie bear next to her or in her crib at night. Not only does it help with the initial transfer from arms to sleeping zone, it’s also brilliant at re-settling them in their crib. It has many amazing features including various lighting options, USB charging, multiple noise functions and more, but it will re-start itself if the baby starts crying next to it. Genius.
£64.95 – available at babymori.co.uk
8. Sleep Like A Baby bedtime set
From the experts in pregnancy and baby, sisters in law and mothers to five children between them, founders of Bloom and Blossom Julia Yule and Christina Moss introduced their ‘SLEEP LIKE A BABY’ bedtime gift set – a gentle trio of products perfect for creating a soothing bedtime environment or a gift for a baby shower or new mum. We love the Calming baby sleep spray made from 98% natural, vegan products for creating a zen atmosphere in baby’s room for bedtime.
£26 – available at bloomandblossom.com
