Preparing For The First 6 Weeks: 10 Newborn Essentials Every Parent Needs
- Mala Alwani
- Mar 14
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 18
Preparing for your baby's arrival is an exciting journey, but with so many products out there, it can feel overwhelming. Our advice for the first few weeks? keep it simple! These 10 essential items will cover your baby's needs, and once you feel more settled, you can explore our Newborn Registry for a detailed guide on what you'll need for the first six months.
Moses basket or Cot
Choose a comfortable, safe space that meets UK safety standards. Many newborns sleep in a Moses basket before transitioning to a cot, which offers more space as they grow. Look for a firm mattress and breathable bedding to keep your baby comfortable.
Brands we love:
Moses Basket/Bedside Crib: Snuzpod, The Little green Sheep
Mattress: Mamas & Papas, The Little Green Sheep
Swaddles and sleep sacks
Swaddling can mimic the womb and help soothe your newborn. A sleep sack provides a safer alternative to loose blankets as your baby grows. Opt for light, breathable fabrics to prevent overheating. Also try using a wrap around swaddle with a velcro (makes life a lot easier!).
Brands we love: Aden + Anais, Swaddleme
Bottles & Steriliser
Even if breastfeeding, having bottles on hand is useful. Select anti-colic bottles for added comfort and a steriliser to keep everything hygienic.
Brands we love: Dr Brown, Tommee Tippee
Car seat
A top priority for any parent, your car seat must meet UK safety standards. Some travel systems include a car seat that clicks directly into your pram, making life on the move simpler
Brands we love: Maxi Cosi
Clothing - Bodysuits & beanie
Opt for soft, breathable cotton safetoes bodysuits and sleepsuits with easy-access poppers for those constant changes. Remember, babies grow quickly, so buy a mix of newborn and 0-3 month sizes. This two way zipper sleepsuit, although slightly steep in price, is very helpful for night changes. Ensure all clothes are prewashed using an easily accessible non-bio laundry detergent, as newborn clothes require frequent washing. (e.g. Fairy).
Clothing brands we love: Mori, Mamas&Papas
Nappies, Cotton pads/Wipes, Nappy cream
Whether you choose disposable or reusable nappies, have plenty ready. Newborns go through 8-12 changes a day! A highly absorbent core helps keep them dry. If using disposables, stock up on at least two to three packs of newborn size. If using cloth, start with 15-20 nappies for easy rotation. Use sensitive wipes and barrier creams like Bepanthen or Sudocrem to prevent nappy rash. Consider eco-friendly, biodegradable wipes as an environmentally conscious option.
Brands we love:
Disposable nappies: Pampers, Peachies, Bambo
Reusable nappies: Bambino
Baby Blanket
When it comes to choosing the right blanket for your newborn, safety and comfort are top priorities. Blankets designed with tiny holes—often called cellular blankets—are a game changer for newborns. These special blankets allow for air circulation, reducing the risk of overheating in warm weather while still trapping warmth during colder months
Brands we love:
Cashmere & Merino Wool blankets: Willow & Cole
Cellular blankets: Isla & Fraser, Mori
All-Season Use blankets: The White Company
Pushchair
Choose a pram or pushchair that is lightweight, easy to fold, and suitable from birth. Think about how easily it will fit into your car or navigate narrow streets.
Brands we love: Babyzen Yoyo
Digital thermometer
For quick at-home temperature checks on a newborn (first 6 weeks) a forehead (temporal) or underarm (axillary) thermometer is a good option. However, a rectal thermometer provides the most accurate readings at this stage so visit the GP when in doubt. It's important to note that while ear thermometers are popular choice, it is not ideal for the first 3 months.
Brands we love: Braun
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