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Expecting my first baby this summer, I never anticipated how much time I would spend researching what I actually need. After countless hours of scrolling, comparing, and quizzing friends and family on their must-haves, one thing became clear: babies do not require much. Essentially, a safe place to sleep, a car seat, and a way to feed them.
However, there are always standout buys that everyone swears by, making life easier or more joyful. I could not resist adding several to my list, and some I have already purchased ahead of my baby's arrival. If you are compiling your baby registry or simply love a good recommendation, these are the products every new mum needs to know about.
Tiba + Marl Pocket Tote Brown Gingham
I have always been obsessed with handbags, but with a baby on the way, my focus has shifted to changing bags, particularly Tiba + Marl. I recently acquired the Pocket Tote in Brown Gingham as my hospital bag. It is beautifully designed with roomy interiors, large exterior pockets, and can attach to the buggy with D-rings (sold separately). I loved it so much that I also picked up the Etta Changing Clutch in the same print for on-the-go emergencies.
Nanit Pro Smart Baby Monitor and 2nd Gen Floor Stand
When searching for a baby monitor, I wanted one on a stand for a bird's-eye view without drilling into walls or balancing a camera on furniture. The Nanit Pro Camera fulfills all these requirements, providing crisp HD video, real-time sleep insights, cry detection, motion alerts, breathing motion tracking (with the compatible breathing band), and handy features like two-way audio and night vision for total peace of mind.
The Little Green Sheep Organic Knitted Moses Basket, Mattress & Natural Foldable Stand Linen
I have high hopes for daytime naps in a Moses basket in the living room, keeping baby close while allowing me to have my hands free. I could not resist the Little Green Sheep Organic Knitted Moses Basket. Their designs are beautiful, and for the quality, the price point feels like a win.
ergoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Crib in Ecru
I wanted a lightweight, safe sleep option that could be moved around easily. The ergoPouch Easy Sleep Portable Crib is ideal, especially for a summer baby. It packs down into a backpack for trips to the beach, picnics, or the garden, and the built-in mosquito net is a lifesaver for keeping bugs, pets, and little hands out.
Stokke Yoga Baby Bouncer and Swing, Light Sand
Everyone advised me to get a bouncer, and I chose the Stokke Yoga Baby Bouncer and Swing, which stands out with its neutral beech wood design and clean aesthetic. It gently swings to soothe or bounces to stimulate, and is light enough to move from room to room.
CYBEX Gold e-Gazelle S
Electric strollers were a new discovery for me. The CYBEX Gold e-Gazelle S is impressive, featuring a hands-free rocking motion and extra power to glide up hills or handle rough ground at the push of a button. It is perfect for countryside outings or constant movement, taking strain off parents and grandparents alike.
Aden + Anais Muslin Squares
Aden + Anais is a brand I frequently return to and have gifted to many mums-to-be. From swaddles and muslins to sleeping bags and burp cloths, every piece is lightweight, breathable, beautifully made with fun prints, and the quality feels a cut above the rest.
H&M Teddy Changing Bag
A nappy caddy was a must-have recommendation from friends and family. While having one upstairs and downstairs seemed excessive initially, I quickly realized their usefulness, especially in early days. I chose the H&M Teddy Changing Bag, which is roomy with ample space for nappies, a change of clothes, muslins, and everything else I need on hand.
Love To Dream Swaddles
Do not overlook Love To Dream Swaddles. According to the brand, 83% of new customers report their babies' sleep increasing from an average of 3 hours 45 minutes to 7 hours 25 minutes when switching to the Swaddle Up from traditional methods. I appreciate the easy-zip design for middle-of-the-night changes and the range of tog options.
ewan Deluxe
There are many sound machines available, but the Ewan Deluxe baby sleep aid consistently came up in recommendations. It mimics womb comfort with a soft red, melatonin-friendly glow and a mix of pink and white noise, including heartbeat and womb recordings. It also features an intelligent smartCRY sensor that automatically activates when baby stirs, helping to resettle them.
KAOS Klapp Highchair
When looking for a highchair, I wanted one that folds flat and stores neatly. The KAOS Klapp Highchair fits perfectly. I added the newborn attachment so baby can watch me cook while I keep an eye on them. It comes ready assembled, is space-saving, encourages independence with its ladder design, and is easy to clean.
Artipoppe Baby Carrier Zeitgeist Leopard Classic in Cotton
The Artipoppe Baby Carrier is at a premium price point, but it receives rave reviews from friends, celebrities, and influencers who claim it is the most comfortable carrier they have used and worth every penny. It is beautifully simple yet expertly made, suitable from birth to toddler age, fully adjustable for front, back, inward or outward-facing carry, certified hip-healthy, and washable.
Totter + Tumble The Mariner Playmat
Totter + Tumble is the playmat brand to know. Their memory foam designs look so much like a proper rug that friends have ditched their actual rugs. The playmats cushion, support, and protect while being wipe-clean, stylish, and available in various designs, sizes, and colours to suit any home.
NEW Elvie Stride 2: Hospital-Grade Suction Breast Pump
If you are looking for an electric breast pump, the Elvie Stride 2 is a standout hands-free option with hospital-grade suction and ten intensity settings for a natural feel. It features a long-lasting rechargeable battery, fits 99% of nipples with multiple sizes included, runs quietly with advanced noise reduction, and uses ultra-soft silicone cups for comfort. It connects via an app for remote control and easy tracking.
SnuzPod5 Bedside Crib Natural
The SnuzPod5 Bedside Crib Natural was at the top of my wishlist. It offers a safer way to co-sleep while keeping baby close. Its fold-down side design makes soothing, feeding, and bonding easy throughout the night. It is beautifully designed with great airflow, a reflux incline, a lift-off bassinet, and blends perfectly with bedroom furniture.
Mama Shack Changing Mats
For my upstairs and downstairs nappy caddies, I bought two Mama Shack travel changing mats. They are wipeable, fold flat, and have a handy popper design for easy grab-and-go. The designs are gorgeous, from gingham to bear print, and I also have one of their anti-roll wedge changing mats. I am a big fan of the brand.
Momcozy KleanPal Pro Baby Bottle Washer
While many recommend self-sterilising bottles, the Momcozy KleanPal Pro Baby Bottle Washer is a top-rated choice if budget allows. It is a washer, steriliser, and dryer all in one. Simply add water and a Momcozy detergent tablet, and it completes the cycle in 19 minutes, with space for bottles, dummies, and pump parts, keeping everything clean and dry for up to 72 hours.
Najell SleepCarrier vol. 5
Another frequently recommended buy is the Najell SleepCarrier Vol. 5. It is considered a smarter babynest with stable sides, a secure locking system, and safety-tested approval for overnight sleep. You can place it directly into the pram, lift it out without waking the baby, and unfold it into a flat playmat, making moving, naps, and play effortless.
Owlet Medically-Certified Dream Sock
A top baby tech product is the Owlet Dream Sock, which uses hospital-grade pulse oximetry technology. It wraps around your baby's foot while they sleep, sending real-time sleep and health data to your phone via the Owlet Dream App. It monitors key vitals including heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and sleep patterns. If anything falls outside preset ranges, you receive an instant notification.
Binibamba Milk Snuggler
Utterly chic, BINIBAMBA offers a range of beautifully designed sustainable sheepskin buggy liners, baby booties, pram mitts, and more that are as stylish as they are practical. I have purchased a couple of pieces for my buggy for when the weather turns, and anything from the brand makes a gorgeous gift for new parents.
