Top 20 Baby Essentials & Must-Haves

Expectant parents are constantly receiving advice from friends, family and the internet about what they need to buy and do ahead of the arrival of their little one, and it can sometimes be hard to distinguish between what is essential and what may be a nice-to-have.

It goes without saying that there are some items that all new parents need, including a cot or bassinet, a pram, a baby car seat, baby monitor and a bouncer, but there are a range of other must-have items designed to make parents’ lives just that little bit easier once their baby arrives and their lives change forever!

We’ve collated the ultimate checklist of baby essentials that parents can’t live without.

Top 20 Essential Baby Items

1. Sleeping Bag

A baby sleeping bag helps to create a safe, comfortable and warm sleeping environment for your little one. Sleeping bags can replace the traditional swaddle for young babies, while for older babies they serve as wearable, durable blankets. Most sleeping bags are available in a range of TOG ratings so you can pick the right weight for the season and your nursery room temperature. 

2. Baby Socks

A hospital bag essential, baby socks help to keep little feet toasty warm on cold days and can help minimise nasty scratches caused by long or sharp toenails.

3. Mittens

Little babies tend to scratch themselves accidentally because they don’t have a lot of control over their hands and legs. Cover little hands with a pair of baby mittens to help prevent small scratches or injuries.

4. Baby Wraps

Wraps made from jersey cotton or muslin have a range of different uses. They’re perfect for swaddling, as a lightweight blanket, as a change mat or to wipe up small splits. They can also provide some privacy when breastfeeding. Pick wraps made from soft, organic fabrics that wash well and dry quickly.

5. Baby Skincare

Develop a calm bath-to-bed routine for your baby with soothing skincare items for bathing and moisturising your little one. Choose products made from organic ingredients that are gentle on your little one’s delicate skin.

6. Hooded Baby Towel

A baby towel is a bath time essential, and we love hooded towels because they can be used for newborns right through to toddlers and beyond. The hood helps to dry your little one’s head and keeps them nice and snug between the bathroom and the change table. Opt for organic cotton on delicate newborn skin.

7. Reusable Nappies

These days, reusable nappies are easy to use and have a number of benefits compared to disposable nappies, including being kinder to the environment when washed thoughtfully. We love reusable nappies made from organic cotton with a waterproof layer to assist in preventing leakages.

8. Portable Changing Pad

You’ll be changing a lot of nappies in those first few months, and a portable changing pad makes it easy when you’re out and about. Look for padded or quilted mats with a waterproof inner layer that fold up into a handy travel size, and simply pop into your pram or tote when you head with your little one.

9. Cloth Wipes

An eco-friendly alternative to disposable wipes, cloth wipes are super handy and can be used in a multitude of ways. Have them on hand during nappy changes, use them to wash your baby’s face or grab one to wipe up a spill. Opt for good quality organic cotton wipes that wash well and dry quickly.

10. Wooden Teether

When your baby’s first teeth start to come through, they’ll love chewing on a teether to help soothe their irritated gums. Chemical-free wooden teethers are naturally antibacterial, so you don’t need to worry about your little one having nasty chemicals in their mouth. Wooden teethers are also great for developing hand/eye coordination.

11. Playmat

A good playmat will stand the test of time, acting as the perfect surface for tummy and play time when your baby is little, and a great nursery or play room rug when they grow up. Choose a mat made from a safe, non-toxic material that’s nice and easy to clean, either with a damp cloth or by popping in the washing machine.

12. Sound machine

Babies start developing their sense of sound at around 18 weeks of pregnancy, so by the time they’re born they’ve become quite used to a range of different sounds and noises. A sound machine helps create a comfortable, womb-like environment that can help to calm both babies and young children when they’re going off to sleep. Opt for a sound machine that has a range of different sounds, including white noise, nature sounds and lullabies.

13. Thermometer

Invest in a good digital thermometer to keep an eye not just on your baby’s body temperature, but on the temperature of the rooms in your house.

14. Baby Hairbrush

The soft bristles of a baby hairbrush are perfect for baby’s head and scalp stimulation and help to calm and comfort your little one through gentle massage.

15. Pacifier Clip

Once you find a dummy your baby loves, you won’t want to lose it! A pacifier clip attaches to a piece of your baby’s clothing and to your baby’s dummy to prevent it from getting lost or dirty. Pacifier clips are super practical and can be used at home, in the pram or out and about.

16. Bottle Steriliser

Milk is a very good breeding ground for bacteria, which can make your baby sick, especially early on as they won’t have built up a strong immune system. Cleaning and sterilising all feeding equipment reduces your baby’s chance of getting sick, and a bottle steriliser makes that task so much easier.

17. Nipple Shields

Breastfeeding can be challenging, so we love anything that makes feeding time easier. A nipple shield is a flexible silicone cover that can be placed over the nipple to assist with breastfeeding challenges, such as when a baby is having trouble latching or if a baby is small.

18. Breast Pump

If you’re breastfeeding, a breast pump is the perfect little essential to incorporate into your breastfeeding journey. We love the Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump because it’s compact enough to take with you anywhere, allowing you to express discreetly, silently and quickly.

19. Lactation Cookies

Packed with nutrients and superfoods, lactation cookies are delicious snacks which will energise your tired body and help support a healthy milk supply. Grab one (or a couple) when you’re feeling peckish during or between feeds.

20. Suction Bowls

As little ones move on to solids, feeding time can get messy! Silicone suction bowls are durable, unbreakable and dishwasher and microwave safe, and stick to tables to help minimise spills as your baby learns how to feed themselves.

Discover Purebaby’s homewares collection and baby sleepwear range online.