Buying Guide | Newborn Baby Checklist

Bathtime is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your baby and create lasting memories as they grow. And whilst we may love nothing more that a hot soak in the tub, for the first month of your newborn's life, it's important to only use warm (not hot) water without any products. As baby grows, you can introduce gentle cleansers that are suited to delicate skin. But what about chemical nasties? Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested products that are free from mineral oils, parabens, paraffins, silicones and all the bad stuff is what you want to be looking out for. That’s why we love Little Butterfly London and Original Sprout's bottles of goodness for mum, dad and baby. What's more, you'll find paediatrician-approved formulas that are PH balanced for happy and healthy skin. Easy.

Whilst bathtime routines are a lovely experience, the feeling of water on your baby's skin can be a shock at first, and they may take some time getting used to the changes in temperatures after being all snug in their babygrow. The sound of running water and the occasional splash can also make for an unhappy tot. You can help them along by bathing together, which is also a great way to increase that skin-on-skin contact time with your baby, or by introducing distraction techniques in the form of sensory lights and water toys, just like these cuties from our friends at Liewood and Bam Bam. And when they’re all squeaky clean, wrap your baby in a soft hooded towel made from pure cotton towelling for a cosy prelude to a (hopefully) restful night’s sleep.

Image by Liewood

When it comes to building your baby’s wardrobe, there are a few basics that you’ll find yourself reaching for on the regular. Babies grow very quickly — oh, how those newborn bubbles fly by — so it’s best to keep your clothing inventory minimal but in multiples. Things like babygrows, bodysuits and vests you can never have too many of (the washing machine will be working overtime so it’s always useful to have extra to hand). We love popper fastenings for easy changes, breathable cotton blends to help regulate temperature, and comfy shapes for freedom of movement. Labels like Naturapura and Kissy Kissy have lots of staples like these, in prints and colours to suit every nursery theme.  

If your due date is during the colder months, opt for lightweight layers that you can build on, like cardigans in wool or cotton. And then, all that’s left to do is fill their nursery drawers with soft layette hats — and a sun hat or knitted style depending on the season — along with plenty of socks, booties and mittens to protect them from head to tiny toes. Not forgetting a blanket, which will become your best friend for nursing, cuddles and trips out in the pram.

Image by aden + anais

"Converter gowns that transform into babygrows are popular with new parents and as gifts — they're so versatile."

Puppe, Childrensalon Shop Manager

Your baby’s day will be packed with naps, mealtimes, lots of cuddles, and working towards creating a sense of routine will likely be one of your top priorities as a new parent. A few essentials (and plenty of perseverance) will help your baby feel comforted, safe and happy whilst also making life easier for you. Feeding times depend entirely on the individual, and whilst it’s suggested that newborns can feed as often as every hour in the first few days, you’ll get to know the signs of a hungry baby fairly quickly.

Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding or a mixture of the two, one essential you’ll need in abundance is a bib. Feeding can be a messy affair, so stocking up on bibs will protect their clothes from spills and dribble — although we can't guarantee that some won't end up on you or the floor. We’ve got washable organic cotton styles from brands like Naturapura and Pippi, and when they move on to baby food, our silicone bibs are a winner with their wipe-clean surface and handy pouch to catch debris (they can go in the dishwasher too). Muslins are also really useful for mopping up messes, burping and can also be used as a blanket, a sling, or to swaddle your baby. They really are an all-rounder. When they’re nice and full, sleep will hopefully follow, and you can wrap them up in a wonderfully soft blanket, ensuring that it is no higher than their shoulders. While there are lots of blankets to choose from, you’ll want to make sure the fabric is breathable and gentle against your baby's skin — you can't go wrong with soft cotton. 

Image by aden + anais