Must-haves for Newborns
Gone are the days of bulk buying essential baby items for your firstborn and expecting them to last the length of your parenting years. I gave birth to my second child this summer and found that trends have changed dramatically in the six year gap between my two children. Here are the latest baby must-haves that I really wish had existed when I did this all first time around!
Bottle feeding: If you decide to bottle feed your baby, then The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Perfect Prep Machine, £125.99, is great. If I had to chose one hero product then this would be it as it helps parents prepare a baby’s bottle at the touch of a button. Its inbuilt filter system removes impurities in water, while the initial blast of hot water kills any bacteria present in the milk. This handy prep machine is compatible with all brands of formula – all you have to do is measure out the quantity your baby needs. The machine will then accurately dispense the balance of water required and your little one’s bottle will be ready to serve at body temperature in two minutes. Buy it from Mothercare
Aden & Anais muslins: Ever since Prince George came out of the Lindo Wing in one of these swaddle blankets, they have been flying off the shelf. The brand provides the gold standard in muslin blankets, which are breathable, versatile and soft. They can be used in so many way – as pram cover, burp cloth or nursing cover. Buy the Classic Swaddles, £44.95, from Aden and Anais
Baby bag: Back in 2012 baby bags were practical but were either very colourful or pretty unattractive. Now the market is flooded with baby bags that look like designer handbags but offer all the space and compartments you need inside. This time round, I bought the Babymel Robyn PU Changing Bag,£65. I love that it can be worn 4 ways including as a backpack, shoulder bag, cross body or hand held with its easy to use convertible strap. The unisex design is finished with contrasting faux leather trim and it also boasts plenty of pockets. Best of all it has an easy-wipes pocket which has a dispenser slot for pulling wipes through, so you can easily grab a wipe without having to undo zips or dig through your bag. This makes it perfect for quick clean-ups on the go! Buy from Natural Baby Shower
Bath time: Shops are flooded with the latest must-have product that claims to be the most delicate on your newborn’s skin, but I like Burt’s Bees Baby Shampoo & Wash,£7.99. This tear free formula helps to naturally clean your baby’s sensitive skin and hair and is scientifically shown to be gentle enough for everyday use. Buy from Amazon
Buggy organiser: Venturing outside the house with a newborn is no easy task. Once you’ve managed to pack everything, and leave, it’ll soon be feeding or changing time, which means you need to have everything easily to hand. Try the Eono Essentials Stroller Organiser, £18.99, which gives you easy access to your baby items. The detachable pouch zips off from the main compartment, allowing you to have valuables in-hand, even when you’re not at your buggy. The universal design fits a wide variety of pushchairs. Buy it from Amazon
