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New Parent Baby Checklist: Expert-Approved Essentials for Your Newborn
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Shopping for a new baby can be overwhelming. There are so many products out there, most of them claiming that they are an absolute ‘essential’ for new parents.
But that can’t possibly be true; while we’re not one to knock buying products that make your life easier, we survived without app-controlled bottle warmers for years.
“With so many baby products available, it can be difficult to know where to begin,” says Hamish McPhillips, head of category management at Silver Cross.
To help you sort the fact of parenting essentials you need from the fiction, we’ve consulted him for a round-up of new baby essentials.
Newborn baby essentials checklist
Car seat
“Start with a car seat, as it’s the one item you’ll need from day one,” says McPhillips.
“If budget allows, opt for a rotating infant carrier with a lie-flat function. 360-degree rotating car seats are ideal for getting your baby in and out of the car hassle-free, while a lie-flat position offers greater comfort and support for newborns.”
Best car seats to shop
Celeb-approved travel cot
If you’re looking for a seat that you can bring them home from the hospital in, this one from iCandy has been safety tested to make it suitable for babies from birth.
Not only is the headrest fully adjustable, but the sides have added ventilation to ensure safety for newborns.
It also comes with a 360 base, meaning it makes getting your little one in and out of the car a breeze, and comes with a foldable support leg so you can easily store it when you’re not in transit.
Child fit: 40 to 87 cm/ 3 months to 12 years
Weight limit: Up to 13kg
Seat weight: 11kg with base
Dimensions: 68 x 44 x 34kg
Safety: i-Size (R129)
Most comfortable
Designed to keep your child safe and comfortable until they no longer need a car seat, the Maxi-Cosi Pearl can be used until they’re 12 years old.
The newborn inlay accessory means you can use it from birth, but when they’re four you can easily switch to booster mode, which features an adjustable headrest.
No matter their age, its 360 degree rotation allows you to quickly get them in and out of the car – because you don’t need another thing slowing you down when you’re trying to leave the house.
But that’s not the only feature that prioritises comfort: the seat is lined with ClimaFlow fabrics, which maintains optimal airflow throughout the seasons.
Of course, safety is key, so it also uses a G-CELL structure to spread impact and reduce injuries should you get into any accidents.
Child fit: 61 to 150cm/ 3 months to 12 years
Weight limit: Up to 36kg
Seat weight: 8.2kg
Dimensions: Rearwards facing, 51-55 x 44 x 70-74cm. Forwards facing, 63-81 x 44 x 67-77cm
Safety: R129/04
Most affordable car seat
As well as coming in at less than £100, this car seat takes an entire step out of your travelling routine as you can simply snap it into place in your pushchair – all without an adaptor.
Using a three-point harness, it makes sure your kid is both comfortable and safe. Joie has made it from machine-washable covers, which means you won’t have to worry about any unfortunate spillages, and it’s also included a sun canopy for extra protection when it’s bright outside.
Child fit: 40 to 75 cm/ up to 12 months
Weight limit: Up to 13 kg
Seat weight: 2.96 kg
Dimensions: 56 x 39 x 68 cm
Safety: ECE R129/03 and i-Size
Best for lying flat
This versatile car seat means your baby can get their snooze in no matter where they are, thanks to the fact it lies completely flat.
So you can get your child out of the car quicker than you can say ‘pebble’, the seat also comes with a SLIDETECH 2 base that slides the seat out 27cm and 90 degrees so you can reach them without having to strain. Not to mention that it also comes with a 360° FlexiSpin rotation system that lets you twist it with just one hand for extra easy access.
Pebble also comes with a large attached canopy, which uses UPF50+ protection to keep them protected from the sun, wind, and rain. Like the Pearl, the structure is designed to reduce impact and keep your baby secure with the three-point harness.
Child fit: 40-87cm, 0-24 months
Weight limit: Up to 13 kg
Seat weight: 3.9kg + 8.1kg base
Dimensions: 63.2 x 43.2 x 75cm with base
Safety: R129/04
Best convertible car seat
Forget about clicking your car seat into your pushchair, what if it actually was one, too? Well, if that’s your dream it’s your lucky day, because this one from Doona folds out into a stroller in seconds – ideal for when you’re on the go or don’t want to wake them from their slumber.
The seat itself comes with three recline positions, so they can lie down in any which situation (dreamy). Although it can only be used in recline position, it comes with an add-on accessory that helps protect against impact.
Child fit: 40-85 cm
Weight limit: Up to 13 kg
Seat weight: 8.3kg
Dimensions: 72 × 44 × 46 cm as car seat, 89 x 44 x 101cm as stroller
Safety: R129/04, EN1888, EN12790, TUV (EU)
Pushchair
“The second essential is your wheels,” says McPhillips. “Consider the type of lifestyle you have and how you’ll use your pushchair in your daily routine. Will you be walking around town every day, tackling country paths, or travelling frequently with your growing family?”
It’s also worth considering a pushchair that is compatible with car seats and other kind of travel.
“Many brands offer travel systems that pair with their car seats, which can be a great option for added convenience and value for money,” adds McPhillips.
“I would definitely recommend looking out for carrycots that are approved for overnight sleeping too, making naps on the go and overnight stays much easier.”
Best pushchairs to shop
Best for growing families
Whether you’re adding to your family, or planning on growing it in the future, this stroller from Momcozy will expand with you.
With 23 configurations to choose from, you can assemble it however you like to accommodate an only child, siblings or twins.
It comes with a bassinet, which can be used for a second child, or switched out for the seat for newborns. Plus, the bottom can be used as a wagon for older kids, so you’re not constantly having to herd children through busy streets.
Designed for strolling on any kind of terrain, it comes with a high-performing suspension system so they don’t feel bumps in the road. And, Momcozy has made sure it’s comfortable for parents too, as the handle bar adjusts to any height for optimum positioning as you push.
Despite promising big, it also folds extremely small, which makes it ideal for travel, too.
In the box: Bassinet, toddler seat, detachable canopy, bumper bar, front wheels, rear wheels, rain cover, travel bag
Dimensions: 92 to 109.5 x90 x 49cm.
Best pushchair bundle
Don’t want to have to worry about different brands of pushchair and car seat connecting?
So you can cross multiple things off your list at once, iCandy has created this pushchair bundle, which comes with every accessory under the sun.
The pushchair is compatible with 14 different car seats, so you can move your baby out of the car while they’re snoozing, and it can also easily be converted into a double pushchair with the addition of the bassinet.
Also included are a raincover, screen, seat liner, changing bag, cup holder, seat liner, and all the clamps and converters you need – but if you don’t want all of that, there are plenty of other bundle potentials to choose from.
In the box: Raincover, screen, elevator Adaptors, car seat adaptors, footmuff and seat liner, changing bag, parasol, cup holder, clamp, and the iCandy Cocoon 360 Infant Car Seat and Base
Dimensions: 77 × 61 × 96 cm
Best for on the go
If the idea of messing around with folding your pushchair for minutes on end every time you get in the car or on a plane doesn’t sound appealing to you, this stroller has you covered.
It has a one-hand fold, which will add hours back on to your life (or it’ll feel like it) while the suspension is designed specifically to respond to stops and starts around the city.
If that wasn’t enough for you, it’s also eco-friendly, as it’s made from bio based materials that reduce its carbon footprint by up to 21% – all while staying UPF protecting so your babe is sun safe.
In the box: Pushchair
Dimensions: 106cm x 52cm x 104cm
Crib
“Bedside cribs are great option for the first few months, allowing your baby to sleep safely alongside you while making the night-time feeds much easier for you and your baby,” McPhillips says.
“When planning your nursery, it’s definitely worth investing in nursery furniture that grows with your child. Convertible cots that transform into toddler beds are always a good option, supporting your child from birth through to their early years while creating a consistent sleep environment.”
Best bedside and convertible cots to shop now
Best convertible bed
Honestly, tying to get rid of furniture is a nightmare – how are you supposed to buy a new bed when you can’t get rid of your old one?!
To eliminate that problem entirely, Stokke has come up with a bed that converts with your child as they grow. Starting as a bedside newborn crib, the mattress height adjusts as they get bigger, and is suitable all the way up to five years old.
Whether they’re sleeping next to you or in another room, the crib can be moved around thanks to the addition of swivel wheels, so you won’t have to rely on friends and family to relocate your little one.
Dimensions: 65 x 78 x 85cm minimum; 125 x 78 x 85cm maximum
Age suitability: 0-5 years old.
Best travel cot
Some cots need to be strapped to your bed, which can get annoying when you’re trying to move the cot around the house with you so your baby can never be out of sight.
Not this one, though. As well as being freestanding, the sides drop down so you have quick and easy access to your baby (yep, even when you’re recovering from a C-section).
The side panels are made of mesh, so you can also keep a watchful eye on them as they sleep, and it even folds into a travel bag so you never have to be without it.
Dimensions: 98 x 61.5 x 72 to 82.5cm
Age suitability: 0 to 6 months.
Nursing chair
“A comfortable nursing chair is another purchase many parents find themselves grateful for,” McPhillips says.
“You’ll spend countless hours feeding, soothing and settling your baby during those early months, so having a comfortable place to sit can make a real difference to everyday parenting life.”
Best nursing chairs to shop
Most stylish nursing chair
This stylish chair is designed to be as comfortable for the feeder as it is practical. As well as coming in a soft teddy texture, the chair sits atop a rocking base, for added soothing while your baby feeds.
The arms sit at the optimum height for feeding, so you might nod off to sleep with how comfy you are. You can even add a matching footstool if you like, but be warned: you’ll never want to leave.
Best budget alternative
If investing in a whole nursing chair sounds like a step too far for you, this pillow from Momcozy is a happy medium.
Made from 100% safe memory foam, it’s supportive of your baby while they’re feeding, and it’ll also stop any uncomfortable arm strain you have.
Plus, it expands with your baby, so you won’t have to worry about supporting extra weight as they grow.
High chair
“While we often think of highchairs as something for later, many modern designs can be used from birth with lie-flat newborn attachments and adapt as your child grows,” McPhillips explains. “Introducing your baby to family mealtimes from an early age can help encourage interaction, routine and social development.”
Best convertible high chair
Meal time is family time, so there’s no reason a high chair can’t be a seat for anyone. At least, if you ask Stokke it would say so, because it’s made this high chair than be converted from baby chair through to an adult one so it fits all the family.
The included newborn set means you can have your baby sit with you at the table from birth, and then switch out to the baby set as they grow. Remove the high chair layer and you’ll have a sturdy seat for a toddler, and it’s even the right depth and height to support a fully grown adult.
While this one comes in a natural beech finish, there are plenty of other colours to choose from, and you can add engraving so it becomes an heirloom you pass down through the generations. Sweet!
Best high chair bundle
Should you not be the type for shopping (can’t relate), this bundle kills two birds with one stone as you’ll get both a baby bouncer and high chair in one.
With a wipe-down seat, washable seat pads, and one-hand fold, getting your baby set up and for meal time takes mere seconds.
The height of the seat is completely adjustable, and the meal tray is removable, so it can adjust to your toddler’s needs at they grow.
Plus, the set comes with an anti-slip floor mat, so you can rest assured that they’re safe and sound whether they’re in the bouncer or in the chair.
Travel stroller
“Although not an immediate essential, it’s also worth planning ahead for a compact travel stroller if you expect to take holidays or weekend trips during your baby’s first year,” suggests McPhillips.
“Look for something lightweight, easy to fold and sturdy enough to cope with everyday adventures.”
What to consider when shopping for a new baby
As well as the size, weight, and age suitability – not to mention style – there are a few things to be mindful of when shopping as new parents.
Compatibility
If you’re shopping for a car seat, you’ll need to make sure you check whether it’s compatible with your car model, McPhillips explains.
“Your car seat is arguably the most important purchase you’ll make, so it’s essential to ensure it’s compatible with your car and installed correctly,” he says.
“Where possible, visit an independent nursery specialist and have the car seat fitted before you buy. Specialist retailers offer bespoke, tailored advice based on your family’s lifestyle, vehicle and daily routine.
“They can carry out car seat fitting demonstrations and check compatibility. It’s always a good idea to spend some time practicising fitting your car seat yourself ahead of time too to help you feel confident.”
Safety
Of course, car seat compatibility is important because it ensures your baby stays safe.
Safety should be the number one consideration across everything you buy, according to McPhillips.
“It’s also key to be aware of independent safety ratings, such as ADAC, which provide some of the most respected crash-test tests available and can help parents compare the safety performance of different car seats,” he explains.
“Look for trusted sleep brands with long-standing reputation for safety and quality, and products that have undergone rigorous testing for peace of mind.
“If you’re considering purchasing a carrycot for daytime naps or overnight sleeping, ensure it is approved for overnight sleep and has been specifically designed for this purpose. A firm, flat mattress, good airflow and breathable materials are all essential elements of a safe sleep environment for a newborn.”
In general, the fabric that comes into direct contact with your baby should be soft and breathable (like bamboo), McPhillips says. UPF 50+ protection can also be useful to protect your child from the sun.
Longevity
“Longevity is another key consideration when it comes to value for money,” McPhillips says. “Where you can, opt for car seats and nursery furniture that can be adjusted and converted as your baby grows.”
Test
“Most importantly, I always encourage expectant parents to take the opportunity to test products in person,” he adds.
“Fold and unfold the pushchair, practice fitting the car seat, and ask plenty of questions. While online research is useful, it can’t be compared to hands-on experience and expert guidance offered by a trusted independent nursery specialist.”
Mamas and Papas personal shopping
If you’re not sure where to begin, Mamas and Papas offers a free personal shopping experience.
With over 40 years of baby and child product expertise, its experts can offer guidance on what to buy in store, so you can ditch the registry and get a discount on your next shop.
Read our full review here.
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