Factsheet: What Do You Really Need for a New Baby?

Abbie Tomson

Continuity of carer Midwife in the NHS and All4Birth Lead

@all4birth

Summary

Preparing for a new baby can quickly become overwhelming. Social media, adverts, and “must-have” lists can make it seem as though you need dozens of products before your baby arrives. In reality, babies have very simple needs. While some products can make life easier, many are conveniences rather than necessities. This article explores what your baby truly needs, what might be useful, and what evidence and guidance suggest for keeping things simple.

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What does a newborn actually need?

Babies do not need themed nurseries, wipe warmers, or multiple gadgets. In the early weeks they mainly need:

• Feeding
• Warmth
• Safe sleep
• Cleanliness and hygiene
• Comfort and responsiveness
• Love and connection

Although simple in theory, there are practical items that help meet these needs.

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Feeding

Whether breastfeeding, formula feeding, expressing, or combination feeding, feeding equipment varies depending on individual circumstances.

Essentials may include:

Breastfeeding

• Supportive bras or clothing
• Breast pads if needed
• Muslins
• Comfortable feeding cushions (optional)

Formula feeding

• Bottles and teats
• Formula
• Sterilising method

Expressing

• Breast pump if needed
• Milk storage containers

Remember that feeding journeys vary considerably. You do not need to buy every feeding product before birth, as you go through your journey, some products may be recommended or look useful- don’t buy them just in case!

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Safe Sleep

Safe sleep recommendations should always follow current guidance. Please check out the Lullaby Trust for full guidance:

Essentials:

✔ A separate sleep space such as:

• Cot
• Moses basket
• Crib

✔ Firm, flat mattress

✔ Fitted sheets

Babies do not need:

✖ Cot bumpers
✖ Pillows
✖ Loose blankets
✖ Sleep positioners
✖ Soft toys in the sleep space

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Clothing

Newborns often need less clothing than expected.

Useful starting point:

• 6–8 vests
• 6–8 sleepsuits
• Socks or booties
• Hat for outdoors (not indoors)
• Cardigans/layers
• Weather-appropriate outerwear

Babies grow rapidly, and many outgrow newborn sizes within weeks.

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Nappy Changing

Options include disposable and reusable nappies. We have some wonderful posts around the use of reusable nappies if you scroll to the end of the post!

Essentials:

• Nappies
• Cotton wool and water initially
• Changing mat
• Barrier cream if needed, it is not necessary to apply this for every nappy change, as we learn more about the microbiome, we mustn’t overdo it!

Evidence suggests warm water and cotton wool are appropriate for newborn skin in the early weeks.

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Transport

Depending on family circumstances:

• Car seat (essential if travelling by car)
• Pram, carrier or sling

Many families find baby carriers particularly useful for responsiveness and hands-free comfort.

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Things marketed as essentials (but often aren’t)

Not every item is necessary:

• Nappy bins
• Bottle warmers
• Wipe warmers
• Special sleep gadgets
• Fancy changing tables
• Large numbers of toys
• Designer nursery items

These items may suit some families but are not essential.

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What babies need most

While preparing practical items can feel important, research repeatedly highlights the importance of responsive caregiving, skin-to-skin contact, emotional connection, and secure attachment in early development.

Your baby will not remember whether they had a matching nursery theme or expensive gadgets.

They will remember comfort, warmth, closeness, and being responded to.

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Key takeaway

If you are feeling overwhelmed by long shopping lists, ask yourself:

“Does this meet a genuine need, or is it simply being marketed as one?”

Babies need far less than social media sometimes suggests.

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