Baby box
A baby box is often overlooked but can be a great part of your must have baby essentials. Baby boxes have lots of different items in them such as diapers and moisturisers. The hello baby box is one great example.
Baby Carrier
Getting used to life outside the womb, your baby may want to be close to the warmth of your body, the sound of your heartbeat, and even the scent of mom or dad will help to soothe and comfort your little one.
Babywearing is a great way to keep a special closeness and create a bond even when you're out and about. Most importantly, babywearing leaves you hands-free when you're ready to start getting on with everyday things around the house.
Comfy Clothes
Comfy doesn't have to be unstylish! But for most new mums, it can take a while to get back into pre-pregnancy clothes. Look for leggings, loose tops, cosy loungewear and big pants to see you through those first few weeks.
If you've had a caesarean section, make sure you choose high waisted clothing so they won't annoy your scar during recovery.
Well-Fitted Nursing Bras
The correct bra can help massively reduce nursing discomfort, especially when your milk comes in. Get a professional fitting, if possible (most department stores offer this for free), to make sure you're buying the right size as your body changes after pregnancy. Specifically, choose a nursing bra with wide, comfortable straps and good support. You should be able to unhook and hook the cups one-handed, leaving your other hand free for your baby.
My Expert Midwife – Spritz For Bits
Spritz For Bits can give you instant relief for perineal soreness, bruising and swelling after giving birth. Many new mums pack this in their hospital bag for use straight away. It can be used during pregnancy and after the delivery of your little one, even if you haven't had a tear or episiotomy.
Lamp or Nightlight
When you are getting up in the night for feeds or nappy changes, it's better to have a gentle nightlight so that you don't wake your partner and to ensure a calming night-time atmosphere for your baby. If you can find a touch-sensitive nightlight even better, it stops you fumbling around for a switch when you're half asleep.
Nipple Cream
When breastfeeding, a lanolin-based nipple cream can help to soothe cracked and sore nipples. A little goes a long way, and many new mums consider nipple cream a lifesaver!
A Bedside Crib
Your little one will sleep in your bedroom for the first six months, as per safe sleep guidelines. To make the experience easier, especially for feeding in the middle of the night, you could get a bedside crib with a drop-down side so you can be close to your little one safely and still have your own space.
A Baby Thermometer
When your baby is ill, especially with a temperature, a reliable baby thermometer can help you gauge the severity of the illness and let you know when to take action. There are many models on the market, such as Ear, Body and Non-Contact Thermometers, at various price points.
Breast Pads
As your milk starts to come in after your little one's birth, you may find that your breasts leak quite a lot. Your breast can leak even if you are bottle feeding. Hearing your baby, thinking about her and seeing her can cause the milk to start flowing, so it's worth buying some breast pads to protect your clothes. Some women use hundreds in the first six months, and some use a few, so every woman is different. You can buy reusable, washable breast pads as well as disposable ones.
Muslin Cloths
Having something to hand to wipe up drool, spit and vomit is a necessity. Muslin cloths are cost-effective, and you will find yourself using them for all sorts of things once your baby is here. Please don't spend a fortune as you'll constantly be washing them! Oversized muslin cloths can also be used as swaddles, makeshift blankets and sunshades when on the go and the need arises.
Help
Some new mums are afraid to ask for help. You may not need help all of the time when you have a baby, and it is not a sign of failure, but knowing you have a network of people to call on when needed is essential. Becoming a parent can be pretty overwhelming, so it's good to know you have someone there to talk to, have a coffee with or a friend who looks after your little one while you get some jobs done.
Witch Hazel
Witch Hazel can help to relieve post-birth pain. You can add a few drops to your bath for a relaxing soak or use it directly on any tender areas for an instant cooling sensation. You could add a few drops to a maternity pad, put it in the fridge for an hour before using. Use alcohol-free Witch Hazel as the type with alcohol can sting.
Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Day & Night
Bottle feeding mums swear by the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Day & Night. In two minutes, your bottle is at the perfect temperature without any fussing for you or your little one. It's an absolute godsend in the middle of the night.
Maternity Pads
Whether you've had a natural birth or a caesarean, you'll still experience some postpartum bleeding (lochia). Lochia can sometimes be surprisingly heavy, so make sure you stock up on plenty of maternity pads for the first few weeks. Maternity pads are much more absorbent than sanitary towels.
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