newborn essentials for design conscious parents
our goal was to keep things minimal, functional and aesthetic. we’re of the mindset that, if our parents didn’t have it in the 80s/90s, we probably won’t need it, and we definitely haven’t needed half as much as social media and capitalism will have you believe. there’s also a surprising amount of ugly baby products, so i did a lot of research to find the products that are as aesthetic as they are functional. these are the only things i’d recommend to a friend having a baby tomorrow; anything else i’d suggest waiting to see if you need it before you buy. click on the images or titles for product links and additional info x
four sleep essentials
allows you to move baby around the home/transfer into their cot, moses basket or pram bassinet without waking them
makes baby’s cot feel snug and cosy, aiding independent sleep
safe enough for overnight sleep - my baby slept in it every night for 7 months!
mesh drop sides means you can see baby from your bed and slide them in/out without getting up – ideal for c-section mums!
high quality and retains value so can be sold on after use (ours was preloved)
made from natural materials, making it safer for baby, and can be recycled or composted at the end of its life span
baby’s mattress is one of the few things the NHS and the lullaby trust recommend buying brand new
made from locally sourced organic wool, and GOTS certified organic cotton
temperature regulating and hypoallergenic
handmade in devon, supporting independent business and craftmanship
recommend buying at least two, so if one is in the wash you have a back up
calms the startle reflex, supporting longer and deeper sleep
quicker, easier and safer than traditional swaddles
available in a range of togs, so suitable for all seasons
six travel essentials
can be used up to age 4, so recommend buying new for the full warranty
ultra compact – small enough to fit in airplane cabins
super lightweight at 6.5kg, ideal for c-section mums
opens and closes instantly with one hand
for use from birth, you can either use carseat adapters or the nest to seat attachment (see below)
allows pram to be used from birth, and for up to a year, depending on size of baby
more compact and lightweight than other newborn/bassinet options
sun hood is upf+50 and has super extension feature, keeping baby safer in the sun
made from 100% recycled PET polyester and water-resistant
thermo-insulated bottle holder pocket inside
big enough to hold: changing mat, wet wipes, antibacterial wipes, 6-8 nappies, nappy bags, travel sized nappy cream and bottle
seasonal accessories
didnt think we’d need any of these initially, but all of them were really handy to have when the heat waves kicked in/heavens opened/temperatures dropped
one of the few things NHS recommends buying new
newborn insert allows use from birth
pulls out 20cm, reducing back strain when taking baby out/putting baby in - ideal for c-section mums
reclines flat, keeping baby’s airways open
made from soft, 100% recycled fabric
maxi-cosi isofix 360 car seat base
safer than securing carseat with a seatbelt
360 feature allows car seat to be turned in any direction, for easy access both inside and outside the car
compatible with other maxi-cosi car seats, for when baby needs to size up
definitely an investment piece, but worth every penny in my opinion
can be used as front facing in, front facing out and back carrier
suitable from newborn
high quality and retains value, so can be sold on after use
four changing essentials
avery row maize nappy caddy, changing basket and basket liner
aesthetic design
sustainably made from natural and recycled materials
supports local independent business
peachies nappies - we’ve used these since birth and recommend them to anyone who’ll listen!
super absorbant, no leaks even when baby sleeps 12h stretches
healthier than other nappies on the market - no harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, or parabens
super soft, quilted texture that is gentle on baby’s sensitive skin.
available on subscription so you never have to worry about running out
four homeware essentials
cute way to create designated space for baby, before giving them their own room (advice is to have baby sleep in parents’ bedroom for first 6 months)
high contrast colours and shapes aid brain development
felt shapes are lightweight so move gently with natural airflow, removing the need for a battery operated motors. also lightweight and soft enough that any collisions are silent, avoiding disruption to baby’s sleep
kaos klapp high chair w/newborn seat
an investment piece, can be used from birth to adulthood (up to 110kg)
lightweight and folds up, saving space and making it suitable for travel
sustainable design - oak frame is made from premium FSC-certified woods. also available in 100% recycled post-consumer plastic
ideal for having somewhere to put baby down, without need to bend down - ideal for c-section mums!
straps and seat cover is waterproof and washable for when the inevitable happens
automatically turns off after 15mins
battery operated, making it portable
made from soft, BPA-free silicone so safe for baby to handle
high quality, aesthetic design and retains value so can be sold on after use (ours was preloved)
gently rocks in response to baby’s natural movements (unlike modern motorised designs)
made from sustainably sourced european wood and machine washable cotton seat
can be used from birth up to 5 years
three bathing and grooming essentials
folds flat saving space (ours fits under our vanity unit) and making it suitable for travel
more sustainable than using the bathtub, as uses significantly less water
suitable from birth with newborn support, up to age 4
stand can be purchased separately, so you dont have to bend down - ideal for c-section mums
super soft, ideal for sensitive skin
non-toxic, so healthier for baby
sustainable as fully biodegradable and compostable at the end of the lifecycle
frida baby electric nail file - need from birth, we’ve been giving manis twice a week since he was born!
a great alternative to traditional nail clippers, if youre concerned about cutting baby’s skin (though recommend having them too)
gentle enough to be used while baby sleeps
comes in a handy box, with 4 different grit pads, one for each age range
inbuilt LED light helps with accuracy