Preparing for a newborn can feel overwhelming, especially with so many baby products on the market. From sleep essentials to feeding must-haves, it's easy to get swept up in long checklists. But what does your baby actually need in those early days?
This simple, practical guide highlights the basic equipment every newborn baby needs, helping you focus on essentials that support comfort, safety, and ease - without overbuying.
Newborn Baby Checklist: The Essentials
Here’s what you truly need in the first few weeks after your baby arrives.
Sleep Essentials
Newborns spend most of their time sleeping, so a safe and cosy sleep environment is key.
✔ Cot or crib – Choose one that meets UK safety standards. A Moses basket or bedside crib can be ideal in the early weeks.
✔ Baby sleeping bags / Swaddle Bags – Safer than loose blankets, sleeping bags and swaddle bags help babies maintain a constant temperature and reduce the risk of overheating or covering their faces during sleep.
✔ Mattress and fitted sheets – Ensure the mattress is firm and flat with a snug-fitting sheet.
✔ Room thermometer – Helps you maintain a safe sleeping temperature between 16–20°C.
✔ Baby monitor – Offers peace of mind, especially when your baby starts sleeping in their own room.
➡ Top Tip: Slumbersac baby sleeping bags come in different TOGs to suit the season and keep your little one safely snug all night long.
Clothing Basics
Newborns grow quickly, so you don’t need too much of each item—just enough for regular changes.
✔ Bodysuits and sleepsuits – Choose breathable cotton fabrics with easy popper fastenings.
✔ Hats and socks – To keep your baby warm, especially after a bath or while out and about.
✔ Mittens – To prevent your baby from scratching themselves.
✔ Cardigans or jackets – Ideal for layering, particularly in cooler weather.
➡ Note: Always dress your baby according to the room temperature - use a TOG guide to know what to wear underneath a sleeping bag.
Nappy Changing Equipment
You’ll be changing nappies frequently—so it helps to be organised.
✔ Reusable or disposable nappies – Choose what suits your family best.
✔ Changing mat – Wipeable and portable for easy cleaning anywhere.
✔ Baby wipes or reusable cloths – Gentle on sensitive skin.
✔ Barrier cream – Helps prevent nappy rash.
✔ Nappy bin – Contains odours and makes disposal easier.
Feeding Essentials
Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding or a combination of both, some items make life easier.
✔ Muslin cloths – Absorbent and handy for spills, burping or swaddling.
✔ Bibs – Keeps baby’s clothes dry.
✔ Bottles and teats – If you’re bottle feeding or expressing milk.
✔ Breast pump – Helpful for expressing and storing milk.
✔ Bottle steriliser – Ensures feeding equipment is germ-free.
✔ Nursing pillow – Offers support and comfort during feeds.
➡ Reminder: For bottle feeding, make sure you have enough sterilised bottles ready for night feeds.
Bathing and Skincare
Newborn skin is delicate, so stick to mild products and keep baths short and warm.
✔ Baby bath or bath support – Helps you bathe your baby safely.
✔ Soft towels and flannels – Use gentle materials to avoid irritation.
✔ Mild baby shampoo and body wash – Always opt for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulas.
✔ Moisturiser or baby lotion – Keeps baby’s skin soft and hydrated.
✔ Baby brush or comb – Useful even for babies with little or no hair.
Out-and-About Must-Haves
When you're ready for walks or appointments, these essentials make outings easier.
✔ Car seat – A legal requirement from day one. Choose a Group 0+ seat that fits securely in your car.
✔ Pram or travel system – Look for a model that lies flat for newborns.
✔ Changing bag – Fill it with nappies, wipes, spare clothes, muslins, and snacks (for you!).
✔ Baby carrier or sling – Perfect for closeness and bonding while keeping your hands free.
Comfort and Soothing
The world is a big place for a tiny baby—here’s what helps them feel secure.
✔ Comforter or cuddly toy – Often becomes a baby’s favourite companion and sleep aid.
✔ White noise machine – Mimics womb sounds and can help baby fall asleep faster.
✔ Nightlight – Adds gentle comfort and helps with night feeds or changes.
What You Don’t Need (Just Yet)
Not everything is essential from day one. You might want to wait on:
➤ Toys and play gyms – A few simple rattles or black-and-white cards are enough at first.
➤ Highchairs – These aren’t needed until your baby starts solid foods around 6 months.
➤ Shoes – Soft booties are fine until they begin walking.
Keep It Simple
You don’t need to buy everything before your baby arrives. Focus on safe sleep, feeding basics, and comfort, and add extras as you go.
Slumbersac offers a range of swaddle bags, baby sleeping bags and sleeping bags with feet to help your little one sleep soundly from birth. Our designs combine safety, softness and seasonal TOG options so your newborn stays at the perfect temperature night after night.
