12 things you need to buy when you have a baby

Having a baby is one of life’s milestone experiences, but the reality of it can be… well, a little daunting.

The list of to-dos and to-buys goes on and on and it would be easy to think you need every single item your mum friends reel off to you over lunch, sending you into a pre-baby panic.

Which is why I've rounded up the 12 must-have baby equipment essentials. From the big ticket items like buggies and cots, to the less obvious baby thermometer and health kit, each essential is aimed at making life that little bit easier.

One of the first and most useful big purchases you’ll make as a parent-to-be is the buggy - it’s probably one you’ll want to invest in, too. At first, it seems like a simple, straight-forward buy, but when the hunt begins, and you’re faced with myriad of styles and different varieties, the decision isn’t quite as easy as you first thought.

Choosing a buggy that meets all your needs, while keeping your little one secure and comfortable, can be a tricky and daunting task. And having to repeat the search again only a few years later? Not so fun. If you’re looking to invest in a buggy that will last a lifetime – and one that your child won’t outgrow – go for the Nuna Demi Grow; one of my favourites.

Whatever your needs – a single stroller, a double or even a twin – with its expansion feature, all-terrain tyres and car seat adapters, the Demi Grow is designed to go anywhere and with more than one child in mind. This makes it perfect for busy mums living in the city. Its smart and innovative design means that parents with two little ones need not worry, as there’s plenty of room. With various position combinations to choose from, the way in which you travel is also customisable – so life with two is just that little bit easier.

Available in neutral and elegant tones, the stylish Demi Grow is designed with dual suspension technology, an easy-to-convert system with multiple travel modes, and an all-season seat, making for a smooth ride any time, wherever you go.

If you are a countryside dweller or heading out of the city, you will need a buggy that is a little more robust than its urban counterparts. From wet woodlands and dew-covered hilltops, to muddy fields and dusty dirt tracks, the terrains vary immeasurably in the country, so being well-prepared and equipped is a must if you enjoy adventures with your little ones.

If you’re an active parent who loves to get out and about beyond the city, then I recommend the Terrain edition by Mountain Buggy. With a durable, waterproof canvas, the buggy is suitable against all types of weather conditions. Complete with 16’’ and 12’’ air-filled rear wheels, flexibility is at the wheel meaning it can tackle any terrain thrown at it. Plus, with the easy one-hand folding system, travelling is made simple.

The feather-light, one-hand manoeuvrability is ideal for when you’re up against varied terrains, or even taking the little ones out on a jog. Meanwhile, the adjustable tracker ensures wheel alignment and the hand-operated drum brake on the handle allows you to maintain speed – allowing for plenty of outdoor adventure, come rain or shine. This buggy is seriously sophisticated technology that comes with a modest price tag.

Creating a comfortable, soothing space for your baby is at the top of every parent’s list. But designing a gorgeous, sought-after look for your nursery that’s Pinterest-worthy can sometimes be difficult. With the clunky furniture needed that’s roomy enough to house all of baby’s essentials, it can often mean compromising on the aesthetics.

Staple nursery pieces, such as a baby changing unit, aren’t always the most attractive. That’s why I love Mothercare’s Harrogate Changing Unit. Not only is it designed to fit everything in and saves on space, its distressed nickel handles and veneer finish certainly makes it Pinterest-worthy. From its neutral tone, that perfectly suits nurseries of any colour or design, to its four soft-close drawers and ample storage, this beautifully-designed, rustic-style changing unit will form the centrepiece of any nursery.

On top of being spacious and incredibly sturdy, the unit can be easily affixed to the wall, too, taking away the worry of it ever falling or collapsing. The easy-to-wipe solid painted wood means that parents don’t have to worry if a mess is made, either. And, if that wasn’t enough, once your baby has grown out of nappies, the changing unit top easily adapts into a gorgeous, smart dresser that can be used for years to come.

Another expensive but necessary purchase for your baby is a cot – but a one-size-fits-all isn’t always going to cut it. When shopping for the perfect cot, there are a few things that should be considered. First and foremost – your baby’s safety and comfort. The shape and design, and additional features such as whether it’s adjustable or if it transitions, should also be considered. My absolute go-to for cots is the SnuzKot – a sleek bed that is not only great for your baby, but for all ages, including toddlers and children up to 10.

Made from natural beech wood and available in four different pastel tones, this is the cot bed to ensure the smoothest night’s slumber for your baby. You no longer need to break your back while putting your baby to bed, either, as its mattress features three adjustable heights. You can simply raise the mattress base for easier access when tucking your baby in, and lower it when they are steady on their feet and can stand up.

If your child has entered the toddler stage, the front of the cot can be taken off, making it the perfect toddler bed for your little one. This cot can also be transformed into a child’s bed using the extension kit. Matching cabinets are available too, if you’re looking for a stylish, unified finish for your child’s bedroom.

There’s nothing more useful to parents-to-be than handy pre-made kits as having to source products separately can be costly and time-consuming. Separates can also be easily misplaced or lost, so a kit with everything in one place is the perfect solution – enter, Tommee Tippee.

This brand is unrivalled when it comes to handy baby products, so I was very pleased to discover the Closer to Nature Healthcare Kit – a set of grooming items and healthcare tools designed for babies. This nifty little kit includes an oral thermometer, scissors, nail clippers and hair brush, and comes in a compact travel case, making it ideal for stashing in the nursery or for on-the-go.

I am also a huge fan of their Complete Feeding Set. This 23-piece is a must-have, and is the perfect starter for bottle feeding expressed milk, and includes some handy products for formula-fed babies, too.

The worrying necer stops when you have childre, but even if you’re only in the room next door, it’s comforting to know that your baby is okay. While that feeling of worry may not leave permanently, it certainly fades with the Motorola Baby Monitor.

A digital video device that lets you know what’s going on in real-time, you no longer need to rely on your baby’s night-time gurgles alone. With a 13.5-inch screen and the option to add up to four cameras, you can keep a close eye on every hiccup, movement, toss and turn – no matter where you are in the house. Even better, this technology allows you to zoom, tilt and pan, and includes an infrared night mode as well – so you can set your worries aside.

Newborn bath times can be stressful at the best of times, so anything to relieve the stress is a godsend. With the award-winning Shnuggle Baby Bath, bath time is made easy. The innovative ‘bum bump’ allows your baby to sit in the right position, with their weight supported by a comfy foam backrest, and without the constant slipping and sliding in the water. Able to hold babies from newborn right through to 12+ months, the Shnuggle Baby Bath is an essential product for a stress-free part of your routine.

Having a poorly baby with a high temperature means a rough night is in store for you both. Taking your baby’s temperature is not the easiest of tasks, either, especially when they’re uncomfortable and in a constant fit of tears. Thankfully, the Exacto Infra-Red 4-in-1 Thermometer by BEABA quickly and accurately reads temperatures from your baby’s ear, forehead and even the room. And thanks to its clever memorisation feature that records the last reading, you no longer need to jot down the numbers, which means you can compare measurements easily and get back to soothing your baby sooner.

Babies are known for having delicate and sensitive skin, but finding the right moisturising lotion that’s not going to cause irritation can be a tough one. My go-to moisturiser is AVEENO. Offering a wide selection of specially-formulated creams and lotions, all of which are paediatrician-tested and sans the nasty stuff – parents can find daily lotions, cleansing milks and soothing relief creams to maintain moisture and keep their little one’s skin baby-soft.

Finding a jumper that not only occupies your baby, but also teaches them at the same time, sounds like something short of a miracle. But with Skip Hop’s Jumpscape Foldaway Jumper, it couldn’t be more accurate. Not only does it engage your baby with sound effects, movable animals and light-up actions, it tracks the amount of bounces that your baby manages to do, and has a parent reminder every 10 minutes to check out the exercise your little one has done – perfect for busy, on-the-go city mums.

When you’re out and about, keeping your baby entertained is a must – keeping up the constant baby talk, however, isn’t always possible. The answer? Taf Toys. You’ll be spoilt for choice with their range. Suitable for babies’ learning and development, I love using the clip-on pram book when we’re on the go. The three-in-one soft baby book, the Cot Play Centre and the extra padded I Love Big Mat, are a must for helping your baby to learn. Bright and colourful, they offer fun learning and development, and are just a few of my favourite picks.

No baby must-haves list is ever complete without the all-important baby wipes. They are an absolute essential. I would highly recommend the brand Huggies, as they’re made with natural fibres, they protect sensitive baby skin. To help prevent nappy rash, I always use Huggies Natural Care and Extra Care – a thick wipe with aloe vera to gently clean and soothe sore skin.