Ivana Poku Expecting a baby is exciting, and a little terrifying.
You’re standing on the edge of the big unknown, and you’ve got a million questions running through your head
“Did I forget something?”
“Am I ready?”
“Do I have everything?”
“What if I miss something important?”
And then you start imagining every worst-case scenario of what could go wrong if you did.
These feelings are normal. Totally understandable. Every new mum has been there.
But here’s what no one tells you: most mums end up buying a ton of stuff they never use.
I was the opposite.
When our twins arrived (six weeks early!), we had a buggy, a cot, and a few baby clothes from friends.
That was it.
And guess what? Everything was fine. They had everything they needed.
With our third baby, we were more prepared, but even then, we bought things that stayed in their boxes.
So, first things first: please don’t stress about having everything perfect.
You won’t. And you don’t need to.
You’re not living on a deserted island. Whatever you forget, you can always buy later.
The most important thing. now and forever, is your wellbeing. So let’s keep things simple.
In this post, I’ll share the baby essentials you’ll actually need for the first three months (and more).
Whether it’s baby feeding essentials, baby travel essentials, or nursery essentials, I’ve got you covered.
The aim? To take the stress off your shoulders and the pressure off your wallet.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I only recommend products I’ve personally used or genuinely trust. If you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Baby Sleep Essentials
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Cot or crib – One of the key things you need.
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Lots of babygrows and vests – Babies go through several changes a day. You can never have too many.
Optional items (wait and see if you need them):
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Baby monitor – Useful especially if you have a larger house, but not essential. This one is very affordable while being of a rgeat quality.
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White noise machine – Not needed at first. We used our phones for white noise and it worked perfectly. You can always buy one later if it helps.
Bottom line: Keep it simple. Start with the basics and add extras only if you find you need them.
Baby Feeding Essentials
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A couple of baby bottles – Even if you plan to breastfeed, having a few bottles gives you flexibility. We used these Tommee Tippee bottles we used with all three children, and they were excellent.
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Steriliser – Essential for keeping bottles clean and safe. I recommend this steriliser.
Remember: you don’t know yet if you’ll breastfeed, bottle feed, or do a mix of both.
Breastfeeding can be trickier than expected, babies may refuse to latch, or milk supply may be low.
I planned to exclusively breastfeed but ended up combination feeding. Some mums find breastfeeding easy and love it; others may stop earlier than planned.
Tip: Express milk a few times a week so your partner can help with night feeds.
Baby Clothing Essentials
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Baby grows and vests (lots!) – Babies get messy. Trust me.
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A few pairs of socks
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Winter extras – Warm sweaters, an all-in-one overall, and a hat (see winter essentials below).
Skip the fancy outfits. You won’t need them.
They look cute, but are completely impractical in those early months.
Baby Health & Safety Essentials
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Baby thermometer – Handy for quick checks, especially in the middle of the night.
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Baby first aid kit – A small one is all you need for peace of mind.
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Nail clippers – Baby nails grow fast (and are surprisingly sharp!).
Regular thermometers and nail clippers work fine too.
The key is just having the basics on hand.
Baby Changing Essentials
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Size 1 nappies (a lot!) – You’ll go through more than you think in the first weeks.
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Baby wipes – Your best friend for quick clean-ups.
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Changing mat – A simple travel one works perfectly.
A changing table isn’t a must. Many mums only get one when their baby starts moving more and it’s harder to keep them still.
Baby Outdoor Essentials
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Baby car seat – An absolute must for bringing your baby home from hospital (they won’t let you leave without one!) and for every trip after. We used this one and loved it.
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Pram/buggy – Lightweight, easy to fold, and simple to manoeuvre. We tried six buggies before finding the one for our twins. Practicality is everything! I
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Baby carrier (optional but handy) – Great for quick trips or when you need your hands free. This one is very popular.
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Baby bag – A total lifesaver. Keeps everything organised and saves you from rummaging for wipes or bottles when you’re out. Many come with built-in changing mats too. I recommend a strap bag rather than a backpack. I had both, and the backpack added more work than comfort, as I had to take it on and off multiple times when out and about. The strap bag attaches to your pram, so you can easily access it whenever you need. I highly recommend this one.
Baby Playtime Essentials
At this stage, babies don’t really play, but they love stimulation.
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Play mat – Perfect for tummy time and giving your baby a safe, comfy spot to stretch.
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Sensory books or toys (optional) – Soft textures, high-contrast colours, and gentle sounds are great for little minds.
Keep it minimal. You’ll be surprised how much they love just looking at your face and hearing your voice.
Baby Bath Essentials
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Simple baby tub – A small plastic one works perfectly.
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Soft washcloths – Gentle on newborn skin.
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Baby towel – Preferably with a hood to keep them cosy.
At first, plain water is enough. You can introduce baby-friendly soap later if needed.
Baby Winter Essentials
If your baby is arriving in colder months, warmth is key:
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Warm overall (with built-in hat and mittens if possible) – Trust me, baby mittens and hats love to vanish. Integrated ones will save you a lot of time (and your sanity).
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Pram footmuff – Keeps your baby snug while out and about.
Baby Beach Essentials
If your baby arrives in summer (or you’re heading somewhere sunny):
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Baby hat – Protects their delicate skin from the sun.
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Baby sunscreen (specifically for babies) – Gentle and safe for newborn skin.
Baby Travel Essentials
- Pram/buggy – Go for the smallest, lightest, and easiest to fold. Skip the big bulky ones.
- Baby carrier – Hands-free life-saver, especially when travelling or moving around.
- Baby bag – Keeps nappies, wipes, bottles, and spare clothes organised. It helps you avoid stressful digging at the bottom of the bag!
- Extra nappies and wipes – Always carry a few spares.
- Spare baby clothes – For possible accidents.
- Feeding essentials – Bottles, formula, or expressed milk if needed.
- Comfort items – For older babies: pacifier, teether, or favourite toy.
Final Thoughts
Remember, you don’t need everything at once.
Start simple, stick to the basics, and add extras as you go.
The most important thing?
Look after yourself.
Your baby doesn’t need a perfect nursery, they need a happy, relaxed mum!
If you have any questions, drop them in the comments and I will answer as soon as possible.
With love,
Ivana xx
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