Everything You Actually Need for Life with a Newborn (According to a Mum Who Just Had One)
Because sometimes the difference between surviving the day and enjoying it is a beautifully made baby essential.
You can read all the baby books, bulk-buy the bamboo muslins and attend every antenatal class in the postcode—but nothing quite prepares you for the sharp, sweet chaos of becoming a mother. For one new mum, who welcomed baby Naia this June, the newborn days have been a full-body initiation: blissful, overwhelming, and surprisingly bureaucratic. “You’re completely consumed—in the best and hardest ways,” she says. “And also suddenly responsible for sterilising things you didn’t know existed.”
From 4am cluster feeds to that first magical car nap, early parenthood is a lot. And while nothing can take away the bone-deep tiredness, a few well-chosen essentials can make the days smoother. “There’s a reason every mum becomes a bit obsessed with products,” she laughs. “When something works, you cling to it like a life raft.”
Below, the luxuriously practical—and mostly organic—baby buys she swears by. Not the Instagram fluff. The real-deal heroes that get used every day.
Sheep cellular knit is breathable, lightweight and naturally temperature-regulating—ideal for newborns who can't control their body heat. “It’s been in the hospital bag, the car seat, the pram, the Moses basket. It’s Naia’s everything blanket,” she says. “And it still looks good, even after constant washing.” It’s functional, chic, and non-toxic—exactly what you want wrapped around brand-new skin.
2. Kyte Baby Organic Rompers, Bodysuits & Swaddles (From £18.95)
“These are the first things I reach for after every wash,” she admits. “Even Dominic can’t mess up the zippers.” The Kyte Baby range is made from a heavenly blend of bamboo and organic cotton—feather-soft, hypoallergenic and breathable. The two-way zips are a game-changer for middle-of-the-night changes, and the minimalist palette means they double as daywear. “The swaddles are also huge, which sounds niche, but actually makes them so much more versatile—we use them for everything from naps to nursing covers.”
3. Medela Wearable Electric Magic InBra™ Pump (£229.99 for a single Pump)
If ever a product deserved its “magic” title, it’s this one. With no wires, tubing or dangling bottles, the Medela InBra™ pump tucks straight into your nursing bra and gets to work—leaving your hands free for, well, anything else. “It’s given me my mornings back,” she says. “I can pump while I make coffee or scroll aimlessly, which is honestly the best part.” With hospital-grade suction and clever leak protection, it's ideal for multitasking mums who want the flexibility to feed on their own terms—without having to plug into the wall.
4. BabyBjörn Bouncer Bliss (£209)
When you're desperate for ten quiet minutes to eat, shower or answer a single email, this is the secret weapon. The Bouncer Bliss is simple—no batteries, no apps—but its ergonomic design and natural bounce make it a newborn favourite. “Naia loves it so much we’ve started taking it everywhere—pub gardens included,” she laughs. Lightweight and foldable, it’s ideal for travel, while the machine-washable fabric makes it as practical as it is pretty. “And it doesn’t look awful in the living room, which matters when you’ve lost control of everything else.”
Soft, plush, and surprisingly generous in size, these personalised towels aren’t just cute—they’re actually useful. “We’ve tried a few and these are by far the best,” she says. The towel’s absorbency and fast-drying fabric make post-bath routines quick and fuss-free, while the hood helps retain heat and dry baby hair gently. And then, of course, there’s the personal touch. “I love that it has Naia’s name embroidered on it—it makes the post-bath cuddle feel extra special,” she says. “We even have a few of the matching accessories. It’s slightly addictive.” The embroidery options make it perfect for gifting—but also just a lovely reminder that this tiny person really is yours.
6. Baby Brezza Steriliser Dryer Advanced (£129.99)
Sterilising bottles, dummies and pump parts on loop is enough to make even the calmest parent lose it—but this button-press miracle cuts the stress dramatically. The Baby Brezza Steriliser uses steam to kill 99.9% of germs, then dries everything automatically. “Dominic is weirdly obsessed with it,” she says. “He likes knowing things are totally clean. I like not having to stand there drying everything with kitchen roll.” Sleek, compact and genuinely time-saving, it's the kind of device that earns its countertop space.
Not just a baby bag—a bag that just happens to carry nappies. Crafted from GOTS-certified organic cotton canvas, this beauty balances form and function like few others. “It doesn’t scream ‘baby stuff’, which I love,” she says. Inside, it’s all cleverly labelled compartments, wipeable linings and hidden bottle pockets. “There’s a pouch for everything, which helps massively when you’re on zero sleep.” It’s available in earthy, muted tones that don’t clash with your outfit—or your buggy.
If you’ve ever changed a nappy on the boot of your car (or worse, a sticky café toilet seat), this one’s for you. The Cam Cam mat folds up small enough to fit in any bag but opens out to a soft, padded changing space covered in water-repellent, non-toxic coating. “It’s made public changing a hundred times less grim,” she says. The prints are subtle and Scandi-chic, and the mat itself is made from organic cotton—no plastic-y crinkle sounds or scratchy backing. “It also makes a great gift if you want to give someone something that’ll actually be used.”
Whether it’s dribble rash, flaky skin or cradle cap, this multi-tasking balm works wonders. Made with organic hemp, calendula and chamomile, it’s gentle enough for daily use—and contains zero mineral oils or synthetic fragrance. “It smells like herbs and calm,” she says. “We’ve used it on everything from dry cheeks to her tiny toes.” A brilliant alternative to petroleum-based ointments.
10. Weleda Calendula Baby Boday Wash (£8.95)
A staple in European households for decades, this calming baby wash is made with biodynamic calendula flower extract and sweet almond oil. It cleanses without stripping and leaves baby skin pillowy-soft. “The smell is divine—clean but comforting,” she says. “I used it for the first bath and haven’t stopped since.” It’s free from SLS, parabens, synthetic preservatives and fragrances, making it ideal for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
So much of motherhood is improvisation—but a few beautifully made essentials can anchor the chaos. “Every day still feels a bit wild,” she admits. “But having these things around me makes it feel just manageable. And honestly? That’s a win.”
So much of motherhood is improvisation—but a few beautifully made essentials can anchor the chaos. “Every day still feels a bit wild,” she admits. “But having these things around me makes it feel just manageable. And honestly? That’s a win.”
