The Newborn Baby Items you Actually Need
With officials estimating that over 76,000 babies have been born in England under lockdown so far and maternity wards bracing for an influx come December, it’s fair to say we are in the midst of a ‘baby fever.’
As lockdown eases and we prepare to give birth to a new generation of ‘coronababies’, one of the positive things we can take away from the experience is the idea reduction, or in more literal terms “not buying more than we need”.
But with the wave of parenthood approaching, if there’s one area where even the most level headed of us can get carried away, its shopping for a newborn. “Little Noah has to have X in his nursey”, “so and so said they just couldn’t live without X”, “That Insta ad said X was an absolute must!”.
With all the unsolicited advice it may feel easier to simply cover all bases but not only will this approach rapidly transform your once “feed worthy” home into an overcrowded baby outlet, it will leave you significantly out of pocket … and this baby shopping malarkey isn’t cheap!
Before reaching for the credit card and embarking in an online shopping frenzy, do your wallet a favour and take a peek at our mum approved list to discover the newborn baby items you actually need.
NURSING & FEEDING
ELVIE
Electric Breast Pump from £249
Hailed as the world’s first silent wearable breast pump, the Elvie pump really is a game changer. Yes, it is expensive but for those planning to pump on a regular basis it’s well worth the money.
Fitting nicely into your bra, with no tubes or wires to contended with the Elvie Pump lets you catch up with friends on Zoom, play in the garden with your kids, cook a delicious meal or simply enjoy some peace and quiet... all while you pump.
Top tip. If you looking for a pump to use for the occasional night out the single pump is your gal but if you are planning to pump on a daily basis and want to half the time it takes, spending the extra and get the double.
VITAL BABY
When looking after a newborn its all about the small gains. No water, no cleaning and no limescale build up, the Vital Baby Nurture Pro UV Steriliser and Dryer, makes the crazy world or having a new born just that little bit easier. Using UV rays to kill over 99.9% of bacteria, this easy to use steriliser, works to dry, sterilise and store baby items such a bottles, breast pumps and teethers at the touch of a button.
It’s can also be used to kill off bacteria on other items including your tooth brush and phone!
BBHUGME
Nursing Pillow £65
A nursing pillow really is a must during those early newborn days. Providing essential support, they help get your baby into the optimum feeding position and take pressure off your back by preventing the uncomfortable “breastfeeding hunch”.
The BBHugME Nursing Pillow, is one of our favourites on the market. Available in an array or stylish prints and colours, we love how it attaches around your waist to give better neck and shoulder support for you and additional comfort for your baby. It can also be used as a comfortable hip carrier for when you aren't feeding.
SLEEPING
LEANDER LINEA
Side by Side Bed £305
The bedside crib has made its way on to almost every baby list there is thanks to its ability to allow the closeness of co-sleeping without any of the worry and the Side by Side Crib from the Linea, with its stylish Scandi design has made it on to ours.
With a slide down mesh side opening and a 5-setting height adjustable frame, the bed can easily transform from a stand alone crib to side bed, while the addition of wheels means it can be moved and reposition from day to night.
BABYMOOV
Yoo-Moov Monitor £179.99
Lullabies, temperature indicator, walkie-talkie function and night light. It’s no wonder you Moov’s 360 degree motorised video has become a multi-award winner.
Simply place in your little ones nursery and control its movements remotely from your receiver for a 360 view!
ADEN & ANAIS
Jungle Jam Classic Swaddles £44.95 for pack of 4
There’s a reason why Aden & Anais swaddles are seen on almost every baby out there. Breathable, versatile and super soft, these 100% cotton muslin swaddles are the perfect for baby swaddling thanks to their larger than average size, as a coverup while nursing, burp cloth and t—pram.
BABY MORI
Baby Mori’s softest sleep suits have become a firm favourite amongst mums in the know and for good reason. Available in singles or packs of four, these beautifully soft Front Opening Sleepsuits are made with breathable organic cotton and bamboo fabric to keep your little ones comfortable when dreaming, while their fold over mitts keep scratches at baby.
BABYMOOV
Doomoo Cocoon £89.95
Another award winner from the people a Babymoov. Eco-friendly, chemical free and made from Organic Cotton the multi-functional Doomoo Cocoon can be used from birth until 8 months of age thanks to its Velcro extendable nest.
Perfect for awake time and sleep time, the Doomoo Cocoon can also be used for co-sleeping thanks to its compatibility with most bedside cribs.
THE LITTLE WHITE COMPANY
Sleep Bag from £28
Keeping your baby snug without the need for loose bedding, or blankets, sleeping bags have been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) by preventing your child from overheating and help maintain a constant and stable body temperature .
The Little White Company sleeping bags come in array of togs and designs to ensure your little one sleeps soundly. If your baby is due this summer, their textured seersucker style (pictured) is both comfy and cool at 0.5 tog, however if you are expecting a winter baby we suggest opting for one of their 2.5 tog bags.
BATHTIME
ANGELCARE
Soft Touch Bath Support £27.99
Forget the bulky baby bath and instead opt for the space saving Soft Touch Bath Support by Angelcare.
Ergonomically designed, it combines sturdy sides with an angled soft touch middle to safely and gently cradle your baby whilst bathing. Another a standout feature is the way its unique soft touch material quickly reaches the same temperature of the bath water to make your baby feel warm and safe. Hygienic and mould-resistant.
CHILDS FARM
Baby Wash £4 & Baby Moisturiser £4.50
Created in by a mother for her two small children who suffered from sensitive skin, Childs Farm Baby Wash and Baby moisturiser has become a cult product.
Made with naturally derived ingredients and suitable for newborns and upwards the baby wash cuts through dirt gently and effectively leaving skin and hair feeling clean and nourished, while the baby lotion works to protect and hydrate baby’s delicate skin.
In fact so effective is it as soothing delicate skin, Childs Farm Baby Moisturiser has become a go to saviour for those with eczema prone skin. If that’s not enough, both dermatologists and paediatricians have approved this award-winning baby lotion as suitable for sensitive skin and safe for people with eczema.
MY FIRST YEARS
Personalised Hooded Towel from £18
My First Years personalised hooded towels are a beautiful post bathtime treat keeping your baby snuggly, warm and ready for cuddles.
Made from 100% cotton and available in array of styles, from simple and chic to animal themed, these luxurious towels can personalise with your little ones name at no extra cost. A My First Years best-seller, we hear even the Duchess of Cambridge is a fan!
CHANGING
OLLI ELLA
Reva Oval Changing Basket £69 & Liner £19.95
Nappy changing has never been so stylish thank to Olli Ella and their beautiful Reva Oval changing basket. Embracing the idea that baby products can last well beyond the nursery days, when you no longer to use it for changing, the basket can be used for storing books, toys or more.
We recommend pairing up the Reva Oval changing basket with their organic cotton liners both available at Scandiborn. Soft and slightly padded, these gorgeous liners can also be rolled up and used as luxury changing mat on the go.
KIT & KIN
Nappy Subscription from £29.96
An eco-friendly disposable with impressive credentials. Available as a single buy or our preferred method, a hassle-free subscription service, Kit & Kin’s hypoallergenic nappies are both kind to your baby and the planet.
Using an oxo-biodegradable material for the nappies and the packaging (meaning they could biodegrade within six years), for every 10 packets purchased, Kit & Kin funds the purchase of one acre of tropical rainforest, preventing it from deforestation.
Kit & Kin nappies also one of the most absorbent eco reusables we’ve tried, while the super cute animal print design strategically placed on the bottom of the nappies, make them perfect for those Insta moments.
UBBI
Diaper Pail £80
It could be easy to dismiss the Ubbi Diaper Pail as an unnecessary expense and opt for one of the cheaper nappy disposal systems instead but trust us when we say it will cost you more in the long term.
The majority of nappy disposal systems, while initially cheaper to require refills that quickly add up. The Ubi on the other hand using normal everyday bin liner. It can also store a larger amount of nappy’s (35 on average) and because it’s made of power-coated steel it will never take on that rather unpleasant nappy fragrance while the addition of a rubber seal prevents any smells from leaking out.
And if once passed the newborn phase you feel ready to make the switch to cloth nappies, don’t worry, the Ubbi can also be used to store dirty reusables.
AQUAINT
An innovative eco-friendly alternative to baby wipes, Happy Planet wipes are 100% biodegradable wipes made from cellulose plant fibres, 99.9% purified water and apple fruit extract.
Totally plastic free, these planet friendly wipes are thicker than most wipes meaning just one wipe is normally needed for each change making them friendly on the pocket also. Oh and did we mention they are also fragrance-free, allergy friendly, and suitable for use on the most sensitive bottoms from birth. We wouldn’t use any other disposable wipe.
TOTSBOTS
The thought of using reusable can feel rather daunting, especially with a newborn but TotsBots award winning EasyFit All-in-One nappy really makes using reusables a breeze.
Going on just like a disposable, these brilliant nappies have a super absorbent core made of the softest bamboo, while their outer waterpoof layer is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles (2 bottles to be precise), helping you reduce your environmental impact one nappy at a time.
When the nappy’s dirty simply place the biodegradable liner in one bin and the nappy in the other ready to wash. Once the bin if full wash at a high temperature with other nappies only and hang to dry. It really couldn’t be easier.
Also available in Teenyfit for babies between 5 and 9lbs.
BURT’S BEES
100% natural and formulated without phthalates, parabens, petrolatum, or SLS Burt’s Bees Baby Diaper Ointment is our go to nappy cream on even the most sensitive of baby’s bottoms.
A changing table essential, this soothing formula treats and prevents nappy rash, providing long-lasting comfort for your baby’s bottom.
OUT & ABOUT
MOKEE
Mini Baby Wrap £68
Enjoy baby snuggles on-the- go with the ergonomically Mookee Mini Baby Wrap.
Made from the softest organic cotton, this easy to put on baby carrier can be used in variety of positions (including front and back carrying) by using the same simple tying method. Encouraging that close bond between parent and child, this super strong baby wrap is as supportive and comfortable with sleepy newborns as it is with active toddlers.
BABYBJORN
Baby Carrier Mini £84.99
A world leader in carries, BabyBjorn’s Baby Carrier Mini has been specifically designed for those first few months when your baby needs a lot of closeness around the clock yet is still too small for your standard carrier.
With less straps and fastenings, we love how easy the carrier is to put on and take off, making it perfect those frequent short baby wearing sessions when your baby wants to be close but you still need to get stuff done. Whilst the soft fabrics, available in an array of stylish colours including our favourites light great and dusty pink, gently hug your baby’s back, legs and hips, providing essential support.
Need to transfer your baby sleeping baby from the carrier to cot? Not a problem. This clever little carrier allows you to easily unfasten the entire front section of the baby carrier and lift out your sleeping baby without disturbing them.
TIBA + MARL
Elwood Backpack in Black Snake £140
The Tiba + Marl Elwood backpack in Black snake is one changing bag you will want to keep using even when you don’t need it anymore.
Stylish and practical, each Elwood backpack comes with a luxury padded changing mat, insulated bottle holder and inter laptop sleeve, leaving you hands-free for a busy day out-and-about. What’s more, not only is the Elwood large enough to double up as a work bag, gym bag or carry-on bag but its unisex designs means your other half will happily take the baby out for an hour or two, allowing you to catch up on some much needed Zzzz’s.
There is something effortlessly luxurious and Oh so desirable, about iCandy’s Cerium Pushchair and Carrycot.
Redefining each core element of the much loved Peach Pushchair; parent facing, light weight, one hand fold, incorporated carry strap and a super smooth ride, the Cerium is a bespoke forwarding thinking travel system guaranteed to turn heads.
If that’s not enough it is also the first single to double Designer Collection pushchair from iCandy, allowing you to future-proof for baby no 2!
JOOLZ
BeSafe car seats have developed a reputation for being some of the safest car seat on the market and their collaboration with luxury pushchair brand Joolz is a winner.
Combining Dutch design with Scandinavian safety, the Joolz BeSafe iZi Go Modular X1 i-Size Car Seat is a group 0+ car seat which can easily transfer from your car to your Joolz Travel System without disturbing your baby. Super safe and surprisingly light weight this luxury car seat comes with a 5 point harness, innovative side impact protection, XL sunhood with UV 50+ protection and built-in ventilation, plus washable Joolz’s fabrics. Available in black, blue and grey we love it’s stylish ergonomic leatherette carry handle.
Don’t have a Joolz travel system. Don’t worry, the car seat can be use with other travels systems with the purchase of a separate adapter.
