Disclaimer: Some of the following products were sent for the purpose of testing them out for review. These products are highlighted by the use of an asterisk (*) beside them. This post also contains affiliate links which are indicated by the use of a dagger (†). All review words and opinions are my own. All photos are copyright property of Me Becoming Mum.

Munchkin's arrival was almost 6 years to the day from the date we welcomed our first rainbow baby into the world. Over the years I have accumulated a number of must have items, so read on to discover those which I hand on heart could not be without.

Clothes (obviously)

Body suits and sleepsuits

We all know that our babies need dressing, but why not treat your little one to soft, beautiful clothing that will be comfortable and look good? Check out Frugi* for natural, gorgeous ranges; including their new season stock inspired by happiness and ikigai (a Japanese concept roughly translating to ‘the thing that you live for’.)

I love the clothing that they have available (and even have some for myself!) It also washes well and looks just as bright and colourful as new; which for me is an essential test… Babies will poop and puke on pretty much everything you put them in and test the durability. For me, Frugi is worth every penny.

Somewhere for them to chill out

(When they’re not sleeping!)

We all love baby snuggles. Trust me, there is nothing more special than soaking up that newborn smell with your tiny baby close to your chest. Sometimes, however, you will need a break. The washing up may need doing, or maybe, like me, you have other children who equally require your attention. If your baby is not napping in their crib or Moses basket, there are a couple of options for laying them down safely while you get on with other things.

Baby bouncer

If you've been around a while you may remember my review of the baby to toddler rocker from Fisher Price* we were gifted to review as a toddler chair for Pickle a couple of years ago. Safely strapped in, Munchkin loves to chill out, and it's a safe place for him to be (especially with two older sisters barreling around the house!)

Baby gym (a.k.a play mat)

These are not as secure as a baby bouncer or seat but they can be a lot of fun for your baby. They encourage development alongside being an entertaining spot to lay them for tummy time and / or a break for you!

Nappies

As well as changing accessories.

Cloth nappies

As you probably know by now, I love using cloth alternatives for my children and me. If you want to be able to cloth bum your new baby, a full kit is going to be the best option. Earlier this year Close Parent launched a new product… their ‘Your Box of Nappies’* containing all you need for using cloth. Whilst I used their newborn Pop-in nappies to start with, as Munchkin has grown I had begun to use the kit.

The kit contains birth to potty Pop-in nappies in a variety of different colours; as well as biodegradable liners, night time boosters and even a wet bag for popping dirty nappies in when you're out and about. Do you know what the best part is? As of 2020, Close Parent are now using recycled plastic bottles to create their new Pop-in collections.

Don’t forget, if you need any help with using cloth nappies, you can always drop me a message. Alternatively, check out my cloth nappy blog posts here.

Wipes

If you read my post about making the swap to Cheeky Wipes you'll know we already have cloth wipes at the ready. When you have a newborn, nothing is safer to use on their new, sensitive skin than soft microfiber wipes and water.

For the first few weeks at least I will top-and-tail wash before giving Munchkin his first bath. For this I’ve picked up some Cheeky Wipes rainbow wipes† which we'll use for top washing and the white ones we already have I'll keep for nappy changing and bum washing!

Changing Bag

A decent changing bag will allow you to have all you need at the ready; whether you’re out for vaccinations, a baby group or popping to a friends for a cuppa. My advice is to shop around for the one which works best for you. A backpack version is best for a parent with other children as they may need their hands free (trust me, this is necessary) Other parents may want a bag which can double as a handbag, with pockets and compartments for all the bits and bobs they and and baby need.

For feeding

Muslins

Every parent will have had a baby spew up on them at some point, but it need not be all over your clothes! Muslins are a great way to protect what you're wearing at feeding times and while burping. For a choice of beautiful, organic, super soft (and rainbow, obviously!) muslins, I highly recommend Frugi*. They could not be more perfect, and I’ve been using them since they were packed in my hospital bag.

Bathing products

From supports to cleaning and drying your baby.

Baby seat

I learnt the hard way that a baby bath is super impractical. For me, a baby seat is a much better option… especially when it comes to bathing all three of my children when I'm on my own. Whilst you will never leave any child unsupervised in the bath, a baby seat like Summer Infant's Clean Rinse Baby Bather* is a safe, comfortable way to support your baby during bath time. It even folds flat and sits at different angles, allowing you to support your baby in the best position for their age.

Baby bath cushion

Whether you want to add extra comfort to your bath seat, or want a soft layer for wash basin bath times the Summer Infant Bath Cushion* is the product for you. Whilst it may not be essential, it is a nightly handy product to have about the house, and folds up so small it's a great option for taking on holiday with you in your suitcase. From the smile on his face you can see Munchkin loves his!

A towel (and other accessories!)

Wash mitts or cloths for washing, shampoos, body washes and more are all a given when it comes to bathing your baby… and of course you can't forget a towel or two! The Little Green Sheep's Bear Hooded Towel* is one of the cutest, softest towels we have ever owned (and look at how adorable Munchkin looks wrapped up in it! I think this is my new favourite GIF…)

A tap cover

This may not be essential for every new parent, but for someone like me, with other children, it is a life saver! Ever noticed how children can be a bit haphazard, even under the most stringent supervision? Imagine trying to bath three (including a newborn) on your own. The Taphat by Dalu* was one of the first products I was ever sent as a blogger almost four years ago. To this day it is still used and I cannot recommend it enough!

A place to sleep

As well as extras to aid comfort, soothing and night feeds.

A crib

I bought (and loved) the SnuzPod² for Pickle four years ago. That one has been passed down to my brother's baby, and Munchkin has the amazing Snüz SnüzPod³ bedside crib*. Slightly wider (yet lighter!) than the old model, it's just as perfect as our old one. It is sturdy, comfy (yes, I have laid my head inside on more than one occasion!) and the side unzips allowing you to quickly and easily get to your newborn for night time feeds (trust me, this is a Godsend!)

I bought some extras to go with our new SnuzPod³ too. This includes lovely sheets, which come in a number of different colours and patterns (I’ve seen they have new rainbow ones too!) and the SnuzPocket which hangs on the end and is a great place to keep everything from wipes to muslins to breastpads for me!

A Moses basket

If you don't fancy a bedside crib, the Little Green Sheep natural knitted Moses basket* is a great alternative. We use ours downstairs for naps during the day. Complete with soft, comfortable mattress and foldable stand, this is a light, movable option allowing you to carry it from the bedroom to the front room and more depending on where you wish to lay your baby down.

Sleepyhead

Whilst this isn't essential, the Sleepyhead I bought for Pickle is now being used by Munchkin and I love it. It's soft and cosy, and with a giant muslin wrapped over the top offers a great, protective place for your baby to lay their head.

Soothing sounds (such as white noise)

Ahh, white noise. John isn't a massive fan of the sound, but I am! You would not believe the difference it makes to our little boy. The soothing sounds of the SnüzCloud* are an absolute winner in my book. There are four settings, from white noise to heartbeats and if Munchkin is disturbed it is one of the only things that will help him drift back off to sleep.

Night light

The reality is that your baby will wake you up (probably multiple times) in the night. As this is the case, you will want to have some way to see what you’re doing for those middle of the night changes and feeds. Why not double up your night light with a thermometer? I bought the GroEgg to do just that!

Sleeping bags

The rules around not folding blankets, and only putting your baby in the same number of layers as you are easy to stick to with the help of a sleeping bag. I have found sleeping bags to be the easiest way to ensure that Munchkin is safe, cosy and warm. Plus when they come in beautiful colours and patterns from Snüz* (rainbows in particular!) you're on to a winner.

Items to travel

Car Seat

The Doona we bought for Pickle was one of the best investments we've made. Whilst it may seem expensive, it is a travel system all in itself and I highly recommend it. We use it with its Isofix and it is so quick and easy to use, something that is important when travelling with my tribe.

Baby Carrier

If there is one thing I can promise you will never regret purchasing, it is a baby wrap or carrier. My Close Parent Caboo* is a definite go-to for me this time. It’s super comfortable, and looks gorgeous. It's also ideal for mums like me who have more than one child and a house to keep. Little Munchkin is quite happy snoozing away while I get on with chores; or when we take a walk up to the school to drop off his big sisters.

If you type into Google ‘newborn essentials’ hundreds of extensive lists will come up, and the reality is as long as they are safe, fed and loved the rest will fall into place. I hope this list gives you a bit of an easier ride when it comes to preparing for your new little one's arrival.

For more blog posts about new babies from photos to must have products, check out the category here. Do you have a favourite product your used with your newborn? Let me know in the comments below.