Your newborn essentials checklist: from hospital bag to nursery

Let’s start with the bag itself. The best size bag to take to hospital for birth is often something roomy and easy to carry. Our top picks are a weekender or a nappy backpack (which doubles as your everyday bag once bub arrives, win-win).

On the inside, it’s time to stock up on all the essentials (for everyone involved):

• Essentials for mum: Comfy clothes you’ll want around like a soft robe, slippers, a nursing bra and a going-home outfit.

• Essentials for bub: Newborn onesies, a swaddle or wrap, a beanie and socks for those tiny toes. Don’t forget nappies, wipes, nappy bags and a soft blanket.

• Everyday essentials: Pop in your toiletries, a phone charger and a few snacks (trust us, you’ll thank yourself at 3am).

Our hospital bag essentials range has everything you need to tick off your birth hospital bag checklist in one shop.

The nursery is where you’ll spend so many of those early days and midnight cuddles, so it’s worth taking the time to get it right. Start with the essentials:

Bedding: A safe cot, baby mattress and swaddle are non-negotiable for those early bedside days. Once they’re ready for a room of their own, soft fitted sheets and a few cosy baby blankets deliver the sweetest dreams. Note that baby bedding requirements vary by age, so make sure to do your research first to make sure bub has a safe and suitable setup from day one.

Nappy changes: A change table (or a change mat if you’re tight on space) keeps nappy changes simple and organised.

Everyday routine: A baby monitor is a game-changer for peace of mind when bub’s down for a nap, and a few nursery storage baskets keep nappies, wipes and clothing within easy reach for an easy routine.

Nursery décor: A good rule of thumb is to keep the décor calm and functional with a hint of personality. Many new parents love to choose a theme or signature colour to seed throughout the room. From the crib to the changing table, nursing chair to anything in between, create the kind of space that feels like a warm hug!

Explore our full nursery furniture and décor range to create a room you’ll both love at great value.

From day one, you’ll be in the rhythm of feeding, changing and bath time, so a few well-chosen basics will make all the difference. Bottles, a bottle warmer, bibs and plenty of burp cloths are a non-negotiable, whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle feeding or doing a bit of both.

Keeping them clean and healthy also requires a few handy accessories! A baby bath or supportive bath seat keeps those first splashes simple and safe. And for everyday hygiene, stock up on all the changing must-haves like nappies, wipes, nappy cream and a sturdy nappy bin (trust us, you’ll go through more nappies than you can possibly imagine).

Hot tip: having a newborn baby essentials kit ready to go takes so much of the stress out of those early weeks. Our feeding, bathing and changing range has everything you need in one go at incredibly low prices.

Having a baby is not just about bub. What do new mums need to make those early weeks easier? Comfort, mostly. Think comfy loungewear you can live in, a good water bottle that stays close, easy snacks within arm’s reach and a nursing pillow that helps you find a comfy feeding position.

A cosy throw on the couch is essential for late-night feeds and early-morning cuddles, and a supportive pillow really helps with recovery and rest after birth. A little comfort goes a long way! Plus, a stash of soft swaddles and a few newborn toys are the perfect way keep bub happy and settled while you take a well-earned breather.

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most exciting moments, and having your newborn essentials sorted ahead of time takes so much stress out of those final weeks of preparation. Use this checklist as your go-to guide, from the hospital bag to the nursery and every little thing in between.

From those very first cuddles to bub’s first outing, we’ve got everything you need to feel prepared and a whole lot calmer, all at low prices you’ll love. From sleep-time essentials for those early naps to travel and transport must-haves for first adventures, explore our full range today and tick the last few boxes off before the big delivery day.