Pregnancy is one of the most magical journeys you’ll ever embark on – but let’s be honest, it can also feel a little overwhelming at times, especially if it’s your first. Knowing what to buy (and when to buy it) can be tricky and putting together that all-important shopping list can quickly start to feel daunting.
At Hippychick, we believe in keeping things simple. You don’t need everything – just the right things to make life easier, more comfortable, and a little more joyful as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. That’s why we’ve created a handy guide to help you decide what’s truly essential, and what’s simply nice to have.
Our must-haves – the basics you’ll definitely use!
Sleep & nursery
- Next-to-me crib (or Moses basket, but you don’t need both) – For the first few months, your little one will sleep in your room with you. A next-to-me crib makes night feeds easier and keeps your baby close for comfort.
- Cot (for later, around 6 months) – Once your baby transitions to their own room (usually around 6 months), they’ll need a cot. Remember, some cots are sold without a mattress, so check before you buy. Hippychick Mattress Protectors help keep mattresses fresher for longer – and our fitted sheets double up as a protector and bed sheet in one!
- Wardrobe or Drawers – One of the first things you’ll want to buy are those adorable baby clothes, but you’ll need somewhere to keep them! Choose storage that works for your space – you don’t necessarily need both a chest of drawers and a wardrobe. A well-sized set of drawers can also double as a changing table.
- Baby monitor – A must-have once your baby moves into their own room, but don’t feel you need to buy this right away. A good monitor gives you peace of mind that your baby is safe and sound.
- Night light – A gentle night light makes it easier (and safer) to find dummies or tend to night feeds without turning on bright lights.
- Blankets – Perfect for keeping your baby warm and cosy, for swaddling, or when you’re out and about in the pram.
Changing
- Changing Pad – Newborns can need changing up to 10–12 times a day! A soft, comfortable, and hygienic changing pad is essential. Hippychick’s Nattou and Bumbo pads are wonderful wipe-clean options.
- Nappies – Stock up! Whether you choose disposable or reusable (The Nappy Lady has great advice on reusables), you’ll go through plenty.
- Baby Wipes – A changing essential for keeping your baby clean and fresh.
- Nappy Rash Cream – Babies skin is delicate. Keep a soothing cream on hand to prevent or treat irritation.
- Changing Bag – Getting out and about is vital for your wellbeing during maternity leave. A roomy changing bag, like the Dooky Large Changing Bag, helps you stay organised and independent.
- Chest of Drawers to double as a Changing Table – While you can use a changing pad on the floor, having a dedicated changing space at a comfortable height will save your back during those frequent nappy changes. A chest of drawers is an ideal solution: it gives you a sturdy surface for a changing pad, keeps all the essentials within easy reach, and provides plenty of storage for your baby’s clothes.
Travel
- Pram/Pushchair or Complete Travel System – One of the most exciting (and biggest) purchases! Take time to research and find a model that suits your lifestyle and will grow with your baby. If you can, visit a store to try out a few in person — each one feels a little different, so it’s worth finding the right weight, fold, and features to suit you.
- Car Seat – Essential for anyone with a car. Install it before you go into labour to avoid last-minute panic! Check whether you’ll need an IsoFix base, as this is often sold separately.
- Baby Carrier – A lifesaver when you’re on the move. Carriers come in different styles for different ages. Try Moby baby wraps for newborns and the Hippychick Hipseat for babies 6 months+.
Feeding
- Bottles & Bottle Brush – Even if you’re breastfeeding, bottles offer flexibility for expressing milk or letting someone else help with feeding. If you’re combination or bottle feeding, have a small supply with different teat sizes. A bottle brush set keeps everything hygienically clean.
- Steriliser – An essential for keeping bottles, teats, and breast pump parts germ-free. Choose between steam, microwave, or cold-water options depending on your routine.
- Muslins – You can never have too many! Perfect for wiping dribble, cleaning up spills, and protecting your shoulder during winding. Keep them dotted around the house and in your changing bag.
- Bibs – Even the tidiest of feeders’ dribble! Bibs keep outfits clean and cut down on outfit changes (and laundry).
- Breast Pads – Leaking milk is totally normal, whether you’re breastfeeding or not. Breast pads keep you dry, comfortable, and confident when out and about.
- Feeding Pillow – A simple way to make feeding (breast or bottle) more comfortable. It supports your baby and helps reduce strain on your arms, shoulders, and back. Hippychick’s feeding pillows also tie conveniently around your waist or buggy for on-the-go use.
Bath time
- Baby Bath Seat or Baby Bath – If you have a bathtub, a bath seat offers extra support. If you only have a shower, a baby bath is ideal for creating a safe, comfortable washing space for your little one.
- Towels – Hooded towels aren’t essential but they’re perfect for keeping your baby snuggly and warm after bath time.
- Baby Shampoo – For the first few weeks, warm water is all you need. Once your baby’s skin adjusts, you can introduce a gentle, fragrance-free baby shampoo designed for sensitive skin.
Clothes
When buying baby clothes, think seasonally – what size will your baby be in each season? It takes a bit of planning, but it’ll save time and money later. We think the essentials are:
- Sleepsuits / babygrows – The NHS recommends at least 6, but we recommend getting more to avoid you running the risk of running out when you need to do a last minute change.
- Vests / Bodysuits – 4 to 6 is a good starting point, but again, having more to hand is never a bad thing.
- Hats – A sun hat for summer, and a wool or cotton hat for winter.
- Socks – Stock up! Newborn socks are tiny and easy to lose.
- Cardigans / Jumpers – Perfect for layering, especially in cooler months.
Other essentials
- Healthcare Items – Baby nails can be surprisingly sharp, so a baby nail file or clippers are useful. A thermometer helps you monitor for fever, and infant-specific medicine (used only when advised) can offer comfort if your baby becomes unwell.
- Playmat – Great for tummy time and development. Nattou playmats include built-in sensory toys to keep little ones entertained.
Our nice-to-haves – things you don’t need to panic about getting!
- Nappy Bin – A regular bin will do the job, but a dedicated nappy bin can be really helpful for containing odours. The Nattou Dropy Nappy Bin is designed for easy one-handed use and helps keep smells securely sealed away.
- White Noise Machine – Can help block out background noise and soothe your baby to sleep. Zello White Noise Machines help to block out unwanted sounds and also have built in night lights to create a calm space for you and your baby.
- Breast Pump – Not essential for everyone. You might choose to pump to build up a milk supply, let your partner feed, or relieve engorgement. If you’re not breastfeeding, your milk will dry up naturally over time.
- Baby Bouncer – Handy for soothing or entertaining your baby, but there are plenty of other ways to comfort them too.
- Dummies – Some babies love them, others aren’t interested. Try one or two to see how your baby responds.
- Scratch Mittens – Not always needed, as some sleepsuits have fold-over cuffs.
- Moses Basket – It’s really helpful to have a safe place to put your baby down for naps, but you don’t necessarily need both a next-to-me crib and a moses basket. During those early months, it’s handy to have a cosy, portable sleep space you can move between upstairs and downstairs for supervised naps. When you’re shopping for a pram, it’s also worth checking whether the bassinet is suitable for overnight or supervised daytime sleep — it might double up and save you buying extra.
Preparing for a new baby doesn’t have to mean filling your home with things that you don’t need. Focus on the essentials that make life simpler and more comfortable for both you and your little one. As your baby grows, you’ll naturally figure out what’s truly useful for your family.
At Hippychick, we’re here to make that journey easier, with practical, beautifully designed products that support you every step of the way.