As a first time mum, while pregnant with Baby T,  I spent hours reading loads of online resources and like so many first time mums, I was overwhelmed with the vast list of recommended products. I had the first-time mum fever and wanted them all. They all seemed useful and handy to have with a newborn, but I knew I didn’t need all the recommended baby products out there.

In addition to a cumbersome list, there are so many options and brands so trying to decide which one to buy wasn’t an easy task.

When Baby T was born, I was so relieved I hadn’t gotten all the items I wanted because we received gift items from family and friends, which was a blessing.

Here are my top 10 favourite items

1. Baby Wrap: Baby Wrap: A baby wrap is a must-have in the newborn phase. It is handy for carrying the baby and getting things done around the house and for mothers with toddlers etc. I initially got a cosy wrap from Amazon but felt too hot while using it. I heard about the US Solly wrap and how lovely the fabric is even in summer. The Solly wrap was useful for having baby close, breastfeeding, baby naps and bedtime. I also had it with me in public places like my local church as he was very calm and slept a lot better in it especially when he wasn’t sleeping in his car seat. There are other options, like the Moby wrap and so on.

Why Solly Wrap

✔ The fabric is thin and lightweight (fab for summer and indoor use).I was too hot in my first stretchy wrap

✔ One size fits all

✔ Folds neatly into my nappy bag. Comes in a nice packaging

What I didn’t like

✔ No UK stockist yet (watch this space), I had to order from the US the shipping cost was add on plus had to wait for it to arrive. I ordered when Baby T was 5 weeks old.

✔ 25lb (11kg) weight limit due to thin material.It wasn’t an issue as we went from using this to a baby carrier for short trips and travel

UPDATE: For my second baby (Baby J),I opted for the Caboo. I will share more about this in another post.

2.  Baby Swing or Bouncer

We got a bouncer as a gift which was very handy to have. However at the newborn phase in Baby T’s first few weeks, it didn’t feel well padded and supportive, so I got a baby swing/bouncer Fisher Price Cradle ‘n Swing – My Little Snugapuppy

(UK customers best deal can be gotten direct from amazon.com, but you will have to pay for international shipping which includes customs fees.It still works out a lot better than from above seller on amazon.co.uk. Shipping fee is a significant add-on cost). It was a godsend as Baby T would sleep in it for hours and would often help with getting him to sleep when fussy.

I got concerned about the constant motion and weaned him off very early. In retrospect didn’t have to.  We ended up using the swing more as a bouncer and kept him entertained with it.

Why Fisher Price Cradle N Swing Snugapuppy

✔  Swing speed options – 6
✔   2 swinging motions
✔  nature sounds
✔  songs – up to 16
✔ 2 recline position-upright position helpful when dealing with reflux and it has 3 adjustable seat position giving baby a varied view of the room

The final feature I love is the mirror underneath the mobile toy. I hadn’t realised it gave the baby a 360-degree view of the room so he could see me trying to sneak out. ☺ Who was I kidding?

There were several UK alternatives including the mamaroo ( mamaroo seat too narrow compared to fisher price swing and Fisher Price swing has more swing speed options), the other option I considered was the Graco Loving Hug or Simple Sway, but I didn’t like the mixed reviews.

3. Play mat – Baby T was fussy when laid on the floor, so we had minimal play time on the floor in the early months. I noted he loved toys that had music or sounds and so when I saw on amazon prime a deal on the Fisher-Price CCB70 Newborn-to-Toddler Play Gym, I quickly placed my order. Baby T spent more time on his back looking at the lights or trying to reach and pull the toys which all had various sounds and activities for the little ones. It was also very useful for playtime when he could sit upright, and we got a lot of use from it. For newborn phase would recommend extra cushion as play mat not padded.

4. Tippitoes Mini Bath (White) This baby bath was one of my favourite items by far. It made our bath time experience less stressful with the handy back and head support. I would strongly recommend you use your hands for extra support in the newborn phase. I ended up getting the Tippitoes Mini Bath Stand after the first two weeks to minimise any back strain.

The downside is that by 8/9 months was too small for Baby T but we still get loads of use from it, and the stand was a lot more expensive than the bath. There is a larger version of this bath and if we had more space in our bathroom, I would have opted for it, so we get the most use out of it. If you prefer to delay the transition to the main bath, then have a look at the larger version.

5.  Apron Towel: I still use this to date and is a handy addition to our bath range. I initially had the Cuddledry Apron Bath Towel (Oatmeal) (white) then I got the Clevamama Splash and Wrap Baby Bath Towel (Soft Cotton, Blue) which was on offer in blue.

6. The Gro Company Gro-Egg Room Thermometer. I would recommend this colour changing digital thermometer. I can see us using this for a long time. It also works as a night-light. We take this along with us on holidays and set up next to his travel cot. He often smiles when he sees it.

7. Babylo Honey Dew Glider Chair:I have lost count of how many times I have slept on this chair while feeding or rocking Baby T to sleep. I hardly used the stool and found it took up space in the bedroom and now the nursery. We use on a daily basis without the footstool. I would recommend a comfy chair or similar.

8. Snuzpod: Here is an important take-home message, with infants there is no “one size fits all”. I thought  I had it all figured out, SnuzPod² Bedside Crib and Mattress (Natural) for the bedroom and we had attached to our bed. Icandy carrycot for the living room as I did not want a Moses basket.

Baby T hated the carrycot won’t sleep in it and also did not like the Sleepyhead (any restricted space was a no-no). However, the Snuzpod bassinet was one of my best buys.Baby T slept in it, when not on our arms. You can read my review on our Snuzpod here.

9. Nosefrida Nasal Aspirator– A must have for winter babies and when dealing with a snotty little one. It helps relieve nasal congestion which means baby gets some sleep and so do you.  Don’t bother with the other bulb like snotty suction device from well known brands.

10. Baby monitor: Audio vs Video which one? I suggest whatever works best for you. There is a wide range of options to suit all budget. I prefer video monitors as I learned that the occasional whimpering noises and cries my son made weren’t because he was awake and most time he got upset that his sleep was interrupted. However with my video monitor, I can observe and decide if he needs me or not.

Why the Motorola MBP36S Digital Video Monitor 3.5″ Colour LCD Display? Although, it had mixed reviews. I had a friend that found hers very useful including the additional features like lullabies and I liked the fact I could link up multiple cameras. This video monitor is now an excellent tool for my boys.

What are your favourite baby products? I would love to hear from you.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which help me keep this blog running. This post is not sponsored. I would NEVER share anything I don’t absolutely love and opinions are always 100% my own.