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Pregnancy planning guide: hospital bag, baby registry and newborn essentials

Preparing for a new baby is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Here is how to approach the three main planning tasks.

The hospital bag

Pack by 36 weeks. The three bags that works best: one for labour, one for postnatal (mum), one for baby. Our free hospital bag checklist covers all three. The birth partner's bag is often forgotten — include snacks, a charger and a change of clothes.

The baby registry

Keep it practical and avoid duplicates. The items that matter most are safe sleep (moses basket or crib, sleeping bags), a pram and car seat, feeding supplies and a changing setup. Our free baby registry checklist covers the essentials without the excess.

The first week home

The honest truth: you will use far less than you bought and wish you had bought more muslins. Stock the fridge, accept all offers of cooked meals, and do not feel pressured to have visitors in the first week unless you want them.

Our picks compared

PickProductBest for
Top pick Hospital bag set mum and babyLabour and postnatal bag Check price →
Sleep Moses basket with stand setNewborn sleeping Check price →
Travel Travel system pram and car seatTransport system Check price →
Essentials Newborn essentials gift setEssential supplies Check price →

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Frequently asked questions

When should I start buying baby things?
Most people start after the 20-week scan. Leave non-essential big purchases (high chair, baby bouncer) until after the birth — you may receive them as gifts.
What do you actually need for a newborn?
Safe sleep space, nappies, feeding supplies, a few sleepsuits and bodysuits, a way to travel. The newborn essentials checklist covers the genuine list.