Baby product marketing is relentless. Here's a more realistic guide to what you genuinely need.
The essentials
- Safe sleep space (crib or Moses basket meeting current safety standards)
- Car seat (essential from day one — cannot leave hospital without one)
- Nappies, wipes, nappy cream
- Feeding equipment (breast pump or bottles and steriliser)
- Babygrows × 6+ in newborn and 0-3 size
- Pram or carrier
Overhyped / can borrow
- Changing table (floor or changing mat works)
- Wipe warmer
- Nappy bin (regular bin works)
- Expensive baby monitor with video (basic audio is fine for most)
Before the birth
Install the car seat and have it checked. Pack your hospital bag at 36 weeks. Freeze meals. Write your birth plan but hold it loosely.