Top 10 Newborn Essentials Every Parent Needs in 2025
- gigglesproutshub
- Oct 8
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 16
Oh, I remember that mix of excitement and panic before bringing my first baby home. I had lists from friends, advice from my mum, and about five shopping carts full of “must-haves” I wasn’t even sure how to use.
If you’re feeling the same way, take a deep breath. You don’t need everything. You just need the right things that actually make life easier. After two babies (and plenty of trial and error), I’ve learned which newborn essentials are truly worth having and which ones end up forgotten in the cupboard.
These are my Top 10 newborn essentials for 2025, based on what I’ve personally used, loved, and would happily recommend to any new parent.
This post includes a few affiliate links. If you choose to shop through them, I might earn a tiny thank-you, at no extra cost to you. I only share what I truly love and use for my own family.
Alright, let’s dive in, mum to mum. Here’s what you actually need for those first few magical (and sleepless!) months.
1. A Safe and Snuggly Sleep Space (Crib or Side Bed)
When I had my first daughter, I thought keeping her crib in another room would help me sleep better. Spoiler: It Didn't!!
I spent those first few weeks walking between rooms all night, exhausted and half-asleep.
After a month, I switched to a side-bed crib, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I did the same for my second daughter too. Having her right beside me meant I could reach over, gently touch her when she fussed, and still keep her safe in her own space.
I also kept everything I needed. A small towel, nappies, pacifier, water right beside me. It made those long nights so much easier.
🌟 My favourites:
Chicco Next2Me Dream Crib – perfect for night feeds.
👍🏻 Pros:
Easy to adjust and attach to most beds.
Breathable mesh sides for good air circulation.
Great for night feeds and bonding. Especially for C-section recovery moms.
Rocking function helps soothe baby back to sleep.
😧 Cons:
On the pricier side compared to some other bedside cribs.
A bit bulky to move from room to room once assembled.
💡 Mom tip: Keep a mini night station beside the crib with nappies, wipes, and water. It saves you from 2 a.m. scavenger hunts.
🧺 Extra Sleep Space Must-Haves
If you’re using a Chicco side-bed crib, I highly recommend adding these two extras to make it even more practical and baby-safe:
Protects your baby’s mattress from milk spills or nappy leaks. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver during those newborn months.
Why I love it:
Made with a soft, breathable top layer that keeps baby cool and comfy.
Fully waterproof yet silent. No crinkly plastic noise during the night.
Snug fit, perfectly compatible with the Chicco Next2Me Dream Crib.
This one is worth every penny. It’s firm, breathable, and supportive, helping baby sleep soundly and safely.
What makes it great:
Quilted cover adds an extra layer of softness and luxury.
Hypoallergenic and breathable materials for all-night comfort.
Durable support that maintains shape even after months of use.
✨ If you’re a new parent in the middle of those sleepless nights, trust me a side-bed crib like the Chicco Next2Me Dream will feel like a tiny miracle. Add a waterproof protector and a comfy mattress, and you’ll thank yourself at 2 or 4 a.m. when everything you need is right there (and your back isn’t screaming at you).
2. Feeding Essentials
Things will definitely get messy! I breastfed both my daughters, and one thing I quickly learned soft, absorbent natural cotton baby muslin squares are lifesavers. I used small 25 × 25 cm ones and kept them by the crib for quick cleanups during night feeds.
Many mums (especially Asian mums) struggle with blocked milk ducts, and it can be painful. Taking a lecithin supplement helped me so much. It eased the pressure and kept things flowing smoothly.
I also recommend disposable nipple pads to stay dry and comfortable. I tried washable cotton ones but found them tricky to keep clean. Disposable pads might not be the greenest option, but when you’re changing 4–6 times a day, practicality wins.
🌟 Feeding must-haves:
💡 Mom tip: Keep a little cotton muslin beside your bed with pads, swaddles, nipple cream, and water for you!
3. Nappy & Changing Essentials
Ah, nappies! The true symbol of parenthood!
I used disposable nappies for both girls, and luckily, they were fine with most brands.
What really matters is a good nappy cream. It keeps your baby’s skin soft, dry, and rash-free.
🌟 My top two:
Sudocrem Antiseptic Healing Cream
It’s a thick, rich cream. A little harder to spread, but it creates a lovely protective barrier. I usually reach for it when I notice the first signs of a nappy rash, or when I want to help irritated skin heal faster.
Mustela - Mustela Bio Diaper Cream
My everyday go-to.
It’s water-based, super easy to apply, and absorbs nicely without feeling heavy. I use it at almost every nappy change, and it keeps my baby’s skin soft, calm, and rash-free.
If your baby ever gets a rash, try this: wash their bum with warm water at every change for a few days instead of using wipes.
It helps heal the skin faster and avoids extra irritation.
💡 Mom tip: Apply a thin layer of diaper cream every time you change your baby’s nappy to keep their delicate skin dry and protected. Babies can get rashes so easily, especially when life gets busy and changes are delayed. So this small step really makes a big difference.
4. Clothing Basics
Zippers. Always choose zippers for sleepsuits.
Once babies start twisting like tiny ninjas during outfit changes, you’ll see why. A quick zip and you’re done! No more chasing buttons while your baby performs acrobatics!
Start with 6–8 bodysuits (short or long sleeves depending on season) and a few sleepsuits. I prefer leggings instead of socks. They stay on and keep legs warm. Socks are cute but mysteriously vanish every hour.
🌟 Clothing favourites:
Toddler & Baby Sleepsuits – soft and stretchy.
Layering is key. Go for light layers rather than thick clothes. Most homes and nurseries in Europe are warm inside.
💡 Mom tip: Always pack one full outfit change in your bag. Blowouts love to happen in public!
5. Travel & On-the-Go Gear
Leaving the house with a newborn feels like a full-scale operation.
When my first daughter was born, we lived in Copenhagen. It's cold, windy, and public-transport-heavy. We started with a big, heavy stroller that handled the wind but was a pain to lift onto buses (which only allow two strollers at a time!).
Eventually, we switched to the Babyzen YOYO. It's lightweight, foldable, and perfect for travel. It even reclines flat for naps, so it worked for both girls from birth.
When we moved to Dublin, I quickly realised getting around here is a little trickier than it was back in Copenhagen. The public transport isn’t quite as convenient, especially with little ones in tow. Since we don’t own a car, we usually rent one for family trips or weekend getaways. That’s where the Joie car seat has been such a win for us. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and incredibly easy to install (even when I’m juggling snacks, bags, and a tired toddler). Safe, comfy, and perfect for families who need reliable gear without the fuss.
And about the changing bag… at first, I carried everything: bottles, wipes, snacks, toys, clothes, shoes, even rubbish bags. It felt like moving house every outing!
Now I only pack the essentials: nappies, wipes, spare clothes, snacks, and water. A good backpack-style bag keeps things simple and hands-free.
🌟 My favourites:
The Babyzen YOYO has been a total lifesaver for travel and city life. It’s lightweight, folds small enough to fit anywhere, and glides so smoothly, perfect for buses, cafés, or quick trips. I love how easy it is to carry while holding my little one.
That said, it’s not always a one-hand open. Sometimes the wheel catches and you need to adjust it before unfolding. A tiny frustration, but worth it for the convenience overall.
Joie baby & Toddler Car Set
We don’t own a car, so we rent one whenever we travel and the Joie car seat has been brilliant for that. It’s lightweight, sturdy, and surprisingly easy to install (even for a tired mum!). Safe, comfortable, and perfect for families on the go who need simple, reliable gear.
💡 Mom tip: Getting out the door with a baby doesn’t have to feel like a military mission: keep it simple!
A lightweight stroller like the Babyzen YOYO saves your arms (and sanity) on buses or trips, and a Joie car seat makes rentals stress-free. Pack light: nappies, wipes, spare clothes, and snacks. That’s it. A good backpack-style changing bag keeps you hands-free and ready for anything, even those surprise “uh-oh” moments.
6. Baby Monitor or Sleep Tracker
A baby monitor is a must in our home.
We kept it on every night until both girls were around three. It gave us peace of mind and stopped those moments where you sprint in, thinking the baby’s crying, only to find she’s yawning.
I prefer non-Wi-Fi monitors. They’re reliable, safe, and don’t tie up your phone (because who needs a baby giggle interrupting an important call?).
Sleep trackers are great for first-time mums. They help you spot nap patterns and understand why your baby cries. But with the second child, you already know the rhythm. Plus, the second baby’s schedule usually depends on the first one anyway!
🌟 My favourites:
Blemil 5" Split-Screen Baby Monitor, No Wifi
I really like this Baby Monitor. It’s clear, reliable, and gives me peace of mind once the kids are asleep. The sound and video quality are great, even at night. Honestly, the first thing we do after the girls fall asleep is turn the monitor on, set it on the table, and finally breathe. Whether we’re catching up on housework or watching a movie, it just helps us relax knowing they’re safe and sound.
💡 Mom tip: Don’t stress about perfect sleep routines. Just go with the flow. Every day is different.
7. Bath Time Essentials
Bath time is one of my favourite parts of the day. The girls love it, and it’s our calm, happy moment.
I used the Stokke Flexi Bath, a clever foldable Nordic design that saves space. Later, I upgraded to the Stokke XL so both girls could splash together (perfect for ages six months to three years).
Avoid silicone bath toys with tiny holes. They trap water and grow mould. Gross! Use simple balls or LEGO pieces instead. Fun, safe, and easy to clean.
In northern climates where the air is dry, nurses often recommend not using soap daily. For babies under two, warm water alone is enough. Now that my eldest is four (and runs everywhere), we’re definitely on daily baths!
🌟 My favourites:
💡 Mom tip: Using a foldable bathtub saves so much space and water. That’s why I chose the Stokke Flexi Bath. It’s practical, easy to store, and perfect for small homes. Skip silicone toys with tiny holes (they get icky fast!). LEGO pieces or soft balls are cleaner and just as fun. In dry climates, warm water alone keeps baby’s skin soft and happy.
8. Health & Grooming Kit
A small health kit will save you during late-night moments.
I use a Braun ThermoScan. It's simple, quick, and shows red if there’s a fever. For nails, I like baby scissors; they’re easy and safe. Some mums swear by the electric nail file sets. I believe it's very practical but didn't have chance to give it a try.
Before teeth came in, I cleaned my babies’ gums with a soft cotton cloth. When that first tooth appeared, we switched to a baby toothbrush. They always cried at first, but I’d tell myself, “Better a few tears now than at the dentist later!”
🌟 Essentials:
The Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer is super practical. I can tell instantly if my girl has a fever or just feels warm. It’s quick, accurate, and easy to use. The only downsides? The light’s a bit too bright at night, and it can be tricky if your little one hates things in their ear.
Frida Baby Electric Nail Trimmer - My mom friends highly recommended it!
When my girl had first tooth! The Jordan Baby Toothbrush has become one of my favourites. I love its clever design. The little hole in the middle makes it so easy for me to grip, especially when my girls start wiggling during brushing! The bristles are soft and gentle on their gums, and knowing it’s made from sustainable materials makes me feel even better about using it every day. It’s such a simple thing, but it really makes brushing time easier (and a lot less messy!).
💡 Mom tip: A small health kit is a must for those late-night moments. The Braun ThermoScan checks fevers in seconds, baby nail scissors keep little fingers safe, and a soft baby toothbrush helps start good habits early. Some mums love electric nail trimmers too. A few handy tools make caring for your little one so much easier.
9. Baby Carrier or Wrap
I’m a huge fan of the Ergobaby carrier Omini 360. It’s comfortable, supportive, and I used it with both girls until they were nearly two.
The first time I wore it, though, I had awful back pain because I wore it wrong! You need to keep baby close to your body and tighten the straps. Once I adjusted it properly, it felt amazing.
I didn’t love the BabyBjörn Mini, as it’s tricky to get the right hip position. And the Moby Wrap… well, let’s just say trying to wrap fabric while your baby screams isn’t ideal. The Ergobaby clicks on in seconds. Easy and safe.
🌟 My favourites:
💡 Mom tip: When your baby falls asleep against your chest, pause and soak it in. Those quiet cuddles are pure magic. One of the best parts of babywearing is being hands-free! You can cook, tidy up, or even get some work done while your little one naps peacefully. When my girls were sick, I’d carry them close and still manage my day. They got comfort, and I got things done.
10. Eco-Friendly and Bonus Essentials for 2025
Real talk... if you’re a first-time mum, don’t pressure yourself to go fully eco right away. You’re already juggling so much! Start small, and do what makes life easier.
Here are simple swaps that work without stress:
Glass bottles instead of plastic for warm drinks.
Silicone baby food trays instead of plastic containers.
Organic cotton clothing or bedding when possible.
Remember, a calm, happy mum is the most sustainable thing of all. 🌸
Quick Checklist Recap
You don’t need everything. Just the things that make your life simpler and your baby comfy. Quality and practicality always win.
🍼 Your newborn essentials:
Safe sleep space
Feeding gear
Nappy & changing items
Comfy clothes
Travel gear
Monitor
Bath tools
Health kit
Carrier
Eco-friendly swaps
Save this list or print it out. Ticking things off feels so satisfying before baby arrives!
Final Thoughts
Every family is different, and that’s the beauty of it. You’ll find your own rhythm soon enough.
These essentials aren’t about perfection. They’re about making life a little easier, cozier, and calmer in those early months. Your baby doesn’t need much… just love, warmth, and you.
So grab your tea, check your list, and remember. You’ve got this, mama. ❤️
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