All the new child child merchandise you did not know you wanted, beginning at simply £9.99, from Argos, John Lewis and M&S… and the last word High Street presents to purchase for the brand new mum in your life

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During the overwhelming blur of finding out you’re going to have your first baby, making the time to actually sit down and take stock of the mountain of stuff you’ll need often takes a back seat.

That’s until, like me, you find your due date is suddenly round the corner and your cluttered spare room is not equipped for a tiny human.

Then when you start finally making a list and getting more organised? You’re bombarded with an onslaught of ‘must-have’ suggestions from friends, family, colleagues and the internet.

Unfortunately, a lot of these recommendations are redundant until you’re in the throes of newborn life (and then you’ll probably be too exhausted to research the most cost-effective pram). While some items – nappies, baby wipes, blankets – are absolute essentials in those first three months, you might not know whether breastfeeding will work for you or whether a nappy bin really is a waste of money.

So I’ve done the hard work for you and tried-and-tested a list of newborn baby essentials for first-time mums… of course, I have also added in a few chic options for things that you might not necessarily need but may make those bleary-eyed first few months feel a bit brighter…

Best newborn essentials: Quick List

Car seat and stroller: Graco Revaya Pushchair and SnugLite i-Size Car Seat

If you’re giving birth in hospital and planning to travel home via car, one of the first things you’ll need before leaving is a car seat. 

The Graco Revaya Pushchair and SnugLite i-Size Infant Car Seat is a handy and compact travel system that allows you to easily get in and out of the car, and is perfect for city-dwellers like me when navigating uneven pavements. 

It might not be the most glamorous stroller on the market or come with the same cult social media status as more expensive brands, but the Graco Revaya is simple and no-fuss for that first year, allowing you to get out-and-about with minimal drama.

Bedside crib: SnüzPod5 Bedside Crib

Another essential for when you return home is a bedside crib as a next-to-me option. 

You might want to opt for a Moses basket for a more portable, lightweight option, but the plush SnüzPod combines practicality with style, lasting up to six months. 

SnüzPods keep your child by the side of your bed while still enjoying the comfort and safety of their own cot, while being roomier than a Moses basket but more easily movable than a large cot. 

Coming in nine gorgeous colourways (my favourite is the walnut/cashmere), it’s also a great-looking addition to your bedroom before your child is old enough to move into their own room.

Baby carrier: Dreambaby 3-In-1 Front & Rear Facing Baby Carrier

While you may want to use a soft sling at home for the first few weeks, this Dreambaby carrier is perfect for when you’re ready to get out-and-about.

It offers three carry positions: inward for bonding, outward for exploring, or backpack-style for adventures (and in a neutral black colour, for dad too!). 

It’s an easy-to-use, fuss-free option that will support you through errands and walks up to when your baby is 10 months old.

Baby monitor: Vtech VM3254 Full 2.8inch Colour Video Baby Monitor

So, this might not be an immediate essential for when you get home, but friends have advised me that once your baby is big enough to sleep in their own room, you’ll need a reliable and easy-to-use baby monitor. 

They’re also handy if you’re in a larger home and you can’t always hear your baby cry from other rooms. 

This VTech video baby monitor helps you stay connected from any room, with a 2.8-inch colour LCD screen showing you every detail in high-definition and infrared night vision, which lets you check on them in the dark. 

For any anxious, sleep-deprived parents, it also features a two-way talking system so you can reassure baby from another room, and room temperature alerts to let you know if it needs adjusting.

Baby sleep aid: Tommee Tippee Ollie the Owl Sleep Aid

If you’re reading this not as a new parent, but as someone with new parents in your life desperately wondering what newborn gift to buy – this is it. 

The adorable Ollie is perfect for night-time feeds. With a soft-glow nightlight and six soothing sounds, including white noise, heartbeat, and lullabies, this will be reassuring for baby and mum alike. 

It also features a CrySensor which responds to your baby’s cries by automatically switching on a comforting sound and light (and looks extremely sweet in any nursery).

Baby bouncer: BabyBjörn Bouncer

A baby bouncer is a game changer for when you need to do chores around the house without having a baby strapped to your chest, or need to take that much-needed shower. 

The BabyBjörn bouncer is not only a gorgeous design coming in a number of chic colours, including beige and grey, it’s super soft, easy to wash and is currently on sale at John Lewis.

Baby grows, muslins, blankets and sleep suits

You’ll need a collection of baby grows and vests for the first couple of weeks, and you’ll need enough for three per day minimum, so don’t spend too much.

When it comes to sleepsuits, midwives and friends alike have warned me I won’t know whether I prefer zip-up or popper designs until baby arrives and I am grappling with late-night nappy changes, but these zip and popper print sleepsuits from JoJo Maman Bébé are great options in lots of cute prints (they have a wide range in-store and in M&S).

You’ll also need lightweight cotton blankets containing lots of small holes, or cells, for breathability – John Lewis’ Anyday range has a variety of cost-effective options, starting from just £10.

Booster seat: Mamas & Papas Bug 3-in-1 Floor and Booster Seat with Activity Tray

Before you know it, your little one will be able to join you at the dining table. 

Once they’ve mastered supporting their head, this clever 3-in-1 baby chair from Mamas & Papas not only acts as a supportive floor seat, but a play-station and highchair to help them learn how to eat. 

It’s now on sale, down from £75 to £65. 

Bottles and feeding bibs: Tommee Tippee x Morris & Co. Natural Start Bottles

Natural response bottles are essential for making the switch from breast to bottle and back again easy for mum and baby. 

These limited-edition bottles combine two iconic brands, Tommee Tippee and William Morris, to make everyday baby essentials as beautiful as they are functional. 

If you love William Morris’ famous prints, Strawberry Thief and Acanthus, as much as I do, the range also features silicone soothers for just £9.99 and feeding bibs (a two-pack costs £10.99) to complete the collection. 

They’re the perfect present for any new parents in your life if you have any baby showers coming up.