Practical Guide

Preparing for a Newborn

Exciting, emotional, and overwhelming. This guide focuses on the essentials you truly need, helping you feel prepared without overspending.

Current UK guidance

Start with a few essentials and add items as you need them. For every sleep, place your baby on their back in a clear cot or Moses basket with a firm, flat mattress, in the same room as you for the first 6 months.

NHS newborn essentials (opens in a new window) NHS safer sleep advice (opens in a new window) NHS bottle-feeding advice (opens in a new window) NHS hospital bag checklist (opens in a new window) UK taxi car-seat rules (opens in a new window)

What You Really Need

Clothing Essentials

  • At least 6 sleepsuits (babygrows)
  • 4–6 vests or bodysuits
  • 2 wool or cotton cardigans
  • Socks or booties
  • Seasonal hat and a snowsuit if cold

Tip: Babies grow quickly; avoid buying too many 'newborn' size items.

Sleeping Essentials

  • Cot, crib or Moses basket
  • Firm, flat, waterproof mattress that fits snugly
  • At least 4 sheets
  • Correct-size sleep bag or light cellular blankets

Safety: Back to sleep in a clear cot in your room for 6 months. No pillows, duvets, bumpers, nests or soft toys.

Feeding Basics

If Breastfeeding: Comfortable nursing bras if wanted, breast pads and muslin cloths.
If Bottle-feeding: Several bottles and teats, bottle brush, sterilising equipment, and first infant formula if using formula.

Safety: If using formula, use first infant formula and follow NHS preparation instructions. Sterilise bottles and teats until your baby is at least 12 months old.

Changing & Hygiene

  • Newborn disposable or reusable nappies
  • Cotton wool or gentle, unscented, alcohol-free wipes
  • Barrier cream
  • Changing mat or towel
  • Baby bath or washing-up bowl (optional)

Travel & Safety

  • Suitable rear-facing infant car seat if travelling by car
  • Lie-flat pram or suitable newborn pushchair
  • Newborn-suitable carrier or sling (optional)

Safety: A correctly fitted child seat is safest. Taxi law has a limited exception when the correct seat is unavailable, but plan to bring one where possible.

Getting Home Ready

  • Clear sleep space in your room for the first 6 months
  • Simple changing area setup
  • Baby clothes washed
  • Meals and easy snacks ready for adults
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Checklists

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Hospital Bag

For Mum

  • Birth plan & maternity notes
  • Loose, comfy clothes for labour
  • 3 changes of loose, comfortable clothes
  • Dressing gown
  • Slippers or flip-flops
  • Nightwear (front-opening for feeding)
  • Loose going-home clothes
  • Big knickers (5–6 pairs)
  • Nursing bras & breast pads
  • Maternity pads (2 packs)
  • Toiletries & lip balm
  • Eye mask (wards can be bright)
  • Towel & your own pillow
  • Fan or water spray
  • Phone & long charging cable
  • Snacks & water bottle
  • Spare bag for washing

For Baby

  • 5–6 sleepsuits
  • 5–6 vests or bodysuits
  • Going-home outfit
  • Hat, scratch mittens & socks
  • Snowsuit or warm layer (if cold)
  • Nappies & cotton wool/wipes
  • Muslin squares
  • Blanket or shawl
  • Rear-facing infant car seat if travelling by car
  • If formula feeding: check your maternity unit's policy

For Birth Partner

  • Change of clothes
  • Toiletries
  • Phone & charger
  • Camera (optional)
  • Snacks & drinks
  • Swimwear (if using birth pool)
  • Any medicines they take
  • Cash for car park/vending

Home Essentials

  • Cot / Moses basket
  • Firm, flat, waterproof mattress that fits snugly
  • Sheets (at least 4)
  • Sleepsuits & vests
  • Nappies & wipes
  • Feeding supplies
  • Muslin cloths
  • Changing mat
  • Baby cellular blanket
  • Thermometer
  • Nappy cream

What hospitals provide can vary by NHS trust — check with your midwife. Aim to pack at least 3 weeks before your due date.

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Budget-Friendly Tips

Buy Second-Hand

Clothes and prams can be good second-hand buys. The NHS recommends buying the cot mattress and car seat new.

Don't Overbuy

Babies grow fast. Start with the basics and only buy more if you actually need it.

Borrow First

Baths and some other items are used briefly. Check condition, instructions and current safety advice before borrowing equipment.

Needs vs Trends

Your baby doesn't need designer outfits. Practical items often work better.

The First Few Weeks

The early weeks are about adjustment. Feeding and sleep can be unpredictable, and crying is one way newborns communicate. Ask your midwife, health visitor, GP or NHS 111 if you are worried about your baby.

There is no "perfect" way to prepare. Having the essentials, a safe environment, and support around you is what matters.

Common Questions

How many baby clothes do I need?
Newborns need less than you expect. Aim for 6–8 sleepsuits and 4–6 vests. This allows for frequent changes without constant washing.
When should I pack my hospital bag?
The NHS suggests packing your hospital bag at least 3 weeks before your due date. Keep it somewhere easy to collect when you need it.
Do I really need a pram straight away?
A pram is useful but not essential for every family immediately. If travelling in your own car, use a suitable rear-facing infant seat. Taxi law has an exception when the correct seat is unavailable, although bringing a suitable seat remains safest. If using a sling, follow newborn safety instructions and keep your baby's face visible and airway clear.