As if having a baby wasn’t hard enough, knowing what to buy for your impending arrival is a hassle you really could do without. From Moses baskets to changing mats, nappy bags to buggies, everything requires extensive research and - in many cases – copious amounts of cash. But the best way to save money away from the absolute must-haves is to avoid making impulse purchases and 3am panic-buys and keep focused on what you really need.
Make a list of the basics – consult your many magazines and pregnancy books – and take advice from those who have been there.
In the modern age, there are products galore claiming to offer you the world. From a good night’s sleep (highly unlikely in the early days!) to hands-free travel, baby accessories have become big business. But it can be hard to see the difference between a must-have and something that turns out to be a space-waster. Take it from someone who has been there, done that and moved to a bigger house to take the strain – not every new product is quite as life-changing as it might claim to be.
Every baby is different and as a result will respond differently to their surroundings – just because your nephew loves Classic FM, doesn’t mean your niece will sleep through the night while listening to it, for example. And that’s why it’s important not to believe the hype behind every new gadget that enters the market. But at the same time, do keep an open mind – something as simple as white noise or a snug swaddle could transform your night time routine from manic to manageable. And anything that claims to reduce the strain on your back could well be worth its weight in gold.
While nothing and no-one can guarantee you an uninterrupted 12-hour night, there are some genuine products that will make your life with a brand new baby that little bit easier and here we share just a few of them.
1. Sleepyhead Deluxe+ Baby Pod: £120, John Lewis
Many new parents swear by the power of the Sleepyhead baby pod. The snug cushion (suitable from 0-8 months) makes your newborn feel like they’re being cuddled, helping them to drop off into a deep, comforting sleep. The pod can easily be moved around with baby inside making it perfect for naps, safer co-sleeping and traveling. It’s also suitable for use during baby’s valuable “tummy time2. The breathable material helps to regulate body temperature and the snug cocoon-style fit helps little ones to feel secure, promoting sounder sleep. All materials are machine washable so can be thrown in with all the other loads you’ll inevitably be doing and accessories – such as a toy bar – are also available.
2. Cosatto Easi Peasi Changer: £134.95, Amazon
This changing mat, bath and storage device in one is a real space – and back – saver. For new families in small spaces it provides a place to safely change your baby, store their stuff and bathe them thanks to the secret bath hidden underneath the padded change mat. The bath can be removed for ease but also features a handy draining tube. Ideal for anyone with a small bathroom, it means an end to squeezing down the side of your toilet every evening or trying to cram a baby bath into the bottom of your shower. The height of the changing mat also means no bending over, reducing the risk of backache at a time when your back probably feels like it’s taken a battering. Toys, nappies, towels and accessories all fit snuggly underneath making tidying up after your little one a doddle. British brand Cosatto is known for its bold prints and the Easi Peasi (which comes with a four-year guarantee) is available in three different eye-catching designs.
3. Gro-hush Portable White Noise Machine: £16.99, Amazon
White noise has become a popular prop for many a new parent as it is supposed to mimic the rather loud life enjoyed in the womb. What with all the whooshing, swishing and beating the baby hears while inside mummy’s tummy, the sound of silence in the real world can in fact reduce their ability to sleep. This little battery powered gadget – that also gives off a low blue glow acting as a very subtle night light – offers three settings: heartbeat, ocean waves and raindrops. The 10-minute cycles mean if your baby dozes off, the Gro-hush doesn’t run all night but if they need a few minutes more, it’s just a push of a button away. The machine is portable and discreet and is set to a volume that while safe for your baby, won’t disturb others, meaning it can be used on the go.
4. Cuddledry Apron Baby Bath Towel: £30, JoJo Maman Bebe
Bath time is full of fun with a newborn baby but two hands – or even four - are never enough. That’s where the Cuddledry comes in handy. The hands-free towel fastens around your neck like an apron so when the time comes to lift baby out, you simply pull them into you, lift the hooded end over their head and cuddle them dry. It saves you from getting soggy, leaves you with two free hands to lift baby out of the bath with and they get a lovely snuggle at the end of it all. Everyone’s a winner. Toddler towels are available in a range of designs for bigger kids too.
5. Fisher-Price Kick and Play Piano Gym: £33.49, Amazon
With so many different baby gyms on the market, finding the right one can be a real minefield. But this option from Fisher Price combines enough different features to fit a wide range of ever-changing needs. Four modes include lay and play (for all ages), tummy time, sit and play (for babies who can sit unaided) and take-along mode for older children. It’s worth remembering that newborn babies may not enjoy play gyms to begin with – they can be daunting and over stimulating – but give it a few weeks and your little one will love kicking the musical piano and grabbing at the colourful accessories.
6. Mokee WoolNest: Basket, £99.95; Stand, £19.95, Mokee
This beautiful alternative to a classic Moses basket from British brand Mokee is not only a fully functioning baby bed and travel cot combined, but is a statement piece of furniture in its own right. It is suitable for babies up to six months and offers a snug and cosy bedtime base. Made in the softest natural wool felt, the bed can simply be zipped together to form a sturdy but soft bassinette for your little one that keeps out chills and noise. The WoolNest – which also zips flat for easy storage - has all the features of a travel cot without the bulk and is suitable for babies up to 9kg who cannot sit up by themselves. The nest is more roomy than most Moses baskets, meaning your baby will be more comfortable for that little bit longer and the modern design means you might want to keep it on display as a toy storage device long after baby has outgrown it. Stand sold separately.
7. AmaWrap Baby Carrier/Sling: £39.99, Amazon
This baby sling is a real lifesaver in more ways than one. Not only is a sling much easier to negotiate than a pushchair on public transport, but babies love to be close to their parents and this allows them to do just that. The ergonomic design is comfortable for parent and gives the best hip position for baby as stated by The International Hip Dysplasia Institute. The machine-washable, one-piece wrap is made up of breathable, natural cotton and is incredibly easy to use – no faffing with straps or clasps, making it light to carry too. The compact, one -size-fits-all design allows baby to be close to you while leaving you with two hands free to negotiate other tasks – like feeding yourself for once! The wrap can be used from newborn up to 15kg and is perfect for those fussy babes who just don’t want to be put down.
8. Tuppence and Crumble Star Fleece Baby Wrap: £25 Not On The High Street
Most new parents worry about keeping their little one warm but tiny flailing arms and legs can be difficult to dress for the outdoors. This is where this wrap comes in. The UK-made all-in-one star-shaped fleece is the perfect cover up for parents on the go as you simply wrap, and go. The five point design can be used with prams, pushchairs and slings and will ensure all four of your little one’s limbs are covered as well as their head thanks to the snug hood. Forget the hassle of sleeves, buttons or zippers, just select the right size fleece for your bundle of joy and wrap them in it. They are also machine washable - and insanely cute.
9. Love to Dream Swaddle Up 50/50: £25, JoJo Maman Bebe
While everyone warns you that there won’t be much sleep in the early days, they don’t tell you quite hard you might have to battle your newborn for a few hours of shut-eye at the right time of day. From refusing to sleep anywhere except your chest, to demanding feeds twice an hour, getting your little one to sleep in their bed can be tough. That’s why so many parents swear by swaddling. And this one takes the hassle out of the process. The clever and practical design allows your baby to sleep in their natural position, with their arms up, and while the newborn product prevents your baby from rolling (experts recommend they sleep on their back), this clever transition model takes them to the next stage just as soon as they’re ready. It has removable sleeves meaning that once your baby is big enough to roll over, can easily be zipped off, increasing their freedom of movement and offering a simple 0.5 tog sleeping bag instead. The double zip system means nappies can also be changed without the need to remove the bag.
10. Ikea Leka Play Mat: £25, Ikea
It might be a while before your baby is ready for active play in a baby gym, but simply having somewhere to put them down is a must-have from day one. This mat is an ideal choice as it provides a comfy, practical backdrop upon which to admire your tiny new human, then as they progress, it offers an interactive element thanks to the 3D toys, baby mirror and built-in squeaker. It’s light and easy to transport, meaning you can take it with you when visiting relatives with less than baby-friendly floors and it’s soft enough for rolling and crawling practice and fully machine washable – just remove the mirror first.
The Verdict: Products for new parents
There are so many baby accessories on offer these days it can be a real minefield for sleep deprived, stressed parents or panicked pregnant women to navigate but the Sleepyhead Deluxe+ Baby Pod is a product worth getting to grips with as it is so versatile. From a snug place to pop your baby down, to a safer co-sleeping solution or a tummy time companion, its portability is what really makes it stand out from the crowd. And as life with a little one isn’t all about their sleeping patterns, the Amawrap is a great solution to getting out and about with baby to enjoy and explore the world together.
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