7 Newborn Must-Haves: A Maternity Nanny’s Honest Take
- nightnannydanielle
- Jan 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 3
As a Mum who skipped all of the ‘gadgets’ and preferred to go back to basics, I never thought I’d be writing a list of must have baby items but after years as a maternity nanny in nurseries, night shifts, and living rooms at 3 a.m. navigating all the different products parents opt for, I’ve come to learn the products that are truly worth it and one’s I would give a miss!
Hopefully this will help new parents when working out what is worth spending their money and where they can save their money as they navigate this new life...
1. A Formula Maker
Mostly for formula-fed babies or breastfed twins who need top-ups.
As someone who has scooped countless amounts of formula over my career, I honestly never imagined this being #1 on my list but once you use this, you’ll never go back! For families making bottles every couple of hours and through the night, instant bottles made to your babies preferred temp, when they are screaming in your arms is a total sanity saver!
Verdict: Worth it for convenience, accuracy and speed.
2. Stretchy Jersey Swaddles
Yes, I still love a swaddle over a sleep sack in the early days.
Newborns crave that snug, womb-like feeling and large stretchy swaddles are the best for getting that snug fit. While sleep sacks are great later on, those first weeks are swaddle territory in my book.
Pro tip: Just because your baby squirms out of the swaddle doesn’t mean they don’t like them so keep trying! Once you become a wrapping expert they are an awesome tool to have up your sleeve for settling and soothing!
3. Narrow-Neck Bottles
Particularly helpful for breastfed babies.
Narrow-neck bottles encourage a deeper latch and can reduce flow preference (preferring the fast flow of a bottle and causing frustration with the breasts) for babies who switch between breast and bottle. They’re often overlooked in favour of trendy wide bottles, but functionally, narrow wins more often than not.
Verdict: Effective and underrated.
4. A Baby Carrier
Something I think ALL parents should try.
Babies want closeness, and parents need their hands. A good carrier supports bonding, helps
fussy babies settle and lets you eat, move or parent another child without juggling a crying newborn. Don’t be afraid of a contact nap here and there, it’s only nature for your child to want to be close to you and nurturing that bond can actually help your baby take more naps in their bassinet! Try to keep a good balance of both but if your baby is refusing to nap in their bassinet, avoid the stress and tension when trying over and over again and pull out the carrier!
Pro-tip: I love a stretchy wrap! I understand they seem overwhelming to some parents but once you learn it, you don’t forget it! They are great and more lightweight for around the house or hot days. Carriers like a Baby Bjorn are handy for quick install when out and about. Link to buy
5. A Compact or Travel Stroller
Consider one of these as your pram option.
Although I know for first time parents who plan on using their pram throughout multiple
children a big, fancy stroller sounds appealing but as a Mum who no longer has one, if I were to ever have another baby a lightweight, compact travel stroller would be my choice! My first used her pram for a year before she opted for a trike on outings and my second was mostly in a carrier so I could chase around the toddler. I was totally shocked with how little we used our pram. There are some really amazing travel strollers on the market these days!
Verdict: More versatile, manageable and often more cost effective.
6. White Noise Machine with Night Light & Temperature Display
Even better if it doubles as a humidifier.
Most families utilise a white/pink noise machine and I love when they have more than one
function because you’ll likely end up going out and buying each one of these devices so why not have one that does it all! Having them also be a night light is a must as you’ll need it to see during the night, plus it can be used as your toddler’s night light in the future! A temperature reading is also great to help you dress baby appropriately. Add a humidifier function, and you’ve got an all-in-one sleep environment hero.
Pro-tip: Be sure to get one that has a red light function. Blue and white lights can interfere with sleep and stop melatonin production so using a red light is always recommended!
7. A Comfy Play Mat / Floor Space Invest in having somewhere for your child to explore and develop from day 1.
I think this one can often get overlooked in the early days but don’t be afraid to put your baby on
the floor! Although tummy time on your chest is great in the early stages, it’s also great to get your baby used to spending time in a play space so create somewhere safe and comfy right from the very beginning. This will also help you remember to get those tummy time minutes in which is super important for their development. Forget the gimmicky baby mats and activity gyms (unless it’s the kick and play pianos, we love those!) and just opt for something they can grow into for years to come, add a few toys and focus on making the space safe from hazards, pets and big kids!
Simple is best: A good mat, a few toys, and lots of interaction.
Final Thoughts from the Nursery Floor
Preparing for your newborn baby can be totally overwhelming, try not to get sucked in to every ad and product that you see! Remember all that babies truly need are milk, clothes, nappies and love! As long as you have the basics everything else can be done after baby arrives and you come to learn what is really needed for you and your baby!
Stay tuned I’m also releasing my list of overrated baby products to help you know what to steer clear from or is totally unnecessary when it comes to baby care.
Happy Shopping,
Danielle xx
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