I'm currently expecting my first child, and if you're about to become a new mum like me, you'll very likely be overwhelmed by how many baby brands are out there, and the sheer amount of products.
Where to even start? You probably have a checklist of the main things: a moses basket, a cot, a baby carrier, a car seat, high chair and other nursery furniture. But how to even go about picking?
So I thought I'd do all the research for you and contact baby brands themselves to find out what essentials I need for a newborn, and how to pick the safest and best performing items.
For this guide, I've focused on your more pressing, big ticket items - you can find all the smaller accessories in my gift guide for new mums, ideal for if you're hosting a baby shower and creating a wish list.
But back to your big ticket items, the ones that require you parting with a little bit more cash, therefore more research so you know they are worth the investment.
These mainly involve the items you'll find in your baby's nursery and around your home: the cot for the first six months that your baby will be sleeping with you, then the crib, as well as high chairs, baby baths and more.
Then you'll want the items that you'll be using while out and about: the car seat (do not forget to go to the hospital without one, since you won't be able to bring your baby home without it), the pram/pushchair as well as a baby carrier if you want a hands-free option.
Technology has come a long way in the past few decades, and whilst some items may be pricier, they will cover you from the newborn to the toddler stage, and sometimes even longer for some car seats (did you know your child needs one until they are 12 or 145cm in height, whichever comes first)?
So without further ado, keep scrolling to shop my edit of the best baby brands out there.
A car seat is definitely an area you shouldn't scrimp on, since safety is key. Silver Cross rigorously tests all car safety products, and its award-winning Motion All Size 360 seat meets the latest R129/03 standard for car seat regulations. It's on the pricier side, however it's well worth the investment, since it covers you from newborn to age 12 (or 145cm height) which is when your child doesn't need a car seat anymore. Motion All Size 360 features removable inserts crafted from soft natural bamboo fabrics, and an easily-adjustable headrest that grows with your baby, ensuring they’re always in the most comfortable position. It has a full 360 swivel, which offers both rearward and forward-facing modes, as well as side loading, giving parents easy access when putting little ones in. It also has 8 head rest positions and 3 recline positions, as well as ISOFIX and support leg for simple and safe installation.
Another well reviewed option is Bugaboo's Turtle Airby nana car seat, which is compatible with most Bugaboo prams, so a great one to add to your pram bundle. Ideal if you want to shop all in one place. It's an ultralight car seat solution for safely transporting your newborn from day one, designed in collaboration with premium car seat brand Nuna, to offer top comfort and safety for your baby on the road and seamless integration with your Bugaboo pushchair. It covers you from newborn to 15 months.
Another great investment, this pram covers you from new born to four years, thanks to a carrycot and a pushchair seat. This new iteration of the bestselling Fox pram has a groundbreaking 4-wheel suspension for smooth, bump-free rides, making it perfect for all terrains, whether you live in the city or the countryside (it's been vigorously tested by the brand so you know it's safe). Bugaboo Fox 3 combines a premium look (you can pick from 14 colours) with more than 20 years of innovative stroller design, featuring advanced ergonomics. The new carrycot design with a breezy panels offers optimal airflow for even more comfort for your baby.
Quite possibly the smoothest ride your baby is ever going to have. Which you as a parent will enjoy too. I'm not sure how they've done it, but this buggy takes away the usual stresses. The wheels are smooth (despite their size) and the way that you're able to fold it down in both buggy and bassinet form is genius. If you are looking for a one size fits all pram, then look no further. It's sturdy enough for daytime use and folds down to nothing for on-the-go compactness.
Having asked friends with babies for their recommendations for the best travel pram, the unanimous response has been: 'Get a Yoyo.' The reason why everyone loves the pram so much is the size. Not only does it fold down small enough to fit into the overhead lockers on aeroplanes and into the footwell of your car, but it's also diddy enough to make getting on buses, trains and meeting friends in busy coffee shops a doddle.
These sheepskin Snugglers can be used from birth in your moses basket, bassinet, bouncer, buggy and baby chair. Sheepskin also has amazing health benefits for babies - helping to regulate their body temperature keeping them cool in summer & toasty in winter. Sheepskin is also naturally hypoallergenic, allergy busting & kind on sensitive newborn skin.
A hit on social media with celebrities, influencers and customers alike, it counts the likes of Jessica Biel, Scarlett Johnasson, Zoe Saldana, Jessica Chastain, Serena Williams, Kate Hudson, Katy Perry and Gigi Hadid amongst its long list of fans. This bassinet, made for the first six months of your baby's life, that automatically responds to your baby’s needs to help soothe them off to sleep, even when you’re asleep. The SNOO mimics the sounds and motions of the womb by using soft white noise and gentle motions to soothe babies. It reduces crying, boosts sleep, naturally sleep-trains babies and is the world’s first bed to prevent accidental rolling over by using a special organic sleep sack – making it the safest baby bed in the world (the #1 safe sleep recommendation by the American Academy of Pediatrics). Well worth the money.
Another celebrity favourite, the Sleepi is both stylish and practical, since it evolves with your child. You can buy it with conversion kits, so it is suitable from newborn to the age of 10. It features maximum air circulation for comfortable sleep, lockable swivel wheels and a height adjustable mattress base. It also has removable side rails for easy access for your toddler when the time comes. It comes in lovely natural finishes too.
Micralite has relaunched its award-winning Sleep&Go travel cot, with the option to buy only what you need, making it a more sustainable option. Light, compact and mobile, with a comfy mattress, it’s a great option for downstairs naps at home, or to keep at the grandparents. With a padded top rail and handy zip-down side, it even doubles up as a playpen and can be used from birth until approximately three years. The pop-up design is easy for travel, and it's certified for an overnight sleep so you can rest easy. Now sold separately, the zip-in newborn insert is effortlessly easy to attach and sits at bed level so you can reach in and out of Sleep&Go with ease.
Whilst not essential, a rocking chair is a lovely addition to a nursery, giving you a comfortable seating option for nursing, whether you're breastfeeding or bottle feeding. The classically elegant design of this chair compliments contemporary and traditional nursery styles, creating a room feature that is both stylish and incredibly comfortable.
Scandiborn is your one-stop shop for everything cool and baby related. I love this chic baby rocker from Charlie Crane, which will not only complement your home, but provide a comfy place for your baby to discover its surroundings, up to approximately 7 months.
An all-in-one highchair, the Clikk™ was created with easy mealtimes in mind. With no nooks or crannies for crumbs or germs to hide within, thanks to the detachable tray – which is also dishwasher safe – the chair can simply be wiped clean ready to be used once more. Assembled in one minute, tool-free, the Clikk™ features detachable legs that can conveniently be packed away within the additional travel bag, making transportation a breeze. This also means set-up can be done in an instant leaving more time for parent and baby to eat, play and enjoy their time together. And because all the best style statements come with accessories, Clikk™ has two new cushions for added comfort and cosiness; The Nordic Grey cushion, which thanks to its timeless grey colour, fits with all interiors and chair colours and has been dyed using extracts from fallen acorns, and the Multi Circles cushion. Designed by Norwegian artist and designer Kiki Plesner, the hand painted patterns are inspired by nature and tree rings.
Artipoppe designs are skillfully handcrafted with the greatest attention to detail – developing their own fabrics from natural yarns such as organic wool, linen and hemp. The bespoke Zeitgeist Baby Carrier is designed to superior ergonomic standards ensuring healthy body development of the baby. Its unique softly structured moldable body panel allows for easy adjustability to four sizing positions meeting the baby’s growth from newborn through toddlerhood. They're a big hit with celebs including Millie Mackintosh, Emily Ratajkowski, Gigi Hadid and Jessica Alba and come in an array of beautiful prints and colours.
Created by highly experienced health professions in 2013, the bbhugme pregnancy pillow is uniquely adjustable and has been designed to relieve pain, offering five-point support throughout pregnancy to the most critical areas: the pelvis, lower back, knees, ankles and abdomen. It's great to prop yourself up when breastfeeding too. It comes in an array of gorgeous colours and prints, and you can buy extra covers to change according to your mood.
Available for ages 0-8 months or9-36 months, the DockATot Deluxe+ dock is an award-winning multifunctional docking station for babies 0-8 months old. The Deluxe+ dock is the ideal spot for babies for supervised lounging, playing, cuddling, diaper changes and tummy time. Created to mimic the womb and voted as a must-have baby product from parents around the world, it can be used around the house and is ideal for travel. Its features include air permeability and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class 1 certification (testing for harmful substances).
Babymoov is a French baby brand, specialised in high quality products that make parenthood easier, originally set up in 1997 by three graduates, now all dads who are still very much involved and passionate about the business. The award-winning Nutribaby One makes weaning easier, with 4 in 1 essential functions to prep healthy meals, finger foods and purees, quickly and at capacity - perfect for batch-cooking ahead of the week. Once prepared, meals can be eaten fresh, or stored away in the fridge or freezer and easily defrosted and reheated too with Nutribaby ONE.
The Philips Avent SCD831 enables you to maintain a secure and private connection with your baby at all times. Hear your baby with perfect sound quality and also see your baby in crystal-clear vision (2.7" LCD), day or night.
Paired with a Cubo Ai Plus Smart Baby Monitor, the new Sleep Safety Bundle provides parents with in-depth insight including analysis into their child’s sleep patterns. The continuous, real-time detection of a baby’s sleeping status ensures parents can enjoy peace of mind where they need it the most. Cubo Ai’s leading A.I technology enables unique functionality including proactive A.I. safety detection alerts which notifies parents of face covered events, rollover events and danger zone risks such as a baby climbing out of its crib or a toddler entering a forbidden zone in the kitchen giving parents peace of mind when they most need it. In addition to this, the smart A.I. also auto captures baby’s cutest moments, so you and your loved ones will never miss a milestone or precious first moment again and its family sharing feature, allows those closest to you, see your little ones grow. Alongside Cubo Ai’s leading A.I. technology, other features include built-in lullabies, white noise, or nature sounds for a baby’s dream soundtrack via the Cubo Ai App. Other features include a 1080p HD Night Vision professional grade security camera lens with no visible red light distraction, 18-hour video playback with the option to record and take photos, and event tags from baby’s sleep. Additionally, Cubo Ai Plus will integrate with Smart Home devices such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa.
The Elvie Pump is an ultra-quiet, wearable, hands free electric breast pump. You simply pop it into your bra, and it allows you to then pump wherever you are with discretion. You can also use the Elvie app to look at insights and learn more about your pumping behaviour.