If you’re expecting your first baby, chances are you’ve already been given about 100 lists of things you apparently need.

A bassinet. A pram. Five different types of swaddles. A special thermometer. Three types of bottles. Enough tiny outfits to dress your baby for the next six months.

And then you start wondering...

What do I actually need for a newborn?

The good news is, probably not as much as you think.

Babies really don't need a huge amount in those first few weeks. They need somewhere safe to sleep, something to wear, plenty of nappies, food, lots of cuddles and a few things that make life a little easier for you.

So we've put together our simple newborn essentials list, without all the extras you can probably live without.

👶 Somewhere safe to sleep

This is one of the big ones.

You'll need a safe sleep space for your baby, whether that's a bassinet, cot or another approved sleep space suitable for a newborn.

Keep it simple with a firm, flat mattress and fitted sheets. You don't need to fill the sleeping space with lots of blankets, pillows or toys.

A couple of fitted sheets means you're covered when one inevitably needs a wash at 2am.

👕 Clothes

This is where it can be very easy to get carried away.

Those tiny newborn outfits are hard to resist, but your baby really doesn't need a wardrobe full of clothes.

A good starting point is:

• 5 to 8 bodysuits or singlets
• 5 to 8 growsuits
• A couple of cardigans or jackets, depending on the season
• A few pairs of socks
• A couple of beanies for when you're out and about, if appropriate for the weather
• A going-home outfit

Think practical, comfortable and easy to get on and off.

Zips are your friend. Especially at 3am.

And don't go too crazy buying everything in newborn size. Some babies are in newborn for about five minutes, while others skip straight into the next size.

🧺 Swaddles and wraps

A couple of good quality wraps or swaddles are definitely worth having.

You'll quickly work out what your baby likes and what works for you, so there's no need to buy every style before they're born.

Having a few means you can have one on the baby, one in the wash and one ready to go.

🍼 Feeding

What you need here will depend on whether you're breastfeeding, formula feeding or doing a combination of both.

If you're breastfeeding, you may find you don't need much at all in the beginning.

If you're bottle feeding, you'll need bottles, teats and a way of cleaning and sterilising them.

A few burp cloths or muslin cloths are also worth having either way.

And honestly, you can never have too many.

🧷 Nappies

You're going to need a lot of these.

Whether you choose cloth or disposable nappies, make sure you have enough to get you through those first few days at home.

You'll also want:

• Wipes or reusable cloths
• Nappy cream
• A change mat
• Somewhere convenient to keep everything together

A little nappy caddy can be surprisingly handy too. Being able to move everything from room to room without carrying the entire nursery with you is a win.

🛁 Bath time

You don't need a bathroom full of baby products.

A safe way to bathe your baby, a couple of soft towels and some gentle baby products are really all you need to start with.

Your baby isn't going to be needing a 12-step skincare routine just yet.

👜 A good nappy bag

This is one thing we think is worth putting a little thought into.

Your nappy bag is going to become your mobile baby cupboard.

You'll probably want room for:

• Nappies
• Wipes
• Spare clothes
• Muslin wraps
• A change mat
• Feeding supplies
• A few little extras for mum or dad

Look for something that is practical for you and fits the way you actually live.

🚗 Getting baby home

You'll need a properly fitted, approved rear-facing baby car restraint before bringing your little one home in the car.

This is one area where it's worth getting organised well before your due date so you're not trying to work it all out when you're ready to leave hospital.

❤️ And then there are the things you don't actually need

This might be our favourite part.

You don't need every gadget.

You don't need every new baby product that pops up on your Instagram feed.

You don't need 20 outfits.

And you definitely don't need to have everything perfectly organised before your baby arrives.

There will be things you buy that you absolutely love, things you barely use and things you wonder how you ever lived without once you've had a baby.

Every family is different.

Our advice?

Start with the basics.

Get the things you'll genuinely use every day, then add the extras as you go.

You can always buy something later if you discover you need it. You don't need to have your entire parenting life figured out before your baby arrives.

And remember, your newborn's favourite place to be will probably be right in your arms anyway.

Newborn essentials at a glance

Sleep:
✓ Safe sleep space
✓ Fitted sheets

Clothing:
✓ Bodysuits
✓ Growsuits
✓ Socks
✓ Weather-appropriate layers

Feeding:
✓ Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding essentials
✓ Burp cloths or muslins

Nappies:
✓ Nappies
✓ Wipes or reusable cloths
✓ Nappy cream
✓ Change mat

Bathing:
✓ Towels
✓ Gentle baby essentials

Out and about:
✓ Approved car restraint
✓ Pram
✓ Nappy bag

Nice to have:
✓ Extra muslins
✓ Swaddles
✓ Nappy caddy
✓ A few little comforts that make life easier

And that's really it.

Don't stress about having everything. Your baby doesn't need a perfectly stocked nursery.

They just need a safe place to sleep, a full tummy, a clean bum, something comfy to wear and plenty of love.

You've got this. 🤍