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Top 5 Must-Have Items for Your Baby

Top 5 Must-Have Items for Your Baby

All parents will have their different opinion on what items they deem essential when it comes to parenthood. It varies of course, as every baby is different. Factors such as lifestyle, family values, budget and also age and stage of your little one will contribute to opinions and also decisions that families make when it comes to items they need for their baby.

At The Sleep Store we have years of experience when it comes to providing sleep and product advice to new parents from all walks of life and in different stages on their parenting journey.

Although the list varies, there are some key trends we see when it comes to the top purchases our customers make. Below are our Top 5 Must Have Baby Products for a newborn baby, an older baby and also toddlers. This list is curated from a mix of our experience, sales information and polls we have run in our community groups to get feedback from parents on what they deem must have items.

Five must-have items for your newborn baby

The newborn stage is often referred to as the 4th trimester and it’s a stage of adjustment for everyone. Tiny little babies are just getting used to life on the outside and parents are juggling all the changes to their lives as well. These are the tried and tested top 5 for newborns.

1. White Noise

White noise is just like the 'sssshing' and 'swoooshing' sounds your baby heard for nine months in the womb. Inside the womb, the noise is constant. It's louder than a vacuum cleaner, 24 hours a day! Outside the womb, White Noise is a sound similar to radio or TV static or a humming air conditioner.

Because it covers all frequencies white noise can be used to mask background noises and help people, especially babies, fall asleep more easily and more deeply. Playing continuous white noise is one of the easiest ways to provide your baby with 4th Trimester 'womb service' and make them feel right at home. It’s also great if you have older children in the house who can’t always be quiet for nap time!

One of our favourite machines is the YogaSleep Nod Sound Machine and Nightlight.

YOGASLEEP
Yogalseep Nod Sound Machine and Nightlight

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2. Merino Bodysuits

Babies can’t regulate their temperature like adults can, so using a base layer of merino can help to keep your baby at the right temperature throughout the day. Merino creates an air pocket around bubs that will create a layer of heat to keep bubs warm, whilst also retaining airflow to keep bubs cool. Merino is known for its moisture-wicking ability, so can be used year round.

Our favourite is a merino bodysuit - super soft and versatile for layering.

THE SLEEP STORE
The Sleep Store Deluxe Merino Long Sleeve Bodysuit - Auburn

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3. Fitted Swaddle

Swaddling can help settle a baby more quickly and help them sleep longer when they’re a fresh little newborn. Swaddling is one of Dr Harvey Karp’s 5 S’s that can help a baby settle more quickly and easily. For the first three to four months (or until baby starts rolling) a fitted swaddle is highly recommended - they’ll keep baby feeling secure, are easy to use and are all the bedding a newborn baby needs.

 

Choosing a swaddle is easy with our swaddle buying guide >
MIRACLE BLANKET
Miracle Blanket Fitted Swaddle - Grey Marle

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4. Breast Pump

Whilst not everyone needs or wants to pump, for some mum's it’s a great way to have others bond and help with the baby. Expressing means mum can pop out and enjoy some me time whilst knowing baby won’t go hungry and it can also give Dad’s (or other carers) some lovely snuggles during a feed.

Another benefit of pumping is that mum is able to get some rest as mum can pump during the day and Dad can do the middle of the night feed, giving mum some more precious zzzzz’s. It’s also a great way for mum to increase milk supply and modern machines can make expressing convenient and stress-free.

 

Read more about common pumping questions >
CRANE
Crane Rechargeable Double Electric Breast Pump

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5. Stretchy Wrap

A baby wrap carrier can make life with a little one so much easier. You have your hands free, but are keeping bubs close with lots of cuddles on the go.

A super soft Boba wrap is perfect for a newborn as it wraps around you and bubs, keeping them in a natural, ergonomic position from birth. Being lovely and stretchy, Boba wraps are comfortable enough to wear all day (and sit down in) whilst providing real support and flexibility. Great for mums, but also super easy for Dad’s!

 

BOBA
Boba Wrap - Organic Stretchy Wrap - Dark Grey

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Five must-have items for your older baby (from around 4 months)

Just when you think you’ve nailed it, bubs is suddenly out of the fussy newborn stage and changing again! Whilst your baby is becoming more alert, they’re still little and needing lots of sleep and cuddles as they grow. Here’s what our customers have found useful past the newborn stage. These also make great baby shower gifts - it’s lovely for mum (and bubs) to have gifts for when baby is a little older.

1. High Quality Sleeping Bag

If you’ve been swaddling your baby, it’s time to think about moving to a sleeping bag - it’s unsafe to keep baby swaddled once they show signs of rolling.

A sleeping bag is a safe bedding option for baby as there’s no loose blankets to go up over their head or get tangled in. A bag can also help them sleep longer as they won’t be able to kick off blankets and wake up cold.

We love merino sleeping bags which help regulate baby’s temperature, but cotton bags can be a more budget friendly option and easy to care for.

 

WOOLBABE
Woolbabe 3 Seasons Front Zip Sleeping Bag - Moss Wilderness

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2. Merino Clothing

Merino clothing is a go-to item for babies! Deliciously soft and snuggly, merino is temperature regulating and will help keep bubs cosy day and night. You can even use merino in summer as it has great moisture wicking qualities meaning bubs won’t wake up to the feeling of clammy cotton.

We recommend starting nighttime layering with a merino singlet or singletsuit, then adding a bodysuit or zipsuit over top before adding a sleeping bag. And another plus - it’s odour resistant, so doesn’t need washing frequently!

 

THE SLEEP STORE
The Sleep Store - Jersey Merino Ruffle Zipsuit

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3. Good Quality Baby Carrier

Get out and about quickly and easily with a baby carrier. Carry your baby close and keep them settled whilst you have hands free for coffee, shopping, older children or just picking things up and showing your baby as you go about the day.

Smaller and more convenient than a buggy, they’re also a super cosy way for bubs to nap whilst out and about. It’s a great way for Dad’s to carry their weight too - our top rated carriers are comfy for a range of sizes from petite to larger and most can even be used from newborn.

BECO
Beco Gemini Cool Mesh Baby Carrier - Navy

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4. White Noise

Bubs is out of the 4th trimester now, but white noise is still a great sleep cue and will continue to mask household noises throughout the day, which can help baby have a longer, more settled sleep.

If you’re out and about, a white noise machine can also help mask those other noises such as traffic to give your baby a more restful sleep. A Hushh is best for on the go as it can be charged and then taken with you.

For use at home, the Whish which can be plugged in is one of our favourites.

Read more about white noise for calming and sleep
YOGASLEEP
Whish White Noise Sound Machine - Yogasleep

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5. A Comforter

Like sleeping bags and white noise, a comforter can create a strong sleep association which tells baby it’s sleep time. Children will often keep their comforter for years to come, helping them transition through changes such as new siblings, beginning day care and sickness.

At 7 months of age (or older) a breathable comforter is recommended - something made from muslin or lightweight fabric and that falls away from the face. Our favourite and most recommended are the Cuski comforters which babies take to quickly and easily.

CUSKI
Cuski Comforter - Berry

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