The Ultimate Newborn Edit: Mum-Tested Must-Haves for Modern Parenting
Becoming a new mum is a crash course in multitasking, sleepless nights, and discovering that tiny humans require a ridiculous amount of gear. It’s chaotic, overwhelming, and, at times, utterly exhausting. Ralu, a first-time mum to baby Theia (born this year and already ruling the household), knows this all too well.
“The first few weeks felt like a beautiful, exhausting blur. One minute, I was marvelling at Theia’s tiny fingers, and the next, I was frantically Googling ‘why won’t my baby sleep?’” she says, laughing. “Honestly, having the right essentials makes such a difference. Some of these products have basically been my survival kit.”
So, what’s actually worth the investment? What will genuinely make life easier? We put the latest baby essentials through their paces—because if it doesn’t help Ralu steal a few extra minutes of sleep (or at least a warm coffee), it’s not making the cut.
Ralu’s verdict? A literal dream. Theia gets the closeness she craves, and Ralu gets to roll over and comfort her without stumbling across the room half-asleep. “It’s a lifesaver during those 2 AM wakeups,” she admits. The sleek oak finish means it doesn’t scream “baby furniture,” and the breathable mesh sides make checking in on Theia a breeze. Plus, the lift-off bassinet? Genius for daytime naps around the house. The rocking stand feature? Even better—it gently soothes Theia back to sleep when she stirs.
BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft £184.90
Aka Theia’s VIP lounge. This ergonomic bouncer is a lifesaver when Ralu needs two hands (hello, cold coffee). No batteries, no wires—just Theia’s own movements keeping her entertained. “She loves it,” Ralu says. “And I love that I can actually eat breakfast without bouncing her on my hip.” It folds flat for travel, making it the ultimate baby essential for home and holidays alike.
If a pushchair could be a lifestyle statement, this would be it. Ralu loves how adaptable it is—carrycot for newborn Theia, seat for later, and room for expansion (not saying baby no. 2 yet, but options are good). The Cloud T car seat is like a cosy cocoon, and the reclining function means Theia can nap on the move. The one-hand fold and spacious shopping basket make this a pram that truly fits modern parent life.
Medela Swing Maxi Hands-Free Breast Pump £199
Pumping while getting on with life? An actual miracle. Ralu loves that this powerhouse pump is discreet, quiet, and doesn’t tether her to a corner like a 1950s housewife. “This meant my husband could give Theia a bottle while I got a moment to breathe—or, you know, shower,” she says. The ultra-lightweight, wearable cups allow multitasking at its finest—whether she’s sending emails or making lunch, milk production is officially hands-free.
Eyas London The Gallery £21.99
Designed to attach to the pram, The Gallery by Eyas London transforms daily walks into a sensory experience for babies. The award-winning Montessori black-and-white images are scientifically designed to enhance visual and cognitive development by providing the right level of sensory stimulation without overstimulation. Medical research shows that simple, bold patterns support early visual tracking, while the Montessori-accredited design ensures a calm, engaging experience for newborns. “It’s like an art exhibition on wheels,” Ralu jokes. “She absolutely loves looking at it on our walks, and I love that it keeps her engaged while we’re out and about.” Plus, 5% of profits go to the For Baby’s Sake Trust, making it a thoughtful purchase that gives back.
BabyBjörn Carrier One Air £188.90
Ralu has officially joined the baby-wearing revolution. Whether it’s pacing the living room during Theia’s witching hour or strolling to grab a coffee, this carrier is pure hands-free freedom. “I can actually get things done while keeping Theia close—win-win,” she says. The breathable, ergonomic design distributes weight evenly, saving Ralu’s shoulders, while the winter cover £92.90 keeps Theia snug in colder months. No awkward layering required—just zip up and go.
Shushiie The Cot and Cradle Company $135.87
Forget clunky white noise machines—this sleek, minimalist baby speaker is a sound revolution. With three customisable sounds—white noise, Brahms lullaby, and a gentle ‘shush’—Shushiie is designed to soothe fussy little ones and create a calming environment, whether at home or on the go. “It’s small but mighty,” Ralu says. “I take it everywhere—instant sleep magic.” The rechargeable battery means no trailing wires, and its modern design blends seamlessly into any nursery aesthetic.
CuddleCo Mother&Baby Organic Cotton Feeding and Infant Support Pillow £34.99
Designed for optimal comfort and support, this compact yet incredibly effective pillow is Ralu’s go-to for feeding sessions with Theia. “It makes breastfeeding and bottle-feeding so much easier,” she says. The ergonomic shape helps reduce strain on the arms and shoulders, while the organic cotton cover ensures a gentle, breathable surface for both mum and baby. A must-have for making those countless feeding moments more comfortable and relaxed. Bonus points for the organic cotton cover—because let’s be honest, everything should be baby-soft.
Love to Dream Swaddle Up from £27.99
For babies who hate traditional swaddles (looking at you, Theia), this arms-up design is a godsend. It lets Theia sleep in her natural position while still preventing those startle-reflex wakeups. “Total game-changer,” Ralu says. The two-way zip makes nighttime nappy changes effortless, and the snug yet breathable fabric ensures Theia is cosy without overheating.
Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser & Dryer £103
If Ralu had a pound for every bottle, dummy, and pump part she sterilised, she’d be on a yacht. Instead, she has this UV-powered wonder. The Vital Baby Nurture Advanced Pro UV Steriliser & Dryer uses advanced UV light technology to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria without the need for water, steam, or chemicals—making it a fuss-free and highly effective solution. “No waiting for things to dry, no lingering moisture—just sterilised, ready-to-use bottles,” Ralu says. Plus, it works for pacifiers, breast pump parts, and even small toys, making it an all-round hygiene lifesaver.
Peace of mind, delivered via WiFi. The Dream Sock tracks Theia’s heart rate and oxygen levels, and the Cam 2 gives Ralu the power to check in without ninja-creeping into the nursery. “Honestly, it helps me sleep better knowing she’s okay,” she says. The live HD video and two-way audio mean Ralu can talk to Theia without entering the room, making it a must-have for nervous first-time parents.
