essential lists
Brilliant buys for your baby's first night at home
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Bringing your baby home is a happy and exciting occasion, but the first few nights can be a steep learning curve for new parents.
You’ll have collected a mountain of products during your pregnancy, but for the first night you will only need the bare essentials.
This is when you find out if you’ve bought enough of everything (running out of nappies at 2am is no joke!).
Keep all the essentials close to hand for night-time changes, and have spare clothing within reach if disaster strikes.
The most important things for your baby’s first night at home are a comfortable and safe place to sleep, cosy (but not too warm) bedding, and lots of cuddles (and milk!) from you.
A swaddle is also a great product for newborns as it helps them to sleep for longer.
1. Little Seeds Baby Swaddle Blanket
*Secure design creates a cosy, womb-like feeling for baby
*Prevents the startle reflex that can wake up your infant
*Soft adjustable fabric wings provide a perfect, snug fit
*Available in two sizes to fit babies from 0-6 months
Swaddling can help newborns sleep much better, but can be a bit of a faff to get to grips with, so this ready-made swaddle could be the answer. It features a secure hook and loop closure to keep even wiggly babies safe, plus a leg pouch opening for easy nappy changing. The SwaddleMe is also made from 100% cotton, so it won't irritate delicate newborn skin.
2. Gro Egg 2
*Room thermometer helps you to keep track of the temperature of your newborn's room
*Comes with gentle, calming nightlight with three different levels
*Easy-to-understand, colour code system indicates room temperature
*Can be bought with owl, monkey or penguin soft-touch shell
Newborns have a hard time regulating their own body temperature, so it's crucial they aren't kept in environments that are too warm or cool. It's important to monitor the temperature in your baby's room when you first bring them home, and this useful thermometer by the Gro Company will look cosy in any nursery.
3. Pampers New Baby Nappies (144-pack)
*Stock up before your baby arrives so that you're prepared - you'll likely be getting through more nappies than you think!
*These are specifically designed for newborns
*Soft and gentle on baby skin
Specially designed for newborns, these disposable nappies are super soft and very absorbent - ideal for soaking up lots of runny poo! We'd advise you to bulk buy before the arrival of your little one, as they can easily run out when you're busy looking after the new arrival! Your little one will be comfy, too, as Pampers' naval-friendly cut-out shape means their delicate belly buttons will be protected.
4. Kinder Valley Moses Basket
*Adorable cosy Moses basket for newborn baby
* 78 x 30cm
*Moses basket stand available separately
Lined in broderie anglais fabric, this gorgeous moses basket is part of a wide range of coordinating items. You can use it as soon as your baby arrives home, and it's suitable for use until they are around four months old.
It comes with a soft, padded mattress and is available in several pastel shades.
5. 3-pack sleepsuits, £11
*Pack of three in contrasting designs
*Come in an extra small size for tiny newborns
*With useful press-stud fastenings for quicker nappy changes
*100% cotton, comfy and breathable
George at Asda's well-priced three-pack of sleepsuits are ideal for the first few weeks as they're so easy to put on and take off and can be washed and dried easily, too. We love these Disney-themed baby suits, which can be used for boys or girls. The smaller sizes feature turn-back scratch mitts to prevent your baby from scratching their delicate skin.
6. Project Night Light
*Multicolour atmosphere nightlight
*Seven relaxing sounds from nature and music plus three sound levels
*Has three operating modes: nightlight, lullaby, nightlight and lullaby
The Babymoov Project Night Light creates a soothing light show, by projecting stars across your child's room and also plays seven different tunes. It switches off automatically after half an hour to save power. Not only does it help newborns to fall asleep quickly, it makes the nursery feel cosy and calm, too.
7. Genius Soother (two-pack)
*The teat is modelled on the shape of a nipple for a soothing experience
*Suitable for newborns up until 6 months old, so it can be used as soon as your little one comes home
*Approved by the Oral Health Foundation
Developed with input by dental experts, the Genius soother has a softer shape and feel that's healthier for your child's tooth development. Genius soothers are made from soft-flex silicone, which is extremely flexible yet still bite resistant.
8. AC1100 Video, Movement & Sound Baby Monitor
*Offers full peace of mind for anxious parents
*Monitors your baby's movement continuously with an under-mattress monitor
*Full-colour video transmission with infrared camera for night vision
*3-in-1 baby monitor is all you need to keep an eye (and ear!) on your new baby
Perfect for nervous first-time parents, this monitor has an under-mattress sensor pad that sounds an alarm if no movement is detected after 30 seconds. Featuring zoom function, the video camera angle is adjustable and there's a two-way talk-back feature for extra reassurance.
Read on:
• The best baby bath thermometers
• What should your newborn wear in bed?
