Every baby website has an essentials list, and most of them are twenty items too long. They are written to sell you things, not to help you prepare. This is the honest version — what you genuinely need, what can wait, and what you will never use.
Clothing
6–8 bodysuits in 0–3 months (mix of short and long sleeve). 4–6 sleepsuits with front fastenings. 3–4 pairs of leggings. 2 hats. 2 pairs of mittens. 1–2 cardigans. That is it. Babies live in sleepsuits and bodysuits. Everything else is optional for the first three months.
Sleep
A firm, flat mattress that meets British Safety Standards. Fitted sheets (3–4, because you will change them frequently). A sleeping bag in the appropriate tog for the season. A room thermometer. You do not need a Moses basket and a cot and a bedside crib — choose one sleeping space and use it consistently.
Feeding
If breastfeeding: nursing bras, breast pads, and lanolin cream. A feeding pillow is helpful but not essential. If bottle feeding: bottles, teats, formula, a steriliser, and a bottle brush. Buy the basics and see what works for you before investing in expensive extras.
Nappies and Changing
Newborn nappies (size 1) — buy one pack to start, as your baby might need a different size immediately. Cotton wool and warm water for the first weeks (wipes can irritate newborn skin). A simple changing mat. Nappy cream. A waterproof bag for dirty nappies when out.
Getting Around
A car seat (required by law for the journey home from hospital). A pram or pushchair suitable from birth. A sling or carrier if you are interested — many parents find these more practical than a pram in the early months. You do not need both immediately.
Bathing
A baby bath or bath support. A hooded towel. A gentle, fragrance-free wash — or just warm water for the first weeks. Babies do not need bathing every day. Two or three times a week is sufficient, and over-bathing can dry out their skin.
What You Can Skip
A nappy bin — a regular bin with a lid works fine. A baby bath thermometer — test with your elbow. Shoes — they cannot walk. A baby monitor with video and WiFi and breathing sensors — a basic audio monitor is sufficient for most homes. A changing table — the floor or a bed with a changing mat is perfectly safe and free.
The Best Advice
Buy the minimum before the baby arrives and add things as you discover what you actually need. Every baby is different, and the item your friend swore by might be useless for your child. Start simple, stay flexible, and resist the urge to buy everything on every list you find.