New Mum Essentials Checklist: The Items I Actually Used Every Single Day

Before having a baby, I read so many lists telling me what I would need. Some were helpful, many felt unrealistic, and some things did get used, just far less than I imagined they would. What I really needed in those early weeks were items that made day to day life easier while I found my feet as a new mum.

This checklist is not about having it all. It is about the things I genuinely reached for every single day.

Nappy Caddies (One Upstairs, One Downstairs)

If I could only recommend one thing to new mums, it would be a nappy caddy. I had two, one in the bedroom and one downstairs, and they honestly saved my sanity.

In those early weeks, the last thing you want is to be searching for wipes or nappies with a baby mid change. Knowing everything was exactly where I needed it, day or night, made things feel calmer and more manageable.

Each caddy held:

Nappies
Baby wipes
Travel change mat
Muslins
Nappy bags

It seems simple, but it made a huge difference.

Dribble Bibs

I did not realise just how many dribble bibs we would go through. Once feeds became more established and dribbling increased, they were constantly in rotation.

Having a stack ready meant fewer outfit changes and far less laundry, which felt like a small win during busy days.

A Good Sized Changing Bag

Leaving the house for the first time with a baby can feel like a military operation. A good changing bag makes that transition so much easier.

My Avery Row changing bag quickly became one of my most used items. It attaches easily to my pram and fits everything I need without feeling heavy or awkward. It made trips out feel more manageable and far less stressful.

Angel Care Bath Seat

Bath time was one of the things I felt most nervous about at first. Using the Angel Care bath seat helped me feel more confident and relaxed.

Being able to have both hands free while my baby was supported safely made bath time something I could actually enjoy rather than dread.

Gentle Baby Wash and Shampoo

I wanted bath time to feel calm and soothing, not rushed or clinical. Nalas body and shampoo fitted perfectly into that.

It was gentle on delicate skin and smelled absolutely divine, which might sound like a small thing, but those comforting little details really matter when you are tired and emotional.

Neal’s Yard Baby Massage Oil

Evenings can be unpredictable with a newborn, so we slowly built a gentle wind down routine. Baby massage became part of that.

Using Neal’s Yard massage oil turned those moments into something special. It felt nourishing, calming, and helped create a quiet pause at the end of the day where we could just slow down together.

Bouncer or Rocker Chair (From Around Two Months)

Once my baby became more alert, having a bouncer or rocker chair made daily life easier. It allowed me to do small things around the house while she stayed close and content in the same room.

It gave me a little independence back without feeling like I was leaving her behind.

Nappy Bin

A nappy bin is not glamorous, but it is essential. During the newborn stage, when changes are constant, having somewhere easy and hygienic to dispose of nappies made life simpler and far less smelly.

Pram Choice: Cybex E Priam

We chose the Cybex E Priam, and for our lifestyle it has been a great decision. We spend a lot of time outdoors and walk on a range of surfaces, so the electric assistance has been incredibly helpful.

The rock motion feature quickly became a favourite. Being able to gently soothe my baby hands free while enjoying a Starbucks in peace felt like a tiny luxury that made a big difference.

Baby Carriers

Baby wearing has been a huge part of our daily routine. I have three carriers, but the Baby Bjorn is the one I reach for most.

All the clips are at the front, which makes it easy to put on without help. When you are on your own with a baby, that simplicity really matters.

Car Seat: A Cost Effective Choice

Choosing a car seat took time because I wanted to balance safety and cost. I eventually chose a Cybex T Cloud with isofix base, bought second hand after checking everything carefully.

It worked perfectly with our pram, was completely safe, and made sense knowing it would only be used for a short time.

Nanit Pro Camera for Peace of Mind

One thing that truly gave me peace of mind as a new mum was investing in a Nanit Pro Baby Monitor. Baby monitors are about more than just seeing your baby on a screen, they are about feeling connected and secure even when you are not right beside them. The Nanit Pro offers 1080p HD video with a bird’s eye view of the crib, so I could check in from my phone and really see what was happening, day or night. It also sends sound and motion alerts straight to my phone, so I was always aware of any movement or crying without needing to constantly check.

One standout feature that many parents appreciate is the breathing motion monitoring when used with Nanit’s breathing wear, which tracks breathing in real time without sensors attached to the baby’s body. This added reassurance during sleep felt invaluable, especially in the early weeks.

The accompanying app also provides sleep tracking and analytics, temperature and humidity monitoring, and options like split screen if you are watching more than one child. These features helped ease anxiety during those first few months and gave me real moments of rest instead of constant worry.

Amazon Baby Wish List

An Amazon Baby Wish List is a simple way to save and share the baby items you actually want and will use. You can add everything from nappies and bibs to prams and cameras, organise them by priority, and share a single link with friends and family. It helps avoid duplicate gifts, lets loved ones choose items within their budget, and can be updated anytime if your needs change. A bonus is that some items on the list can be purchased at 15% off, which is great for helping you stock up on essentials. I found it especially useful for keeping track of everyday items like nappy caddies, dribble bibs, and bath products, while also giving people ideas for thoughtful extras.

Final Thoughts for New Mums

This list is not about perfection or having the most expensive items. It is about what supported me during the early weeks of motherhood and helped day to day life feel a little easier.

Every mum and baby is different, but if you are feeling overwhelmed by choice, I hope this gives you a realistic and reassuring starting point.