Baby essentials for baby’s first year
Last Updated on May 16, 2024
There are so many baby products available, that it can be hard to determine what products are actually baby essentials, and by this I mean baby products you’ll actually use, and that will make life with a baby a bit easier.
When buying baby essentials for my baby, it was blog posts like these that listed baby products that other mums loved and used, such as an interactive baby swing, that helped me decide what to buy for my own baby in his first year.
In the hope that I can now help mums to decide what to buy their babies, here are the baby essentials I used for my babies, that made mum life easier for me.
Baby essentials for baby’s first year
Here are the products that I used and loved when my boys were babies.
Baby essentials – feeding products
Philips Avent Microwave Steam Steriliser
Both of my boys were bottle fed, so I used the Philips Avent Microwave Steam Steriliser multiple times a day.
What I loved about this baby essential was that I could sterilise up to four bottles in the microwave, making it a convenient way to sterilise bottles before using them, and allowing me to take multiple bottles out on day trips.
Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Day and Night Machine
I used Tommee Tippee products a lot when my boys were babies.
One product that I used for my second baby Thomas was the Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Day and Night Machine.
If I knew how fantastic this product was I would have used it for my first son Ryan as well.
It saved a lot of time preparing bottles due to putting water into bottles at the exact temperature it needed to be before adding baby formula milk to it.
It also saved a lot of stress by not having to wait for boiled water to cool before adding formula to it.
Munchkin 360° Cloud High Chair
When both of my boys started solids I used the Munchkin 360° Cloud High Chair because it can swivel, so I could get them out of it without twisting my back.
It’s also easy to clean due to its smooth surfaces and removable dishwasher safe tray.
Baby essentials – sleeping products
The Gro Company Grobag Sleeping Bag
I used The Gro Company Grobag Sleeping Bag for both of my boys from birth until they moved into a big kid bed.
I used this brand because I wanted their arms to be free, and liked that the zip opened from the top or bottom.
Fisher Price Hippo Projection Soother
The Fisher Price Hippo Projection Soother is not only a fantastic baby essential, but it can be used once your baby is a toddler, Thomas is three and he still uses his.
This product plays music or nature sounds for 30 minutes, can project stars onto the ceiling, and you can take it when travelling to hotels, or simply staying somewhere that’s not your house.
Best of all you can turn the music, nature sounds, and star projection off at any anytime.
Baby essentials – healthcare products
Calpol Vapour Plug and Nightlight
I used a Calpol Vapour Plug and Nightlight a lot, especially over winter, which I’ve used from birth.
It’s a great baby essential for a baby’s first year, because there’s very little you can give a baby when they’re unwell, and this product really helps my boys to breathe better when their noses are blocked due to releasing lavender and camomile into their room for up to 8 hours.
Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer
This Braun ThermoScan Ear Thermometer is a baby essential that can be used into toddlerhood and beyond.
This product makes checking your baby’s temperature really easy. It shows you if their temperature is normal, nearing high, or high, taking a lot of the guesswork and stress out of knowing what to do when your baby has a fever.
Dreambaby Room and Bath Baby Thermometer
I used a Dreambaby Room and Bath Baby Thermometer for both of my boys and the battery never died, even after it wasn’t in use for four years.
As well as measuring the temperature of your baby’s bath, this thermometer also measures your baby’s room temperature, which helps you to decide how to dress them for bed.
Baby essentials – playtime products
Red Kite Baby Bouncer
This Red Kite Baby Bouncer was more than a baby playtime product for me, I used to put it in the bathroom and put my boys in it so I could have a shower but still see that they were safe.
Animal Safari Playmat
This Animal Safari Playmat is a baby essential I used once my babies were about 3 months old, and started to need a bit more stimulation.
It doesn’t take up much room, is colourful, and has interactive sections on it, keeping babies entertained long enough for you to do something quickly around the house, or have some hands free lunch.
Baby essentials – travel products
Maxi-Cosi Newborn Car Seat
I loved this Maxi-Cosi Newborn Car Seat and carried it around with me while Thomas slept in it many times.
It has removable newborn baby padding, so you can use it as your baby gets bigger.
Sleepy Wrap Baby Sling
This Sleepy Wrap Baby Sling was Thomas’ favourite baby essential, and therefore mine because up until about 6 months old he wouldn’t sleep anywhere but in my arms, so putting him in it allowed me to do things while he slept.
Muslin cloths
Muslin cloths are something you’ll use everyday, especially with a newborn.
I wore one pretty much all day long over my shoulder, as Thomas was prone to reflux.
I hope this blog post has helped you to decide what baby essentials you think you’ll actually use for your baby, or even help you to buy a gift for a baby in your life.
If you are buying a gift, here are some personalised gifts for 1 year olds that will make a really unique and special gift.
What baby essentials do you recommend, or are thinking of buying?
