First-Time Parent Buying Guide
Essential baby products you actually need - and what you can skip
The Overwhelming Reality
As a first-time parent, the baby product market is overwhelming. Every brand claims their product is "essential," and the lists of "must-haves" seem endless. After helping hundreds of new parents, we've learned that most of what's marketed as "essential" isn't actually necessary.
This guide focuses on what you truly need in the first 6 months, what you can wait to buy, and what you can skip entirely. We've also included budget-friendly options for every essential item.
Our Top 3 Essential Picks
SafeRide Pro ISOFIX Car Seat
You literally cannot leave the hospital without this
UrbanGlide Pro Pushchair
You'll use this multiple times daily
SafeSleep Convertible Cot
Your baby will sleep here for years
What to Look For
Safety First
Always check for current safety certifications (EU standards for UK). Never buy second-hand car seats or cots without knowing their history.
Ease of Use
When you're sleep-deprived, complex mechanisms become frustrating. Look for simple, intuitive designs.
Long-term Value
Buy products that grow with your child. Convertible car seats and cots that become toddler beds save money long-term.
Real Parent Reviews
Look beyond marketing claims. Read reviews from parents who've actually used the products for months.
Essential Products Checklist
Sleep (Must Have)
- ✓ Cot or crib with firm mattress
- ✓ Fitted sheets (3-4)
- ✓ Sleep sacks or swaddles
- ✓ Baby monitor (audio is fine)
Feeding (Must Have)
- ✓ Bottles (3-4) if bottle feeding
- ✓ Bottle warmer or microwave sterilizer
- ✓ Burp cloths (6-8)
- ✓ High chair (from 6 months)
Transport (Must Have)
- ✓ Car seat (Group 0+ for newborns)
- ✓ Pushchair or stroller
- ✓ Changing bag
- ✓ Car seat base (if using ISOFIX)
Safety (Must Have)
- ✓ Baby gate (when they start crawling)
- ✓ Outlet covers
- ✓ Cabinet locks
- ✓ Corner guards
Clothing (Must Have)
- ✓ Bodysuits/vests (8-10)
- ✓ Sleepsuits (6-8)
- ✓ Cardigans/jackets (2-3)
- ✓ Hats and mittens
Care (Must Have)
- ✓ Nappies (newborn size)
- ✓ Wipes
- ✓ Baby bath or bath support
- ✓ Towels and washcloths
What You Can Skip (For Now)
❌ Expensive baby clothes
Babies grow incredibly fast. Buy basics in larger sizes and don't spend on designer outfits they'll wear once.
❌ Fancy baby monitors
A basic audio monitor is perfectly fine. Video monitors are nice but not essential, and smart monitors are often overpriced.
❌ Baby food makers
You can puree food with a regular blender or fork. Wait until you're actually making baby food before buying specialized equipment.
❌ Multiple pushchairs
One good pushchair is enough. Don't buy a jogging stroller, travel stroller, and everyday stroller until you know what you actually need.
❌ Expensive toys
Newborns don't need toys. Wait until they're 3-4 months old, and even then, simple toys are often the best.
❌ Baby shoes
Babies don't need shoes until they're walking. Socks or booties are fine for warmth and protection.
Budget Breakdown
Essential Budget (Budget-friendly range)
- Car seat: Budget-friendly option
- Pushchair: Mid-range pick
- Cot: Budget-friendly option
- Mattress: Budget-friendly option
- Feeding essentials: Budget-friendly option
- Clothing basics: Mid-range pick
- Safety items: Budget-friendly option
Comfortable Budget (Mid-range)
- Car seat: Premium choice
- Pushchair: High-end model
- Cot: Premium choice
- Mattress: Budget-friendly option
- Feeding essentials: Mid-range pick
- Clothing: Premium choice
- Safety items: Mid-range pick
Premium Budget (High-end)
- Car seat: Luxury option
- Pushchair: Premium choice
- Cot: High-end model
- Mattress: Premium choice
- Feeding essentials: High-end model
- Clothing: Luxury option
- Safety items: High-end model
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start buying baby products?
Start around 20-24 weeks. You have time to research and compare, but you're not too early. Avoid buying too much before the baby shower if you're having one.
Should I buy everything new?
Not everything. Car seats and mattresses should always be new for safety. Pushchairs, cots, and clothes can be second-hand if they're in good condition.
How many of each item do I need?
Start with the minimum and buy more as needed. You'll quickly learn what you use most. Most parents overbuy initially and end up with unused items.
What's the most important thing to spend money on?
Safety items like car seats and cots. Don't skimp on these. You can save money on clothes, toys, and accessories.
Should I buy gender-specific items?
For the first 6 months, stick to neutral colors. You'll get more use out of items if you have another child, and you can always add gender-specific accessories later.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, which helps us continue researching products. Your price stays the same.