26 items every new mum loves

As a mum-to-be, there is SO much to think about as you prepare for the imminent arrival of your new baby.

So, to make life a little easier, we’re sharing a list of must-have items to get you through those first few weeks after having your baby.

What items do I need as a new mum?

Becoming a new mum can be a bit of a shock to the system. As well as a brand-new person to look after, you need to look after yourself and make sure you’re comfortable in your new post-baby reality. This might mean comfy gear like loungewear and big granny pants! While they may not look that attractive, trust us, you really won’t care as they will feel sooo comfortable!

Breast pads and maternity pads can help soak up leaks, keeping you dry and comfortable. Even the sound of a baby crying can cause your breasts to leak milk, so popping breast pads in your bra is the best way to stay dry and contain any unexpected leakage for the first few weeks.

Maternity pads, meanwhile, are super absorbent, so are much more effective after giving birth than normal sanitary towels. Wearing maternity pads can take a little getting used to as they feel pretty bulky, but most importantly they do the job.

A nursing bra and nursing tops can also be must-have items, helping make feeding time much less stressful. Choosing the right nursing bra will help support swollen boobs, as well as making them easy to access when your baby is ready to feed. Similarly, a nursing top will help to make feeding time less complicated with easier access - and is a lot less stressful than faffing around trying to hitch up a normal top.

What essentials do I need for a newborn?

While stocking up on nappies and sleepsuits for baby may seem obvious, there are a few items that you might never have even known you will require to make your life as a new mum so much easier. Muslin cloths, for example, can become your new best friend. This new mum staple will be used for everything from mopping up milk dribbles from baby’s mouth to protecting your back from spillages when burping baby.

Finding a good nappy cream can be an excellent way to help prevent nappy rash right from the start. And a sling or baby carrier can be great for both you and your baby. Most babies love to be close to you and the motion of being carried can really soothe them. So, by using a comfortable sling around the house, it means your baby will be close to you AND you can still move around and do stuff. Double win!

Essential items mums love

Here’s our list of essential items for newborns divided into a number of handy categories…

1. Comfy Cubs Muslin Cloths for Baby

Muslin cloths are a must for new mums and with nearly 36K positive reviews on Amazon, you can trust these Comfy Cubs cloths to do the job. They’re made from 100% breathable cotton and are the perfect size to pop into a handbag or changing bag – as well as using when feeding, changing or cleaning baby.

2. MuslinZ 6pk Baby Muslin Squares

These 100% cotton muslin cloths are ultra-absorbent, hardwearing and wonderfully soft for your baby’s delicate skin. They also come in a 6-pack of pink, white or neutral colours, allowing you to colour co-ordinate for your nursery or other rooms. There are plain and patterned cloths and you can choose from stars, hedgehog and sea creature designs.

3. Dudu N Girlie Extra Large Baby Muslin Squares

These are bigger than the average baby muslin cloth, at 70 x 70cm. They’re made from 100% breathable cotton and are machine washable at 40c. Like all muslin cloths they’re super-versatile and perfect for burping and wiping up dribbles. These extra large ones can also be used as emergency covers or changing mays if you have to put your baby on a dirty surface when out.

4. Sudocrem Sudosalve Nappy Rash Bundle

5. Burt's Bees Nourishing Baby Lotion

Formulated for baby's delicate skin, this ultra-gentle baby lotion moisturises skin for up to 24 hours, making it suitable for new-borns and upwards. Burt’s Bees specialises in natural ingredients with low environmental impact and this non-irritating formula uses ingredients of 99% natural origin, including nourishing Buttermilk, Shea Butter and Sunflower Seed Oil.

6. Aveeno Baby Daily Care Barrier Cream

Baby barrier creams are designed to create a barrier between your baby’s delicate skin and the external irritants that can cause nappy rash. This daily barrier care cream for sensitive skin soothes, moisturises and creates a breathable skin barrier, with a formula containing natural colloidal oatmeal and zinc oxide.

7. Weleda Baby Calendula Nappy Cream

This nappy change cream is gentle enough to use every day to protect and nourish your baby’s precious skin, supporting its natural functions. Lanolin and zinc oxide provide a protective barrier against excessive moisture, while almond oil, organic calendula and chamomile extracts gently smooth and soften the skin.

8. Lictin Organic Bamboo Nursing Pads

These Lictin nursing pads provide everything you need when you first start breast-feeding. They’re made of high-quality organic bamboo fibre, which has natural antibacterial properties, is highly absorbent, breathable and thin enough to fit your bra. They’re washable and reusable and come with cute owl and rabbit design storage bags with another white laundry bag.

9. Lil-Lets Disposable Maternity Breast Pads

If you don’t want the bother of constantly washing your maternity pads, you could go for these ultra-thin, ultra-absorbent disposables from Lil-Lets. The super absorbent materials used can handle heavy, light and impromptu breast leaks, and the waterproof outer layer protects your clothing from the dreaded wet patches!

10. Livella Silver Nursing Cups for Breastfeeding

These ones are not exactly breast pads but lots of mums swear by silver nursing cups. Silver has natural antimicrobial, antifungal and antibacterial properties and nursing cups are designed to wear between feeds to prevent or soothe sore, cracked nursing nipples. Livella’s nursing cups are made in Germany from very pure 999 silver.

11. Abena Premium Maternity Pads

Abena’s Premium Maternity Pads are made using a breathable backsheet they call Air Plus Technology. As well as staying cool and comfortable, the pads are made with super absorbent materials and anatomically designed barriers for thorough leak protection.

12. Natracare New Mother Maternity Pads

Many pads contain synthetic materials, dyes and even perfume. Natracare promises no fuss, no frills and no plastic with their soft and natural maternity pads. They still get the job done though, with all the absorbency you need and a 100% organic cotton cover for comfort.

13. INNERSY High Waisted Period and Post-Partum Pants

These high-waisted pants have a leakproof inner lining and wide back coverage, making them perfect for postpartum lochia (discharge), as well as heavy periods and light incontinence. The high waist provides some extra support and the legs are stretchy and soft with no ride up or wedges.

14. Carer Beauty Postpartum Panties

When you first get home you might want the convenience of disposable knickers. Specially designed for postpartum recovery, these big pants are soft, stretchy and skin-friendly for use after vaginal births and c-sections. The mesh build is breathable and light and, with 15 in the pack, will see you through the first week or two.

15. Hofish Full Bust Seamless Nursing Maternity Bras

With 43K positive reviews, these nursing bras have the approval of thousands of new mums. Sold as a 3-pack, the bras are designed for easy feeding and great comfort. They feature a one-handed clip down clasp in front for easy breastfeeding anywhere and every size comes with extra bra extenders and clips.

16. Medela Keep Cool Sleep Bra

This sleep bra is great through pregnancy and beyond. It can be used in the day and the drop down cup gives easy access for nursing, but it’s also great for keeping you cool, comfortable and supported when it comes to sleeping. The hookless and clipless design and soft material help with any soreness and can help you grab your own precious sleep.

17. Motherhood Maternity Clip Down Nursing Bra

18. Bearsland Sleeveless Scoop Neck Nursing Tops

19. Sosolism Women's Nursing Hoody

20. Joymom Breastfeeding Tunic Top

21. Seogva Oversized Sherpa Hoodie

22. eBoutik Supersoft Sherpa Pyjama Set

23. Style It Up Oversized Joggers

24. Koala Babycare Baby Sling

25. Ergobaby Omni Dream Baby Carrier

26. Babywearing All-Weather Waterproof Sling and Baby Carrier Cover

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