Newborn essentials

Hey everyone,

Todays post is something I used to search for all the time when I was pregnant. Trying to make sure I was prepared for the first couple of weeks I wanted to have all the essentials for a newborn to hand.

Even though I have only had him for 2 weeks, these are the select few things I couldn’t live with out! I will do an updated list at a later date!

Starting off, Muslin Cloths. These are vital whether you’re bottle feeding or breast feeding! And you need so many! I got various ones from various places including Matalan, Aldi & Primark but the best ones I have had so far are from an Instagram business called @minimia. You can buy them in a pack of two for £10 or separately for £6 and even though they were more expensive than my others, the quality & durability of them speaks for itself. I am ordering some more and they have kindly given me a discount if anyone wants it. Use CHLOE10 at the checkout!

^ @minimia

Next up is a Dummy Holder Case. Oakland doesn’t have a dummy all the time and normally soothes himself, but I noticed him sucking his fingers/soothing himself on my boobs and of course it’s easier to take a dummy away so I decided to give him one but only at certain times as I don’t want him to become reliant on it. However, he constantly knocks it out with it being too big for him so it drops on the floor ALL the time. Therefore I like to keep back ups on me and also want somewhere to keep them safe in my bag so they’re not getting dirty etc. I found this cute backpack style case on Amazon and it attaches to the pushchair so perfect for when you’re out and about!

Alongside this, a dummy clip is perfect too! Both @minimia & @novababy over on Instagram have some gorgeous ones and you can also get them personalised!

^ @novababyco

Use OAKLAND15 for money off

Next up is the Love to Dream Swaddle Up Bag. Initially I didnt buy one of these because they are so expensive and I wanted to try a cheaper version to see if Oakland would settle in one. I opted for the Purflo Swaddle and that is also completely fine. However, i have come to realise he doesn’t like his arms across his chest and sleeps with them up above at the side of his head. The Purflo one didn’t have sleeves in so I decided to go ahead And buy the love to dream one! I got the starter bundle which included the Newborn & Size Small included. Because Oakland is so tiny, the newborn one is going to last a long time and I alternate between both the Purflo & Love to Dream one but I personally believe he sleeps better with the Love to Dream swaddle! Highly recommend it!!

^ Purflo Sleeping Bag

^ Love to Dream Swaddle

I was always planning on trying to breast feed however didnt get too fixated as I believe a fed baby is best and therefore made sure I had a couple of bottles prepared for his arrival just incase! I got the MAM self sterilising ones for free with the boots parenting app and also I got one for free at a private scan. If you follow me on Instagram you will have seen that due to Oakland being so tiny and also having jaundice, he’s been finding it hard to feed and my milk just hasn’t been enough for him so I have been topping up with formula. Therefore, I have been using these bottles as the teats are the perfect size for Oakland as they’re size 0. I think they’re between £7-10 individually which is very expensive but due to me not fully bottle feeding I’m able to maintain a good routine of sterilising the bottles in time of his 3 hourly feeds. I did however get one more so I now have 3.

Whilst in hospital, I used the Milton Cold Water Steraliser and it was such an easy process I’ve continued to use that method now I am home. I wash the bottles with warm soapy water and then rinse with cold water. Then I add them to the steriliser with a tablet and leave them for 20 minutes. The water is sterilised for 24 hours so I just change the water every day and it’s ideal for my lifestyle!

Perfect for cleaning dummys or changing mats, I bought a bottle of the Vital disinfectant spray! It’s ideal to use around the home and can be sprayed directly onto a dummy before giving it to your baby. Meaning if it drops on the floor it can be disinfected straight away! I really need to get a smaller bottle of this for my changing bag!

I only decided to get these at last minute but Water Wipes have been amazing! I bought them to use instead of cotton wool as it seemed easier to use in wipe form rather than cotton wool balls & water. They havent irritated Oaklands skin and are very wet making it easy to clean his bum! I will be using the Aldi wipes once he gets a little older but for now, with his skin being so delicate I am going to continue to use the water wipes to be on the safe side!

So for now that are my essentials! I will do an updated version in a few weeks as every day I'm finding I need something else or using something more etc. I thought I would share the more unusual items that I haven't seen many people talk about!

Thank you for reading!!

Until next time,

Chloe xx