What To Buy When Expecting A Baby: From Nursery Furniture To Nappies

'What do I need to buy before my baby arrives?' is a question that every expecting parent finds themselves asking – particularly if you're a new mum or dad-to-be!

We're not going to deny that babies come with a lot of 'stuff' – from nursery furniture to nappies; there are a lot of items that you need to invest in before your new arrival.

If we were to list all the baby products you need before you welcome your baby into the world, we would be here all day! So instead, we have put together a guide of the essential items you need to purchase when expecting a baby.

Of course, the list isn't exhaustive, and you may find yourself needing to make further purchases once your baby arrives (truth is, nobody can fully prepare you for your baby, but we'll definitely try our best to help you as much as we can!).

What to buy when expecting a baby? Here are our seven absolute newborn essentials you need:

A Comfy Baby Crib or Cot

Your newborn baby is going to be doing a lot of sleeping. A lot. So investing in a comfortable sleeping space for your baby is really essential.

From Moses baskets to cribs to cots, there are plenty of options out there. But whatever option you go for, it should give your baby plenty of room to sleep comfortably – and safely!

When it comes to arranging your nursery, we always recommend placing your baby's sleeping station close to their nursery door and away from any windows or heat sources. Babies aren't able to regulate their temperature in the same way we do, so it's crucial to keep them away from the cold or heat.

Plus, keeping them close to the door gives you easy access during all times of the day and night – which you'll thank us for when your little one starts waking up in the middle of the night!

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Crib Vs Cot: Which Should You Choose for Your Baby?

Like we mentioned above, there is a wide range of sleeping spaces out there. But if you're unsure of which one to go for – crib or cot here are a few things to consider:

SnuzPod Bedside CribSnuzKot Cot Beds
  • Junior Design Awards 2021 Gold Winner
  • Machine washable mesh liner
  • Zip-down wall for easy access
  • Can be used next to your own bed for bedside co-sleeping
  • ComfortAir breathable System to help regulate baby's temperature for a good nights sleep
  • Junior Design Awards 2020 Silver Winner & Made For Mums Award 2021 Bronze Winner
  • Can convert to a toddler bed and up to 10 years old with optional extension kit
  • 3 mattress heights
  • Crafted using sustainably-sourced wood

Cosy Baby Bedding

Once you've decided on your baby's sleeping space, you'll need to invest in the perfect bedding. Bedding is super important for your newborn's comfort and safety.

Baby bedding should be breathable, comfortable and lightweight. The best bedding for your baby should be made from natural fibres like cotton, which are hypoallergenic and breathable – perfect for your baby's little body.

Here is a list of baby bedding items you'll need to purchase:

While you might be tempted to create a super cosy-looking bed, it's important to remember that there is such a thing as 'too much'. Avoid adding lots of pillows, blankets and stuffed toys – especially when your new baby is sleeping.

Loose sheets and blankets increase the risk of SIDS, so always remove any unnecessary or decorative items from your baby's crib when it comes to sleeping time.

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SnuzSurface Mattress

From £44.95

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Baby Bed Sheets 

From £16.95

Plenty of Nappies!

We have to talk about it – nappies are a major part of your baby's life!

Babies poop a lot (a lot), and they go through a lot of nappies. So stocking up before your little one arrives is essential!

There are so many brands and types of nappies out there, and you may want to try a few different ones out before settling on the one that works best for your baby.

And when it comes to the inevitable changing time, having the right changing station is essential.

A changing table from Snuz gives you plenty of room to keep all your changing essentials close in the table drawers – like nappies, wipes and creams – and is high enough to easily change your baby on with the removable changing frame.

Nursery Furniture to Store Your Baby Essentials

As we've already established, babies need a lot of stuff – and that means you'll need somewhere to store it all.

Your nursery furniture should include plenty of storage to keep your baby's stuff organised.

But while practicality is obviously a key factor, style is undeniably important! After all, you and your baby will spend a lot of time in your nursery, so it's worth investing in furniture that looks great.

The essential pieces of furniture you'll need for your baby's nursery include:

  • A wardrobe – to hang all your baby's clothes in (which is another essential!)
  • A dresser – to store nappies and other essentials
  • A toy box – for all their favourite toys

Snuz: Your Go-To for All Things Baby Nursery Furniture

Scandi-inspired nurseries are one of the most popular nursery themes thanks to their modern aesthetic. It's an utterly timeless style that looks just as good now as it will in years to come.

Plus, with Snuz's contemporary range of Scandi-inspired furniture, you can create the perfect minimalist look for your little one's nursery.

We have a whole collection of baby wardrobes, changing tables, cots, cribs...you name it! Everything you need to create the perfect nursery for your baby.

You can take a look at Snuz's range of nursery furniture here.

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Nursery Furniture Sets

From £699.95

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Nursery Drawers & Dressers

From £479.95

Baby Bathing Products

Bath time is one of the most special moments in your baby's day. It's a great time to bond with your little one, and it can help them relax before bedtime (and you'll want to do everything you can to help your baby wind down!).

Babies' skin is super delicate, so it's important to use products specifically designed for their delicate skin.

Choosing well-established and recommended baby bath products is essential to keep your baby's skin soft and hydrated.

When it comes to bath time essentials, you'll need:

  • Baby soap or shower gel
  • A soft baby bath sponge
  • Baby shampoo and conditioner
  • Baby lotion or moisturiser (to keep your little one's skin hydrated and soft)
  • Baby towels or baby washcloths

A Snug Baby Sleeping Bag

We recommend to all expecting parents that a baby sleeping bag is a must-have item for your baby.

A snug sleeping bag will keep your little one warm and comfortable at night, and you won't need to worry about any tangled blankets or sheets. And you can use them for daytime naps, too.

We have a whole range of award-winning baby sleeping bags with all sorts of different designs, so you can find something that fits your nursery theme perfectly.

They're super soft and snug, so your little one will sleep soundly and safely.

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All the Newborn Feeding Essentials

And we can't create an essential baby items list without talking about feeding time. Because feeding your baby will become one of the most important parts of your day.

You'll need:

  • Baby bottles, if you're formula feeding.
  • Breastfeeding pillows, breastfeeding blankets and nursing covers, if you're breastfeeding.
  • Bibs – because messes happen!
  • High chairs, for when you're planning to start weaning your baby.

As you get used to your new routine, you'll soon understand what is essential for your baby and what isn't. Some parents find they need a lot more than others – for example, some parents use a nursing pillow for every feed, and others don't.

Wrapping Up: What to Buy When Expecting a Baby

There is no definitive 'newborn checklist' that you need to follow when preparing for your baby – every parent will tell you that you'll never be able to fully prepare for parenthood!

But there are some essential items you'll definitely need to make sure your baby receives the best start in life.

From nursery furniture to bathing products, feeding essentials and sleeping bags, having the right items to hand is undeniably important for helping you and your baby through those first few months (and beyond!).

Don't forget that you can get all your nursery furniture and bedding essentials from Snuz – so you can rest assured of having the highest quality products to hand when expecting your baby.

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Faqs

In short, the most essential baby items you'll need are: nappies, baby clothes, baby feeding items, a crib or cot, baby bedding, nursery furniture and baby bathing products.

It's always a good idea to wait until you're safely into your second trimester before buying any bigger items, such as furniture and bedding. You want to make sure you have everything prepared before your bump stops you from being able to move around easily!

Avoid buying too many baby outfits and toys, as these can clutter and crowd your baby's space. Plus, they will quickly outgrow them, and you'll need to replace them soon! If you're buying second-hand baby items, it's crucial that you check them thoroughly for any potential safety concerns first.

Setting up your baby's nursery is a fantastic way to get excited and ready for the arrival of your baby together! Aim to have your baby's nursery set up, with all the essential items you need, around a month before your due date.

Snuz has all the key pieces of nursery furniture and bedding you'll need, so make sure to check out our range.

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