The Ultimate Expert-Approved Essential Baby Checklist For New Parents

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Shopping for a new baby can be overwhelming. There are so many products out there, most of them claiming that they are an absolute ‘essential’ for new parents.

But that can’t possibly be true; while we’re not one to knock buying products that make your life easier, we survived without app-controlled bottle warmers for years.

“With so many baby products available, it can be difficult to know where to begin,” says Hamish McPhillips, head of category management at Silver Cross.

To help you sort the fact of parenting essentials you need from the fiction, we’ve consulted him for a round-up of new baby essentials.

Newborn baby essentials checklist

“Start with a car seat, as it’s the one item you’ll need from day one,” says McPhillips.

“If budget allows, opt for a rotating infant carrier with a lie-flat function. 360-degree rotating car seats are ideal for getting your baby in and out of the car hassle-free, while a lie-flat position offers greater comfort and support for newborns.”

Best car seats to shop

iCandy Cocoon 360 Black Car Seat & ISOFIX Base

Celeb-approved travel cot

If you’re looking for a seat that you can bring them home from the hospital in, this one from iCandy has been safety tested to make it suitable for babies from birth.

Not only is the headrest fully adjustable, but the sides have added ventilation to ensure safety for newborns.

It also comes with a 360 base, meaning it makes getting your little one in and out of the car a breeze, and comes with a foldable support leg so you can easily store it when you’re not in transit.

Child fit: 40 to 87 cm/ 3 months to 12 yearsWeight limit: Up to 13kgSeat weight: 11kg with baseDimensions: 68 x 44 x 34kgSafety: i-Size (R129)

Maxi-Cosi Pearl XL Slide Pro

Designed to keep your child safe and comfortable until they no longer need a car seat, the Maxi-Cosi Pearl can be used until they’re 12 years old.

The newborn inlay accessory means you can use it from birth, but when they’re four you can easily switch to booster mode, which features an adjustable headrest.

No matter their age, its 360 degree rotation allows you to quickly get them in and out of the car – because you don’t need another thing slowing you down when you’re trying to leave the house.

But that’s not the only feature that prioritises comfort: the seat is lined with ClimaFlow fabrics, which maintains optimal airflow throughout the seasons.

Of course, safety is key, so it also uses a G-CELL structure to spread impact and reduce injuries should you get into any accidents.

Child fit: 61 to 150cm/ 3 months to 12 yearsWeight limit: Up to 36kgSeat weight: 8.2kgDimensions: Rearwards facing, 51-55 x 44 x 70-74cm. Forwards facing, 63-81 x 44 x 67-77cmSafety: R129/04

Joie Black Shale i-Juva 0 Car Seat

Most affordable car seat

As well as coming in at less than £100, this car seat takes an entire step out of your travelling routine as you can simply snap it into place in your pushchair – all without an adaptor.

Using a three-point harness, it makes sure your kid is both comfortable and safe. Joie has made it from machine-washable covers, which means you won’t have to worry about any unfortunate spillages, and it’s also included a sun canopy for extra protection when it’s bright outside.

Child fit: 40 to 75 cm/ up to 12 monthsWeight limit: Up to 13 kgSeat weight: 2.96 kgDimensions: 56 x 39 x 68 cmSafety: ECE R129/03 and i-Size

Maxi-Cosi Pebble Slide Pro Car Seat & FamilyFix Slide Pro Base

This versatile car seat means your baby can get their snooze in no matter where they are, thanks to the fact it lies completely flat.

So you can get your child out of the car quicker than you can say ‘pebble’, the seat also comes with a SLIDETECH 2 base that slides the seat out 27cm and 90 degrees so you can reach them without having to........

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