Having a baby for the first year means the list can feel endless - blankets, toys, gadgets, soothing tools… and every list you see online seems longer than the last.
But here’s what real parents and thousands of BBB customers actually use daily, versus what ends up in a drawer or donated after a couple of weeks.
This guide is zero fluff and zero guesswork with product examples from Babe Bump & Beyond that families return to again and again.
1. Soothers, Pacifiers & Accessories
Pacifiers aren’t just “cute extras”, they get used, dropped, misplaced, and required especially in those first sleepless months.
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Many parents love multi-packs like Frigg's Baby's First Pacifier Set - with four different teat varieties to help you figure out what your baby actually prefers.
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Pair with a Pacifier Holder so you’ve always got some on hand and they are not lost around the house or pram.
- For deeper soothing, the Moonie Humming Bear becomes part of sleep routines fast with its pink noise heartbeat sound and gentle light that works for naps and night wakes.
2. Feeding Helpers That Actually Make Life Easier
Feeding doesn’t end at mealtime - cleaning and organisation matter too.
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The Cloud Drying Rack & Drainboard is one of those “why didn’t I think of this earlier?” items for bottles, teats, cutlery, and pump parts.
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Items that make cleanup easier end up being highly recommended like the Splat Mat and dishwasher safe Silicone Bib.
- The Subo Food Bottle is one of those products parents don’t realise they need until solids start - then it becomes a daily staple for yoghurt, smoothies, purées, and mess-free snacks on the go.
3. Organisation Essentials That Save You Time
When you’re on the move or running back and forth from the pram, changing bag, and home, organisation is everything.
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Nursery organisers like the Bunnie Caddie keep nappies, wipes, clothes, comforters, and accessories ready without frantic searching. A smaller Mini Bunnie Caddie is perfect for quick trips in the car or as a second caddy for the lounge.
These become the hub of your daily routines.
4. Comfort On The Go
Whether it’s a walk, a drive, or just getting from room to room, comfort matters.
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Natural sheepskin pram liners like the Milk Snuggler make a difference when out and about keeping baby cozy.
- Hvid's Cocoon is one of those “why didn’t I buy this sooner?” items. Supportive, calming and ideal for newborn rest and cuddles.
This is one of those products parents forgot they needed until they used it.
5. Feeding & Leak Protection
If you’re feeding for any length of time, comfort + practicality become essentials.
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Reusable breast pads give discreet protection and are washable, so you don’t run out in the middle of a day out.
- Individually wrapped Lila Jasmine's Lactation Bars live in prams, glove boxes, and handbags - for fuel during long days, cluster feeds, and missed meals.
These are the items parents reorder without hesitation.
6. What’s Actually in the Nappy Bag
These are the items parents keep restocking:
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Malo Spray Diaper Cream for quick, hygienic, no wrestling a wriggly baby mid-change efficiency.
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Burp cloths - used for feeds, spills, wind, and as emergency wipes.
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Spare pacifiers (always more than one).
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Wipes, nappies and a portable change mat.
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A change of clothes and accessories like a beanie or sunhat.
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Bink Mama Bottle for one handed drinking that quietly supports milk supply, energy levels, and overall well being.
- A cozy merino blanket for all seasons.
If it earns a permanent spot in the bag, it’s essential.
What Doesn’t Really Get Used
Not everything sold for “first year” actually pulls its weight.
If it doesn’t make a routine easier, it’s probably not pulling its weight.
Every family will swear by different things. One parent’s “you don’t need that” is another parent’s daily essential.
I was told I didn’t need a nappy bin - I don’t know how I would have survived without one. I used my changing table every day, yet my crib barely got touched because we co-slept.
There’s no universal list. There’s only what works for your baby, your home, and your season of motherhood.
That’s why our edit isn’t about having everything, it’s about having the right things when you need them.
How We Curate, So You Don’t Have To
At BBB, we don’t stock everything possible. We stock what:
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gets reordered
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gets mentioned in reviews
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is recommended in bundles by real parents
This results in a lean, meaningful edit, not options overload.
Final Takeaways
The first year isn’t about having more things, it’s about having better ones that support daily life, make routines smoother, and help you breathe a little easier.
You don't need to buy everything before baby arrives, you can buy as you go through each stage.
