Getting ready to welcome your baby is such a magical time, but it can also feel completely overwhelming. With endless “must-have” lists online and shops full of gadgets and gear, it’s hard to know what you actually need for a newborn.
As a newborn photographer based in Banstead, Surrey, and working with families from Reigate, Cobham, Kingswood, Cheam, Coulsdon, Oxshott, and South London, I’ve spoken to hundreds of new mums who’ve shared what’s truly useful in those early days.
So here it is — your no-nonsense, clutter-free guide to what to buy for your newborn (and what you can skip!).
Sleep will be top of your wish list in the early days, here’s what can help make it a little easier.
Must-Haves:
Moses basket, crib or bedside sleeper
Ideal for keeping baby close in those first months. Look for something safe and compact for your space.
Fitted sheets & waterproof mattress protectors
2–3 sets are usually enough to rotate and wash.
Swaddles or newborn sleeping bags
Choose breathable fabrics, many babies sleep more soundly when gently swaddled.
White noise machine or app
Great for soothing your baby to sleep and blocking out background noise.
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, having the right tools makes all the difference.
Must-Haves:
10+ muslin cloths
You’ll use these constantly for spills, feeding, and burping.
Bibs & burp cloths
Soft, absorbent and easy to wash.
Bottles and steriliser (if bottle-feeding or expressing)
Start with a couple of different bottle types to see what your baby prefers.
Breastfeeding pillow (if nursing)
Supports your back and arms during long feeds.
Nipple cream & breast pads
Essentials for those early breastfeeding days.
It’s tempting to go overboard with cute outfits, but keep it simple and practical.
Must-Haves:
7–10 sleepsuits (babygrows)
Zip or popper suits in soft cotton are best.
7–10 vests or bodysuits
Layer under sleepsuits depending on the season.
Cardigans, hats & socks
Depending on the time of year ,layers are key.
Mittens
To stop little ones from scratching their face.
A pramsuit or jacket
For winter babies, you’ll need a warm outer layer for outdoor trips.
Newborn skin is delicate, so go for gentle, fragrance-free options.
Must-Haves:
Changing mat
Easy to clean and portable.
Nappies & wipes
Stock up on size 0 or 1, plus sensitive wipes or cotton wool.
Nappy cream
Sudocrem, Bepanthen or a natural alternative to prevent rashes.
Baby bath or bath support seat
Choose whatever fits best in your bathroom space.
Soft towels & baby wash
Hooded towels are great for keeping baby warm post-bath.
Whether it’s a quick trip to Epsom or a walk around Reigate Hill, you’ll want these on hand.
Must-Haves:
Car seat
You can’t leave hospital without one! Make sure it’s properly fitted, many Surrey baby stores like John Lewis in Kingston or Natural Baby Shower in Bagshot offer free car seat fitting services.
Pram or travel system
Think about your lifestyle, narrow pavements in Cheam? Country walks near Cobham? Choose one that fits your routine.
Changing bag
With space for nappies, wipes, a change of clothes, and bottles.
Baby carrier or sling
Great for bonding and hands-free movement. Check out local sling libraries in Surrey and South London to try before you buy.
Nice-to-Haves (but not essential)
Baby monitor
Playmat or baby gym
Dummy/pacifier
Rocking chair or feeding chair
Nightlight or soft lamp
Breast pump (you may prefer to wait and see if you need it)
Final Thoughts from a Surrey Newborn Photographer
As lovely as it is to shop for your baby, you don’t need everything. Focus on the basics that make feeding, sleeping, changing, and bonding easier, the rest can come later.
And remember, what your baby needs most is you, your love, comfort, and presence.
Planning Newborn Photos?
If you’re getting ready for life with a newborn, now’s the perfect time to think about capturing those early days.
I offer natural, elegant newborn photography sessions from my studio in Banstead, Surrey, as well as outdoor family sessions across Reigate, Cobham, Cheam, Oxshott, and South London.
From gentle posing to timeless styling, I make the experience calm, baby-led, and truly memorable.
Ready to book your newborn session?
Let’s chat about reserving your due date.
hello@natashacranleyphotography.com
www.natashacranleyphotography.com
Locations Covered:
Banstead | Reigate | Cheam | Kingswood | Cobham | Oxshott | Coulsdon | Epsom | South London | Surrey Hills
Pregnancy has a way of moving through its own private calendar. Some weeks feel endless, others disappear before you have had a chance to catch your breath, and somewhere in
The newborn stage barely pauses. Tiny yawns, curled fingers, the particular weight of a baby only a few days old, all of it passes in what feels like a matter
There is a particular kind of stillness that settles over a maternity session. The world outside keeps moving, but inside the studio, everything slows down. For an hour or two,
The newborn stage is one of the shortest chapters in a family’s life. It passes in a blur of feeds and sleepless nights, and before most parents have had a
The weeks before a baby arrives are full. There is so much to think about, so much to prepare, and somewhere in the middle of all of it, you know
Pregnancy is one of those seasons that exists in its own quiet time. There is anticipation in it, tenderness, and akind of wonder that is difficult to put into words.