Top 40 Essentials for Labour, Birth, and a Newborn Baby

Welcoming a new baby into the world is such an exciting and wonderful time, but it can also be so overwhelming. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a list of what we think are the top 40 essentials you’ll need for labour, birth, the early postnatal period, feeding, and caring for your newborn baby. We understand that every pregnancy and birth is unique however, and whilst this list might not cover all base’s for everyone, it’s a great starting point!

All the product links are to Amazon, we found these to be the cheapest at time of publishing, we know how expensive it can be at the beginning!

Labour and Birth Essentials:

1. Birth Comb:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A birth comb can help manage pain during contractions. Applying pressure on the comb can stimulate the nerves and distract the brain from the pain signals during labour. It’s most effective in early labour and it’s always recommended to use a wooden one rather than a plastic comb as it is much less likely to snap under pressure.

”It was a great distraction in early labour, I even had one in each hand at one point!” Leah.M

2. TENS Machine:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a popular method for pain relief during labour; while the effectiveness of TENS machines can vary among individuals, they are a popular choice for many women and birthing people seeking a non-pharmacological method of pain relief during labour. They are non-invasive, have no harmful effects on the mother or baby, and can be used alongside other pain relief methods.

3. Rebozo:

 

 

 

 

 

Rebozo’s have been used by Mexican midwives for centuries and can be used during labour for comfort, support, and to help adjust the position of the baby, they come in different sizes so check this before you order one.

4. Eye Mask:

An eye mask can help you rest and conserve energy between contractions, and it can also help hugely with the drive to hospital or a birth unit (if that’s where you are choosing to give birth). We know that labour often slows down on the drive to hospital/birthing units where you move from your comfortable home environment to noises, bright lights and other distractions, sometimes keeping an eye mask and ear buds in can keep you in that wonderful oxytocin-fuelled ‘labour land’ and help prevent that flood of adrenaline that we know is not conducive at this stage of labour.

5. Fairy Lights:

Melatonin, often referred to as the “sleep hormone,” plays a crucial role in labour and birth. It’s primarily produced in the dark and at night, and it’s believed to influence the pattern of labour, which often progresses more rapidly during the night. Research suggests that melatonin has a synergistic relationship with oxytocin, the hormone that stimulates contractions.

A study published in the Journal of Pineal Research found that melatonin increases the production of oxytocin by the uterus, enhancing the strength of contractions. This suggests that melatonin may play a significant role in the initiation and progression of labour. Fairy lights and low-lighting as opposed to those horrible hospital strip lights are exactly what you need!

Even if those strip lights need to be on some times during your labour and birth, there are likely to be many opportunities you can switch them off and get those fairy lights on!

6. Battery Tea Light Candles:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As above can have a really positive impact on your labour and birth!

7. Microwavable Wheat Bag:

Warmth and comfort can really help to relieve labour pains, hot water bottles can be good too but a wheat bag, particularly infused with lavender can help further.

8. Spray bottle;

Really helpful for keeping cool during labour.

9. Hand-held Fan:

This can be used to keep you cool and comfortable during labour.

10. Birth Ball:

We’ve written a whole other article on birth balls and the benefits that are too great to fit in here, but in summary they’re great for labour and in pregnancy. It’s important to note they come in different sizes and it is important to get the size right.

11. Water Bottle with Straw:

Staying hydrated during labour is crucial, and a water bottle with a straw makes it easier to drink in any position.

12. Isotonic Sports Drinks:

These can help maintain your energy levels during labour; . Similarly high carbohydrate snacks are also great, think flapjacks, energy bars and toast!

Early Postnatal Period Essentials:

13. Perineal Spray:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This can provide instant relief for perineal soreness, bruising and swelling after childbirth, even if you do not have a tear or episiotomy. This mum approved multi-award winning Spritz for Bits contains natural essential oils which can soothe discomfort in the perineum after childbirth.

14. Disposable Postpartum Underwear:

These are comfortable and practical for the postpartum period, large, stretchy and able to maternity pads in easily;
Moist Toilet Wipes: These can provide gentle cleansing in the sensitive postnatal period, sometimes toilet tissue can feel too harsh and scratchy in the early postpartum days.

15. Freezable food containers:

Having meal-prepped food ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver in the early days postpartum.

16. Maternity Pads:

These are essential for managing postpartum bleeding, really you’re probably going to need 2-3 packs of 12 pads.

17. Moist toilet wipes:

Can be really helpful post-birth, in providing some comfort after using the toilet when toilet tissue can feel quite harsh at first.

Feeding Essentials

18. Reusable or disposable Breast Pads:

These can help manage any leaks between feeds, should you choose to breastfeed.

19. Steriliser:

There is a huge range of sterilisers available, but actually a cold water steriliser can be the most cost effective and the solution stays sterile for 24 hours which means you can use it multiple times over the day.

20: Baby Bottle Set:

 

 

 

 

 

Even if you’re breastfeeding, it’s good to have a set on hand for pumped milk or formula should you choose to feed your baby this way. These MAM bottles can self-sterilise in the microwave so are great if you’re ever away from home and don’t want to take your steriliser with you etc.

21: Handsfree Breast Pump:

This can make expressing milk more convenient and comfortable, they vary hugely in cost and if you’re only going to be pumping at home on your sofa then you’re unlikely to need a handsfree pump that you can discreetly pop in your bra. However if you’re wanting to express more frequently and on the go, a pump such as this one is great for this.

22. Nipple Cream:

Sore or cracked nipples can be a sign of an ineffective latch so it is so important to get this checked asap, however whilst this can be easily sorted with the appropriate support it’s important to keep yourself as comfortable as possible whilst this is happening and a natural nipple cream that is safe for mum and baby can help with this.

Newborn Baby Essentials

23: Car Seat:

Keep your eyes peeled for a whole blog article on car seats as this is something we’re super passionate about! Car seats vary hugely in their safety-ratings and they are a bit of a minefield! Whilst all infant carriers are rear-facing, and they are beneficial in terms of easy transfer to/from the car and being able to attach onto prams, once they get a bit older, extended rear facing car seats such as this one are a much safer way than forward facing for your child to travel.

Sleep safety for newborns

24. Swaddle Bags:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provided you swaddle correctly, with their body wrapped up, but not their head or neck, swaddling a baby can help sooth them and calm them and help them sleep better. Just make sure their legs have enough space to bend up and out! Swaddling can be quite tricky, especially for sleep deprived parents, so if this is something you’re worried about, swaddle bags such as these, that come in different sizes and togs can be really helpful.

25: Gro Egg Room Thermometer:

This helps ensure your baby’s room is at the safest temperature for them to sleep at, whilst also acting as a great nightlight.

26: Baby Thermometer:

For under one year olds, a standard digital stick thermometer tends to be the most effective for taking an accurate reading.

27. Snuz Pod/next-to-me cot:

This bedside crib allows you to keep your baby close during the night, which we know it is important to do for the first six months of their life. They can be really helpful for getting baby in and out of in the early days as there is a side that goes down so they can literally be, as the name suggests, next to you in bed; Please always follow safe sleep advice, the Lullaby Trust and BASIS (baby and sleep information source) are great sources of information on this.

28. Moses Basket:

Moses baskets can be really helpful for having downstairs or when you’re not in your bedroom as it will be a safe, flat surface for them to sleep on whilst being in the same room as you (important for the first 6 months at least as stated above). I would add that using the padded liner wouldn’t really be recommended – unknown tog rating and not breathable.

29: Organic Cotton Moses Basket Sheets:

Baby’s skin is so new and fragile, that organic cotton is a great option for bedding and clothes.

30: Organic Cotton Next-to-Me/Snuzpod Fitted Sheets.

31: Cotton baby grows/sleepsuits:

We know that everyone wants to buy all those adorable newborn outfits, but realistically all that’s important in the early days are your and your baby’s comfort, and scratchy, non-cotton clothes unfortunately are only likely to make your baby less settled.

32: Organic Cotton Baby Short-Sleeved Vests

33: Organic Cotton Baby long-sleeved vests

34: Organic Cotton Cellular Blankets:

These are breathable and perfect for swaddling, again please always follow safe sleep advice.

35: Baby Natural Sponge:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gentle on your baby’s skin during bath time, can be used solely with water.

36: Cotton Muslins:

Incredibly versatile, these can be used for feeding, as a comforter, or to clean up spills.

37: White Noise machine ‘ewan the sheep’:

White noise can really help settle some babies, especially at night when the house is quiet, they are used to your heartbeat, choosing blood, tummy gurgling, all those sounds! So the quiet can feel quite alien to them.

38: Organic Cotton Wool Balls:

Perfect for cleaning your baby’s delicate skin in the early days. Really cotton wool and water is your best bet in the early days above any wipes.

39: Baby Bath:

 

 

 

 

 

 

An essential item for a safe and enjoyable bath time, it also prevents you spending a fortunate filling your whole bath just for your newborn.

40: Cotton Sling for Carrying Baby:

At first newborns do not see themselves as a separate entity to their mothers, they want to be held, they want to be in close contact to their primary caregivers and this often means lots of lovely skin to skin contact. Whilst rest, recuperation and recovery in the early days is vital we understand there will be times when you want to still do things, whilst having your baby close. A sling can really help with this but it is really important to carry your baby safely and follow the TICKS principle; https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/swaddling-slings/.

 

Remember, every birth experience is unique, and every baby is unique and what works best for you and your baby might be different from what works for others. This list is a comprehensive guide, but it’s always important to consider your individual needs. It’s also SO important to remember that the most important things your baby needs, above any ‘items’, are you, love, comfort, safety and warmth.