If you’re expecting, you probably have a long list of items on your baby checklist to get before giving birth. From teeny tiny baby-grows, to nappies and wipes, there’s a lot to think about. But what about the big items? Which baby essentials are worth investing in and what should you consider before you purchase? Here’s some top tips from our expert parenting team.

Design and longevity

Babies come with a lot of ‘stuff’, but that definitely doesn’t mean that your home needs to become overwhelmed with crayola-coloured plastic. From nursery furniture to baby rockers, it’s worth thinking carefully about design as well as practicality for baby.

Firstly, we recommend looking for items that can grow with your little one. This will be more eco friendly in the long run. Investing in well-made pieces that can either be passed down or sold on is also good for the environment (and will also save you money!). Finally, think about your space and what will go with the aesthetic of your home. Ultimately, you’re going to have to live with these items every day.

A well-designed high chair is an important investment as it will be a central piece of furniture in your dining space for several years. The Nuna BRYN highchair (shown in the main image) is designed to last and can be used from when baby can sit up unaided to around six years old.

A beautiful piece of furniture in its own right, BRYN has a sculptural design with clean lines that will fit effortlessly into your space. We also love that the cushioned seat pad is washable, it has an adjustable footrest, tool-free assembly, and the removable tray means you can bring baby closer to the table.

Making parenting easier

Before you click ‘add to basket’ on any big items, have a think about your lifestyle. Will it make your day-to-day easier? Is it something that will fit into your routine? Does the functionality work for both you and your baby? Basically it boils down to being mindful in order to avoid costly mistakes.

One of the biggest purchases you’ll make is your stroller. You’ll likely use it most days from birth up until at least age four, so it’s really important to get it right. There’s so many prams and strollers on the market, the choice can feel overwhelming. A travel system that incorporates a car seat, stroller, and carry cot is a good place to start. This will give you flexibility to easily transition baby from car to stroller and is the best option for family holidays.

Don’t forget to think about where you live. For urban parents, something compact, easy to store, and lightweight enough to get on public transport is likely to be the best option. If you live in a more rural location, make sure it will fit in the boot of your car and the suspension is designed for off-road terrain.

The travel system-ready Nuna SWIV pushchair offers parents the best of both worlds. The innovative design has 360-degree swivel wheels, making it effortless to steer through crowded spaces. It folds with one hand, making your life easier as you navigate public transport (or juggle baby whilst packing up the car!). It also has spring suspension technology and a ​​carbon fibre reinforced aluminium frame for a smooth ride on any terrain. 

Beautifully designed with premium and eco-friendly materials, the SWIV is the do-it-all stroller that is definitely worth the investment.

Hardworking and multi-use

From baby cribs to rockers, there’s quite a few items that your baby will outgrow within six months or less. These items will probably seem important when you’re pregnant, but you’ll actually use them for a really short space of time. So it’s definitely worth factoring this in when you invest.

Looking for hard-working items that can be used in multiple ways is one of our favourite strategies when buying baby essentials. This will ensure you get maximum use out of bigger purchases and you’ll likely be able to use them longer if they can grow with your child.

The Nuna PAAL can be used as both a travel cot and a play space. With a compact, tidy fold it’s easy to transport – whether you’re off on holiday or staying the weekend at grandparents’. It has two mattress heights as your little one grows and can be used for safe sleeping from birth. The innovative design incorporates a zip-open side panel for little crawlers. Mesh panels allow for ventilation and an unobstructed view of your little one. It also includes an insect net and organic cotton sheet. 

Final thoughts

From design and longevity, to functionality for both you and your little one, thinking carefully about the bigger items on your baby essentials checklist can really pay off. Look for items that will last and work for your lifestyle. The right parenting kit should be enjoyable for both you and your little one to use as well as have in your home.

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