Newborn baby essentials

NHS Newborn Essentials List & Baby Care Guide (UK)

NHS-approved guide covering everything UK parents need for their newborn, from essential items to vaccination schedules and breastfeeding support. Get complete NHS shopping lists and care guides.

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NHS Baby Vaccinations Schedule (UK)

Official NHS immunization schedule for UK babies and children, with detailed information on each NHS-recommended vaccine.

  • NHS-backed information
  • Printable high-quality PDF
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Newborn Essentials List

Complete shopping guide for first-time parents, including must-have items, nice-to-haves, and what to skip.

  • UK shopping lists
  • NHS-approved recommendations
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Best Nappies for UK Newborns (NHS-Approved Advice)

Eco-friendly nappies

Eco-Friendly Nappy Options (UK)

Biodegradable and environmentally friendly nappy options that are gentle on baby's skin.

  • Kit & Kin
  • Eco by Naty
  • Mum & You
  • Beaming Baby
  • Bambino Mio reusable nappies

Price range: £0.25-£0.45 per nappy (disposable)

Premium nappies

Premium Nappy Brands (UK)

High-quality nappies with excellent absorbency and comfort features.

  • Pampers Premium Protection
  • Huggies Newborn
  • Boots Premium
  • Mamia Premium (Aldi)
  • Lupilu (Lidl) Newborn

Price range: £0.15-£0.30 per nappy

Budget nappies

Budget-Friendly Nappies (UK)

Affordable options that still provide good performance for everyday use.

  • Aldi Mamia
  • ASDA Little Angels
  • Tesco Fred & Flo
  • Sainsbury's Little Ones
  • Morrisons Little Big

Price range: £0.07-£0.12 per nappy

Quick Tips for Newborn Nappies:

  • Newborns need changing 10-12 times per day
  • Buy size 1 (2-5kg) for average newborns
  • Some brands offer special "newborn" size (under 2.5kg)
  • Look for wetness indicators and umbilical cord cutouts
  • Consider sensitive skin options for the first few weeks
  • Start with a small pack of different brands to test

NHS Guide: How to Bathe a Newborn (UK)

Before bathing your newborn, gather all your supplies so you won't have to leave your baby unattended:

  • Baby bathtub or clean sink with bath support
  • Warm room (24°C/75°F)
  • 2-3 towels and 2 clean washcloths
  • Mild, fragrance-free baby soap
  • Clean nappy and clothes
  • Moisturizer if needed

Tip: Fill the bath before bringing your baby to the bathroom.

Mother bathing newborn

NHS Breastfeeding Guide (UK)

The NHS recommends exclusive breastfeeding for around the first six months of your baby's life if possible. Here are some key tips to help you establish breastfeeding:

Getting Started

  • Feed your baby as soon as possible after birth
  • Get comfortable before starting a feed
  • Hold your baby close with their nose level with your nipple
  • Let your baby's head tilt back so their top lip brushes against your nipple
  • Wait for your baby to open their mouth wide before bringing them to your breast

Good Positioning

  • Your baby's chin should touch your breast
  • Their nose should be clear for breathing
  • Their mouth should be wide open with lower lip turned outward
  • More of the darker skin (areola) should be visible above baby's top lip

Feeding Frequency

  • Feed on demand - whenever your baby is hungry
  • Newborns typically feed 8-12 times in 24 hours
  • Let your baby finish the first breast before offering the second
  • Alternate which breast you start with for each feed

If you experience pain or difficulty, seek support from your midwife, health visitor, or a breastfeeding specialist. The NHS offers breastfeeding support services across the UK.

Mother breastfeeding baby

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