Whether you are collating your own extensive shopping list, or seeking a thoughtful baby shower gift, these are the considered newborn buys that are built to last.
A new arrival is an exciting yet daunting time for parents, thankfully The Sybarite has put together a list of the best buys on the market. From whizzy strollers to sleep solutions, cosy accessories to adorable clothing, these are the tried and tested names to know.
The Little Green Sheep Moses Basket
The average newborn can sleep for up to 18 hours a day, thus they need somewhere safe and cosy to do so, which is where the Moses basket comes in. For the most coveted iterations on the market, it has to be The Little Green Sheep. These secure baskets make an ideal space for your baby to sleep for their first six months. Crafted using palm leaf, mums can have peace of mind that this natural material is free from chemicals and nasties. Design-conscious parents will love the luxurious, tonal aesthetic too – complete with organic, breathable liners in a range of neutral hues and textures. The basket itself is lightweight yet sturdy, filled with a firm mattress making it easy to move your little love between rooms in the home. Pick between a folding or rocking stand, dependent on your baby’s whim.
The best baby monitor acts as your eyes and ears, helping you check on your child without disrupting their slumber. As technology becomes more and more intelligent, so do baby monitors, most acutely felt with the genius Owlet Dream Sock. This smart sock is a seemingly futuristic device which monitors a baby's heart rate and oxygen levels, and also notifies you of your child’s sleep state. There’s no need to worry how your baby will react to having something strapped to their foot, it’s ultra soft and lightweight. While you have no physical view of your baby (unless you opt for the additional camera) the live health information feeds through to the corresponding Owlet Dream app, providing the peace of mind that you’ll be alerted with push notifications and a beeping sound should your baby need you. In short, it is a true godsend for anxious new parents.
With night feeds a mainstay of (at least) those first few months, a beside crib is a non-negotiable to make waking at all hours feel that little bit easier. The Snüz SnuzPod Studio Bedside Crib is the latest design from the go-to brand for the original next-to-me sleep solution. The minimalist Scandinavian design will please aesthetes: it's available in eight colours to complement pretty much every bedroom. With six adjustable heights and optional castor wheels, it’s ultra portable and adaptable — allowing your baby to forever be in your eye line. The mesh sides allow airflow to regulate your baby’s temperature, and with zip down sides, it makes those impending night feeds far less of a strain.
For an all-singing all-dancing pram that works for all terrain and also looks impossible chic, the Nuna mixx™ next is a must-purchase for first time parents. There’s a lot to love about this stroller: it’s easy to flip the seat so your baby can face you or outwards, it has a seamless quick-click fold lock so you can easily stow it in the boot of your car and unfold upon reaching your destination. It feels incredibly secure and sturdy (without the clunky feel of some other brands), and the wheels are tough and foam-filled, so it glides smoothly on the most uneven of paths, making it idea for both town and country living. It’s also so easy to steer, you can even do it one-handed, while juggling your much-needed coffee. There are five positions for the seat to recline to too — perfect for newborns napping on the go, while the highest seat position is ideal for dining out in restaurants, no highchair required.
Comfort is king with the Nuna mixx™ next: the all-season seat keeps your baby cosy in winter and easily converts to mesh in summer, plus the extendable UPF 50+ canopy is ideal to protect against both rays and rain. Storage is ample, with plenty of nifty pockets to stow away your essentials. And finally, the leatherette details and range of neutral hues (we covet shade Cedar) account for stylish form and superlative function. For ultimate comfort, opt for the additional mixx™ next carry cot allowing your baby to lie completely flat. It effortlessly attaches and detaches to the main frame allowing your little one to be carried indoors without disturbing their nap time. Plus, a mesh peek-a-boo window allows you to subtly check on your little one mid-walk, to see if your efforts to lull them off to sleep are working. Genius.
Perfect for at home and on-the-go, this nifty and compact speaker will (hopefully!) lull your little one into a restful sleep. It combines three soothing sounds — white noise, Brahms lullaby and a melodic ‘shush’ — to create a safe and calming environment to nod off to. The minimalist design blends into every nursery, and with bluetooth capability, it can connect to your child’s favourite songs and lullabies as they grow, for a comforting bedtime wind down.
A reliable and seamless breast pump can be a mum’s best friend and the MomCozy 9 is a comfortable and convenient option. Every mum knows that every moment is precious, and the fact that this model is hands-free allows multi-tasking, so you can pick up those chores or indulge in some much-needed self-care as you express. The pump offers powerful suction, with three adjustable modes and 15 intensities to choose from. It also connects to an intelligent app, allowing mothers to easily switch between settings, monitor and log milk expression, and set alerts to keep on top of their pumping schedule. With a wireless design and up to five pumping sessions per charge, it truly is the breast pump of choice for mums on-the-go.
BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance Soft and Baby Carrier Harmony
BabyBjörn is arguably one of the most iconic names in the baby market, and little ones adore the magical baby bouncer — their hero product. Almost every parent I know has one, it's the ideal spot to pop your baby when they are not being fed, cuddled or sleeping and the gentle rocking motion (responding to your baby’s movements) soothes any tears in an instant. New this year, the brand has added to its Tri fabrics range. This material consists of 3D jersey and airy 3D mesh, for ultimate comfort and softness, cosiness or coolness, depending on the temperature. The bouncer is suitable for newborns up until approximately two years, with three different heights so it cleverly adapts as your baby grows. It’s effortlessly portable, so ideal for nights away from home, or you can easily stow it away on the rare occasion it is not in use. The additional toy bar attachment with cute wooden shapes is a savvy investment to stimulate your baby's developing brain.
Another BabyBjörn bestseller is the Baby Carrier Harmony, now available in 3D mesh. This award-winning carrier is a soft and ergonomic option to keep your baby close while out and about, or even doing chores around the house. The pressure-relieving waist belt, shoulder straps and back support make it incredibly comfortable for you to wear also. It has two heights for newborns and older babies (suitable for up to three years old). Plus, there are nifty poppers that adjust to ensure your baby’s head is always supported. There are also four ways you can hold your baby, adjusting to their preference.
I have lost count of the amount of times I’ve been recommended the CYBEX Cloud T i-Size car seat which has received ample awards for safety while also looking ultra sleek. With a 360 degree rotating base it's a game-changer for seamlessly getting your little in and out the car. There’s no need to awkwardly lean over to get your baby, instead simply swivel the seat towards the door. Plus the seat easily clicks out of the corresponding base, so as not to disturb their slumber. Ultra comfortable, the innovative recline system allows for an ergonomic lying position, perfect for longer journeys and preventing your baby’s head from slumping. Plus, crafted with 3D mesh, it guarantees coolness and comfort no matter the temperature.
If you are looking for a thoughtful gift for newborns to grow into, look to Banwood. The Scandi-inspired brand specialises in adorable trikes and scooters in a kaleidoscope of colours to inspire little ones. Designs are contemporary, minimalist and chic (the opposite of an eyesore cluttering up your shed or hallway). The trikes are perfect for sparking an interest in cycling from ages two and above. With a rustic basket to stow any essentials, outdoor adventures with your little one in tow await!
La Coqueta is a London-based, Spanish-made childrenswear brand inspired by founder Celia Muñoz’s heritage. Designs are so adorable, you’ll wish you could squeeze into them too. Think plenty of ditsy florals, ruffled collars and bows. Gift a piece from this whimsical brand to a little one and you’ll be inspiring a burgeoning fashionista. As we transition into autumn, a knitted set makes a beautiful and thoughtful gift for little ones. Crafted from pure Merino wool, this soft duo is embroidered with a charming duck motif. Look out for the brand’s knitted bonnets also.
A portable baby nest is a multifunctional investment for any newborn, making it easy to safely and securely cocoon them as you move around your house. It’s also perfect for lounging, nappy changes and tummy time. Stockholm-based label Elodie Details have the chicest, minimalist designs available in an array of shades to suit every nursery. The mattress is sturdy yet soft, crafted from 100% cotton, plus the long straps mean it's easy to transport your baby around with you without disturbing them. The cover is easily removable for ease of washing, and there’s even a little pocket to stow away essentials — from baby wipes to muslins.
Scandiborn is a one-stop shopping destination for everything your little one needs: from nursery furniture and baby toys to adorable clothing, all infused with a Scandinavian-led aesthetic. They are meticulous about the brands and artisans they stock, one such brand being Little Dutch, who specialise in multisensory and immersive toys that encourage development and play, while also looking terribly chic (no garish colours in sight). A baby gym is a perfect gift to entertain, stimulate and develop your baby’s eyesight and brain development, while encouraging muscle strength as they engage and explore. The Little Dutch baby gym blends a host of textures, sounds and charming plush toy attachments to hone their sensory skills and foster hand-eye coordination. Plus it will look rather beautiful in any baby’s nursery too.
Plenty of baby toys are vibrantly bright, yet for the first four months of a newborn’s life, their retinas can only detect large contrasts between light and dark. Enter Etta Loves, an intelligent baby brand that specialises in chic yet stimulating monochrome muslins, blankets and sensory strips tailored to your baby’s visual and cognitive development. This reversible muslin blanket is the perfect sensory accessory for cuddles, tummy time, or tucking round your baby in their pram. The reversible fern print is ideal up to four months, and simply reverse to the colour-pop sycamore print from five months. The ultra-soft organic cotton fabrication will be soothing to your little one too.
Weaning starts from 6 months, but you can socialise your baby in your meal times from the get-go with the KAOS Klapp chair with the newborn seat attachment. This is the iconic product from the Scandi brand, founded on the principle of crafting environmentally-conscious and thoughtfully-designed baby gear, built to last. With the newborn attachment, the KAOS Klapp is built to grow with your child from birth to eight years. The design is sleek and functional, available in a sweet array of colours to easily fit into the modern aesthetic of your home. Built like a staircase, children can sit at different heights, with steps to rest their feet as they grow. Simply add a variety of different attachments — from trays to safety rails— as they develop. Weaning is a particularly messy phase; thankfully the KAOS Klapp it’s a dream to wipe clean, crafted from recycled plastic and wood pulp, with no awkward nooks and crannies for stray food to accumulate.
It can seem near impossible to choose the perfect pram with a dizzying array of brands and options on the market, particularly with their price points making them arguably one of the pricier investments for your new arrival. However, when it comes to a pram that’s compact for hopping on the tube, or stowing in the overhead locker for your travels, the Stokke YOYO³ is the ultimate lightweight go-to. This is a genius pram that grows with your child, simply choose a new shell to add to the sturdy frame. The newborn pack is perfect for your little one, allowing them to lay flat and close to you. The YOYO³ folds up almost instantaneously, allowing you to store it safely out the way, or sling over your shoulder on-the-go. The 10kg of storage is perfect for your essentials, and then some. Plus there are plenty of nifty add-ons: from cup holders to parasols and leg rests, depending on your needs.
Soren’s House was founded in the UK in 2016 on the principle of bringing beautiful Scandi design to the UK market, it excels in bringing together a host of eco-conscious and natural products, which are also incredibly aesthetically pleasing. Think much-loved labels like Avery Row, Finnsøn and Kas Kopenhagen. Parents spend a lot of time changing nappies, so it’s important to have all the gear to make the process as seamless as possible. The Kas Kopenhagen changing mat has been artfully designed with safety in mind. Made for 100% polyurethane foam it is ultra stable while moulding to your baby’s body to avoid any mid-change tears. The high sides help keep your baby in place with no rolling, and it is waterproof and wipe-clean (very important). The minimalist design will make a great addition to any changing table.
Gone are the days of leaving the house with just your phone, keys and lip balm. With your little one in tow, you need a whole host of essentials (from muslins and toys, to nappies, bottles and dummies). A stroller bag need not be a dull purchase though, thankfully there’s Finnsøn, a Scandi brand which excels in capacious yet chic accessories. We are coveting the FREYA, particularly in a fun leopard print. This is quite frankly the bag to fit EVERYTHING in, and is a multifunctional blend of stroller accessory with changing bag thanks to stroller clips and a cross-body strap. Stylish, functional and cleverly designed with myriad internal and external pockets — plus a thermal bottle holder — it makes you feel organised on even the most frazzled sleep-deprived days.
Avery Row is an undeniably beautiful British brand, inspired by the British countryside which manifests in smart accessories replete with earthy hues and delicate florals to delight parents and little ones alike. A perfunctory scroll on Instagram will undoubtedly have turned up their iconic quilted changing bag, which, as part of the bundle, makes a perfect baby shower gift for the mum-to-be in your life. The organic cotton baby bag, in a minimalist quilted design is a true mum’s best friend, with ample space, pockets, and a wide strap for ultimate comfort and support. It comes with a travel changing mat and corresponding muslins in beautiful rustic prints for on-the-go changing, feeding and acts as a blanket for your stroller. Available in an array of hues and prints, we’re coveting the Riverbank Collection, with a pretty botanical design.
The brand’s stylish nappy caddies are also an essential to minimise clutter: housing nappies, baby wipes, creams and muslins for ease. Pick from an array of floral prints for your bathroom, nursery and beyond. Who knew storage solutions could be so chic.
BINIBAMBA X Mori Sleepsuit & Snuggler Buggy Liner Gift Set
Give the gift of a good night’s sleep with this MORI x BINIBAMBA Sleepsuit & Snuggler Buggy Liner Gift Set. MORI is heralded as the go-to for excellent sleepwear in temperature-regulating fabrics, made from a blend of bamboo and cotton. The two-way zip is a genius feature for easy undressing and nappy changes. This iteration comes in a cute oatmeal stripe, adorable for boys and girls alike. BINIBAMBA’s luxury pram liners have an equally cult-like following, making this a truly dream duo. Crafted from merino sheepskin, it is a cosy essential for cooler days to come.
Forivor is a whimsical British brand specialising in beautifully illustrated baby muslins, blankets and other accessories to spark wonder and joy in young minds. Designs look to be lifted from children’s story books which was indeed the inspiration for co-founder Alice RubyRoss’ meticulous hand-drawn designs — from charming tea parties, to woodland landscapes and ethereal intergalactic scenes.
The Legends of the Sea quilted duvet makes a beautiful gift for newborns which can be used for tummy time, as a picnic blanket, or bedding. This calming seascape is brimming with marine wildlife – fish, seals and whales found in the British coastline. Turn over the reversible blanket to uncover a mystical underwater world of mythical creatures for nighttime, it will encourage magical bedtime stories for your little one to nod off to.
Get to grips with swaddling the easy way, with Kyte Baby’s Sleep Bag Swaddler, an all-in-one sleep system suitable for newborns and beyond. It functions as both a swaddle and sleep bag. The nifty swaddle wrap features an easy Velcro closure, which is secure and easily adjustable as your baby grows. If your baby doesn’t like the swaddle, it can be fully removed and function solo as a sleeping bag for newborns up to 13lbs. Crafted from cloud-like bamboo rayon, it’s gentle on even the most sensitive of skin types, and ultra breathable to keep your little one the ideal temperature.
For clothing fit for royalty, Pepa London is the timeless childrenswear label to know. Prince George and Princess Charlotte have been spotted in the British-Spanish brand’s beautiful designs which are quintessentially British and traditional. Expect peter pan collars, limited edition hand-smocked dresses, rompers, and bloomers fit for a future king or queen. Newborns should always be dressed in one more layer than you, making knitwear a fundamental component of a baby’s wardrobe. This open-knit cardigan is a signature Pepa London piece. Crafted in high-quality knit, this ultra-soft cardigan is available in a range of delicate pastel hues and will keep them comfortably warm in those early weeks.
A good night’s sleep may seem elusive right now but Rosa & Blue aims to send your little one to the land of nod with this heart-embossed gift set. Matching sets are a whole new level of adorable and this gift set includes a cosy bamboo sleepsuit, 1.5 TOG sleeping bag, and corresponding bamboo and organic cotton bed sheet. Sweet dreams!
Who doesn’t love a hamper? And we’re sure your baby will too. Delightful British childrenswear brand Rachel Riley has designed the ultimate hamper, sure to delight any recipient. This Daisy hamper presents a beautiful array of clothes and accessories in a pretty wicker basket. It contains a sumptuous daisy-print cotton two piece with matching blanket, a broderie anglaise bodysuit, and a teething toy. The basket can be repurposed as a nappy caddy or to stow away toys too.
