Stokke/ Jojo Maman Bébé We hope you love the products we recommend! All of them were independently selected by our editors. Just so you know, HuffPost UK may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to shop from them. Oh, and FYI — prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication. Shopping for a new baby can be overwhelming. There are so many products out there, most of them claiming that they are an absolute ‘essential’ for new parents. But that can’t possibly be true; while we’re not one to knock buying products that make your life easier, we survived without app-controlled bottle warmers for years. “With so many baby products available, it can be difficult to know where to begin,” says Hamish McPhillips, head of category management at Silver Cross. To help you sort the fact of parenting essentials you need from the fiction, we’ve consulted him for a round-up of new baby essentials. Newborn baby essentials checklist Car seat “Start with a car seat, as it’s the one item you’ll need from day one,” says McPhillips. “If budget allows, opt for a rotating infant carrier with a lie-flat function. 360-degree rotating car seats are ideal for getting your baby in and out of the car hassle-free, while a lie-flat position offers greater comfort and support for newborns.” Best car seats to shop Pushchair “The second essential is your wheels,” says McPhillips. “Consider the type of lifestyle you have and how you’ll use your pushchair in your daily routine. Will you be walking around town every day, tackling country paths, or travelling frequently with your growing family?” It’s also worth considering a pushchair that is compatible with car seats and other kind of travel. “Many brands offer travel systems that pair with their car seats, which can be a great option for added convenience and value for money,” adds McPhillips. “I would definitely recommend looking out for carrycots that are approved for overnight sleeping too, making naps on the go and overnight stays much easier.” Best pushchairs to shop Crib “Bedside cribs are great option for the first few months, allowing your baby to sleep safely alongside you while making the night-time feeds much easier for you and your baby,” McPhillips says. “When planning your nursery, it’s definitely worth investing in nursery furniture that grows with your child. Convertible cots that transform into toddler beds are always a good option, supporting your child from birth through to their early years while creating a consistent sleep environment.” Best bedside and convertible cots to shop now Nursing chair “A comfortable nursing chair is another purchase many parents find themselves grateful for,” McPhillips says. “You’ll spend countless hours feeding, soothing and settling your baby during those early months, so having a comfortable place to sit can make a real difference to everyday parenting life.” Best nursing chairs to shop High chair “While we often think of highchairs as something for later, many modern designs can be used from birth with lie-flat newborn attachments and adapt as your child grows,” McPhillips explains. “Introducing your baby to family mealtimes from an early age can help encourage interaction, routine and social development.” Travel stroller “Although not an immediate essential, it’s also worth planning ahead for a compact travel stroller if you expect to take holidays or weekend trips during your baby’s first year,” suggests McPhillips. “Look for something lightweight, easy to fold and sturdy enough to cope with everyday adventures.” What to consider when shopping for a new baby As well as the size, weight, and age suitability – not to mention style – there are a few things to be mindful of when shopping as new parents. Compatibility If you’re shopping for a car seat, you’ll need to make sure you check whether it’s compatible with your car model, McPhillips explains. “Your car seat is arguably the most important purchase you’ll make, so it’s essential to ensure it’s compatible with your car and installed correctly,” he says. “Where possible, visit an independent nursery specialist and have the car seat fitted before you buy. Specialist retailers offer bespoke, tailored advice based on your family’s lifestyle, vehicle and daily routine. “They can carry out car seat fitting demonstrations and check compatibility. It’s always a good idea to spend some time practicising fitting your car seat yourself ahead of time too to help you feel confident.” Safety Of course, car seat compatibility is important because it ensures your baby stays safe. Safety should be the number one consideration across everything you buy, according to McPhillips. “It’s also key to be aware of independent safety ratings, such as ADAC, which provide some of the most respected crash-test tests available and can help parents compare the safety performance of different car seats,” he explains. “Look for trusted sleep brands with long-standing reputation for safety and quality, and products that have undergone rigorous testing for peace of mind. “If you’re considering purchasing a carrycot for daytime naps or overnight sleeping, ensure it is approved for overnight sleep and has been specifically designed for this purpose. A firm, flat mattress, good airflow and breathable materials are all essential elements of a safe sleep environment for a newborn.” In general, the fabric that comes into direct contact with your baby should be soft and breathable (like bamboo), McPhillips says. UPF 50+ protection can also be useful to protect your child from the sun. Longevity “Longevity is another key consideration when it comes to value for money,” McPhillips says. “Where you can, opt for car seats and nursery furniture that can be adjusted and converted as your baby grows.” Test “Most importantly, I always encourage expectant parents to take the opportunity to test products in person,” he adds. “Fold and unfold the pushchair, practice fitting the car seat, and ask plenty of questions. While online research is useful, it can’t be compared to hands-on experience and expert guidance offered by a trusted independent nursery specialist.” Mamas and Papas personal shopping If you’re not sure where to begin, Mamas and Papas offers a free personal shopping experience. With over 40 years of baby and child product expertise, its experts can offer guidance on what to buy in store, so you can ditch the registry and get a discount on your next shop. Read our full review here. Related... 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