Whether you're preparing for your first baby or considering which gift to give at a baby shower
As a Belfast Newborn photographer Belfast, i completely understand how easy it is to be overwhelmed at everything you have to prepare and buy ready for a new baby’s arrival. There is so much choice available! Word of mouth recommendations are really valuable – they come from someone who has experience of the product already. So to help you choose, I reached out to some lovely mummies to see what they truly valued in those first stages. Here are some of their must haves spoken by mums themselves.
1. MAM Bottles
MAM Easy Start Self Sterilising Anti-Colic Baby Bottle 3 Pack (3 x160 ml) with Slow Flow MAM Teats
MAM Easy start self sterilising anti-colic baby bottle 3 pack with slow flow MAM teats. One of the top recommended items from you all was these MAM bottles. There is nothing more distressing than a baby crying. These anti-colic bottles are 100 Percent BPA and BPS Free making them ideal for baby feeding; peace of mind for parents and an ideal start in life for babies.
- Self-Sterilising: No need for a separate bottle steriliser; 3 minutes in the microwave and it is ready to use – ideal for when you are visiting friends or family
- Slow Flow Teat: The baby bottle has a Skin Soft Slow Flow Teat designed to feel just like mum – with a 94 Percent* acceptance rate, baby feeding is made easy with MAM
2. Napisan Non-Biological Germicidal Stain Remover I
Poo Explosions or to make those whites, white again. Highly recommended.
3. White noise machine / Shusher
A baby shusher is my number one essential during a Newborn session and lots of you ask about mine, but there are many variations available that offer everything on just one machine. So many parents often buy during or straight after their newborn photoshoot as they see the effectiveness of this small device.
- Baby Shusher – Ssssh Only / 15-30 minute auto turns itself off / Hand strap great for taking out and about
4. Tommy Tipper Milk Feeding Bibs
Tommee Tippee milk feeding bibs are extra absorbent and perfect for soaking up milk and dribbles to keep your baby’s delicate skin dry and free from irritation. Featuring a padded neckband, this bib is not only super comfortable for baby, but it provides extra protection against moisture build-up to protect baby’s neck and face. The super-soft fabric is gentle on baby’s skin and has obtained the OEKO-TEX 100 class 1 certification meaning it is guaranteed to be free from harmful chemicals, toxins and irritants. Suitable for 0m+, this practical feeding bib features a convenient hook and loop neckband that allows you to easily put the bib on and take it off as well as adjusting it to comfortably fit your little one. As your baby grows, simply adjust the neckband for their comfort. Available in 3 contemporary and beautiful designs featuring muted and soft colours that can be coordinated with our range of baby bottles, soothers and sleepwear. The double-sided baby bibs provide double the wear whilst allowing you to choose either side to match your baby’s clothes or simply the pattern or colour you prefer.
5. Book your Belfast Newborn Photographer to capture those early days in a Newborn Photography session
No one, and I mean no one can truly prepare you for how fast the Newborn stage flashes before your eyes. In amongst all the nappy changes, washing loads and exhaustion – they quickly grow out of their babygrows and being able to curl up on your chest. So capturing your Newborn stage is second to none and enables you to cherish those early stages forever! Top Recommendations is to purchase a Newborn Mini Session or a Newborn Photography Experience with the minimum package pre-paid for them.
6. Nuby Rapid Cool Bottle Set
Rapid Cool is the innovative new way to prepare a bottle feed that conforms to NHS guidelines, so you can be assured it is safe for you and your little one. This is a game-changing formula feeding solution that rapidly cools down a feed in only two minutes so you’re already ready to serve, wherever you are.
7. Nappy Caddy Organiser
Equipped with your essentials to move from room to room is something every parent I’ve spoken to is an absolute must when coming home from the hospital. Filled with nappies, change of clothes, Sudocrem, snacks for you, muslin clothes, wipes etc.. There would be nothing worse than changing your baby’s bum and they’re screaming the house down – and nappies are too far out of reach for you and then well.. we all know what mess comes next haha!
A baby caddy/snack station will help keep all those little bits and bobs in one place for you, especially ideal for the night time. It also makes life a lot easier to see which bits you’re running low on so you know what to put on the shopping list.
8. Mam Soothers
- Silicone teat: Like all MAM Teats, the soothers come with SkinSoft Silicone, accepted by 94 Percent* of babies for the close resemblance to a mother’s skin
- Helpful glow: These MAM 0-6 months soothers glow in the dark, allowing you to quickly check in on your baby at night and see the soother in their mouth
- Travel case: No need for a separate microwave steriliser, your MAM Travel Case can be sterilised in the microwave in just three minutes; making it ideal for travelling
- Healthy development: Give your newborn baby the best start to life by choosing an orthodontic soother that’s been developed to ensure healthy jaw development
- Product details: MAM Night Soothers 0+ months (pack of 2), newborn essentials, glow in the dark orthodontic soother with travel case
9. HALO Sleep Swaddle Bag
- ✨ SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY: HALO’s unique wearable swaddle sleeping bag replaces loose blankets in the cot and ensures a safer environment for your baby without the risk of sleep-related dangers. So, baby can sleep both comfortably & safely. Conforms to British safety standard BS EN 16781: 2018.
- ✔️ 3-WAY ADJUSTABLE: The HALO Swaddle allows parents to easily swaddle in three different ways; arms in, arms out, and hands-to-face. The easy-access zipper with a scratch-free cover allows nappy changing without undoing or removing the swaddle.
- ☁️ SMART FABRIC: Premium smart fabric works dynamically to absorb excess heat (and release it back as needed) & helps keep them at a comfy temp, so they sleep better (which could mean less wakeups).
- 📏 SIZE & MEASUREMENTS: Our sleeping bag is designed for babies from 0-3 months old, having a weight of approximately 6-12 pounds and showing 19-23 inches. If you wish to continue swaddling your baby after 3 months, choose HALO’s swaddle for babies 3-6 month
10. Rockit
- Rocks all makes of strollers, prams, buggies and pushchairs. Soothe your baby to sleep wherever you are.
- USB Rechargeable (cable included) with long battery life.
- New Rotating bracket (rotate the Rockit until it points directly up, for the best performance and battery life).
- Quiet motor with adjustable speed – helps you find the perfect sleepy rock for your stroller and baby.
- Safe to use from birth with a gentle 60 minute rocking cycle. Portable design means you can take it everywhere.
So whether you decide if any of these items would benefit you or you enjoyed this read – thank you! Newborn photography is such a relaxing and cherishing experience – if you are interested then take a look how to pre-book a newborn photography session here
Before you go...

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