Frequent night waking in babies what does people mean by sleep regression

Seeing those baby-essentials lists can feel a bit scary… How much will this all cost? How do I know what really matters and what doesn’t? How can I keep the costs down? You can save tens of thousands of forints by skipping things that are unnecessary or end up unused.

We don’t just want to hand you a plain list. For each item we’ve added tips and tried-and-tested advice so your decisions are easier and your budget stays intact.

Let’s dive in.

We’ll look first at feeding, then baby care and clothing, then sleep, and finally getting around.

Baby essentials for feeding

Breast pump

Although hand expression is a useful skill, in practice a good-quality breast pump helps a lot. Don’t skimp on quality. A poorly designed pump can even cause tissue damage. It’s worth expressing and storing any excess milk. You may need it later, and it also helps prevent engorgement, mastitis and supply dips. Once your supply regulates you might need the pump less, but in the early days you almost certainly will. Because quality matters here, ask a professional for recommendations, for example an IBCLC lactation consultant.

Bottle or feeding cup?

Have a back-up plan for feeding that isn’t the breast. Be aware that bottles can cause nipple confusion and may interfere with breastfeeding. A popular alternative is a small feeding cup, which avoids these issues. That said, some babies only accept a bottle, so keeping an inexpensive one as an emergency spare is sensible. If you end up using bottles regularly you can upgrade later.

Before giving up on breastfeeding, speak to a specialist. You may be very close to a simple solution. Add a lactation consultant’s contact details to your essentials list.

Hypoallergenic formula for newborns

Many new mums feel safer having one tin of formula at home for emergencies, in case breastfeeding is suddenly interrupted at a time when shops are shut. You might never use it, but having it can be reassuring. If it nears its expiry, you can use it yourself in porridge or as milk. Since you won’t yet know about any sensitivities, choose a hypoallergenic option. Ask around before buying. A friend may have an unopened spare you can buy cheaper. Always check expiry dates.

Steriliser – or is there another way?

If you use pumps or bottles, you’ll need to sterilise them. A microwave steriliser is quick and handy, but you can absolutely save the cost by boiling items in a pan of water for a few minutes. Adding a tiny pinch of citric acid helps prevent limescale. If money is tight, you can manage without a dedicated steriliser and buy one later if you still want it.

Nursing bras

Your true nursing size only reveals itself once your milk comes in. Don’t buy too many in advance. Pick up a couple of inexpensive, soft, non-restrictive bras for the first days, then reassess once your size settles.

Breast pads

Reusable breast pads are great for home. In hospital, disposable ones are often more practical. You can often find leftover packs cheaply from mums who didn’t use theirs.

Nursing pillow

You can live without one, but it’s genuinely helpful. Comfortable positioning makes breastfeeding easier for both baby and mum. A good pillow can be a real success factor.

Baby care essentials

Let’s start with bathing and skin care.

Baby bath

You’ll need a small baby bath. Decide where you’ll bathe the baby and check space. If your bathroom is tiny or only has a shower, you’ll probably use another room, so choose a bath that’s compact and easy to move.

Baby bath emollient

Newborns don’t need foaming, harsh cleansers and these can do more harm than good. Many mums notice baby’s hair starts getting greasy only after using conventional baby shampoo. Mild, plant-based bath oils you add to the water help protect skin from drying tap water.

Baby moisturiser / nappy cream

Even with the gentlest products and fabrics, newborn skin can redden or get heat rash. It’s sensible to keep a natural, newborn-safe cream at home. Some can be used both as nappy cream and as an all-over body moisturiser. Whatever you try, do a quick patch test first. Even with natural products, test a pea-sized amount on baby’s arm and check the next day.

Umbilical-stump care

Protocols change from time to time, so follow your midwife’s or paediatrician’s current advice and get exactly what they recommend.

Cotton buds? Go easy

ENT doctors advise against inserting cotton buds into ears, even the baby kind, because they can push wax deeper. Let earwax migrate out naturally and wipe the outer ear gently with a towel corner.

Baby nail scissors or clippers

Don’t use the family’s tools to avoid cross-contamination. You shouldn’t cut a newborn’s nails for about two weeks, which leads to the next tip:

Newborn scratch mitts

Pack a pair in your hospital bag. Since you won’t trim nails initially, mitts can prevent baby from scratching their face.

Baby towels

Choose towels that wrap fully around baby after the bath. Square baby towels with a little hood are very handy. Have at least 2–3 so there’s always a clean one while others are in the wash.

Bath thermometer?

Useful, because water that feels just warm to us can be too hot for delicate skin. Aim for around body temperature. A quick traditional test also works: dip your elbow. If it doesn’t feel warm or cold, it’s probably just right.

Nasal aspirator

Hopefully you won’t need it early on, but when you do, you need it immediately. Buy in advance.

Thermometer

Same story. Best to have one ready.

Room humidifier

On cold, dry days a humidifier can protect little airways.

Baby hairbrush

Choose the softest possible, preferably anti-static.

Nappy-changing essentials

(We could have listed nappy cream here, but as it links closely to skin care it’s above.)

Nappies

Two big categories: washable and disposable. If you choose washable, get a true newborn size. In our experience, one-size adjustables don’t fit well at first. Don’t buy too many of one type before you try them. What works brilliantly for one baby may not for another. Start with a few styles and then stock up on the winner. See our separate guide: Types of nappies and how to change them.

Changing table and mat

Many cots come with a clip-on changer. You’ll put a wipe-clean changing mat on it, always covered with a muslin. If space or budget is tight, you can place a changing mat on any stable surface like a bed.

Muslin cloths

Have plenty, at least 10. They’re useful far beyond nappy changes, from shoulder protection at winding time to gentle face wipes.

Changing bag

Whether you’re going round the corner or across town, you’ll need nappies, a portable mat, muslins, cream and a change of clothes. Accidents happen. Keep a dedicated bag pre-packed so you aren’t rebuilding a kit every time you go out.

Baby clothes

Buying second-hand can save a lot and is often fine. For items that touch the skin directly, like bodysuits and sleepsuits, prioritise fabric quality. Poor choices can mean itching, overheating or poor breathability. Our range focuses on garments that keep baby comfortable.

Bamboo-viscose garments are natural-fibre based and help with thermoregulation. They don’t overheat baby in summer and they keep them snug in winter. Better to have slightly fewer pieces that are genuinely soft and comfy than a drawer full of scratchy or sweaty items.

You’ll also need seasonal extras. Even summer babies need a light cardigan and a thin hat. Winter babies will need more layers, a snowsuit-style overall and a warm hat. Instead of a long scarf, choose a neck-gaiter style for safety.

And don’t forget socks.

For more on dressing newborns by season, see our overview on dressing your baby.

Sleep essentials

Cot

A safe cot is non-negotiable. There are also square, roomier Montessori-style beds if you prefer. If you want to co-sleep, the safest way is a side-car cot that attaches to your bed. Everyone sleeps more comfortably, you can still use a movement monitor, and your duvet won’t end up over baby’s face.

Cot mattress

Choose a natural, breathable mattress for the cot.

Bedding and sheets

These touch baby’s skin, so go for natural, hypoallergenic materials. Have at least two spare sets so laundry never becomes an emergency.

Baby sleeping bag

Sleeping bags have big advantages over blankets. Babies can’t kick them off, so you sleep more peacefully too. An even temperature all night improves baby’s comfort. Bamboo sleeping bags are excellent for breathable warmth and gentle thermoregulation.

Night light

You’ll probably be up frequently. A soft night light avoids waking baby fully with a bright ceiling light.

Movement monitor

Ask your health visitor or paediatrician for advice when choosing. Some models false-alarm too often. Test any monitor to ensure it alerts when there’s no movement on the mattress. Clip-on nappy monitors also exist.

Getting around

Pram or sling? Or both?

If you choose a pram, quality matters. Cheaper models can develop issues like wheel failures. Travel systems that take a car seat, carrycot and seat unit are the most versatile. They cover you from day one through to toddlerhood. You’ll also need a rain cover and a mosquito net.

If you opt for carrying, you may still want a pram later. Many babies love being carried, but some go through phases where the pram soothes them better, especially during big motor-development leaps. If you’re unsure, you can delay buying a pram until you truly need it.

If you carry your baby, learn from a qualified babywearing consultant. Local sling libraries or meet-ups are great. For newborns and pre-sitters, a woven wrap offers the most ergonomic, orthopaedic position. Front-facing rigid carriers (often called “crotch-danglers”) are not recommended. Mei tai and other structured carriers can work well from sitting age.

When choosing a wrap, the weave matters. Plain canvas tears quickly if damaged, while broken-twill or diamond twill wraps are safer because minor damage propagates slowly and is easier to spot. Always check for flaws. A torn wrap shouldn’t be used, even if stitched, as tears can extend along the seam. A purpose-made, intact woven wrap keeps your baby safe and well supported.

A well-tied wrap holds even a newborn in an orthopaedically ideal position, which supports healthy motor development. Movement development affects the nervous system and brain, so it’s worth doing properly and seeking expert help if needed.

Babywearing coat or cover

If you carry, you’ll want one for colder weather. A coat covers you both. A babywearing cover is ideal for milder days.

Infant car seat

You need one even if you don’t own a car. There will be times when your baby travels by car and other options are unsafe. Choose a model with excellent crash-test results. Always read the safety instructions. Never place a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag. The back seat is best.

Sunshades for the car

Protect little eyes and skin from strong sunshine.

The hospital bag

Pack your hospital bag a month before your due date. We’re preparing a separate detailed checklist. Watch out for our guide under the link: Hospital bag for birth.

Sources:

GOV.UK – New child car seat

NHS - Bathing newborn infants