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In this guide
A good baby list makes life easier for everyone: you get what you'll actually use, and friends and family can buy something they know you want. Here's how to build one that works.
Start with the big things
These are the items most parents need from day one, and the ones relatives often like to buy together:
- A pushchair or travel system and a car seat
- A Moses basket, crib or cot, with a firm, flat mattress
- A baby monitor
- A highchair (for later, but popular with grandparents)
Turn on group gifting for these so several people can chip in.
Then the everyday essentials
Sleepsuits, muslins, bottles, nappies, a changing mat, a baby bath and sleeping bags. Our newborn essentials checklist has the full list, with quantities, and lets you add anything straight to your list.
Mix up the prices
Include plenty of gifts under £30. Guests like having choices at every budget, and it stops your big-ticket items being the only option.
What to leave off
- Too many newborn-size clothes. Babies outgrow them in weeks; ask for 3–6 months and up.
- Things you're not sure about. Leave space for the gifts people choose themselves.
- Duplicates. NuaNest marks items as reserved, so guests can see what's already been bought.
Share it early
Add your list to your baby shower invitation, and share the link a few weeks before. You can keep adding to it as you go.
Questions parents ask
How many items should be on a baby list?
Most lists have between 40 and 80 items, with a spread of prices. It's better to have a few more than you need than too few.
Can I add things from any shop?
Yes. NuaNest lists can include products from any UK shop: browse our catalogue, or paste a link to anything else.
