Our Amazon Baby Wishlist: What We Bought, Used and Didn’t Need

This Amazon Baby Wishlist UK guide covers what we actually bought, used and, in a few cases, barely touched. Once the initial shock and excitement of finding out we were pregnant had started to settle, our thoughts turned to everything a very small person apparently needed.

Where would she sleep? How many bottles did we need? Were special baby towels genuinely necessary? Why were there so many different types of dummy?

Every newborn essentials checklist seemed to insist that everything was essential. As first-time parents, we needed one place to organise our research and change our minds repeatedly. That became our Amazon Baby Wishlist UK.

Babies need an astonishing amount of stuff for people who arrive with absolutely no possessions. Our strongest Amazon Baby Wishlist UK tip is to create the list early.

At the time of writing, Amazon offers 15% off eligible items from your Baby Wishlist, allowing you to save up to £300. You can also claim a free welcome gift after spending at least £20 on qualifying baby products. Your wishlist must have been active for at least 14 days before the discount becomes available.

Create your Amazon Baby Wishlist here (paid link)

Paid affiliate link. Discounts, qualifying products and offer terms can change, so check Amazon’s current conditions when creating your wishlist.

The wishlist kept our research in one place, gave us something useful to share with family and helped prevent duplicate gifts. We treated it as a planning tool rather than a command to buy everything. Below are the products we actually bought—including what worked, what became essential and what did not suit us. The product links are affiliate links, so we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Chicco Next2Me Magic Evo Bedside Crib (paid link)

A good-sized bedside crib that lined up well with our bed and made night-time feeds much easier. We eventually moved to co-sleeping, but this was a must-have during the early months.

Love To Dream Swaddle UP – 2.5 TOG (paid link)

We used the warmer 2.5 TOG Swaddle UP in both newborn and small sizes, moving up as she grew. The arms-up shape let her sleep in a more natural position and helped reduce her startle reflex. On warmer nights we switched to a lighter 1.5 TOG version, and once she began rolling, we moved to the 1.0 TOG transition bag and zipped off one sleeve at a time. The correct TOG needs to be chosen for the current room temperature every time, so check the room and follow the manufacturer’s clothing guide rather than relying on one swaddle year-round.

Next2Me Crib Waterproof Mattress Protectors (paid link)

Leaky nappies, spit-up and dropped bottles are going to happen. These protected the mattress and meant we did not have to wash everything after every small accident. We also kept spare fitted sheets ready, so a middle-of-the-night change was simply a case of stripping the crib, replacing everything and getting her settled again.

Tommee Tippee GroEgg2 Room Thermometer and Nightlight (paid link)

We were constantly wondering whether the room was too hot, which TOG to use and how many layers she needed. The GroEgg changes colour with the temperature, so it helped us choose the appropriate Love To Dream swaddle and see at a glance whether the room was too hot or cold. It also works as a gentle nightlight for feeds and nappy changes.

Sweet Dreamers Ewan Deluxe Sleep Aid (paid link)

Ewan the sheep—or Eugene, as I renamed him—is a sound machine that can react when your baby cries or becomes restless. We kept it outside the crib and used the white-noise and heartbeat sounds, which worked well during the first few months.

VTech VM919HD Baby Monitor (paid link)

This was a game changer for us. It uses its own wireless monitor rather than a phone app and has excellent range, two-way audio, zoom and built-in sounds. We even took it on holiday with us.

MAM Easy Start Anti-Colic Bottles and Starter Set (paid link)

We started with Tommee Tippee Anti-Colic bottles, but switched to MAM after our baby clearly preferred their teat shape. The Infant Feeding Team at our local hospital also recommended MAM, explaining that the shape can help some babies achieve a better latch—and that certainly seemed true for our girl. We found the bottles easier to empty too, as there is no inner lip for milk to collect behind. We recommend having at least four because you can get through them surprisingly quickly. The teats and other bottle parts can also be replaced or upgraded separately, so you do not need to buy an entirely new set as your baby grows. We still use our MAM bottles now.

Four-in-One Bottle Washer, Steriliser and Dryer (paid link)

This was more expensive, but it was probably the biggest game changer we bought. During those sleep-deprived early weeks, it felt as though all we did was wash, dry and sterilise bottles, then rinse and repeat—literally. We had six bottles, and once four needed washing, we simply loaded them into the machine, switched it on and did not need to think about them again until they were ready. It took a repetitive and surprisingly time-consuming chore completely off our hands. We bought the washer after she arrived and definitely wish we had owned it from the beginning. We still use it to this day.

Tommee Tippee Ultra UV Steriliser, Dryer and Storage Unit (paid link)

This was our original steriliser before we bought the bottle washer. It can UV-sterilise items in around 10 minutes, or dry and sterilise them in about 30. You still need to hand-wash everything first, but we now use it for quick sterilisations when we are heading out and need a flask, bottle or dropped dummy ready. Alongside the bottle washer, it remains a very useful sidekick.

Tommee Tippee Multiwarm Bottle and Pouch Warmer (paid link)

This was useful for us while breastfeeding because it warms stored milk rather than making a feed. In the early weeks, much of our breast milk was kept in the fridge, and babies do not particularly enjoy the sudden shock of a cold drink in the middle of the night. It warmed the bottle within a few minutes, which was much better than trying to warm one under your arm. We also bought this after she arrived, and during the period when we needed it, it became one of our most-used items.

Momcozy Portable Breast Milk Cooler (paid link)

This is great for taking breast milk out and about, but its best secret use was keeping it beside the bed overnight. We set up night feeds so we did not need to get up: take the milk from the cooler, pour it into a bottle, warm it and feed the baby. Done. Used together with the bottle warmer, it made night feeds much easier.

Nuby RapidCool Twin Pack (paid link)

This was our formula solution when we were out and about. Before leaving, we measured the formula into the small clear dispenser and filled the thermos with freshly boiled water. At feed time, we measured the hot water into the sterilised RapidCool, added the correct amount of formula, fitted the lid and shook it until the indicator turned green. We then poured the cooled feed into a sterilised bottle and tested the temperature before feeding. Always follow the manufacturer’s and formula packet’s instructions carefully.

Momcozy Bottle-Brush Set (paid link)

They are brushes—it is not the most glamorous recommendation—but they come in a neat, portable case that can hang beside the sink. We kept them exclusively for the baby’s things. The case includes a small drying stand, and the different brushes make it easier to reach all the awkward nooks and crannies. Simple, tidy and useful.

Elvie Stride 2 Double Electric Breast Pump (paid link)

We originally bought a manual pump, but in the end we stuck with an automatic one. The Elvie Stride 2 was the pump we actually used and, for us, the powered option was more practical than the manual alternative.

Silver Nursing Cups (paid link)

Breastfeeding can leave your nipples very sore, and these cups are intended to protect them while they recover. We found that the cups themselves dug in, so if you are particularly sensitive, or have breasts on the larger side, we would probably give them a miss. Friends of ours spoke highly of them, though, so they may suit other people better.

Breastfeeding Cover (paid link)

This was super handy for breastfeeding while we were out and about. It folds down small for easy transport, but there is still plenty of room underneath for the baby, and it feels light and airy rather than enclosed.

Momcozy Colostrum Collectors (paid link)

If you ask your midwife, they may give you syringes for collecting colostrum, and if we are honest, the syringes worked better for us. We did also buy these collectors, and their advantage is that they can be washed and reused, whereas the syringes we were given were single-use.

Lansinoh Disposable Breast Pads (paid link)

If you are breastfeeding, you are probably going to leak. These sit inside your bra, absorb the milk and save your T-shirts. Simple, but essential.

Frida Mom Upside-Down Peri Bottle (paid link)

We will not go too deeply into why, but this was very handy after the birth. That is probably all the detail anybody needs.

Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Kit (paid link)

This brings together a selection of postpartum recovery essentials in one kit. We found it particularly useful after a vaginal birth, as several of the included items are designed specifically for that type of recovery.

Bathing

Angelcare Soft Touch Baby Bath Support (paid link)

This is a shaped bath seat that supports the baby while you wash them in shallow water. If you do not have a full-sized bath, a small baby bath or tub works too. It supports the baby, but it does not replace you—stay beside them and supervise them for the entire bath, even when they are sitting securely in the seat.

BabyOne Floating Bath Thermometer (paid link)

We let this float in the bath and checked it before putting the baby in, aiming for a water temperature of around 37°C. It is also shaped like a giraffe, which are, of course, famous for spending their time in water…

Frida Baby Control the Flow Bath-Rinse Cup (paid link)

In the early stages, we preferred not to pour a sudden rush of bathwater over the baby’s face. This cup controls how much water comes out—more like a little watering can—making it easier to rinse her hair gently while keeping her face and head clear.

Frida Baby SkinSoother Bath Brush (paid link)

This was only useful for a fairly short period, but it came into its own when our baby had cradle cap—the flaky, crusty patches babies can develop on their scalp. The soft brush helped us gently loosen and lift the flakes without picking at them.

Nappy changing

Vital Baby Aquaint Cleansing Water (paid link)

This turned out to be a nappy-changing product for us rather than a bath product. It was particularly useful for cleaning stubborn poo from the little skin folds, or for dealing with a small bit we had missed after it had dried.

PUTSKA Nursery Storage Basket (paid link)

Nappy changing quickly goes from changing a potato to wrestling a wriggling little monster. In either situation, you want everything you might need within reach: nappies, bags, wipes, pads, creams and everything else. We favoured this basket because its separate compartments and side pockets kept everything organised. We liked it enough to gift one to a friend, and ours became our downstairs caddy.

Maliton Nappy Caddy (paid link)

This does the same basic job as the PUTSKA basket, but it has no outside pockets and looks a little smarter. We keep this one upstairs, meaning all the essentials are ready on both floors without carrying the same caddy around the house.

Anti-Roll Changing Mat – Similar to Ours (paid link)

We could not find the exact changing mat we owned, but the one linked here has the same useful bowl shape. Night-time changes sometimes need to happen on the bed, and a completely flat mat is not ideal when babies enjoy peeing the moment they escape their nappy bonds. The raised sides helped contain accidents and kept them off our bed.

Tommee Tippee Twist and Click Nappy Bin (paid link)

Six months in, we were still working through the bags supplied with this bin. At first, we were not sure how much difference it made to the smell, but once the nappies became considerably stinkier, we definitely noticed it doing its job. We keep it in our bedroom for night-time changes, because you really do not want used nappies sitting loose in the room where you sleep.

Lil-Lets Organic Cotton-Wool Pads (paid link)

You will get through these surprisingly quickly, and we found that the larger pads were much more useful. They are handy for drying, absorbing little messes and all the other unexpected jobs that appear during a nappy change, so we kept both caddies well stocked.

MAM Original Start Night Soothers (paid link)

Because we were already using MAM bottles, these soothers had a familiar teat shape rather than introducing something completely different. They also glow in the dark, which is extremely useful when one has been spat into the mysterious darkness somewhere beside the cot.

NUK Space Day-and-Night Dummies (paid link)

We trialled these while we were between Tommee Tippee and MAM bottles. They worked perfectly well, but once we settled on MAM, we preferred a dummy with the matching teat shape.

Frida Baby NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator (paid link)

It is a snot sucker. You will probably feel slightly bad while using it, but it really helps clear a blocked little nose. Better to breathe easy, as they say.

Sudocrem (paid link)

You really do not want a nappy-rash incident. We did not apply this at every change, but if we noticed some redness, we used a thin layer as directed to help protect the skin. Follow the product instructions, and seek medical advice if a rash persists, worsens or you are worried about it.

Electric Baby Nail File (paid link)

This might seem like a minor purchase, but it makes trimming tiny nails much easier. Babies will scratch themselves—especially their faces—and eventually they will start scratching yours too. Keeping the nails short reduced the scratches and meant we did not need to rely on mittens all the time.

Dummy Storage Cases (paid link)

If the dummy was not in the baby’s mouth, we tried to put it straight into a case rather than leaving it loose in a bag or pocket. Keep the cases clean too, and sterilise them in accordance with their instructions.

Ear Thermometer (paid link)

At some point you will wonder whether the baby is ill, has a temperature after their jabs or is simply too warm in all those clothes. This gave us a quick way to check, and the disposable caps pop on and off easily—we had not used all of them by six months. NHS guidance recommends taking the temperature of children under five with a digital thermometer in the armpit, so follow the age and usage guidance carefully and seek medical advice if you are concerned.

Trongle Baby Play Gym (paid link)

This is a cute little play gym that works for both floor play and tummy time. The mat is soft, although we added some extra padding underneath on harder floors. It also has hanging toys for the baby to look up at and eventually start reaching for. As with all floor and tummy-time play, we stayed nearby and supervised her.

Taf Toys Musical Ladybird (paid link)

Our little girl likes ladybirds, so this was always going to be popular. It can light up and play a song, or just provide the lights when you want something quieter. The clip means it can hang from the play gym and move around with it.

Nuby IcyBite Teething Keys (paid link)

These are teething keys, so they are not something you will need immediately. They became useful later when the chewing and sore-gum stage began, making them a good product to have ready rather than an urgent newborn purchase.

Black-and-White Sensory Book (paid link)

This was brilliant for holding her attention in the early weeks. Newborns respond particularly well to bold, high-contrast black-and-white images, and the simple shapes sometimes kept her happily focused for around 10 minutes while we stayed nearby and got something else done.

Tiny Trees Baby Milestone Discs (paid link)

These are really for record-keeping and size comparisons. Place the relevant disc beside the baby or on their outfit, take a photo and then look back a few months later to see just how much they have grown. It is a simple way to make the monthly photos feel consistent.

Bugaboo Dragonfly Pram (paid link)

We chose the Dragonfly because it is fairly lightweight and folds down compactly with the carrycot still attached—one less thing to dismantle before putting it away or loading the car. The under-seat storage is genuinely useful too: roomy enough that we often managed a shop without carrying a separate basket. Most importantly, it felt comfortable and easy to live with every day.

Bugaboo Dragonfly Carrycot (paid link)

The carrycot folds with the Dragonfly, which makes the whole setup much easier to store and transport. It gives a newborn a flat place to lie while using the pram, has ventilation panels and looks generously padded and comfortable.

Maxi-Cosi FamilyFix 360 Pro ISOFIX Base (paid link)

Car seats are one area where exact compatibility and correct fitting really matter. This ISOFIX base rotates towards the open door and slides the seat towards you, which made getting the baby in and out much easier—particularly for anyone with a bad back. We used it with the Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro 2 and bought adapters separately for our Dragonfly. Bugaboo’s current published information specifically confirms the Pebble 360 Pro but says the Pro 2 has not been tested, so check the latest compatibility information for your exact pram, adapter, car seat and car before buying.

Onco Baby Car Mirror (paid link)

Whether you are driving to the shops, visiting family or travelling alone with the baby, you will inevitably wonder whether they are okay, asleep or—somehow—still there. This fixes to a rear headrest and lets you see their little face in your rear-view mirror. Fit and adjust it securely before setting off, and do not let it distract you while driving.

Sleepy Wrap Baby Carrier (paid link)

You will probably need a YouTube video the first time you put this on, but once we understood the wrapping, it was brilliant for walks and for keeping the baby close while getting a few things done. Whenever we hit a difficult sleep phase, she went into the wrap, I walked around and she was often asleep within five minutes. Follow the TICKS babywearing guidance every time: keep the wrap tight, the baby’s face in view and close enough to kiss, their chin off their chest and their back supported.

Rockit Rechargeable Pram Rocker (paid link)

Strap this to the pram, press the button and it gently rocks while the baby hopefully drifts off—at least, that is the idea. It is useful when you are out at nap time and the pram has stopped moving. Follow the fitting instructions, keep it out of the baby’s reach and only use it on a supervised pram or pushchair with the brakes on, on a level surface.

Rechargeable Pram Fan (paid link)

This lasts a fair while on a charge and is surprisingly powerful, but the bendy arms are its best feature. Stand it on a table or wrap them securely around the pram to position the airflow, keeping it out of the baby’s reach. We still used shade, checked her regularly and never covered the pram with a blanket or muslin in hot weather.

These were the products we bought with every intention of using, but which either did not suit us or barely made it out of their boxes.

Breastfeeding and pregnancy support

Haakaa Silicone Manual Breast Pump (paid link)

We bought this because we thought a manual option might be gentler for sensitive nipples. In the end, we never used it and stuck with the automatic Elvie Stride 2 instead.

Five-in-One Pregnancy Support Belt (paid link)

We bought a cheaper support belt but never actually used it. It is designed to help take some of the weight of a larger, forward-projecting bump off your back, so it may be worth considering if that is causing discomfort. It simply was not something we ended up needing.

Baby care

Dummy Clips (paid link)

We bought these but never used them. By around six months, we were beginning to phase out dummy use, so we never found a point when the clips felt necessary. Current safer-sleep guidance recommends gently stopping dummy use between six and 12 months and advises against neck cords and dummy attachments. Clips should certainly never be placed in the cot or used while the baby is sleeping.

Activity, toys and development

Nuby Penguin Tummy-Time Pillow (paid link)

We bought this but only used it a handful of times. It is designed to support a baby under the chest and arms while they practise holding up their head during tummy time. Our baby preferred to do tummy time on our chests, and became so strong she didn’t really need the pillow for long. If you use one, it should only be while the baby is awake and continuously supervised—never for sleep. Some NHS guidance suggests that a small rolled towel may be easier to position because purpose-made tummy-time pillows can be too large for smaller babies.

The biggest thing we learned from our Amazon Baby Wishlist UK experience was to treat the list as a planning tool, not a command to buy everything on it.

Adding a product to the list gave us time to research it, compare it with alternatives and decide whether we genuinely needed it.

It also made it easier to share ideas with our family and helped us take advantage of discounts on products we were already planning to purchase.

Most importantly, it showed us that no matter how carefully you prepare, you will not get every purchase right.

Some products will become everyday essentials.

Some will be used occasionally.

Some will sit untouched while you wonder why every newborn checklist insisted that you needed them.

Every baby and every family is different, so something one parent describes as essential may be completely unnecessary in another home.

Our advice would be to begin with the genuine basics, keep receipts and packaging wherever possible and leave yourself some room to buy things after your baby arrives.

You do not need to have absolutely everything figured out beforehand.

We certainly didn’t.

Create your Amazon Baby Wishlist here (paid link)