What you actually need for a new baby: the safety essentials

The lists of ‘essentials’ for a new baby can run to hundreds of things. Most of them are optional. The ones that matter are about safety, so here’s what the Lullaby Trust, GOV.UK and others say about sleep and car seats.

The short list

A safe sleep space: a cot, Moses basket, travel cot or carry cot, with a firm, flat, waterproof mattress.
A car seat, if you’ll travel by car, including the journey home from hospital.
Basic clothing, nappies and feeding supplies. The NHS list in hospital bag checklist shows what your baby will need in the first days.

Everything else can wait until you know what you need.

Where your baby sleeps

The Lullaby Trust says the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket, in the same room as you for the first six months. A cot or Moses basket should have a firm, flat, waterproof mattress. Always place your baby on their back to sleep.

The Lullaby Trust advises against pods and nests, because they are soft with raised sides and there is no standard for them as a sleeping place. It also advises against pillows, duvets and cot bumpers in the sleep space. Bedside cribs should meet BS EN 1130:2019, and the Trust notes that cots should no longer have a side that fully drops down. Never sleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby. See newborn sleep and safe sleep.

Car seats

GOV.UK says children must normally use a child car seat until they’re 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first. Only approved seats can be used: height-based seats marked R129 or weight-based seats marked ECE R44. Baby carriers and baby seats are rear-facing. Height-based (R129) seats must face backwards until your child is over 15 months. If you put a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat, deactivate the front airbag first.

Buying second-hand

Second-hand items can save money, but the Lullaby Trust advises some care:

Mattresses: it generally advises buying a new mattress for each baby, because research links second-hand mattresses from outside the family home with a higher risk of SIDS. If you do use one, it should be firm and flat, fully waterproof, undamaged and a close fit with no gaps.
Car seats: it advises not using a second-hand car seat, because accident damage may not be visible.
Cots, cribs and Moses baskets: check they meet the relevant British Standard, look for recalls, check they’re in good condition with no broken or missing parts, and only accept items from a smoke-free and pet-free home.

The Trust points out that meeting a British Standard doesn’t mean a product reduces the risk of SIDS. If money is tight, baby banks give pre-owned essentials to children aged 0 to 5. You can ask a professional to refer you or contact a local baby bank. See money help for new parents.

The Lullaby Trust baby safety helpline is 0808 802 6869, open 10am to 2pm on weekdays.

Questions people ask

Do I need a Moses basket and a cot?

No. One safe sleep space is enough. The Lullaby Trust says a cot or Moses basket in your room for the first six months is the safest place.

Is it OK to use a hand-me-down mattress?

The Lullaby Trust generally advises a new mattress for each baby, but gives conditions if you use a second-hand one: firm, flat, fully waterproof, undamaged and a snug fit.

Can I use a second-hand car seat?

The Lullaby Trust advises against it, because damage from an accident may not be visible.

Are sleep nests and pods safe?

The Lullaby Trust advises against them, because they are soft with raised sides and have no safety standard as a sleeping place for babies.