10 Baby Products You Actually Need (and What You Can Skip)

10 Baby Products You Actually Need (and What You Can Skip)

Introduction

Welcoming a baby into your life is exciting but overwhelming, especially when you're bombarded with hundreds of baby product recommendations. From high-tech gadgets to endless newborn outfits, it's hard to know what’s truly essential and what’s just a marketing gimmick.

If you're a UK parent preparing for winter, you might struggle to find certain newborn essentials that are easily available in Spain—like a warm footmuff to keep your baby cozy during chilly walks. Spanish mums swear by it, but it’s almost impossible to find in the UK! That’s why Mimi Barcelona is bringing these exclusive, handmade Spanish baby must-haves to UK parents.

In this guide, we'll cover:
✔️ The 10 must-have baby products for newborns.
✔️ What you can skip to save money and space.
✔️ Spanish-inspired essentials that UK parents will love.


10 Must-Have Baby Products for UK Parents

1. A Cozy Newborn Footmuff for Winter (Exclusive to Mimi Barcelona)

🔹 Why You Need It: If you’re in the UK, winters can be harsh, and keeping your baby warm during outdoor walks is a challenge. Spanish mums use footmuffs daily—but UK parents often struggle to find the same quality and warmth.

✔️ Mimi Barcelona’s exclusive footmuff is handmade in Spain, using soft, high-quality materials.
✔️ Designed for British winters, it provides better insulation than standard pram blankets.
✔️ Easier than layering blankets, which can shift and expose your baby to cold air.

💡 Did You Know? In Spain, it’s common to see babies in cozy footmuffs while out in their prams. But UK parents often resort to makeshift solutions like multiple blankets, which aren’t as effective.

Where to Get It? Only at Mimi Barcelona, the first UK store bringing Spanish-style newborn footmuffs to British parents!

2. A Convertible Crib (That Grows with Your Baby!)

Instead of buying both a bassinet and a crib, a convertible crib saves money and space. These cribs transform from newborn beds to toddler-friendly sleeping spaces, meaning you won’t need to buy a new bed after just a few months.

✔️ Saves money (one-time investment).
✔️ Ideal for small UK homes.
✔️ Works from newborn to 3+ years.

🛍️ Bonus Tip: Mimi Barcelona offers matching crib bedding sets, so you don’t have to waste time browsing different stores for coordinated pieces!

3. Soft, Organic Cotton Sleepsuits

Why it’s essential: Newborns spend most of their time sleeping, so comfortable, breathable sleepsuits are a must.

✔️ Choose organic cotton to protect delicate baby skin.
✔️ Zipper or snap closures for easy night changes.
✔️ Avoid synthetic fabrics that trap heat and cause irritation.

Skip: Fancy designer outfits—babies outgrow clothes too fast to justify expensive, fussy outfits.

4. A Baby Carrier for Hands-Free Comfort

Newborns love being close to their parents, and a baby carrier makes daily life easier.

✔️ Supports baby’s spine & hips (look for an ergonomic design).
✔️ Allows you to move around freely (ideal for multitasking).
✔️ Perfect for travel, shopping, or walks.

Skip: Cheap, non-ergonomic carriers—they can cause back pain for parents and don’t provide proper hip support for babies.

5. A Lightweight, Foldable Stroller

A bulky, heavy pram can be a nightmare. Choose a lightweight stroller that folds easily, especially if you travel often.

✔️ Compact, foldable design (fits in car boots or small homes).
✔️ Smooth maneuverability for city streets & parks.
✔️ Reclining seat for newborns and older babies.

🛍️ Bonus Tip: Pair it with Mimi Barcelona’s footmuff for extra warmth during winter outings!

6. A Reliable Baby Monitor

Even if your baby sleeps in your room at first, a baby monitor provides extra peace of mind.

✔️ Choose one with night vision & temperature sensors.
✔️ Look for a long battery life and a secure connection (avoid WiFi-only models that may be hacked).

Skip: High-tech, overpriced models with too many features. A simple, reliable monitor does the job.

7. Muslin Swaddles & Burp Cloths

You’ll use muslin swaddles for:
✔️ Swaddling your baby for better sleep.
✔️ Wiping up spills (essential for feeding time).
✔️ A light cover for breastfeeding or summer naps.

💡 Best Buy: Mimi Barcelona’s Spanish muslins are soft, breathable, and come in beautiful matching designs.

8. A Compact Changing Mat (For On-the-Go Diaper Changes)

A foldable, travel-friendly changing mat makes nappy changes easy anywhere—car, café, airplane, or friend’s house.

✔️ Waterproof, wipe-clean surface.
✔️ Lightweight and easy to carry.
✔️ Fits inside most changing bags.

Skip: Expensive changing tables—you can use any flat surface at home with a basic changing pad.

9. A Reliable Car Seat

A safe, UK-compliant car seat is non-negotiable. Look for:

✔️ i-Size certification (meets UK safety laws).
✔️ Rear-facing for at least the first year.
✔️ Easy to install with ISOFIX.

Skip: Second-hand car seats (safety risks if previously in an accident).

10. A White Noise Machine for Better Sleep

Many newborns sleep better with white noise, as it mimics womb sounds.

✔️ Reduces outside noise disturbances.
✔️ Creates a calming sleep environment.
✔️ Portable options for travel.

What You Can Skip (Save Money & Space!)

🚫 Bottle warmers – use a bowl of warm water instead.
🚫 Baby shoes – newborns don’t need them.
🚫 Expensive toys – newborns prefer faces & voices over toys!

Why Mimi Barcelona is a UK Parent’s Best Friend

Handmade, Spanish-inspired baby essentials—quality you won’t find elsewhere.
Matching sets—so you don’t waste time finding coordinating pieces.
Exclusive newborn footmuff for UK parents—warmth and style combined.

📌 Explore our newborn collection at Mimi Barcelona!

Back to blog