Newborn Care 101: What You Actually Need in the First 30 Days
Bringing your baby home is one of the most exciting moments of your life — but also one of the most overwhelming. Between well-meaning advice and endless product lists, it's hard to know what's truly essential. Let's make it simple.
This is a no-fuss guide to what you genuinely need in your baby's first month. Not what influencers say you need, not what the algorithm pushes — just the practical essentials that actually make those early weeks easier.
🧼 The Changing Essentials
- 8–12 nappies per day — newborns go through more than you'd expect
- Unscented wipes or warm water with a soft cloth for sensitive skin
- Muslins and bibs for spit-ups — you'll want at least 8–10 to hand
- Barrier cream to protect against nappy rash from day one
💡 Mimi Tip: Our organic cotton muslins are ultra-absorbent, machine washable, and gentle enough for the most sensitive newborn skin. One of the most-reached-for items in those early weeks.
🛏️ Setting Up a Safe Sleep Space
- Moses basket or crib — keep it clear of pillows, toys, and loose bedding
- Firm mattress with a fitted sheet — nothing loose in the sleep space
- Baby sleeping bag — choose the right TOG for your room temperature
- Room thermometer — takes the guesswork out of dressing your baby at night
📌 Safe Sleep: The Lullaby Trust recommends keeping the room between 16–20°C and always placing your baby on their back to sleep. A well-fitted sleeping bag removes the need for loose blankets entirely.
🍼 Feeding Time Basics
Whether you're breastfeeding, formula feeding, or combination feeding — these cover the basics:
- Breast pads — disposable or reusable, essential for the early weeks
- Bottles and steriliser — even if breastfeeding, worth having on standby
- Burp cloths or muslins — draped over your shoulder after every feed
- Nursing pillow — not essential, but many parents swear by them
🚿 Bathing & Skincare
- Baby bath or sink insert — newborns only need a bath 2–3 times a week
- Hooded baby towels — soft, warm, and easier to wrap a wriggly baby in
- Gentle body wash and moisturiser — fragrance-free for the first few months
- Soft hairbrush — for cradle cap and post-bath grooming
💡 Mimi Tip: Our organic hooded towels are made from GOTS-certified cotton — ultra-soft and sized generously so bath time feels cosy rather than chaotic.
👶 The Going-Out Kit
- Car seat — rear-facing and properly installed before your due date
- Pram or sling — both have their place; a sling is invaluable for settling a fussy baby
- Nappy bag — stock it the night before with nappies, muslins, and a spare outfit
- Hat and baby blanket — even in summer, evenings can be cool
💡 Mimi Tip: Our maternity and nappy bags are designed by a mum for real life — roomy enough for everything, stylish enough that you'll actually want to carry them.
🛍️ Shop the newborn essentials from Mimi Barcelona
Everything on this list, beautifully made in Barcelona from organic cotton — designed to coordinate so your nursery feels effortless.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many muslins do I actually need for a newborn?
Most parents find 8–12 is a practical number. Muslins are used for everything — burp cloths, impromptu changing mats, shade covers for the pram, and emergency bibs. Having enough to get through a day without doing laundry makes a real difference in the early weeks.
What TOG sleeping bag should I use for a newborn?
For a room kept at 16–20°C (the NHS-recommended range), a 2.5 TOG sleeping bag is appropriate in winter. In summer or warmer rooms above 20°C, a 1.0 TOG is usually sufficient. Always use a room thermometer rather than guessing, and dress your baby in light layers underneath.
Do I need a baby bath, or can I use the sink?
Both work perfectly well. A sink with a non-slip insert is actually very practical for newborns — it keeps them close and at a comfortable height. The key thing is a warm room, warm water (check with your elbow, not your hand), and a soft hooded towel ready to wrap them in immediately after.
Handcrafted in Barcelona from organic cotton — beautiful, practical, and designed by a parent who's been there.
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