Maternity Concierge
Prepare for parenthood in style with my guide to nursery essentials, ensuring a seamless and exquisite journey.
My service offers more than just advice—it's a personalised curation of baby products and renowned brands, meticulously tried and tested to guarantee excellence.
In my early career as a Maternity Nurse, I offered a concierge package where I accompanied clients on shopping trips to find the best baby essentials. We often spent the day on Oxford Street in London, negotiating discounts and arranging for purchases to be held until closer to the baby's arrival. Today, many clients prefer the convenience of online shopping.
Here are the products I recommend. If you need help organising everything for your baby's arrival, contact me to arrange a concierge package.
Personal Hygiene Products
Caring for Our Planet, One Product at a Time
I believe in making choices that are kinder to the environment. Did you know that disposable nappies are among the biggest polluters on our planet? The materials used in these nappies can take up to 500 years to decompose in landfills, contributing significantly to our global waste problem.
By choosing eco-friendly alternatives, you can help reduce this impact. I recommend a range of sustainable products designed to minimise environmental harm while providing the quality and convenience you need. From reusable nappies to biodegradable options, I am committed to offering tried and tested products that support a healthier planet.
Please help me in making a difference. Every small step counts towards a greener future.
Nappies:
When choosing a nappy size it is best to start with a newborn size for newborns which is usually a size 1 depending on the brand. Premature nappies are usually sized 0 or XXS and start from 1kg weight.
Pura Eco nappies. I have used these nappies on several babies and find them to be a good fit.
Available on Amazon
Bambo Nature Premium Eco Nappies, Premature Size 0. Available on Amazon
Beaming Baby Nappies, Bio-Degradable, Eco Friendly and Chemical Free! I love the fit of this nappy and it's biodegradable claim. Available on Amazon
Bambino Mio, Washable Reusable Nappy Set. I I have been using Bambino Mio washable nappies since they were invented. When I was a nursery manager all the children who were in nappies wore this brand at my nursery. I can't fault them and I can show you how to use them. Available from Amazon
Bambino Mio Nappy Bucket and Laundry Bags Available from Amazon
Wipes:
Soft Bamboo Washable wipes Available From Amazon. These are lovely and soft and you can never have too many. Buy two packs they will have endless uses.
The Cheeky Panda Bamboo Biodegradable Baby Wipes Available from Amazon Great for when travelling.
Top Tip #1 Never flush wipes down the toilet even if they claim to be flushable. Believe me I found out that they will clog up your plumbing and will need an expensive visit from a plumber to unclog your pipes.
Baby Clothes - Layette
What to Consider
Opt for clothes made from 100% cotton, ideally organic, as they are gentle on a newborn's delicate skin. Selecting neutral colours can simplify laundry tasks during the sleep-deprived early months.
Avoid fabrics such as wool (due to potential lanolin allergies), polyester, nylon, microfibre, and other synthetic materials.
The quantity of items listed is a guideline and may vary depending on your laundry frequency. Be aware that you might end up purchasing more than necessary, as baby clothes can be irresistibly charming.
Essential Information
Always wash new clothes before your baby wears them to prevent skin irritation, and use non-biological washing powder or liquid. Personally, I recommend Ecover.
What You'll Need
Sleep suits x 6-8
These are the most comfortable and practical option for dressing your newborn. Look for ones with zip fastenings for easier nappy changes and sleeves that fold over to prevent scratching. Ensure they have feet to eliminate the need for fiddly socks.
Bodysuits or vests x 6-8
Babies are unable to regulate their own temperature and can become cold quickly, so an additional layer is beneficial in cooler weather. Bodysuits are preferable to vests as they stay in place. Choose ones with an envelope neck that can be widened and pulled down the body, rather than over the head, which is particularly helpful during messy nappy changes.
Night dresses x 6-8
Night dresses are suitable for both boys and girls. They are ideal for nighttime nappy changes when you might not be fully awake or have sufficient light to manage poppers and zips. Simply pull up the nightdress to change the nappy, then pull it back down over the feet – a quick and easy process with minimal disturbance.
Cardigans x 2-3
Babies often require an additional layer over their sleep suit. Choose cardigans instead of jumpers; although cardigans have more buttons, they don't need to be pulled over the baby's head, which many babies dislike. Ensure any knitwear is machine-washable, as hand washing will be too cumbersome with a newborn. Avoid wool to prevent shrinkage and because of the lanolin content.
Hats x 2
You'll need at least one warm hat for winter, with a spare in case one gets lost. Choose a cotton jersey hat. Babies should only wear hats under supervision, as they can slip over their face and pose a suffocation risk.
Pramsuit x 1
For babies born in autumn or winter, a padded pramsuit (or snowsuit) is essential. These often feature built-in feet for extra warmth, and some designs allow the legs to zip together to form a sleeping bag shape.
Swaddle Blankets and Cuddle Blankets x 4
I recommend lightweight, stretchy cotton blankets for swaddling and cuddling. These are convenient for quickly wrapping your baby to keep them warm. They can also be used in a Moses basket or cot as part of the bedding, tucked in using hospital corners.
Bibs x 9
Choose small bibs that have a popper fastening rather than strings. Cotton absorbent fabric that will soak up any milk spillage. You may go through many in a day and 9 would be a minimum you will need to use for several months.
Baby First Aid Kit
Be Prepared:
Ensuring you have a well-stocked first aid kit is crucial as you prepare for your baby's arrival. Emergencies often occur at the most inconvenient times—on bank holidays, Sundays, or late at night when shops are closed. Don't leave it to chance; be prepared with the necessary items.
Important Reminders:
Check Medication Ages: Pay close attention to the age recommendations for any medication or remedies.
Consult Professionals: If you have any doubts, consult your health visitor or GP for guidance.
Essentials:
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BIOGAIA Protectis Probiotic Drops with Vitamin D3 10ml Suitable for Newborn Babies Available from Amazon
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Tommee Tippee Baby Healthcare and Grooming Kit, Available on Amazon
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Baby Ear Thermometer Available from Amazon
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Metanium Nappy Rash Ointment. Only for nappy rash, not every nappy change. Available from Amazon
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WOODWARDS GRIPE WATER for the relief of wind, gripe / hiccups. Suitable for: Babies 1 month to 12 months. Available from Amazon
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Calpol Sugar Free Infant Suspension. Paracetamol pain relief. This product is intended for use in children aged 2 months to 6 years. Available from Amazon
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Baby Medicine Dispenser Syringe Kit Available from Amazon
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Neal's Yard Almond Oil. For baby massage. Available from their website
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Weleda Baby Shampoo & Body Wash. Available from Amazon
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Weleda Baby Nappy Cream w. Calendula, Natural Nappy Rash Ointment, Baby Cream for Newborn Up, Baby Barrier Cream. Available from Amazon
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Large Oval Cotton Wool Pads for cleaning delicate areas Available from Amazon
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Milton Surface Spray for cleaning the nursery, especially the nappy changing and bottle washing areas. Available from Amazon
Baby Feeds
Breast or Bottle:
Whether you choose to breastfeed, bottle-feed, or combine both methods, the decision is entirely personal. Below is a curated list of essential items for your consideration.
Essentials:
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NUK First Choice+ Baby Bottle Starter Set Made of Glass and Latex | 0-6 Months. I can't speak highly enough of these glass and latex baby bottles, they are my first choice bottle and I have found them especially good for babies with tongue tie and reflux. Available from Amazon
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Vital Baby Bottle 3-in-1 UV Steriliser & Dryer. My favourite out of all the sterilisers I have used. Available from Amazon
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Electric Baby Bottle Brushes for Cleaning Bottle, for those of you that like gadgets. Available from Amazon
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Nuby Baby Bottle Cleaning Brush. Available from Amazon
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Medela Freestyle Hands-Free | Hospital Grade Double Electric Breast Pump. I have been recommending Medela for may years. They are the Gold Standard for breast pumps. Available from Amazon
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Medela Set of 180 ml Breast Milk Storage Bags. Available from Amazon
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Milton Sterilising Tablets Original. For all sorts of uses including water drinking bottles. Available from Amazon
Nursery Furniture
During my NNEB training, we were taught the importance of caring for babies and children with proper techniques to protect our backs. This knowledge was reinforced in manual handling classes when I worked in hospitals and social services.
It is crucial to understand that maternity nurses operate as self-employed individuals. Therefore, any injury that prevents me from working also stops my income. Prioritising back care is not just about personal well-being; it is also essential for financial security in this profession.
Moreover, this concern is not limited to maternity nurses; parents can also be at risk. Last summer, a mother contacted me after she slipped two discs in her back while bending over a bath to bathe her baby. She was in excruciating pain and urgently needed to hire a maternity nurse. This incident highlights how common back injuries are in the context of baby care, affecting both professionals and parents.
Below are some products I recommend for taking care of your back and mine. When I am with you, I will share my knowledge on back care while caring for your baby.
Sleep:
When babies are newborn a moses basket is a good idea as the smaller enclosure will provide them with a sense of security. A moses basket is lightweight and easy to move from room to room. It's important to note that children under six months should not be left to sleep on their own.
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The Little Green Sheep Moses basket and stand. I recommend this brand due the natural materials they use. Available from Amazon
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The Little Green Sheep Moses Basket Fitted Sheet. Available from Amazon
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When choosing a cot choose something that has good ventilation and is height adjustable such as this one Available from Amazon
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This cot Available from Amazon has a nappy changing table you can place on top, handy if you are short on space.
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Cot mattresses are Available from The Little Green Sheep. Recommended because they are made from natural materials
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Fitted - 100% Pure Cotton Soft Baby Cot Sheets Available from Amazon buy 3
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Baby Muslin Squares Burp Cloths Dribble Cloth Breastfeeding Cover. Available from Amazon buy 2 packs
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Cotton Flat Crib Sheet Baby Available from Amazon buy 3
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Baby Swaddle Blankets for swaddling and for cot bedding. Available from Amazon
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Cellular Blanket Baby 100% Cotton Knitted Soft Knit Crochet Blankets for Newborns. Available from Amazon
Essentials:
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Pottery Barn Kids Wingback Swivel Glider & Recliner Chair. Although on the pricey side this chair is a life long investment and much loved by my clients and myself. Available direct from the company.
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A lovely changing table / chest of draws also Available from Pottery Barn Kids
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Nappy Baby Changing Mat Available from Amazon
Bathing:
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Hands Free Baby Bath Towel Available from Amazon
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Stokke Flexi Bath + Newborn Support + Flexi Bath Stand Available from Amazon
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Bath Digital Thermometer for Baby Bath and Room Available from Amazon
Out & About:
Rear-facing prams, also known as parent-facing or backward-facing prams, offer several benefits for both the baby and the caregiver. Here are some key advantages:
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Bonding and Communication: Facilitates eye contact and interaction, promoting bonding and language development.
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Increased Safety and Monitoring: Allows caregivers to keep a close watch on the baby, ensuring safety and comfort.
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Improved Emotional Well-being: Provides security and comfort by allowing the baby to see their caregiver.
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Developmental Benefits: Encourages interactions that support cognitive and social development.
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Protection from Environmental Factors: Shields the baby from wind, sun, and overstimulation.
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Parental Convenience: Makes it easier to access and manage the baby's needs on the go.
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Encouraging Rest and Sleep: Helps the baby relax and nap due to the comforting presence of the caregiver.
Stokke Xplory is a versatile pushchair good for town and country. You can purchase car seat adapters to put a car seat onto the frame as well as a carry cot. All available from Amazon
Save this page as I will be adding more tried and tested products soon...
Affiliate Disclosure:
Please note that some of the links on this website are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate and affiliate for other companies, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my clients.