a baby checklist built by parents, for parents
Everything you actually need for your first baby. Nothing you don't.
A list that worked for us and can work for you.
Tested by real parents and friends and family.
12 categories and over 100 products.
Everything you need for the first 3 months.
Scroll to explore our story
Our Story
We built the list we wish we'd had
The Research Spiral
Forty-seven browser tabs. Three nursery checklists. A parenting forum that made us feel like we'd ruin everything if we picked the wrong bottle.
sound familiar?
The Question
We just wanted one honest answer: what do we actually need, and what's actually good?
that's it. that's the whole thing.
Asking Around
Friends, family, antenatal classes, online groups — everyone had a list. The things they swore by, the things they regretted, and the things nobody told them about until it was too late.
the 'what I wouldn't buy again' list was longer.
The Work
We collected those lists. Debated them over dinner. Dug into safety ratings and clinical evidence. And naturally, everything ended up in a spreadsheet.
what happens when the parents work in healthcare and tech
The Spreadsheet
We bought the products, tested them through sleepless nights and blowouts, and tracked what actually worked. That spreadsheet became The First List.
one couple built it. tens of parents shaped it.
What This Actually Is
Not one couple's opinion — the collective wisdom of tens of parents who've been through it. We just organised it into something useful.
not experts. just parents who've been through it.
The Promise
We're not trying to sell you more stuff. Just parents who remember how overwhelming this felt — making it easier for the next person.
← that's the whole point
How It Works
Four things make this list different
Tested by real parents, not sponsored by brands
Every product on this list was bought with our own money, used in our own homes, and tested through the real moments of new parenthood. Not by one family — by tens of parents across our community. No brand sent us this. No one paid to be here.
if we wouldn't buy it again, it's not on the list
Organised by moments, not aisles
You don't shop for a baby by product category — you shop by what's happening. First bath. First night home. Packing the hospital bag. That's how we've organised everything.
because "nursery furniture" isn't a feeling at 3am
Only the top-reviewed, parent-approved picks
We don't list everything — just the products that parents actually recommend after using them. Every item has been vetted through real reviews, real experience, and real conversations. If it didn't earn its spot, it's not here.
curated, not crowded
Kept alive and current with AI
The tech skills behind this site aren't just for building it. We use the latest AI tools to continuously scan reviews, match products across regions, track price changes, and surface feedback from thousands of real parents. The list doesn't go stale — it gets smarter over time.
the tech works so we can focus on being parents
Browse by Moment
What are you getting ready for?
Hospital Bag
The stuff you'll actually reach for between contractions and first cuddles. No "just in case" clutter — just the items parents tell us they were glad they packed.
Feeding Time
Whether it's breast, bottle, or both (no judgment, ever), these are the tools that make those endless feeding sessions a little smoother.
Toiletries
Tiny humans, surprisingly specific skincare needs. Gentle, fuss-free products for the kind of soft skin you'll want to press your face against all day.
Sleeping Time
Everything between "please just sleep" and actually sleeping. Safe setups, sound machines, and the small comforts that help everyone get a few more hours.
Baby Clothes
They grow out of everything in about five minutes, so we picked the pieces that actually earn their drawer space — practical, soft, and easy to get on a wriggly body.
Out & About
For the first trip to the shop that feels like packing for a small expedition. The gear that gets you out the door without a meltdown (yours or theirs).
Changing Time
You'll do this thousands of times, so the right setup matters more than you think. Quick, clean, minimal fuss.
Bath Time
A warm bath, a slippery baby, and the few things you need within arm's reach. We kept this list short on purpose.
Play Time
Not a toy shop — just the handful of things that actually hold their attention and help little brains do their thing in the early months.
Mama Recovery & Clothes
The stuff nobody warns you about. Comfortable, practical picks for the parent who just did something extraordinary and deserves to feel looked after too.
Cleaning Products
Baby-safe, no harsh chemicals, no overthinking it. The cleaning basics that let you keep things hygienic without turning your home into a sterile lab.
Safety & Baby Proofing
Not everything needs baby-proofing on day one, but these are the early wins — the simple fixes that buy you peace of mind before they start moving.
some links on this site are affiliate links — they help us keep the list free, updated, and honest.
You pay the same price either way. We earn a small commission that goes straight back into testing new products and keeping this resource running. But here's what matters: we picked every product before we ever added a link. If we don't believe in it, it's not here.