With so many different baby products available to shop when you're having a baby, it can all feel a bit overwhelming, particularly if it's your first. That's why we love that new mum Shaughna Phillips, has narrowed down her top baby buys to just eight products she couldn't have managed without in those early months with baby Lucia.
We first met Shaughna after she appeared on the winter series of Love Island in 2020. Since then, she's become a mum and is also now the host of parenting podcast, Oh, Baby! where she and mum pal Holly Connolly share their experiences of motherhood and are joined by regular mum guests.
Shaughna's top baby buys
www.boots.com
With a 2.8 inch colour screen, this wireless baby monitor features two-way talk back intercom, temperature sensor, five-level sound indicator, night-vision, low-battery alert and up to 1000 feet of range. It also features four natural sounds to soothe baby.
Shaughna says: "I bought one that was much more expensive and it was rubbish!"
A nappy rash cream is a must for every parent's changing bag and Bepanthen's Nappy Care Ointment is Shaughna's go-to. It contains vitamin B5 to help instantly sooth and protect sore bottoms and it's suitable to use from newborn.
Shaughna said: "I buy 5-6 tubes so all my bags and changing areas are covered with a tube."
Read more mum reviews of Bepanthen Nappy Care Ointment here.
3.
Nala's Baby
It's becoming a real favourite amongst parents, and for good reason. The entire Nala's baby range of bath products, shampoos, oils and more are dermatologically-tested and paediatrician-approved as well as fully vegan. Free from sulphates, alcohols, parabens, SLS/SLES, the range was awarded the perfect score ‘0' on Think Dirty.
Shaughna is a huge fan: "All products are free of nasty chemicals and so gentle for baby’s skin."
Read more parent reviews of the Nala's Baby range here.
4.
Doona
The Doona is the world’s first infant car seat with fully integrated wheels, switching from chair to pushchair in seconds and is a firm favourite amongst celebs. The system has four wheels that collapse under the seat base; when the wheels are released (with the push of a button – one hand holds the seat handle and the other releases the wheels) hey presto! you have a pram.
Shaughna says: "It's so handy to be able to wheel the baby out of the hospital rather than carry them plus all your bags. The Doona has been a staple in my day to day life and I’ll be lost when she grows out of it!"
Read more parent reviews of the Doona here.
There are three compartments in these pots, offering parents a convenient way to store formula powder. The handy container is also dishwasher safe and features spill free snap lids.
Shaughna: "The Mam formula pots are so easy for on the go."
The stand out feature of these bottles is the genius self-sterilisation element. The ventilation holes ensure baby is not inhaling too much air, improving colic dramatically. They are also super reasonable and a brilliant product all round.
Shaughna says: "Mam bottles, self sterilising! A game changer!"
Read more mum reviews of the MAM bottles here.
The DockATot Deluxe+ is a baby nest that is a place to effectively 'dock' your baby that allows them to lounge, rest, play, cuddle, do tummy time and get their nappy changed in one comfy spot. And there’s no doubt about it – mums love the DockATot Deluxe+!
Shaughna says: "DockATot for those early days, being able to have them next to you on the sofa and safe was lovely. Lucia grew out of hers pretty quickly though!"
Read more parent reviews of the DockATot
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk
We love this delicately embroidered duck cotton sleepsuit with built-in mittens. It also features a sweet matching hat and popper buttons for easy access when changing.
Shaughna said: "Babygrows with mittens attached! It can be tricky putting mittens on a wriggly baby so having these made it so quick and easy. They also wash up so well."
Lorna White is the Senior Digital Writer for Mother&Baby. After running the Yours magazine website, specialising in content about caring for kids and grandchildren, Lorna brought her expertise to Mother&Baby in 2020. She has a keen interest in a range of topics from potty training and nutrition to baby names and early development and has a wide range of experienced medical experts and professionals at her fingertips. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her two young sisters, dog walking and enjoying the outdoors with her family.