Loanne Collyer: My Newborn Essentials

Nappies and wipes are must-haves. We have a subscription to Kit & Kin and use its nappies and wipes – I love that they’re free from fragrance, toxins and harsh chemicals. My BBhugme pregnancy pillow has also been a surprisingly useful item post-birth. I use it daily to support myself when breastfeeding – comfort is everything in the early days. And speaking of contact, a carrier is another essential. Babies crave closeness, and the Artipoppe and BabyBjorn Mini carriers have both been brilliant. The BabyBjorn sits higher up, so was especially useful in the early days when I didn’t want anything sitting on my scar, and we still use the Artipoppe most days for contact naps. 

The Dockatot was another lifesaver. It gave us a safe, cosy space for Jax to chill or nap during the day. White noise has also become part of our routine thanks to Ewan the Dream Sheep – he plays lullabies and womb-like sounds that help Jax settle. And muslins – don’t underestimate how many you’ll need. We must have had dozens on rotation. Another standout product has been the Rockit, a small device you attach to the pram to mimic the motion of walking. Jax loves movement and this helped him nod off even when we weren’t on the go. And from two months onwards, our most-used item has easily been the Uppababy bouncer. Because lying flat can be uncomfortable for reflux-y babies, this upright position has been a godsend. 

One splurge that didn’t work for us was the SNOO bassinet. It’s a smart cot that rocks and soothes the baby with built-in swaddling, but Jax didn’t like being swaddled. It was a huge investment and in hindsight we would have been just fine with our simple next-to-me crib, which we are still using. 

Feeding was the one area where I tried to stay flexible. I’d hoped to exclusively breastfeed for the first three months and I’m so grateful that’s been possible for us. Now we’re at the three-month mark, I feel like we’ve both got the hang of it and it’s become so much more natural. From early on, we also introduced a bottle of expressed milk, which has been key – it allowed my partner to get involved with feeds and gave me the chance to rest. If you’re planning to express, I can’t recommend the Elvie pump enough. It’s discreet, easy to use, and fits into your bra so you can carry on with your day while pumping. I’ve used it almost daily since Jax was born. 

MAM anti-colic bottles are another feeding essential. Jax took to them well – they have a flat teat that mimics the shape of a nipple, which helps maintain a familiar feeding experience. You can also self-sterilise them in the microwave, which is one less thing to think about.  

Sleep has been the biggest challenge. The lack of it affects everything – your mood, body and mental clarity – so I’ve made it a priority. I’m swear by magnesium, especially for hormone balance and relaxation. I take Artah’s Essential Magnesium every evening – it helps me drift off more easily, even if it’s only for a couple of hours before the next wake-up. The cliché about ‘sleeping when the baby sleeps’ is annoying but true – even an extra hour can make all the difference. The Huckleberry app has also been handy for tracking Jax’s wake windows and nap timings, giving me a sense of structure each day. 

Self-care, I’ve learned, needs to be short but intentional. Even with my background as a trained health coach, nothing quite prepared me for how little time I’d have to myself. My once-lengthy wellness rituals – meditation, skincare, slow mornings – had to be condensed into five-minute practices that still make an impact. Fresh air is non-negotiable. I try to step outside with Jax in the carrier every day, and during our walks, I’ve started practicing conscious breathing – something I picked up through meditation – as a quick way to reset and recentre. I also lean on Pilates, using Pilates by Bel, and aim to fit in a class or two each week while Jax naps.

My skincare routine is just five minutes now. I use Biossance products – they’re clean, gentle and safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding. My staples are the vitamin C serum, the squalene and probiotic gel moisturiser, and the zinc mineral SPF. 

Supplements are a must. Your nutrient levels can stay depleted for up to two years postpartum, so getting the right support is essential. I take Wild Nutrition’s Pregnancy & New Mum multivitamin, Bare Biology omega-3, Wild Nutrition vitamin D, Artah’s probiotic and Verve collagen. I also start every morning with a protein smoothie using Form’s salted caramel protein powder – getting enough protein postpartum is so important. 

Now Jax is a little older, I’m loving discovering new brands. Claude & Co, Sommer Studios, Bobo Choses and Isla & Fraser are current favourites – they’re playful and stylish without being overly fussy. 

If there’s one piece of advice I’d give to other new mums, it’s this: be kind to yourself. Be patient, too. You’ve just been through the biggest transformation of your life – physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s messy, exhausting, beautiful and overwhelming all at once. But trust that you will find your rhythm. 

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