We were pleasantly surprised that the base’s 3.8cm-high legs squeezed neatly under our storage bed, despite the drawers.

You feel so reassured by the safe, close proximity you can achieve with this bassinet for co-sleeping. It makes leaning and hunching minimal and movement far less strenuous on your sore body post-birth because the bassinet can easily move to sit right on top of the bed and swivel up to 360 degrees to find the most comfortable angle for you. Suitable from newborn to five months (or 10kg), this bedside crib has taken the top spot because it really does help ease any discomfort of movement when grabbing your little one for night feeds. Whether you’re in your last few weeks of nesting or you’re already the proud-as-punch parent of your new arrival, scroll down for the 40 best baby essentials that will help make life as a new parent that bit easier. We’ve selected the best of all the must-haves you’ll already be familiar with on your baby checklist – from baby monitors and maternity bras to carriers and cot beds – but we’ve also included reviews of products you may not have thought of but will be grateful for. We know that adjusting to life as a newbie parent is a huge learning curve, so, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite parent and baby buys that make days with newborns – from birth to three-months-old – a little easier. Thankfully, watching your bundle of cuteness grow every day, and being showered with endless cuddles and toothless grins easily makes up for it.

Becoming a new parent may be magical in lots of ways but it certainly isn’t easy, thanks to zero sleep, endless washing and a dozen nappies a day to contend with, not to mention the physical and emotional recovery you face post-birth.

Baby essentials checklist for newborns