Top baby furniture, gear & essentials parents need in 2025

Planning for a new baby is an exciting time – but it can quickly become overwhelming when you see the length of your shopping list! Not everything is essential but there are certain baby products and equipment that’ll make life with a newborn that much easier. 

Nursery furniture essentials

Newborns sleep a lot! So, you’ll both be spending a lot of time in their nursery or in your bedroom, if you choose to co-sleep. These are our top picks for comfortable feeding, changing and sleeping sessions.

A rocking chair or feeding chair for comfort

Your own comfort is an important part of feeding a newborn – a supportive rocking chair for feeding is a worthwhile investment. “The chair you sit in when feeding must be comfortable and sturdy. Your arms must be supported, and you must be able to sit straight up and not slouch down,” says Doriska Posthumus, a Cape Town-based registered nurse, midwife and certified lactation consultant who also offers antenatal classes. 

SHOP: Babyhood Vogue feeding glider chair and ottoman

Changing table with smart storage

For the many dirty nappies that’ll need changing, you’ll need a strong, sturdy changing table. One that’s at your level helps to prevent the backache that comes with bending down frequently. Opt for a table that has easy-to-access storage compartments for all your nappy changing essentials. 

If space is limited, opt for a camping cot changing table – it’s easy to fold up and pack away when not in use. 

SHOP: Babywombworld Camping cot changing table

Firm and safe crib mattress

Your baby’s crib or cot should be free of loose blankets, stuffed toys and cot bumpers to help lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It should be comfortable, too, while providing your baby’s body with the support it needs. Sr Doriska says to ensure your cot or crib mattress is made of foam and has easy-breathe holes and that it is firm and hypoallergenic. She adds that it should fit properly into the cot or crib.

SHOP: Snuggletime Bamboopaedic mattress standard cot

Baby gear & safety accessories

Whether you’re at home or on the go, invest in items that’ll ensure your baby is safe and entertained. 

A pram or travel system with a car seat and stroller 

For times when you’re on the go, a collapsible pram (or stroller) is a must – just ensure it is easy enough to travel with and store away if you are using a car or public transport. When picking a pram that works for your family, keep the following in mind, says Sr Doriska: “Feel how easy it is to open and close with one hand. Feel how heavy it is”. If you opt for a travel system with a car seat and stroller, she says to consider how the car seat fits into the car and how easy it is to put in and take out.

SHOP: Belecoo PU Leather Travel System

Baby gate hardware

When your little one starts crawling, the fun begins! Along with their new sense of discovery comes your responsibility to keep them safe in your home – and the time to install baby gates and other safety hardware. “I suggest getting baby gates in place when baby starts moving around (around 6-9 months old), especially where there are stairs. You do not want babies to try go up or down stairs and fall,” says Sr Doriska. The kitchen is another area that comes with risks, she says, so ensure you use cabinet locks to safely store cleaning materials or any glass products and ensure they’re out of your baby’s reach. 

SHOP: Safety 1st Standard Door Auto Close Gate

Baby activity gear and accessories

When your baby is old enough, the right early learning toys and accessories will free up some time for you to carry on with other tasks nearby while your baby is safely entertained. Invest in a stimulating play gym or a tummy time playmat. 

SHOP: Chicco First Dreams Enjoy Colours Playgym

Baby essentials

Do you have the basics sorted? Remember to think about the near future – your baby will be eating and walking before you know it! 

Baby food maker

When your baby is ready to start eating solid foods, remember that making your own food is always a better option, says Dr Doriska. A baby food maker will help make the task quick and easy, as will freezer-safe storage tubs. “Pre-packed foods from the shelves are packed with preservatives and other additives to preserve them. Also keep an eye on the sugar content of pre-packed foods,” she adds. 

Baby shoes

While having your little ones explore the world barefoot is great, it’s important to have a few pairs of baby shoes, too, for when it’s cold or when they’re in an area where the floors are especially dirty or prone to items that could hurt their feet, like grassy areas that have thorns. 

SHOP: Made-4-Baby Unisex White Baby Shoes

Shop for all these items and more in Clicks’ baby & parenting department. 

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