What to Buy for Your Baby in Scotland (That You’ll Actually Use)

.... Your real-life guide to the Scottish Baby Box and newborn essentials that make life easier not cluttered.

Having a baby can make you feel like you need to buy everything, but the truth is, your baby really only needs warmth, milk, cuddles, and love.

Thanks to the Scottish Baby Box, you already start with a brilliant bundle of essentials to help your baby thrive from day one. It’s designed so that every baby in Scotland has what they need to begin this journey with confidence.

👉 See what’s included in the Baby Box  - the contents does change from time to time.

Clothing

Your Scottish Baby Box already includes a lovely little wardrobe to get you started - from scratch mittens and soft jersey trousers to tiny hats, socks, and a cosy fleece jacket. You’ll also find a mix of short- and long-sleeved vests and sleepsuits in sizes from newborn up to six months, so you’re covered for those first few months.

Most families find they want a few extras as washing piles up quickly in those early days. Two or three more vests or sleepsuits will make life easier, especially if your baby is a champion milk dribbler! Depending on the season, a cardigan or warm layer is useful, and if your baby is due in winter, a snowsuit or pramsuit helps for outdoor adventures.

The box includes three muslin cloths, but you’ll use them constantly for catching dribbles and mopping up milk - so it’s worth picking up a few more.

Sleeping

Inside your Baby Box, you’ll find a mattress, fitted sheet, and cellular blanket, giving your baby a safe, snug place to sleep from the start. Many parents use the box itself as a sleep space in those first weeks - it’s portable, safe, and easy to keep close by.

You may want to add a few extra fitted sheets so you can swap them easily after little spills, plus a couple of lightweight, breathable blankets to layer for comfort. Some parents like having a baby monitor for reassurance, though it’s not essential in the early days.

💡 Safe Sleep Tip: Always place your baby on their back, in their own clear sleep space, with no loose items or bumpers.

Nappy Changing

The Baby Box comes with a travel changing mat, a reusable nappy trial kit, It’s a great start for those many, many nappy changes ahead!

To make life easier, stock up on nappies - disposable or reusable, whichever fits your lifestyle and a good supply of baby wipes or soft reusable cloths or cotton wool. While it’s not essential, a nappy bin or wet bag can be handy for containing smells or storing reusable nappies.

Bathing & Care

Your box includes a hooded towel, bath and room thermometer, bath sponge, digital underarm thermometer, and tiny emery boards for those soft newborn nails.

Many parents add a baby bath or bath support, but a clean sink works just as well for early baths. You might also like a mild baby wash (or just use plain water for the first few weeks) and a soft baby hairbrush.

Feeding

The Baby Box includes disposable breast pads, which are useful in those early days after birth.

If you’re breastfeeding, it can help to have a few reusable breast pads, two or three supportive nursing bras, and perhaps a breast pump if you plan to express milk.

If you’re bottle-feeding, you’ll need bottles, a steriliser, formula, and a bottle brush.

Even if you’re breastfeeding, having one or two bottles and a steriliser on hand can be useful later if you decide to express milk or share feeds with your partner.

Out & About

The box includes a baby wrap for carrying and a buggy book lovely for bonding and entertainment when you’re on the move.

When it comes to getting out and about, you’ll need a car seat (fitted before you leave hospital) and a pram, buggy, or carrier that suits your lifestyle. A changing bag for supplies and a sunshade or rain cover for our unpredictable Scottish weather are also worth having.

Play & Learning

For playtime, your Baby Box contains a play mat, two baby books, a buggy book, a comforter toy, and a teething ring soother -perfect for helping your baby explore and engage from birth.

You might like to add a black-and-white baby book or soft toy, which helps stimulate your newborn’s developing vision, or a gentle mobile for the cot or Moses basket to create a calming bedtime routine.

Second-hand & Sustainable Choices

Babies grow so fast that many items are used only for a few months so don’t be afraid to buy second-hand or accept hand-me-downs. Most baby clothes, blankets, and even toys can be safely reused after a good wash.

The main exceptions are car seats and mattresses, which should always meet current safety standards and ideally be bought new unless you’re sure of their history. Choosing pre-loved items is not only budget-friendly, it’s also a sustainable way to care for the planet and your wallet.

Final Thought

You’re already off to a brilliant start with the Scottish Baby Box. The key now is to start simple, and only add more when you discover what you and your baby truly need. Because in the end, what your baby needs most is YOU - your presence, comfort, milk, cuddles, and warmth.

Joy – Birth Prep with Joy, Linlithgow

I’m a qualified antenatal teacher offering friendly, evidence-based birth preparation and support classes in Linlithgow, West Lothian and Central Scotland. My goal is to help parents feel calm, informed and confident about birth and early parenthood.

👉 Discover upcoming antenatal classes in Linlithgow