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, Laura Anderson, has shared the best baby buys she couldn't have managed without in those early days with baby Bonnie.
Laura appeared on the fourth series of Love Island in 2018, after which she presented the podcast Laura Anderson's First. In each episode, she spoke to people about their challenging experiences, but now we are speaking to her about becoming a mum for the first time. In 2022, while starring in Celebs Go Dating, Laura found love with former Hollyoaks actor, Gary Lucy and they announced they were expecting a baby in February. Baby Bonnie was born in September 2023.
Talking about what she thinks are important products, Laura said: "I think everyone gets really obsessed withpreparing the nursery and buying all these amazing things but realistically that’s just for us. I don’t think the baby needs much more than our love and your little next-to-me cot beside the bed, so I wouldn’t stress too much about getting all those things, as long as you’re healthy physically and mentally I think that’s the best thing you can do to be a good mum."
Although she doesn't think lots of baby items are crucial, she thinks asking for help is important and added, "I really needed feeding help – there’s too many mls, and times and bottles and boobs!"
Of course, babies (and parents!) need some products to get through pregnancy and those early weeks, and here are few Laura lists as her must haves!
A lovely book to help new parents with baby sleep. Author, Rosey, knows that all babies are different and parents shouldn't have to struggle. It is empowering and non-judgemental and Rosey lays out clear, practical solutions for parents to make the best choices for their baby and their family.
Covering a variety of challenges which you might encounter in your little one's first year, this is a handy book to refer to over and over again and Laura mentioned this as one of her baby best buys.
2.
Doona UK
A really popular car seat, the Doona convertible baby pushchair can go from car seat to stroller in seconds. It is ideal for parents who are constantly on the move, or travelling with their little one. Of course safety is paramount and the Doona has anti-rebound crash technology with the adjustable handlebar acting as an anti-rebound bar inside the car. It is the world's first infant car seat with fully integrated wheels and it is a firm favourite with celebs, including Laura.
Laura describes the Doona as a "saviour" when "cruising around Mayfair." She adds, most importantly, that "Bonnie actually loved her Doona straight away (thank god)."
Read more reviews of the Doona here
A really gentle bath milk for your little one, the soothing formula contains a blend of shea, avocado and coconut oils which are rich in Omegas to help keep baby's skin feeling nourished and moisturised. Plus it has been infused with the calming fragrance of lavender so it is perfect for before bedtime. Even better it is suitable for sensitive skin and is paediatrician approved.
Laura loved Mama Mio products during her pregnancy and now loves their baby skincare products too. She says, "I swore by award-winning experts Mama Mio products because they include plant-based actives, are baby-safe, dermatologically approved and backed with rigorous user trials." She then continues specifically about using Beddy Byes Bath Milk for Bonnie saying it is "the ultimate accompaniment for her night-time routine with a calming lavender fragrance and sweet almond oil promoting relaxation to send her on her way to a good night’s sleep."
www.notonthehighstreet.com
A lovely keepsake and perfect for those cute baby photos. This milestone blanket can be personalised with your little one's name and you can record their age from day 1 up to 12 years old. The blanket is soft and comfy for baby too.
Laura uses this blanket with Bonnie and says about watching her grow bigger: "What an adventure we’ve been on so far. I cannot wait to watch her grow into the little firecracker I know she already is."
Whether you are expecting, or your little one has been born, this is the ultimate in snuggly comfort. It is incredibly soft and cosy to help you relax and it features a soft flannel fleece outer and a warm sherpa fleece inside. In a supersize, it really is one size fits all and it even has a fleece hood and a convenient pocket to keep your hands warm, if they aren't full with little one.
Laura loves snuggling up in her Silentnight fleece and says: "It’s literally the softest fleece ever. The best thing is I’ve turned down my heating."
www.stokke.com
We spotted the Tripp Trapp Chair and Tripp Trapp Newborn Set bundle on Laura's instagram. This Stokke Newborn Set is designed to give your baby the interaction they love from birth. Cozy, comfortable and ergonomic, it lifts your infant up to table height. This enables eye contact and is a great opportunity to spend quality time together with the whole family. As your baby grows, continue to use your Tripp Trapp Chair as a high chair and seat with other accessories to give your growing child a seat at the table – from toddler through teen and even adult years.
www.mamasandpapas.com
Featuring a cotbed, dresser and wardrobe, this nursery set may be familiar - and if you've been wondering where Laura's lovely nursery furniture is from, here it is!
Embrace elegant heritage detailing with the Mamas and Papas Oxford nursery furniture, their most substantial collection, the striking cornice and plinth detailing and painted finish command attention while bringing a robust, traditional feel to your room. Each piece is crafted with clever design features to see your little one through their early years, for example storage beneath the cot (which turns into a toddler bed), and a changing table which easily converts to a dresser.
You'll need to buy a separate 140 x 70 x 10cm mattress, and the changing mat is also not included.
iltutto.co.uk
Another feature of Laura's nursery which we love is her il Tutto nursing chair - who actually recently won a Gold award at our Mother&Baby awards 2024 for Best New Mum/Postnatal Product.
The Lulu Nursing Chair boasts a style that will fit seamlessly into any nursery and create a dreamy cosy corner for all to enjoy for many years. In a Vanilla Bouclé fabric, Lulu has been designed with a timeless and on trend design. This ever-so-stylish chair also features a 360 swivel base and a smooth gliding motion which creates a calming spot for you and your little one to enjoy while reading, learning, playing or cuddling!
Read our full review of the il Tutto nursing chair.
Is Laura Anderson on Instagram?
Yes, to keep up with Laura and find out more about what she's been buying, you can follow her on Instagram @lauraanderson1x
Laura Healy is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. She is a mum-of-two girls and loves writing about all things parenting, she is particularly interested in the toddler years and eco-friendly baby products, as well as children’s literature. She has a PhD in Creative Writing and has published short stories in the UK and Ireland, as well as previously writing freelance for her local paper.