Infant: what to buy

What to expect

Between roughly three and twelve months, babies move from lying still to sitting, crawling, and often walking, and weaning introduces a whole new category of gear. This is usually the most gear-heavy stage, because mobility and solid food both require kit the newborn stage didn't.

Why get this sorted now

A proper high chair and a small set of weaning tools make mealtimes dramatically less chaotic, and a baby monitor earns its keep once naps move to a separate room. These are items used daily for months, so it's worth checking reviews rather than grabbing whatever's cheapest.

What to buy first

1. A high chair and a few weaning basics, timed to when your baby starts solids (usually around 6 months).
2. A baby monitor, once naps or bedtime move to a separate room.
3. Stair gates and basic baby-proofing as soon as crawling starts, not after the first tumble.