Baby stuff!

[princesschick]

So, I'm 23 weeks pregnant and haven't bought any stuff yet. But I have been putting my shopping spreadsheet list together so I can just do a big internet shop nearer the time when I've saved up some pennies and moved into our new house. So far, I've chosen the pram, car seat, moses basket and bedding.

Other things on my list:
Baby clothes
Baby bath - (tummy tub? - anyone used one of these? We have a small house so it appeals on the space saving aspect)
Changing mat
Nappies (starting with eco disposables and maybe moving to cloth)
Bibs
Muslin squares
Baby towels
Sling
Bouncy chair
Toiletries
Nail clipper / scissor set
Nursing chair
Breast feeding pillow
Breast pump

Have I missed anything obvious?!

Also wondered if anyone has seen any starter packs pf organic white /gender neutral baby clothes on their travels? I'd just like a couple gender neutral starter packs for my hospital bag (baby grows, cotton hats, vests and the like - M&S and Mothercare seem to do lots but not organic - am I being too PFB?)

Does anyone know of any non toxic baby furniture too? I've found a cot but the company who make the cot don't make any other pieces of furniture. I don't know if I'm fussing too much but it's nice to have the option.

Thanks in advance.

[dinkystinky]

I have a tummy tub - used it for both DS1 and DS2 until they were nearly 3 months and its great. Kept them nice and warm as water is up to their shoulders. Best to see if you can borrow or buy off ebay though as wont use it for long. After 3 months you can get a bath support for the bath.

You dont need a nursing chair (especially if space is tight). Any upright chair or sofa with lots of pillows/cushions will do. I had a bean bag in DS2's room when we moved him out of our room which I used to do night feeds on.

[dinkystinky]

Dont forget lansinoh cream and breast pads for you.

[PhieEl06]

If your going for a breast pump to express maybe bottles & things? Steriliser?

[princesschick]

Oh yes, good shout ladies. Hadn't even considered bottles and breast pads ! x

[TinkyPeet]

Steriliser? X

[princesschick]

Oh and DinkyStink I've found some bargain tummy tubs on ebay - thanks for the tip.

Steriliser is now on the list... I guess I better go start researching...

[TinkyPeet]

X-post :) lol. R u gonna use a Moses basket? X

[PhieEl06]

Look at Tommee Tippee starter kits on their website, I have heard good reviews & have one on my own baby list.

[princesschick]

I have got moses basket - we're going for this one -- moses basket + mattress + bedding

[SilverSixpence]

Dd was given a prince lionheart tummy tub type bath, I really like it compared to the traditional type which I used with DS - easier to carry and she enjoys it without me worrying about her going under the water. Also more of her in water so she doesn't get cold.

I agree nursing chair is not necessary although I have one and really like using it when it's not hidden under a pile of laundry

Boots do starter sets of 2 vests, 2 babygrows a bib and I think a hat and mittens, v useful. I think mothercare have them too.

[TinkyPeet]

That's lovely :) I was gonna suggest lots of bedding and blankets and bibs too :) x

[DaveMccave]

Can I suggest washable breastpads? I didn't even consider they might exist with my first, and the horrible plastic ones cost a bloody fortune! You can get bamboo ones from little lambs, or on etsy or wee notions website.

Why not start out with cloth? You will save lots! Can understand waiting till baby fits into slimmer pockets though.

You don't need a baby bath. They are heavy when full of water and a pain to carry round, you have a perfect sized baby bath that is better for your back-the kitchen sink!

Baby towels pointless too, just use a normal bigger towel that they won't quickly grow out of.

Greenbaby clothes are organic, have seen organic in m&s and next.

Happy shopping!

[princesschick]

Dave I'm a bit nervous of the cloth nappies... I've only ever changed maybe 3 nappies in my life and they have all been 'wee' nappies not 'poo' nappies So I thought that in hospital and for the first couple of weeks whilst I'm battling getting breast feeding etc established that I go disposable and then when confident switch to cloth. Everyone has told me the first few months are a nightmare and haven't given me any rose tinted specs at all. Sleep deprivation at the Guantanamo level and explosive baby-poocanos etc

Oh and I'm mega nervous of dropping baby - we're renovating our house - and have just put in a stone kitchen and bathroom floor and huge ceramic sink, it's a big butler sink and I'm worried I might break the baby if I used it as a bath (very clumsy - not sure what we were thinking when we chose flagstones last year!). So thinking that bath time could be in the front room where there are soft things and a wooden floor?!?!

I'll have a look at the washable breast pads - hadn't considered they existed either. And yes, I can see that one of my hand towels will be fine for baby - they don't need a special towel really do they now!?

[rainand]

Hi :)

I'm pretty much in the same boat as you, though a couple of weeks ahead! It seems like you've got pretty much everything covered. I've added breastfeeding pillow from your list to mine.

I've got a highchair (Ikea Antilop) on my list, and even though it is not needed until much later, its just so that if someone wants to give it as a gift. I've also got a video monitor on the list, and baby shampoo, lotion and wipes.

[rainand]

Also, don't forget things for yourself, like comfy pyjamas, nursing gown etc

[rootypig]

Ooh love questions like this. Lots of recommendations but here are the top ones:

Clothes: have found M&S packs of whites the best quality (have 14wo DD) - the Autograph range is lovely and soft. The only organic baby clothes I have seen are fiendish expensive, believe me, even for PFB a few explosive poops and growth spurts will knock you out of that!

H&M and John Lewis also good for lovely bright separates - the John Lewis long sleeved vests are really nice quality, and the H&M baby trousers.

Other recommendations: multi packs of small muslins to use as burp cloths / general mopper uppers - John Lewis or M&S.

Large muslins to swaddle / layer over baby like blankets. They are expensive but I use the Aden+Anais ones every day - in her cot, pram, to cover me and her when BFing in public. I really like them because they're warm but very light (easy to weigh down a tiny baby you're trying to keep warm!) and they're natural and breathable, so won't overheat her (have found as first time mother of winter baby hard to judge how warm she is). And huge and if you pick none babyish designs make lovely scarves for you! they have been much admired....

What else? a few weeks after DD was born I ended up getting a room thermometer, because again I couldn't judge temperature. 18C, which is recommended, initally felt much too cold to me. Am really glad I got one, I constantly refer to it - we chose this one and it's brilliant.

Instead of a big changing bag I got this travel change mat/bag : Munchkin mat and it's been brilliant

and finally an activity gym for LO to lie on? friends bought us this one Skiphop treetops and DD loves it

Finally get some lavender oil for you, to put in warm baths after the birth!

[DaveMccave]

No, I mean the hooded ones look cute, but if you are tempted, get one of the bigger ones that will last through childhood for when they go swimming etc. the tiny hooded baby ones get grown out of v quickly.

Understand about nappies, I used disposables early on with my first, moltex were a good Eco brand. Maybe look at second hand nappy classifieds and pick up a few different types that the baby can grow into and try when your ready so it's not a huge expense later on. Saves you buying newborn sizes too.

I understand the worry about the kitchen floor, you really won't like carrying a big bath full of water around! Not sure how much lighter the tummy tubs are but a washing up bowl would work fine, or a baby seat for bath.

[rootypig]

Sorry, just seen you had muslins, am too eager

As far as change mat goes, I would go for something like this one: John Lewis change mat.....easier to wipe clean than anything with a seam. and DD seems to find it very comfy.

DD has also loved this toy from birth, makes a nice gentle sound and now she is bigger she can grab it easily. We have a few things from Manhattan Toy Co (including a stimulating mobile) and all of them have been hits.

Enjoy your shopping!

[princesschick]

Hey Twitchy - we've researched the effects of foams / flame retardants and it's made us quite paranoid! Especially cheap particle fibre board / chip board materials that offgas things like formaldehyde. I know that European makes and even IKEA come out better than some stuff over here. I've noticed that a lot of regular furniture is painted in non toxic paint. I think I may even try and just get hold of a pine wardrobe and upcycle it myself and then at least I'd know what paint I've used and it will probably save some money too.

With the moses basket it's the cost of the mattress that bumps it up, but we have a natural mattress and want our baby to have a natural / organic mattress too. I think I'm happy to spend the money on this but economise in other areas.

As you say, non toxic nursery furniture and organic baby grows are probably a bit overkill. I guess I am being PFB about some of these things :)

Thanks so much ladies :)

[Snowflakepie]

Maternity pads, don't think they were on your list? You can get thick or thin ones in boots depending on your preference. I found cloth wipes much better at dealing with newborn poo than disposable, although did take disposable into hospital as the mw's look a bit funny when you ask for water if you can't move easily. Nappy bags or similar, no need for a fancy disposal unit unless you live in flats miles from outside bins to deal with the stench. Unless you feel very strongly about it I wouldn't worry about the organic stuff, it is very pricey for things that will only be used for a short time. Wash the clothes in non bio and remember that some dirt is good for the immune system. Other things which might already have been mentioned... Bottles, steriliser, baby sling (often you can find a sling meet once baby is here and try some out, I found the mai tai style best for me but there are many), bibs by the ton, change mat. Tens machine? You can hire for about £25 from various places.

DH took a disposable camera into hospital with us as he was worried about his fancy shmancy camera going walkies, you won't want anything valuable with you. Also take as much food as you can carry, hospital food sucks big time and that's if they even remember to feed you (speaks from bitter experience...).

[Snowflakepie]

Oh and I didn't bother with a baby bath. Just put DD in the normal bath and held her myself in very shallow water. Had all toiletries to hand before we started, one handed was no issue. No mess, no heavy bath to carry. Plus my mum told me some horror stories about babies in baby baths that parents had thought were safe and went to answer the door briefly, only for the worst to happen. Obv you never leave a baby in any water, no matter how shallow, but I felt that if I had to hold her the whole time, I wouldn't even be tempted. So I got a bath mat to minimise slipping and that was fine.

[VisualiseAHorse]

I wouldn't bother with a Moses basket - if you're buying a buggy with a 'pram' style attachment, that'll do fine.

[EauRouge]

I agree that a nursing chair and a breastfeeding pillow aren't necessary if you have a comfy chair and normal cushions or pillows.

With regards to the sling, maybe go along to a sling meet or similar to try a few out. Definitely avoid the baby bjorn type things; they are terrible for your back and you can't carry your baby in once they are more than a couple of months old. Wraps, ring slings or mei tais are much better.