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Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Get updates on how your baby develops, your body changes, and what you can expect during each week of your pregnancy by signing up to the Mumsnet Pregnancy Newsletters.

Pregnancy

Things We All Need. . .

20 replies

blossomx · 29/09/2009 22:36

Just wondered all you mummys out there could give some advice on what I need, for me, labour, and for when baby gets here. I know all the basics, (obviously) like car seat, cot... just wondered if you could offer some advice on what I need to start getting!! I'm 23 weeks, can't wait !

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Biccy · 29/09/2009 22:43

Hi blossomx... as you may have guessed from my posts on the antenatal thread, I'm not a big one on shopping for unborn babies... I don't believe you need to buy anything other than the essential basics before you have the baby, as it's much much easier to work out what you want and need when you've actually got the baby there. Buy as little as possible and that way avoid possible expensive mistakes.

Are muslin cloths on your basics list? I'm a sucker for them, definitely think a few are an essential basic...

blossomx · 29/09/2009 22:49

Thankyou for your advice Biccy, what are muslin cloths I see them everywhere but don't have a clue what they are?!

Basic List is... moses basket, car seat, outfit to come home in, nappies, blankets, babygrows, socks, booties.

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Biccy · 29/09/2009 22:59

Muslins are thinnish square cloths that you can use for all sorts of things: emergency nappy, emergency sheet, wiping up (milk/sick/wee/poo), something to change baby on, sunshade (not really relevant to January baby...), folding up and putting under your breast for breatfeeding lying down, a bit of discretion whilst latching baby if you're feeling a bit self-conscious. Oh, all sorts of things. but, I'm vey biased as a muslin was my comfort blanket while I was a child (and my childhood lasted until I was 23)... so any excuse to have them knocking around!

Seriously, I think they are useful, but you don't actually NEED to buy them before the baby arrives - wait and see how often you are reaching for something to do any of the above?

I would add cotton wool to your list (for wiping your baby's bottom during nappy changes) and personally I think you're there really, assuming 'moses basket' includes mattress and sheets?

You've got me thinking though, perhaps bodysuits (vests with a crotch) and cardigan or coat and hat should be added to the list for a January baby?

Also, I might add one of those V shaped cushions for breast feeding (I got one that's designed for sitting up in bed reading, does the same job but much cheaper than something sold for the purpose of breastfeeding).

blossomx · 29/09/2009 23:05

I thought so, so basically there just sheets to help you with anything that needs mopping up !!! they sound like sos sheets! must get some of those!thanks for that! yes of course, moses basket includes sheets, mattress. ive wrote a basic list down thats more detailed. yea definatly need to get a coat, few cardigans, hat, i've got scratch mittens already.

doesn't pregnancy make you want to get real organised? I never used to be like that! I mean i'm starting to write lists !

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Biccy · 29/09/2009 23:11

I think it does make you want to get organised.... unfortunately it doesn't seem to actually make me get organised, I seem to be content just having written the list of all the things I ought to get organised, and never seem to actually do them...

blossomx · 29/09/2009 23:14

lol...! does make you feel content that you have actually wrote down what you need and want but whether or not we get down to doing it is another thing! o well.. we all have to start somewhere, even if it is just a list

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MrsBadger · 29/09/2009 23:19

cake
gin
sky+ or similar
numbers of bf helplines stuck up next to the phone
food you can prepare and eat with one hand, especially breakfasts
respectable pyjamas so you look passable when you don't manage to get dressed
pre-cooked stuff in the freezer, readymeals and/or takeaway menus
industrial quantities of washing powder

oh and 7 vests, 7 babygrows, a blanket or two and a pack of nappies

LadyLaLa · 29/09/2009 23:25

I would say you definitely need to get quite a few bits in before the baby arrives or your DP will be sent to the supermarket every day for a month otherwise!! (just at the point you need a pair of hands as well, probably).

I would get:
Cotton wool - balls not pleat
Muslins - few packs
Nappies
6 babygros - 3 newborn, 3 1-3months
6 vests - same ages
Scratch mittens, or look out for babygros which have them in-built - v useful.
Cotton stretchy hats
A fleecy or furry snowsuit WITH A HOOD for trips out - much easier than struggling a coat onto a newborn. I can tell you as a mum of a winter baby they don't like draughts down their necks . Next usually have one or two nice white/cream suits in for winter.
Baby wipes (because you just don't know when you need them so best have a packet in ready for when you do!)
Baby bath & sponge
2 x cardigans for popping over if a little chilly anywhere - M&S do nice cotton thin ones as obviously you don't want baby to overheat, it's more about layering.
Hooded towels x 4 - we use two when drying, one to soak up most of the moisture then a dry one to lie the baby on whilst putting nappy on otherwise they still have soggy backs/bum from the first wet towel!
Small CD player useful with a few calming CDs (helps you if not baby)
Blankets x 4 - cotton cellular. Use one for swaddling, one to put over the baby. and obviously as with towels, it's two in use - two in the wash hence 4.
Nappy bin is a godsend. Tommee Tippee is great as it locks away smelly/dirty nappies individually. I thought it was a just a gizmo but when you have a squirming screaming newborn you just want to drop nappy and go, really, without faffing with little plastic bags (although you do need some of these for the change bag for out & about).
Obviously nappies & Sudocrem.

Hope this helps, good luck!

LadyLaLa · 29/09/2009 23:32

Ha, Mrs Badger tackles the REAL essentials! I can't agree more with her advice re nice sleep/loungewear, in particular a generously cut & pretty dressing gown (very useful for when visitors are about. Don't skimp on this as everyone has a deflating tum after the birth and a decent, comfortable dressing gown works wonders as a cover up.

Lots of nibbles (healthy or otherwise!) as cooking or eating a big meal might seem a bit alien initially.

blossomx · 29/09/2009 23:32

LadyLaLa thankyou so much!! how useful! you sound like you really know your stuff ! definatley helped, alot!

MrsBadger thanks, i have skyplus so not a problem there! and cake, is a must !!! not too sure about the gin though!!!

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MrsBadger · 29/09/2009 23:37

well, no-one else ever tells you

no Mothercare catalogue tells you it is easier to make hot chocolate while bfing than it is to make a cup of tea (stick mug of milk in microwave for 2min and add powder - no need juggle taps / kettle with one hand)
or that brioche rolls are the best thing to dip in it (no need to butter and don't drop as many crumbs on baby as croissants do)...

MrsBadger · 29/09/2009 23:38

you will need it

or at least a nice glass of wine

mellifluouscauliflower · 29/09/2009 23:42

Don't forget: Calpol and a thermometer (pref digital in the ear but they are a bit pricey). When you need them, you really need them !

MrsBadger · 29/09/2009 23:45

digital armpit ones are fine too and much cheaper - if they are that ill they usually stay still while you cuddle them long enough to get a reading.

blossomx · 29/09/2009 23:46

ok great! i fancy a cup of hot choccie now!!! i cannot wait to have a glass of wine or two. just to relax in the evening!!! wont even be able to have one at xmas, or new year! so i am very much looking forward to having a glass of wine! thanks MrsBadger fantastic advice!

yes, thermometer didnt think of that! how an earth do you know if there the right temp? ! im scared!!!!

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MrsBadger · 29/09/2009 23:48

you are allowed a glass of wine a week when pg, you know. This isn't America.

ACtually you must be due about the same time as me but I am buggered if I can remember how many weeks I am - must be about 22

MrsBadger · 29/09/2009 23:48

and all thermometers come with a leaflet

blossomx · 29/09/2009 23:52

i know, but i just feel guilty, i mean i feel guilty when i eat to many sugary stuff, ive had loads off dr pepper today and two packets of maryland cookies!!! i just cannot stop eating ! id rather just wait til babys born and then make up for it after! after all, wine doesnt do baby any gd does it?!

my appetite has increased loooads... hope i dnt have an obese baby!! think i just worry too much

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MrsBadger · 29/09/2009 23:56

yes you worry to much - the occasional glass of wine is good for you.

go easy on the sugar though as gestational diabetes is no fun - I found breakfast cereal a good snack, or even jam on toast is better than cake (and easier to get at 1am)

blossomx · 29/09/2009 23:58

yea maybe i should get some nice cereal tommorow an ditch the biscuits!

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