checklist for a first time mum

[PurplePoppy17]

Very early as I'm just 22 weeks but I want to try get some sort of list together so that I can bulk buy items and buy essentials for before baby. Anyone have any good tips and ideas to help? What did you buy but didn't actually need? What you wish you bought? Ect

[OddSocksHighHeels]

You need very little for a newborn:

A place for the baby to sleep - I mostly co-slept but I'm glad I had my Moses basket. I didn't buy a cot until after she was born.
A sleeping bag - far easier than blankets
Nappies and wipes and that sort of stuff
Clothes
Baby monitor
Changing mat
I found it useful to have a mobile thing above the changing mat as well
Car seat if you drive
Pram and/or sling for being out and about

That's really it.

[Loft653]

I'd have pretty similar stuff on my list

In terms of clothes, we bought only a few newborn sleepsuits/vests and mostly 0-1mth - our DD was 7lbs3oz and I think she will be in newborn for at least a month if not longer. We've managed but in hindsight probably should of bought more of the newborn size.

We use a Moses basket, whatever you choose make sure you have a waterproof protector(s!) and plenty of sheets as there will be sick/leaky nappies! The sheets/protectors also fit our pram so I think we have 4 protectors and about 6 sheets in total.

Lanisoh for nipples if you are BF is a must. Nursing bras and tops also.

For our changing may we use waterproof liners from John Lewis which we find really good, if you have an 'accident' mid-change it's then easy to clear up by changing the liner and popping the dirty in the wash. We have a changing table too, think it is good for preventing back pain but once she starts rolling over it will probably be redundant, happy we have in nonetheless as we have room for it but also glad we went for one at the cheaper end of the market.

Muslims, lots of muslins!

We have a baby bath (just a basic one) and it is just fine, there are plenty of fancy ones out there but we're happy with our basic choice. Some use the sink but for us the baby bath is more practical.

If you live near a John Lewis then they do appointments where someone will take you around the dept and explain everything. We did this and there was no pressure to buy, indeed the lady suggested not buying on the day so we could think about options. They were so much more helpful than others on the high st but appointments book up weeks in advance at Oxford st at least.

That was a long post (up feeding in the wee hours of the morning!).

Good luck!

[Loft653]

I'd have pretty similar stuff on my list

In terms of clothes, we bought only a few newborn sleepsuits/vests and mostly 0-1mth - our DD was 7lbs3oz and I think she will be in newborn for at least a month if not longer. We've managed but in hindsight probably should of bought more of the newborn size.

We use a Moses basket, whatever you choose make sure you have a waterproof protector(s!) and plenty of sheets as there will be sick/leaky nappies! The sheets/protectors also fit our pram so I think we have 4 protectors and about 6 sheets in total.

Lanisoh for nipples if you are BF is a must. Nursing bras and tops also.

For our changing may we use waterproof liners from John Lewis which we find really good, if you have an 'accident' mid-change it's then easy to clear up by changing the liner and popping the dirty in the wash. We have a changing table too, think it is good for preventing back pain but once she starts rolling over it will probably be redundant, happy we have in nonetheless as we have room for it but also glad we went for one at the cheaper end of the market.

Muslims, lots of muslins!

We have a baby bath (just a basic one) and it is just fine, there are plenty of fancy ones out there but we're happy with our basic choice. Some use the sink but for us the baby bath is more practical.

If you live near a John Lewis then they do appointments where someone will take you around the dept and explain everything. We did this and there was no pressure to buy, indeed the lady suggested not buying on the day so we could think about options. They were so much more helpful than others on the high st but appointments book up weeks in advance at Oxford st at least.

That was a long post (up feeding in the wee hours of the morning!).

Good luck!

[Loft653]

I'd have pretty similar stuff on my list

In terms of clothes, we bought only a few newborn sleepsuits/vests and mostly 0-1mth - our DD was 7lbs3oz and I think she will be in newborn for at least a month if not longer. We've managed but in hindsight probably should of bought more of the newborn size.

We use a Moses basket, whatever you choose make sure you have a waterproof protector(s!) and plenty of sheets as there will be sick/leaky nappies! The sheets/protectors also fit our pram so I think we have 4 protectors and about 6 sheets in total.

Lanisoh for nipples if you are BF is a must. Nursing bras and tops also.

For our changing may we use waterproof liners from John Lewis which we find really good, if you have an 'accident' mid-change it's then easy to clear up by changing the liner and popping the dirty in the wash. We have a changing table too, think it is good for preventing back pain but once she starts rolling over it will probably be redundant, happy we have in nonetheless as we have room for it but also glad we went for one at the cheaper end of the market.

Muslims, lots of muslins!

We have a baby bath (just a basic one) and it is just fine, there are plenty of fancy ones out there but we're happy with our basic choice. Some use the sink but for us the baby bath is more practical.

If you live near a John Lewis then they do appointments where someone will take you around the dept and explain everything. We did this and there was no pressure to buy, indeed the lady suggested not buying on the day so we could think about options. They were so much more helpful than others on the high st but appointments book up weeks in advance at Oxford st at least.

That was a long post (up feeding in the wee hours of the morning!).

Good luck!

[Loft653]

Oh I don't know why that posted 3 times

[Wishful80smontage]

Also for you- lots of cheap big black knickers (big pant style), and plenty of maternity pads I've been through nearly packs since my ds arrive on weds- I only brought 2 packs when I had dd soon realised you use them really quickly.
A few blankets for swaddling.
I really like the sleepsuits from Next they have hands built in so you don't need to buy mittens as extra.

[jimijack]

Babygrows, LOADS of them, all different ages. I shall tell you why...
They wash great, stck them on the radiator & dry by morning NO ironing required, stick them back on baby. You may need 4/5 a day.
Clothes for babies are faffy, fiddly, and a pain to get on & then off when soaked in vomit and/or poo. They mostly require ironing & are only on the kid for a couple of hours as they will be soaked in vom and/or poo.
Babygrows, make life as easy and simple as possible until at least 12 months old.
2 cheepo change mats, one for upstairs, one for downstairs.

[jimijack]

Boxes of nappies and multipack wipes, I get mine from Aldi of asdas own.

Don't be drawn into named stuff, pampers etc, expensive, not much good.

Fill your freezer before you go in to have baby, easy stuff that can be defrosted, chucked in the oven or slow cooker.....slow cooker by the way...God send!!!

[bittapitta]

Don't bulk buy nappies. They grow and change sizes very quickly and you night get on with some brands better than others (depends on shape of baby!). So by all means buy a small pack of a few brands in the small sizes and every time judge whether they work for you and buy more informed.

To be honest unless you live very rurally you can buy everything you need online for next day delivery or even pop to the shops. Very little is urgent beyond your hospital bag supplies (basic outfits for baby, maternity pads and comfy clothes for you)

[DoctorTwo]

Lip balm.

[April2013]

I'm just 24 weeks and starting to think about organising baby stuff too :)

I wasn't a fan of my Moses basket and I think this time will use a travel cot for the living rm - plus travel cots last for I think up to 2 years and double as a playpen but Moses baskets only last a couple of months. As well as a cot for overnight you also need somewhere for them to sleep during the day\evening in your living rm - either a travel cot, Moses basket, pram carry cot. With my first the pram was kept in the front room so I just used that, this time I'm going for a travel cot i think as they can be used from newborn till a couple of years.

I also recommend a baby carrier or sling for being able to get on with things around the house and for getting out and about.

Happy shopping :)

[TheLittleLion]

I had my son 2 years ago and I have a pretty awful memory but from what I can remember...

Millions of muslins. I remember thinking that I had too many before DS was born but in reality I needed more.

Obviously nappies, but don't buy too many of the same size, they grow out of them too fast (I find asda little angles nappies better than any others).

And as for a baby bath.. I think I used mine a max of 5 times, I just found it a pain. I ended just bathing him in the normal bath, I would take him in with me most of the time.

Oh and I really wouldn't recommend buying actual clothes for newborns (like shirts/ jeans). They just look so uncomfortable for poor baby to be laying around in all day and they get covered in baby junk in no time.

[Wishful80smontage]

Agree with lion stick with babygrows for a while so much more comfy for baby and easier for you when you're changing their bum all day long too.

[cathpip]

Moses basket for downstairs and a crib for by your bed, our crib was from mothercare and is the basic one, it cost about £70. It has been a god send 4dc and 4 sections later and the joy of not having to bend down is amazing, they also don't outgrow it so quickly, dc4 is still in his at 4 months and he's off the charts for height and weight!
Baby gros and vests lots of and just get the cheap vests from the supermarket because if your dc has a talent for pootastrophies you won't mind binning the vests, believe me when I say poo stains and not even vanish will get it out :)

[RubberDicky]

Yes to baby grows, I think newborns look best in white ones personally. I wouldn't buy loads though as we were given so many by people we'd never expect to give us gifts.

Our best buys were:

Night lights! A couple so you can see what you're doing during night feeds etc without turning any lights on. Light the landing too so you can pee without waking the baby with light

Some kind of chair - bouncy or otherwise, so you can put the baby somewhere safely on the bathroom floor whilst you shower/wee

Sling/carrier - I use mine every single day. Use the expensive travel system maybe once a week at most.

If you're rural buy a couple of birth to potty reusable nappies even if you're using disposable ones. Nothing worse than being running out at 2am because you really thought you had another pack with no nearby all night supermarket. I have a few bambino mio solos and am happy. You can get them from eBay or new.

Yes to the sleeping bags! Again eBay is brilliant. Everyone's great aunt etc knitted us blankets so we ended up with ~10 that we never use.

I love our video monitor but I know not everyone sees the necessity.

Isofix base for car seat makes life so much easier.

Bottle of wine, pate, stinky mouldy cheese

[RubberDicky]

I've used the Angel care bath support from first bath right through to six months and sitting independently. It's great - and another place to put little one safely (on dry land) whilst you wee.

[PurplePoppy17]

Thanks for all your replies,.. I started a list the other night. After Christmas time I think we are going to visit s few shops and start buying things

[clarabellski]

Bookmarking - good tips on here! thanks!

My mum also said babygrows are the way forward especially if first baby and nervous about handling them - so much easier than fiddly mini clothes.

[MrsA2015]

Pillows to prop yourself with in bed and a really comfy arm chair, you'll want to be comfy when feeding ! Lots and lots of maternity pads, headband to keep your hair out of the way (little things like that really cut down my stress levels),loads of babygrows with the foldover sleeves in stead of mittens, NEXT do lovely ones. Puppy training pads to put on the bed to avoid soaking if breast pads move!!! And a list of people you'll be able to ask for help from when you need it.

[mrslebon]

I'm just updating my baby checklist (I'm 28 weeks) and would also add that a universal cot top changer can be useful if you don't have room for a separate change table. I bought ours from Kiddicare and they just fit over the top of the cot bed.

You'll also need some soft cardigans (I love those ones that M&S do with ears!) and perhaps a snowsuit if the weather is cold.

[AmusingSpoonerism]

Or just change on a mat the floor - you'll have to do that as soon as they start rolling anyway so in my opinion 'proper' changing units are only useful for ~4months anyway.

TKmaxx often sell giant muslins, they're brilliant and worth keeping an eye out for (but not worth paying loads for!)

[BendydickCuminsnatch]

My list if essentials, aside fron something for the baby to wear, eat and sleep in:

Amazon prime account
Isofix base
Insulated mug for your tea/coffee etc
Something that plays white noise - we use an analogue radio
Perfect prep machine
Knowledge of how to co-sleep safely
Somewhere to put baby down in each room

[BendydickCuminsnatch]

I also wouldn't be without our cloth nappies, but know they're not for everyone.

[tethersend]

1. Dry shampoo
   

1. Coffee
   

1. Eye drops
   

That's it

[kd83]

Nappies
lanisoh definitely
takeaway on speed dial
netflix/amazon/boxsets, basically anything to pass the day/night
I had loads of breast pads (boxes full) and didnt need any, I think I only ever leaked once
We didnt have a moses basket but a hammock next to our bed, which we and baby loved and we will use again this time around
we used the pram top from the buggy for downstairs/daytime naps
a vibrating chair was also indispensable