What do I actually *need* to buy for a new baby?!

[newmumsw18]

I found it pretty overwhelming figuring out what I needed to buy for my baby when I was pregnant, and which brands were best. I read hundreds of conflicting reviews, got lists from well-meaning mum friends and waited in for dozens of different deliveries. I was surprised there wasn't an easier way. So I want to set up a business to help others like me. A box of everything you need for a new baby - including the top rated products and brands for feeding, changing, sleeping, bathing etc with simple 'how-to' notes - delivered to your door at 36wks, or within 24hrs of going into labour for those superstitious about buying in advance. Everything would be priced at the recommended retail price and delivery would be a small fee. I'd be really interested in people's thoughts on the idea. Thanks in advance!

[Autumn2014]

I've enjoyed researching and choosing for my new baby. My previous baby was born very premature with a disability so we had to buy everything at short notice and was limited to choices to suit his specific needs. This time I've taken my time and enjoyed it as part of the bonding experience and antenatal period of preparing for my baby. My mum and other family members are also excited and helping us choose items is one way they show this.
I also think it's a very subjective subject. What works for one person might not work for another. Too many factors at play, which is why there is such a broad range of products on offer.
Of course, there may be lots of hard pressed mummies to be who would like your service. It's a bit like a wedding planner, some brides to be don't want the hassle of the planning and making decisions, other relish the build up.

[MintyBojingles]

It's very subjective- what one person swears is essential another would never use.

Really the essentials are vests, baby grows, hat, jumper, booties, blankets, and nappies.

A lot depends on the season and personal preference and a lot on the baby - some will BF, some won't. Some use dummies, some don't. It's hard to predict whilst pregnant!

[lcoc2015]

Would be a good gift for baby showers i think? Maybe different bundles at various price points.

[Jibberjabberjooo]

Everyone likes different things for their baby and what one person swears by is completely different from the next. As a gift it might be nice but I wouldn't rely on something like that to get me through the newborn days.

What are your 'how to' notes based on? You can't give personal opinions.

[Sophia1984]

Have you looked at what gets included in the famous Finnish baby box?

From what I've seen and read, newborn babies need a little hat and scratch mitts.

[Fifi10]

NCT already do hideously expensive bundles for labour, breast feeding etc.

I think half of the fun is choosing and buying stuff as well as getting personal gifts, if someone bought me a pre-packed box of stuff I would question the thought that went into it and why they had spent so needlessly.

I also don't think 'how to' notes should replace evidence based advice such as that you already get for free from medical professionals, sorry.

[KayTee87]

I think this is already done by other companies. Also people like to choose their own brand or type.
Mothercare have an excellent list on their website for maternity/hospital/newborn/weaning/older baby etc.
I've copied and printed it out and will work from that.

[Kitkatmonster]

I wouldn't like it, I would prefer to research and choose, not be told what's essential.

[Heirhelp]

There are lots of lists out there on the mothercare, john Lewis and NHS websites. People have such differing ideas about what they want, for example i know people who swaer by scratch mits and other who don't think they are good to use.

[Dixiechick17]

I think as others said that it is too subjective. One baby will love their moses basket and another will hate it, my DD settled better in a sleepyhead. I thought my nappy bin was great, have heard loads of other people say its a waste of money. I also took advice from friends and picked up items second hand that would only be used for a month or so.

[newmumsw18]

Thanks All for the comments! I completely agree there will be differences in the products needed based on feeding (breast or formula), season and gender so the box could be tailored accordingly. The Finnish baby box was indeed part of the inspiration! And it absolutely could be something for gifting at baby showers (like dontbuyherflowers.com). I do agree that some items people will want to choose themselves but there do seem to be stand-out winners in most categories - Medela's breast pump, Baby Bjorn's bouncer, Aden & Anais muslins etc etc. Completely agree that other items may need to be bought after the baby is born depending on the baby's emerging preferences but to feel 'ready' there are some basics that I think could be provided. Thanks in advance for any further comments!

[Heirhelp]

Not everybody would use a breast pump pump even if breast feeding. Our midwives recommend Ardo over Meleda. It sounds like your box will be expensive with all those brands. I think most people won't go for all big branded products.

[everdene]

I think a UK version of the Finnish baby box would do well - they sell for between £200-400 here in the UK but one at about the £100 mark would do really well. I looked at them for my SIL as they are a lovely idea but we just can't afford £200+ for a gift.