To ask about newborns...

[notsureifimbeingur]

I'm due to have a baby in November, and I wondered if anyone has advice of things to buy that were an absolute must have when you were giving birth/ settling into life with a baby at home?

Perhaps things that I wouldn't initially think of, but couldn't live without, and would then have to make a trip out to buy them.
I like to be as organised as possible!

(Sorry, I know this isn't strictly AIBU, but posting for traffic!)

Thank you!

Muslin cloths are amazing for so many things
Sleepyhead
Snuzpod
Changing table - some people don't rate them but definitely saved my back
Two of things - changing mat with sides on them so when they start to roll. One upstairs one downstairs.
Thermometer- old school one under the arm and not digital as not meant to be used for babies under one
Amazon - best friend
Uppa baby vista travel system is great. Huge basket underneath and suitable if you have 2 little ones

Oh and the rocker and gym mat are great especially if you need to have a shower

Distilled witchazel to put on pads, especially if you have a tear.

Lots of muslin cloths!

I don't have kids but I was in 4 different shops the other day looking for a 'Ewan the Dream Sheep' for my friend as I was told no new mum should be without one.

Formula. Even if it's just a small pack of ready made. Even if you're planning on breastfeeding. I was, but we weren't prepared for our 2nd dd to be premature and then I struggled so it came in handy. Muslins, you can never have enough.

Formula. Even if it's just a small pack of ready made. Even if you're planning on breastfeeding. I was, but we weren't prepared for our 2nd dd to be premature and then I struggled so it came in handy. Muslins, you can never have enough.

Sleepyhead. I had a Velcro baby who wouldn't be put down and it saved my sanity.
Huge changing bag - it's INSANE how much crap you cart around with you.
A variety of clothes sizes - you may find you have a really tall baby like mine or @divadee [waves ] and you already need a size up to hand.

Different kinds of nappies, not just different sizes - it's like trying to find the perfect pair of jeans, only with more risk of being shat on if you get it wrong. They all fit differently, so don't just buy 80000 pampers newborn size - get some pampers, some supermarket ones, some boots own brand etc and see which ones fit best.

I think the sleepyhead is the best thing ever and would definitely recommend to anyone. No need for a Moses basket as I bring that downstairs for the day time.
Also completely agree with amazon prime membership! We have a delivery every day
Massive swaddle muslins, handy for covering up when feeding, shading the baby in sun, protecting surfaces.
Lansinoh
Baby tracker app (or something similar) to keep track of when s/he last fed/slept etc
Changing station downstairs and upstairs, I've got a mat which lives under the sofa and a basket with all the nappies, wipes etc under the coffee table
Insulated mug to keep hot drinks hot and to prevent risk of slopping it on the baby

Aldi have a bargain sleepyhead type cushion now, I'd get one of those for sleeps away from home, day time naps etc.

With hindsight I wouldn't have bought a breast pump, I'd have hired one instead.

Also due with my first in November, so following this for info - such useful tips so far!

notsure I have the same size boobs. Fed my first for 18 months and currently feeding DC2 who is 7 weeks. You'll be fine

Essentials:
More muslins than you think you need, then another pack. I already had a pile of them but DC2 is rather sicky and I've bought 12 more since having him.

Lots of vests.

Lansinoh lanolin nipple cream. It's a bit pricey but goes really far and I've only needed it the first few days both times. It's magic for sore nipples in the early days. Can't recommend the stuff enough.

I like having a breastfeeding C shape pillow. I find it invaluable and they are cheap on Amazon.

Thanks Whooo :)

Thanks for starting this thread, OP, I'm taking notes too.

Something I've done in advance is post a bunch of info about local resources on my fridge - breastfeeding support, who to call if you have a Q about what medications are safe while breastfeeding, etc and I'm working on adding info about post natal mental health support. I figure those are all things that will take more effort to research later and I feel comforted having the info at the ready now.

Tommee tippee prep machine! Get it!

Boobs, sling (i like short wraps for small babies - quick in & out when pre-tied or a ring sling), bed.
They dont need much :)

My boobs are bigger than that & it didnt cause a problem (the huge nipples did ) but forceful letdown & oversupply were a problem. Find a BF support group/cafe/LLL & visit them BEFORE you have to get baby out of the house for the first time - that way you know how it works how to find it & may remember a friendly face.

V shaped pillow is cheeper & i found better than boppy type ones.

Even if you dont plan to bed share read up on cosleeping guidelines so you can be safe if (like many parents) you end up unintentionally bedsharing.

Really good mattress cover

Muslins - my babies brought up gallons & gallons of my oversupply.

Get your DP to practice with the baby car seat - we had an almighty row the first time we had to put first into it.

Good luck!

Sling. And a thermos coffee cup.

I had an October baby and asked for a proper waterproof jacket for Christmas with waterproof gloves too. You do a lot of walking the buggy!
Not everyone likes them but one of the first things we realised we needed was a changing table; I had a C-Section and just found the bending too sore etc. Ours had two shelves with a bath and changing area. It was used for a long time and also great for relatives who struggled with the floor.

Not so much a must have - more a must know... I had no idea how to swaddle and found myself desperate in the middle of the night watching YouTube videos faffing around with a muslin. Or buy a swaddle blanket! Either way, you might not swaddle but like infacol and sleepyheads, its worth knowing about before you need them most...

I second a good (nice!) raincoat. Essential for walking.

I have 2 children, 2.5 years and just turned 1. They are like chalk and cheese. I was prepared for 4th trimester with my oldest, but he hated being held. The baby on the other hand was a complete 4th trimester baby, and was literally never, ever put down until she was 16 weeks.

Just a little tip. Don't get hung up on 'enjoying every minute'. You won't. You'll then feel guilty that you should be, etc etc etc. A vicious cycle. Yes, it goes quickly, but some days feel like a year. That's ok. That's normal.

Two other items of advice: everything is a phase. It will pass.
And, remember, comparison is the thief of joy. Your baby is perfect because it's yours. Don't give a minute's thought to what someone else's child is doing.

Best of luck!

I would really recommend the Tena lady pants for you for after; post birth bleeding is quite heavy, they're soft on sore bits, you don't have to sit on a thick maternity pad that might slip and you can just throw them away and not have to worry about them.
For the baby a 'rocking' chair swing sends them to sleep (sometimes!) infacol for the awful colic you might have for the first 6-12 weeks (mine was very colicky and had trapped wind a lot 😩) water wipes and Vaseline - put Vaseline on their bum so that you have a chance of wiping the first meconium poo off! For you, lansinoh ointment, multi mam breastfeeding nipple compresses and soft breast pads - I found johnsons good as they have a nipple dimple in! Also cook meals for the freezer for those first few weeks, they are a lifesaver when you're tired and have little time or the baby won't be put down! Good luck, it's hard but amazing!

The Best two things we Bought were Tommee tippee perfect prep machine (absolute life saver!)
And chicco next2me cot! X

As a previous poster has mentioned a good night light is essential one that is within easy reach when you are lying in bed & isn't bright enough to startle you awake.

We found a brilliant clip light from amazon that we have attached to our headboard - you will have the light on and off a hundred times that few weeks.

Also swaddle blankets are essential

Decongestant.

You need to be able to sniff their velvety wickle heads.

Sorry.

Nappies, sacks, wipes.

Get people to give you money or practical items, or else you'll be swamped with pastel coloured plush.

Good box sets for the night feeds. I found sitting in my bedroom a killer and I was worried about nodding off so I would come downstairs and watch the next instalment of my chosen box set. Kinda made me look forward to the night feeds and saved my sanity.

Also hoard nappies. My DD is 6 months old and I am yet to buy a nappy since she has been born.

A morrck blanket for the car seat and a Milton mini steriliser if you want to give a soother