Baby essentials

[tinygingermum]

I know this isn’t technically an AIBU but I want to take advantage of the traffic!

What did you find essential when baby stuff buying and what do you think was a waste of money?

It’s been 14 years since my first and although I remember that there was lots that I bought that I never used I can’t exactly remember what those things were. This time I want to not get sucked into buying the crap and stick to what is actually needed.

Our absolute essentials, but they will differ from yours

Baby carrier, good proper one
Car seat, the type that stayed in the car
Babygrows
Selection of nappies, good quality wipes and wet and dry bags to store them
Cord tie
Place to sleep (we had a crib) with mattress and sheets
Baby sleeping bag
syringes (like tiny calpol ones)

Things I liked having but actually weren’t essential

nursing bras
baby bouncer seat
blankets
little bits of cute baby stuff like little rattles and toys
baby bath seat
dummies
milton sterisling tablets

Things that were a complete waste of money

Travel system
Baby coats
Baby hats
Baby socks
Snowsuits/Pramsuits
microwave steriliser
Baby toiletries of all kinds

Not expecting a little one myself but now a GM.

Things I'd go for now, I never went for what everyone else did when I had my DC and like you wouldn't bother with what I want but more baby'sneeds....

Decent pram/push chair set, car seat, next to me crib (seems the in thing for baby to sleep in)
Some type of comfy seat/bouncer.
Bottles/ dummies if using.
Muslins.

My GC don't have blankets for their bedtime, they have what's known as sleeping bags, I'd never seen or heard of them 30 years ago when i had mine DC, you may have though...they'd be an absolute must and would have saved me many sleepless nights worring if LO had got the sheet/blanket over their head.

Hi! 👋 I remember feeling the same way, packing my hospital bag felt exciting but also a bit overwhelming.

I hope this is not coming in too late

A few essentials I wouldn’t go without:
• Maternity pads & comfy underwear
• Lip balm (it gets dry in hospital!)
• Breast pads
• Slippers/socks with grips
• Baby grows & nappies (just a few to start)

I actually put together some trial hospital bags recently and it made me realise how much easier it is when everything’s pre-packed and labelled. If you’d like, I’m happy to share a list of what I included or answer any questions 💛