Useful knitted items for baby?

[Snoozycat]

My mother in law is a big fan of knitting and she has asked me what sort of items would be useful for my first baby due June 2018. - winter here in NZ. As it’s my first baby I have no idea what sort of things would be useful.

if you knitted yourself or were given items as presents, what did you make/receive and did you find them useful? Anything that was not used?

Many thanks for the advice!

White knitted cardigan, all 4 of my dc spent the first 4 months in babygros with a white knitted cardi on. And a hat, dsm knitted a lovely trapper hat which has been through 4 grandchildren so far!

Cardis are very useful, jumpers not so much as they are a faff to get on and off. Hats are good.

Blankets last longer because they don't grow out of them. My gran knitted a beautiful intricate blanket for me when I was born and I have used it for both of my dc.

Make sure she uses either acrylic or baby wool. I have two lovely jumpers made in itchy wool and theres something about them that means they hardly bend at all.

Still have my babies blankets their Granny knitted. Hats are good and a pair of mittens on a string to go through the sleeves of their coat.

my mum knitted me a blanket for DD which used pompom wool/ bubble wool (don't really know what its called sorry) and we used it all the time.

It was good for either lying DD on whilst on the floor or using as a really warm cosy blanket. I used it a lot to position her when breastfeeding too.

Mittens?

I have a gorgeous bonnet that tied under the chin from great granny for my dds. Stops it coming off when in carry cot or sling. Also booties could be useful, when i sling I just add hat and booties as I have a babywearing coat.

Blankets and cardigans, but yes, baby wool is essential - it needs to be super soft and stretchy. Mine lived in babygrows and knitted cardigans too.

Agree with knitted cardigans in neutral colours (can be white but not necessarily). A blanket or two of a size that will completely cover a crib - can be doubled over or folded at the bottom to provide a single layer. Two or more are good so you can wash it frequently, it's nice to have layers, with the top layer being a pretty one. DD still uses her crib blanket as a lap blanket on the sofa. Hats are good - these are another thing that you'll need a few of... babies are messy...

If you aren't sure about acrylic yarn (it's much easier care than real wool) bamboo might be an option. I believe you can get bamboo yarn that's suitable for babies, it's very soft (much nicer than acrylic, IMHO) & fairly easy care. It's quite a bit more expensive though.

I made a lot of DD's cardi's etc. Jumpers are ok but a pain - hard to get on, hard to off without smearing sick, nappy explosions through the hair. Tank tops should have a button shoulder. Everything should be removable outwards /downwards if possible. (Tip - any sleepsuit etc with an envelope neck can be pulled down.)

Also - you will want future sizes... you'll likely be inundated with newborn stuff. 3-6 months clothes, not so much. Plan ahead, babies are more expensive than you think.

Singlets (vests.. didn't get if you are kiwi or just living there) to go under baby grows for this winter and next winter overnight. Short sleeved, they are easy to take on and off as they're stretchy so will fit for a long time, depending on the type of stitch used.

I prefer to add a layer under the bonds wondersuit (or equivalent pjs) rather than a cardigan over top.. then you still have the option of a cardi too if it's really cold.

Get hold of some of the possum/merino/silk thread for a super cosy blanket to use when in the pram/car before the heating takes over.

Oh and if MIL is really good at knitting then yes booties can be great. But I received some really quite odd specimens from a novice.... so I'm guessing they are a bit trickier than flat things?!!

Awesome thanks heaps for all the advice, lots of ideas now