The stuff you bought which wasn't essential, but made life SO much easier...!

[TheDetective]

I've got all the essential stuff ready for baby number 3.

But I'm doing this by myself, with a toddler and a teenager to wrangle along side a newborn!

I've been asked what things I want. Well, what I want is stuff to make life just that bit easier. I'll be buying some of these myself, but I don't want to ask for gifts that are expensive, nor do I want to spend much more myself.

I've got things like a bedside crib, prep machine (incase BF doesn't work), cup holder for the pushchair . I'm getting a double (but only once baby arrives). I've got a variety of wraps (stretchy wrap to be hired from sling library, have a woven, plus getting a ring sling).

I've got reusable wipes (to save £££). Um, got all the Ikea shit you could possibly recommend.

So what am I missing? I'm thinking perhaps something for the pram or car that would make trips out easier? Something for me to make life easier at home?

Has anyone used buggy weights too? I've got a single baby jogger city mini GT, which I'm using the car seat on, I've got a buggy organiser with cupholder thing, then there is the changing bag. I'm thinking something to keep it weighted would probably be a good idea... yes? No?!

I'll be getting the Oyster Max as a double. So anything that would be useful there too...

One of those rigid plastic bath seat, invaluable - don't have to hold the baby in the bath, obviously you have to be there at all times though!!!

Nappy changing gear area upstairs and downstairs.

Check!

And check!

Both of those sorted! Although I need to sort out something for the cheeky wipes, as I'm not forking out for a 2 new boxes, and need something that won't spill. Been recommended things in poundland for those... so that is this weeks task!

I have 2 boxes to keep next to my bed at night, one to put a supply of clean nappy/wipes/clothes in, and one for the dirty things to go in.

My plan is to not have to get out of bed. Ever. Whether BF or FF (hence the TT prep machine - it's living next to my bed if required!!)

I may have really over thought some of this.

I am of course assuming I shall be able to hold my pee. All night.

I can now at 35 weeks!

Ocardo

Mobile that plays a long tune (long enough for you to be in and out of the shower)

Boxes containing bottles of ready made up baby milk and sterilised teat. They are disposable, handy to have on hand if BF does not work out/is not your choice and available from Ocardo

Ready meals

Newborn nightie

For those middle of the night nappy changes when your eyes are stingy and the last thing you want to do is mess around with poppers.

Car seat base, you can just clip the baby seat in very quickly without faffing with the seatbelt, essential when you have a lemming-like toddler

Yes to newborn nightie gowns things plus they have built in scratch mitts. As soon as big enough sleeping bags.

One of those pre-made swaddle wraps?

Mine all loved this baby mirror mobile to stare at whilst they were abandoned. Haven't found one to link to yet :(

I also used a playpen so I knew the baby was safe from the toddlers/children.

Other tip was they napped during the day in the travel cot - this meant they'd sleep in the travel cot anywhere, brilliant!!!

I have ready made formula in the cupboard in case. Not got disposable bottles, but will do if we go down that route!

I've got a cot projector, and a Ewan the dream sheep (belongs to toddler but will try him out on baby, and buy another if required!). I don't think I can put a mobile on the bednest, but I might be mistaken. I'll have to wait for it to arrive to see!

Bundler - excellent. Added to list!

Have car seat base!

Also have lemming like toddler .

I've stocked up on loads of things, in anticipation of being housebound for a month. I've got the worlds largest supply of dry shampoo, all the painkillers under the sun, boob and fanjo pads for 5 babies over. I've got bread and milk in the freezer. Toddlers nappies stocked up on. I've bought the essentials from Aldi that I resent buying elsewhere as more expensive (so got shampoo, washing up liquid, etc etc). Again enough for a month.

I've also got a stock of beauty products so I can at least pretend I'll get time for those.

I can't really do any batch cooking - freezer full already. I've got the toddlers dairy free stuff frozen so at least making his meals will be fine, even if I live on biscuits.

I may be over thinking things. But I like to feel prepared.

Have got next sleep suits with inbuilt mitts.

Have a variety of swaddles, grobags, large muslins and blankets. Actually, I think I don't have a 0-6 mth grobag as toddler would only be swaddled til 8 months. Might have to put one of those on the list!

Got the bright starts mirror. Toddler loved it. It's in the pile of baby toys awaiting home in the living room!

Have a playpen/room divider thing in the shed.

Have travel cot, didn't think of putting baby in it for naps. Have Moses basket for downstairs to begin. Will see how space goes, as am about to do a major reshuffle and have a playroom cum dining room.

Not cheap but I found Tripp Trapp newborn seat really handy so baby could sit at table with us during meals.

Also a special box with toys for toddler that only came out while I was breastfeeding.

Tinned veg to keep toddler meals healthy but save on peeling and cutting

A portable wireless battery charger for when you're asleep with newborn on you and you have to mumsnet.

A Netflix subscription.

Thank you cards pre-populated.

Lots of comfy pyjamas and t-shirts for you. I had dc2 mid winter and managed to be boiling hot and sweaty due to becoming a milk factory so cool clothing and hot water bottle that you can put cold in would be good.

At the same time a blanket? It's nice to be covered.

You sound very organised, I had nothing ready for DS! He was prem but not by much and I was disorganised.

Stuff I loved but not essential:

• changing mats upstairs and downstairs
• tummy tub
• play mat gym thing
• moist toilet tissue (felt so much cleaner after the birth)
• Netflix
• water bottle and I've recently discovered adult sippy cups so your tea doesn't get cold
• little baskets for laundry in a few rooms for bibs, muslins etc. Makes the place look a tiny bit tidier
• a new washing machine (coincidence with the timing but helps a lot with stains and energy efficiency)
• white noise app on phone and tablet.

Yy Abbey white noise app was a saviour for dc2 here too.

Wine!

With the cheeky wipes I found storing the dry and having a bottle of water next to them worked best for me as I was forever forgetting to take the 'ready clean' ones out of change bag if I dint use them

I have frozen veg for the same reason Haahoooo .

I did start to put together a box of things to bring out once baby is here. But he found it. Little fecker! He's pretty patient in terms of waiting for things now, we've been practicing it. My worry is when he strops because something he is playing with is BROKEN MUMMY IXXXX IIIIT (fix it!!). Which is usually his train set. Am thinking of getting a play table and gluing the fucker down to it not sure which one, train or toddler. I have the iPad to fall back on to be honest, he will sit still and quietly for ages if allowed to go on it. So I think that will be getting plenty of use .

I am going to try again with the box of toys to bring out, and have a toddler snack box close to hidden hand. He frequently asks for drinks at the moment, so going to have to have 2/3 cups of water handy. He used to BF for 60-90 minutes. I hope this one bloody doesn't! Also needs to be a toddler proof box... or he will be in it in a second and everything will be gone from it!!!

I don't think I can stretch to a tripp trapp. I've got a baby bjorn bouncer which I'm hoping my foot can rock while I'm eating! I'm not too worried about eating with baby in arms. It's more cooking that is bothering me! I don't feel safe cooking with a baby in a sling. So it's going to be extremely quick meals anyway!

A good water bottle
Boxes of nibbly snacks, lansinoh cream, feeding cushion if you want to give bf a good chance, by the bed and sofa
Microwave rice
Cleaner!

Wireless battery charger... where do I find me one of those? That sounds like an EXCELLENT idea. I nearly bought a wireless charging table in Ikea, but decided against it. I have both an iPhone and iPad and the battery life, more so on the iPhone is shite. Something that I don't need to be near a plug for would be amazing!

Thank you cards - excellent. Hadn't thought of that! Will get a stack ready with stamps etc!

Netflix, am not a big TV watcher, but I do have skygo on my iPad. I think I'll be more of a reader. I shall await and see on that one!

Got a supply of various sized PJ's/slobbing around clothes. Got warmer and cooler things. Am a very hot person generally, so have gone for light weight stuff as much as possible! My mum gave me a massive lovely blanket for my living room a couple of months ago, which is brilliant and looks really really expensive .

Have water bottle, and have little tubs to use for laundry (those colourful flexi tub things), although didn't think about putting them in more than one room. That's genius! I like it! Also have playmat, although it has broken, am trying to find a spare part for it at the moment! I have 20 Ikea flannels for use after birth, for wetting and using dry for me... They will be getting washed after each use, in with the cheeky wipes.

I think I am going to go with the storing the wipes dry - like you say will. I've been using them a week, and I'm not sure I've got them quite right yet!

Have a white noise app still from toddler!

I don't drink! I know, I'm a freak! I think I'll just live on chocolate to be honest. That can be my wine!

Oh, my washing machine is probably 3 years old now, but still going strong. It better stay that way!

Bloody hell, I didn't realise how much stuff I had! My house isn't even cluttered . Although I am not sure how yes I am, Ikea storage, gotta friggin' love it!.

HOnest ditch the sleep suits and get gowns instead - a million times easier!!!

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kissy-Kissy-Qt-Qt-00-Pima-Cotton-Baby-Gown-Made-in-Peru-size-0-3-long-sleeve-/161706965028?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item25a67c7824

John Lewis & Mothercare sold them recently too

The sleepsuits are for the day! I don't really do clothes. Sleepsuits and cardi's all the way here!

Cute bright sleep suits with a bright or white cardi are my go to. Throw em in the machine with a colour catcher. No need to separate into whites and darks. Yay!

Cleaner is on the potential list... I was going to get a cleaner when the dickhead walked out. But the house just doesn't need it. It's not too hard to keep on top of. I got a gardener though. Couldn't live without one in the end!

But am keeping an open mind about the cleaner.

I'm going to wait and see on that one. I might treat myself to one twice a week for the first month. We'll see. I'm hoping friends might run the hoover round and mop. Dusting is quick and easy. Laundry and dishes are quick and easy too. Plus 13 year old can do all those things perfectly fine.

I never go to bed without tidying up. So it just doesn't get bad. It looks like a fecking toy shop all day long, but 10 minutes is more than enough to keep it in good shape at the end of a day.

Wireless printer (although technically didn't buy it - gift from parents). Love being able to print from ipad.

Okay, clearly I didn't RTFT! Didn't see that this was in aid of preparing for a baby! ...

A dog.

When it's all going tits up the dog will always be on your side.

I've got a wireless printer.

But yeah, RTFT!

Just kidding!.

I am making my house sound like it has every single gadget and gizmo stashed inside it, aren't I? I sound like a bloody hoarder! I'm not - quite the opposite! I keep NOTHING!!

All the baby stuff is being sold as it is no longer needed this time :( No more babies for me.

I had to rehome my dog one, the house and garden just isn't big enough for a lab plus 2 small and one big kid. Two, when dickhead left, there was no way I could work FT, be pregnant, have a toddler and teen AND a dog. I don't have family support, no one to look after the dog. So the times I've been in hospital, I'd have been fucked.

So it was kinder for her to go to a new farm home.

But boy am I going to miss her come weaning time...!