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...

You know slightly off at a tangent, is there any room in your bathroom or shed for a washing machine...

If you have an iPhone 5 I have a spare portable charge if you would like it!

I think I'll be buying a sleepyhead if this one is a shit sleeper too, by the sounds of it, they are worth it. Can they go in the bednest though? Mind you, I have a double bed, to myself. Can just go there... perhaps?!

I do have space somewhere for a changing table, if I wanted. I didn't find the need for one though, I'm a knee changer really. I think it comes from being a midwife. You just get used to changing babies quickly and with no fuss! I have everything in my kallax/expedit shelving, all close to hand. Same for upstairs too!

I really want a video monitor, have been keeping an eye on eBay for one, as resent paying a lot for one! I wasn't going to get that for a few months though. Maybe I'll need it sooner, will see how sleep vs the toddler work out! My last baby monitor died a death, so I will need one no matter what!

Have snot sucker and bag clips!

Snoozeshade - add to list! Thank you!

Random Um, possibly in the shed, but a) no outside lighting b) I'm bad enough for leaving washing in the machine, when it is only in the kitchen! and c) still no plumbing (or electric!) in there! Definitely no room in the bathroom, unless I ripped the whole lot out and rejigged it. Then there might be. But um, no! 13 year old can do dishes!!!!!

Cest I couldn't possibly accept that from you! That is VERY VERY kind though! I'm sure there must be someone who really needs one who can't afford it though? I would like to get some recommendations for them though, as I looked on Amazon earlier and was a bit bamboozled on the whole thing!

Oooh, and extra kettle - it would only be used for bottles anyway if FF, so I think I'm okay on that front! Also have the prep machine, so not going to need kettle too much, I hope!

Why is it I still feel really unorganised though?! Something is bugging me!

What have I forgotten?!

Wrt video monitors, we bought a motion sensitive type security camera from eBay for about 35 quid.
The picture is better than the expensive video montiors and you can view and operate it remotely from a phone, tablet or laptop.

I think you've just forgotten the baby...

You know this one may be a dream!

Didn't read page 2... but has anyone mention nappy wrapper? Didn't have one with my daughter, but did with my son... It was sooooo great.

Baskets for storing different sized clothes in. I have those drawer organiser things from idea that come in different sizes. Small square ones for socks and bibs, long one for vests and one for sleep suits, then big square one for current size of clothes and behind it on shelf another big one with next size up of clothes in. It means I can just shove things in the right basket thing and when the baby has outgrown that size, I whisk away that basket, pull the next one forward and then the outgrown clothes are ready to get rid of and no mixing up sizes.

This
www.amazon.co.uk/Baby-Shapes-Books-Mobile-Set/dp/1903275520/ref=pd_sim_b_24?ie=UTF8&refRID=0J4KYP4QTJ4YQCJNZR09

Kept the baby transfixed. Little books with black and white shapes. Thought would be a swizz but when I put them in beside the baby he couldn't stop looking at them, same with DD.

Present for the toddler when the baby is born.

Get an IP camera to mount over the baby's cot. They are excellent and you can add the viewing app on a phone or tablet. Both Grandparents can coo over a sleeping DS with ours.

We have the D-link DCS-932L which is cheap as chips now (less than 40 pounds if you shop around)

You sound super organised. I really hope it goes well.

We have a security camera on the cot and I love it. Ours is set up so you can only see it on our wi-fi (I'd be very unhappy with relatives being able to spy on any bit of our house without notice). It saves me rushing to the baby too soon when he's dreaming/just fucking with me.

We have a sangenic bin. I definitely recommend one unless it's easy to get to your outside bin.

An oxo wipes dispenser - From Amazon USA is cheaper - fantastic