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Parenting

For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.

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Original poster

first time mum wants to know what things you can't live without when you've got a new baby

73 replies

munchkinsusie · 29/09/2004 09:29

just beginning to realise that there's a lot of stuff out there and it would be good to know what's useful and what's junk!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Oooggs · 29/09/2004 13:58

Muslim squares are a god send. Still use them now at 9mths.

Tumble dryer, microwave, baby bouncer/rocker chair and a very hands on husband.

I haven't got a changing table but I have got the equlivant which lays widthways across the cot which a mat on it. That's great.

I didn't use my sling much or the play gym either. Oh and the mobile was rubbish as it only played for less than a minute. I ended up buying the Tiny Love one which plays classical music for 15 mins, at 5 months you can remove the mobile bit and it is a music thing still attatched to the side of the cot. It is also remote control - this was and still is invaluable - cost £40 new but check out ebay (that's where I bought mine)

Hope this helps, but remember what's good for you won't be everyones cup of tea.

Bagpuss30 · 29/09/2004 14:41

Black out blind for nursery and also fit a dimmer switch so that you can see what you are doing at night without having to turn the light fully on.

Fitted cotton jersey cot sheets as they are much easier to change and look neater.

Grobag

Decent changing bag - have only ever found one that I liked which was the Avent Kit Bag becuse it had loads of pockets, there are loads of different makes though.

yoyo · 29/09/2004 14:43

It would have to be a Wilkinet and muslins. Bouncy chair with adjustable height too.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Families General parenting

pixiefish · 29/09/2004 15:23

here's a thread about things people bought that were a waste of money so your question in reverse really HTH

Pagan · 29/09/2004 15:28

A damn expensive haircut and low cut top to show off the boobs

Poo2 · 29/09/2004 15:52

Another vote for the muslins - although I actually used terry nappy squares - more absorbant and different to all the other mums. Can also reccommend buying a squeezy sports bottle like you use for the gym - I was incredibly thirsty all the time when first started bf, and it meant I could sling it on the sofa and have it handy. Until I realised this I was always sitting the other end of the sofa to my pint of water and it was torture! And another thing, not that we bought this specifically for ds, but a leather sofa! Honestly - however much they puke it just wipes straight off and doesn't smell. Marvellous.

codswallop · 29/09/2004 15:53

me to ont eh nappy squares

Mum2Ela · 29/09/2004 16:28

Haven't read the thread but has anyone said a car?

Just for getting out and about so I could feel human again! Hate being cooped up in the house.

mckenzie · 29/09/2004 16:30

A lovely mum who doesn't mind doing cooking/laundry/housework for you while you feed baby/shower/eat.

secur · 29/09/2004 16:34

Message withdrawn

bundle · 29/09/2004 16:34

apart from journey home from hospital never bothered with car for weeks (couldn't drive after c/s anyway). home-delivered groceries would have been nice but i was never organised enough..

sweetkitty · 29/09/2004 16:54

another new mum here - found I have bought far too much stuff and haven't used half of it so far.

my must haves:

muslins
breast pads (loads of)
decent pram (my first one too big have now bought another one)
bags and bags of patience

clary · 29/09/2004 17:34

Baby Bjorn sling and muslins and breast pads

Never used nipple shields or nappy cream etc.

Munchkin don't go spendign too much ( as you see from this thread, one woman's meat is another's poison)

And remember you CAN still go shopping afterwards!! ie don't need to get every item of clothing baby will need for the next 6 months...

Top tip: if you're shoppign now, think about weather when he/she is born. I know it sounds obvious but if you're due in march, don't go buying a 3-6 mth snowsuit iyswim.

lulupop · 29/09/2004 21:35

Heat magazine to look at while feeding.

John Lewis muslins (nice and big and seem softer than others)

Digital camera, they (babies) change so quickly!

Don't get loads of clothes before the birth, and definitely don;t get babygrows that button on the back. However much you buy beforehand, once you've got your little bundle, you will want to buy more!

Original poster

munchkinsusie · 30/09/2004 09:10

clary - thanks for the tip on the snowsuit in summer - it's just the sort of thing i'd forget to think about!

mum2ela - we just bought a new car so that we had one big enough to fit a buggy and car seat into!

thanks!

OP posts:

welshmum · 30/09/2004 09:30

A digital radio - easier to change stations while you're feeding.
Some good books - so you can read if there's nothing on the radio.
Things you can eat/drink with one hand - bananas, chocolate biscuits, cake, ready mixed cocktails.
Someone who makes you laugh and takes your mind off how knackered you are.
Other mums.

sis · 30/09/2004 10:29

cordless phone, tumble drier, washing mashine. Not really necessities but life would have much worse without them!

Cam · 30/09/2004 13:28

2 people got in before me but the only thing that came to my mind when I read your thread title was chocolate. Most other things you can cope without to varying degrees (relatives will buy you baby clothes etc)

Socci · 30/09/2004 13:37

Message withdrawn

Socci · 30/09/2004 13:42

Message withdrawn

AussieSim · 30/09/2004 14:17

Nipple Shields, Breast Shells, Fit Ball, Baby Bjorn, friends who will cook you a meal, good books to read while feeding, baby monitor, thermometer, suppository calpol, supportive helpful partner, ironing lady, disposable nappies, pjs that can go from evening to lunch time without raising an eye brow when answering the door, frozen pizza, fresh pasta and sauce, Gina ...

Pagan · 30/09/2004 14:19

Oooh can I add one pal who was the only one who stayed over when DH had to go away on business and DD was only 3 weeks. She brought me a cup of tea in the morning. I love her for it coz no-one else ever did.

WestCountryLass · 30/09/2004 15:15

Water!

If you are breastfeeding you will probably sit down with your baby and then think 'water' as you feel every cell being sucked of fluids and dehydration setting in so make sure when you feed you have pints of it on standby.

I leave bottles of water with sports tops around the hosue where I am likely to feed so I don't get caught out.

To be honest, babies don't need very much at all. Don't buy clothes, save your money for when you have to buy them later in the year when your presents supply runs dry as it is a costly business kitting them out.

I would advise you buy as little as possible and then buy what you need as and when the need arises. For example, I bought a baby monitor but I hav eno use for it as we co-sleep and we don't live ina mansion - if baby cries we here her!

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