Any advanced buying tips??

[GypsyWillow]

I'm a first time mum (19 weeks!) and already trying to budget like crazy and spread out the costs before my income takes a nosedive. As well as looking at the big stuff - cot, pram etc... I want to pre-buy some of the smaller stuff - nappies, wipes etc... when I see them on offer. As a newbie to all of this has though I have no idea on quantities e.g. how many nappies of each size do you get through on average? how long does a pack of 64 wipes actually last?

honestly, I would say just put the brakes on a bit. You have a long time yet and the shops and offers are not going anywhere. There are ALWAYS offers on nappies, wipes etc and unless you have very strong feelings about a particular brand or organic or eco friendly or whatever you'll switch around anyway. Wipes are generally for slightly older babies (except when you are out). Newborns tend to e best with cotton pads and water. You will need a dozen or so muslin clothes which are just like tea towels really but you use them for all sorts of mopping up, as sunshades, as changing mats but again you can get them as a and when. As for big things, take your time, look at the reviews on here and work out what is going to be best for you given budget, space issues, car / public transport / walking etc. the only things you NEED before baby is born is a car seat, somewhere for it to sleep and some nappies and clothes. If you stockpile stuff you may well discover that it is not what you really wanted. Take it a bit at a time. - Oh and you DON"T have to spend £100s on stuff if you don't have it. Ikea do a perfectly good cot for £35 for instance. Relax and enjoy your pregnancy.

Save as much as possible.

Dont buy too much. Half of the must haves aren't necessary.

Don't stockpile wipes/nappies as they may not suit baby.

Accept as much second hand as you can!

Don't under estimate the generosity of people especially with first babies!

There are always special offers on. I shop at Sainsbury's and they probably have offers on baby stuff 1 week a month. All supermarkets are the same. Certainly don't buy too many size 1 nappies because some babies grow very quickly. Also with wipes, you shouldn't really use them initially; water and cotton wool is better for a new bottom!

There are some list here about what you may want to buy but there will be plenty of offers before your baby is born.

shopping list

Im 20 weeks now

i am constantly watching the whole baby section within 5 miles on my local ebay.
Lots of bargains to be had, especially collection only things.

also scour the NCT sales, I have been to 2 so far and got loads (all stuff immaculate and like new), at last NCT sale i got £400 of immaculate stuff (if bought it brand new) for £50. (inc some nice maternity clothes)

luckily i have nannied for 10 years and i know already exactly what i want, some random things and specific brands of certain stuff. I also have a very very long list of stuff i know i dont want, in fact i can go through almost the whole mothercare catalouge and not want anything, as i have used other alternatives, similar, different brands that mothercare dont even sell, that IMO are better / more functional / easier to use than what mothercare sell and stock. (there are a few things id happily have, but there are many whole entire sections where i dont want anything at all!). Then there is so much useless stuff that i dont want at all, and dont need another brands alternative either!