Equipment

[steph01]

can anyone suggest the best equipment for a newborn
(eg.bottle warmers, sterilizers etc...)

I've always favoured a microwave steriliser, simply because they're quick.

I guess it depends on whether you intend to breast feed or not, taking into account that it may not work for you or you may change your mind having tried either.
A sterilizer is pretty much a must.
I had a steam sterilizer at first but didn't get on with it, I found a sterilizer tub for bottles and the sterilizing tablets much easier for me. (you just fill the tub with water and chuck the tablet and bottler in and leave it for a coupel of hours).

Didn't bother with a bottle warmer really myself so can't comment.

I did buy some 'expensive' bottles but again, I found the cheaper ones often to be better and to leak less.

A breast pump if you are going to express. (I had a mini medela but hell it took so long to get any milk out with!) Personally I would wait for this though as mine ws quite expensive and hardly got used.

Jezabelle I was thinking about trying one of those actually....

After a few weeks of using formula cartons (never used powder) I gave up warming them up. Having them cold never bothered my son and it saved so much time. So for me, I would say a bottle warmer was unnecessary.
I had an electric steriliser. It was bought for me so I don't know if I would have preferred any other type.

what about brands?
or where to get them from?

Get them from supermarkets. I quite like Avent personally, others go for Tommee Tippee in terms of pumps and sterilisers. There are lots of bottle ranges but if you plan to BF it's not worth buying everything ahead.

I only use our steriliser for dummies and expressing equipment but DS won't take a bottle yet.

Yes they do them in the big supermarkets like Asda or Tesco. I would steer clear of mothercare for that sort of stuff unless they have a sale on.
I think the sterilizer I had was an advent, but my bottles were different kinds as quite a few of them leaked so you need to find one that suits you.
I'm pretty sure they all do the same job really. Like Panzee my dd also didn't mind having milk that wasn't warmed from quite early on. Some babies will want it warmed for longer though I guess.

Dont bother with a bottle warmer, waste of money when a jug of water will do that same job.

yup, cold water sterilizers are much easier i find, 15 minutes to sterilise but you can just pop stuff in and out. its impossible to buy nothing but really honestly you dont know what you need till they're here. I was diabetic and this time expected a larger child than last (and he was 9lb...) got a teeny tiny one and had to send some one out for clothes and buy smaller nappies too. buy the bare minimum, online shopping is a godsend.

I say: set of first size sleepsuits, hat, cardie (the hospital always have smaller JIC), car seat, nappies, somewhere for them to sleep. feeding equipment (ok, boobs are free but formula means 3-6 bottles & steriliser) get yourself some painkillers too. Handy stuff.

oh, feel free to ignore, I couldnt help myself, shopped till I dropped :D

If BF you don't really need steriliser or bottles. I just bought a BF cushion as find it makes it more comfortable.

Other things I bought - but eveyone has a preference for what is essential or not...

moses basket/cot
fitted sheets
baby sleeping bag
nappies
wipes
changing mat
buggy
BF cushion
breast pads
nursing bra

I expect I could add to the list with some further thought... but really you don't need much.

I think it is best to wait and see what you need once the baby is here for most items. Most people live close enough to a 24 hours supermarket if necessary!

Ah yes a car seat!