Baby shop - when to do it and what to buy?

[Pocket1]

Hello

I'm 25+2 and starting to think about that big baby shop. When did you start your shopping and what did you buy? And what did you buy but never actually use?

I'd love advice on what essentials we must have for a newborn and what we should avoid buying!

Thanks in advance for your help.

I shopped all the way through instead of doing one big shop

:)

Are you talking big items, (pram, cot, clothes), or the little things (nappies, wipes, bum cream)?

I've been buying the big bits along the way. I haven't bought any of the little bits yet. (30wks with dc3)

Bit by bit too, but we bought most things in the sales just before or after christmas. There should be some spring ones post easter. i designed a hideously organised spreadsheet and ticked off things as I bought them and found it very useful for adding notes/friends product recommendations too.

Thanks for your replies - i mean everything and anything from prams to nappies. We will definitely do it over a period of time rather than all in one go, and i think we'll start at 30 weeks. Msbluesky, i have a spreadsheet too! I guess I just need help on knowing what are the real essentials and what are the waste-of-money items.... any more help much appreciated.

Are you planning to buy everything new?
I only ask because a lot of things filtered down to us 2nd hand, so I found I had more than enough in good time, without needing any serious shopping.

I never used:
Baby bath
Hooded towels

Think I used everything else I bought/ was given.

Didn't use the bouncy chair for ages because he didn't like it.

Also found suddenly right before I was due people wanted to give me things and I'd already bought stuff so ended up with 3 moses baskets very annoying!

There's a lot that isn't absolutely necessary, but depends on your preferences. At an absolute basic list you'll need somewhere for them to sleep, something to wear (including nappies) and something to eat (if not breast feeding).
I know my grandmother had a wooden drawer padded with old blankets instead of a cot, but that's probably taking minimal essentials to the extreme.

I never used:
Baby bath - sink is at a better height for me
Baby towels - they're cute, but any towel will do fine
Moses basket - they grow out of it fairly quickly and I found the cot fine from birth, but some people swear by them
Changing table/station - mat or towel on the floor was ok
Bouncy chair, bouncy doorway thing, baby walker - DH is a physio and thinks they delay motor development, but I don't think there's any evidence for that

My friend only used her pushchair a couple of times as she used a wrap for most journeys, so even this might not be considered essential.

Also I wouldn't bother buying any toys as you'll probably be given a load and to be honest even then they'll probably prefer the packaging!

If you're not wanting everything new I'd suggest asking your question to everyone you know with children to prompt them to offer you their preloved items early rather than later when you already have it all.

Essentials - cot, bedding, car seat, pushchair, sling, change mat, nappies, something to dispose nappies in, equipment for feeding if not bring, muslins. Washing machine.

Useful to have - baby bouncer, play at.

I agree to avoid silly things like baby bath, top & tail bowl and baby towels.

I would strongly recommend looking on local nearly new sites (like netmums) as you can pick up beautiful, nearly new items at a fraction of the price.

Just to add there's a sale on at mammas and papas and next. Went a bit over the top (only 13 weeks this week) but better to buy in the sale - and due in sept/oct so wasn't sure there would be another sale closer? Don't believe you can jinx things although it did cross my mind. Sleeping pods were on offer and a must according to my sister (with other things it was a struggle to work out how many of each to buy and whether to waste money on newborn or go straight to 0-3?).

Go to a big shop full of prams and play with them all. Get the advice and test them fitting into your boot. Once you have it narrowed down, get yourself.onto the Puschairs topic on here for some real.life feedback.on the models you are considering. Once you have decided, shop online as it is much cheaper.

Find out when your local NCT NEarly New Sale is and pop along for some amazing bargains. I have two DDs, and I wish I had thought to go to the NNS for everything first time around instead of buying new! The only thing I would have bought brand new was the car seat.

Oh, and go really easy on the clothes. It is the main.thing people will buy you as a gift so just pick up a few essentials (vests and sleepsuits), and maybe one or two "oh my god that is so frigging gorgeous I have to have it"items.

I started writing a detailed list of things to buy/ borrow at about 30 wks, doing plenty of research on best places to buy from and what I really did/didn't need. Then I went online and ordered basic clothing (something like 12 vests and 8 sleep suits, a few hats, cardis) at about 33 wks. Went and got other non-clothing basics (muslins, Moses basket, nappies, post-birth supplies for me, etc) at about 37 wks. Big items (pram, car seat) have been lent to us and they were dropped off at 38 wks. Baby due in a week, so not sure yet what we need and what will end up unused, but I've been v. restrained in shopping/ accepting offers as we have very little space at home for baby crap.

well done City - that's the best way to be! Dd1 (9) and ds (5) cost a fortune in activities, childcare etc - save now while you can!!

We have been so lucky to receive mountains of clothes for dd2, so have literally not had to buy a thing for her (no matter how tempting it sometimes is!)

I loved his baby bath and still always use hooded towels!! I went to the baby show in Manchester and got lots of info/opinions and a good few bargains, they're worth a look if ur near one :)

I'm 20 weeks and got most things!

I'm not getting things like cot, pram, nursery furniture this time though as we will be following attachment style parenting. We've bought a bigger bed though.

If you want a Moses basket- wait till the last minute to buy, I ended up with 3 last time, and have already declined several this time. Wait and see if you get offered one. They aren't in them long, and lots of babies hate them.

Baby bath-pointless. Heavy if you use out of bath, better to get a smaller seat if you are leaning over bath anyway. Sink is even better! Best for your back and self draining.

Creams, oils, bubbles, talcs and potions for skin are a con. Just use water. Baby branded stuff is full of chemicals. I'd get a natural oil for cradle cap, dry skin, nappy rash. Organic coconut oil does the trick. But if you stick with water you won't get many rashes in the first place.

Bath and room thermometers are a waste of money too.

Baby towels as well, just use big ones.

You just need clothes (vests and sleep suits) don't go overboard on bibs and Muslins till you know if you need them. . I bought tonnes and my dd never puked or dribbled. Nappies, a changing mat is useful but not essential. Blankets, cotton wool or washable wipes, a night light or red bulb for night feeds, and that's pretty much all the essentials.

Wow thank you all so much. Loads if great ideas and suggestions. Much appreciated