What's the point in a top and tail bowl? Do I need one?

[Madratlady]

Basically what the title says. Is there a point in them that I'm missing?

I've just purchased one from kiddicare for £1.99. I put a bit of baby wash and warm water in one side and cotton wool balls in the other side and then clean the baby from head to toe on none bath nights or when baby has vomited a bit but not too much that a bath is needed. I found them really useful with other dc.

I would say no point and you don't need one.

Maryz that's why I started this thread, the list of stuff to get is so small that I'm starting to wonder whether I've missed something! Essentials only, then maybe a few 'nice to haves' if we can afford it. It's all going to be second hand anyway.

My top and tail bowl was one of the baby things I used the most ... and I hardly used any. I used it like fluff further down the thread. Clean water in one and, in my case, wipes or tissue paper in the other. I prefer to use fresh water to clean my baby's bottom and they rarely had nappy rash.

Handy if you are using water &cotton wool for bum changes. Store the cotton wool, nappies and any cream and potions in one side and put water in the other. I wouldn't have bought one but was given one and did find it useful.

Yes two bowls could do the same job, but it's easier to carry the top n tail bowl ;)

I had one-barely used it.
I also had a matching baby bath and changing table, barely used those either, just dunked them in the big bath, much easier!

Dh and I always giggle about when I was pregnant with dc1 and I said "I'd just feel so much more relaxed if I had the top and tail bowl". Never used it for either dc. Complete waste of time. Use two different bowls.

I have never heard of a top and tail bowl!

Seriously I have no idea what to buy and I think I might need a list - does anyone know of a realistic and useful list for what you need for a baby?

I used baby wipes. I was too worried I would get the top and tail bowl ends muddled up.

Xena I found the Mumsnet list of essentials good. I also went through a few other online lists and picked out the stuff that I'd actually need and use. I ended up with 2 lists - essential and 'nice to have'.

I had one and used the two Bowls I got in hospital one for water the other for dirty and in the main part I put clean nappies and cotton wool bolls as well as baby cream and things like a comb scissors and a clean vest and used it downstairs to save my legs. It was easy to carry as well .

We just used baby wipes from birth. No one commented!

We just used wipes and plonked baby in the bath every few days. I never gave them cotton wool washes every day. Are you supposed to ?!?!?

They are pointless use a jug or bowl and do the face first, then bum