What to prepare when?

[Blankiefan]

First baby on his/her way. I'm 32+4. Im reasonably clueless about it all.

We moved house a couple of months ago so have been busy renovating. We've done very little baby prep - either researching stuff or buying / sorting physical stuff out.

My lovely friend passed on some things (moses basket , bouncy chair, play mat thingie, a few bottles) and I've bought the pram. NHS antenatal classes start on Monday or 4 weeks (no NCT options nearby).

Can you help me plan the countdown? What else should we do/buy when?

Thanks

Get your hospital bag packed sooner rather than later just in case baby arrives early. Have you bought a new mattress for the Moses basket? If you plan on breastfeeding, all you really need before baby arrives is somewhere for it to sleep and a few sleepsuits!

I'd do the classes that start on Monday, we had a few people at my antenatal who didn't complete the classes because they had the baby - remember any time from 37 weeks is full term!

Don't worry, you can get all you need within a couple of hours either online or at one or two shops and almost all the big things can be there by next day delivery.

Take an afternoon to have a wee read through some of the review sites for the products you are thinking of buying and I would highly recommend going to see the prams or travel systems you are considering to see how easy they are to fold and use.

We are skint so I have been buying a few bits and pieces every month so far we have bought or been given:

Pram
Cot
Sling/carrier
Moses basket
Bedding
Resuable nappies
Reusable wipes
Toiletries for me and baby
Swing (a treat from my parents)
Basic baby clothes

The main things we still need are:

Mattress
Car seat

I am planning on packing my hospital bag at 24 weeks just incase and there are plenty of lists available to guide you on what to pack in them.

packing your bag at 24 weeks Romily?! Gah I thought I was organised but thought i could leave it later than that...

24 weeks is very early to be packing your hospital bags! To be honest if you do go into labour that early, having enough breast pads or what you're going to wear to go home in will be the least of your concerns. I have cervix issues and am being monitored fortnightly as am at risk or prem labour, but I have never in any of my four pregnancies I have never packed a hospital bag before 35 weeks and repacked it when in labour

Hi OP you're due the same day as me!

I have everything from Moses basket, cot, pram etc bought and my bags packed from yesterday. I would start getting yours and baby's bag ready and then there's no panic if you go into labour earlier than your due date.

Feel free to join our November thread as we're all at the same stage!