What *dont* I need to buy?

[BlueBee]

Hello. We are expecting our first in August, loads of people have suggested what we need to get etc but what did you buy that you now realise was a waste of time? What don't I really need?

I never used a changing bag. When out, nappy, half-used packet of wipes in one pocket, spare baby grow in other. Or I might stick the under the buggy.

OP- you see such a range of opinions here. What is essential for some is useless to another.

For what it's worth, stuff I never needed was

Cot
pram or buggy
changing mat or table
changing bag
bottles
formula
steriliser
bibs
muslins

The amount of stuff people feel they need to carry varies (like everything else). We visited friends with baby the same age as ours - we took our stuff in an average sized messenger bag. When they came to visit us, they came with one of those big blue IKEA bags full of stuff.

So I would say - sign up with a range of online retailers, and get stuff as and when needed.

I've heard good things about baby bundlers rather than sleepsuits as you can just pull them up and change a nappy.

Top to tail bath - just take the baby in the bath with you

Tommee tippee bottle sets - too bulky and baby hates them. Get some MAM ones instead

Changing table - we use ours but its not essential - just buy a changing mat and stick it on the floor/bed/whatever

Wet wipes - nothing that water and cotton pads can't achieve

baby towels
top and tail bowl
nappy bin
changing bag

A changing bag- I use a rucksack instead
A top and tail bowl.
Tiny bibs. They seem just to get in the way
A baby bath I just used the sink
One of these teepees I never brought them I just popped a nappy over instead.

• top and tail bowl
• muslins (never used except the massive ones which make great sunshades)
• wet wipe heater
• fancy changing bag (far too bulky for me)
• travel changing mat (puppy training pads fold away to practically nothing and you can throw it away when it gets soiled)
• baby shoes
• fancy nappy wrapping bin thingy
• bath thermometer
• fancy high chair (the £20 ikea one really is the best!)

if breastfeeding:

• fancy breastfeeding tops - cheap vest from Primark under an ordinary top is cheaper, works well and often fits and looks better
• nursing bras - soft stretchy sports type bras works far better for me (and a fraction of the cost!)

Or, if your boobs are too big for soft stretchy bras to manage - normal, supportive underwired bras and a nursing bra clips from ebay.