Shopping nightmares - pls help!!

[SueV14]

Hi ladies

Let me start by saying that I deeply hate any kind of shopping (except grocery - weird I know). I'm approaching 34 weeks now (1st baby) and I'm quite superstitious and don't want to buy much until very close to my due date. So far we only bought a pushchair, cot bed and changer/dresser, all to be delivered a 1-2 weeks before dd and everything is fully returnable/refundable in case god forbids smth bad happens.

Nonetheless, I realise I need to prepare and do more shopping, so the plan is to select and order everything and have delivered close to dd, as above. I now need your help with the shopping essentials. Are there any good shopping lists online you'd say cover it all? FYI, I am planning to express and bottle feed (breast milk and formula).

I am getting the following items from a friend (barely used):

Baby bath
cocoon
Baby Bjorn

I know I will also need:
-Changing table mattress
-playmat
-bouncer/swing: any recommendations/reviews for this???
-breast pump
-bottle steriliser

I have no clue whatsoever how many sets of sheets, clothes, bottles, dummies, etc I need. I know I could go to a shop and talk to a sales person but I think they'll try to sell as much as possible and I may end up with stuff I won't need. PLEASE help!!!

Aagh. I wrote a lovely long reply and its vanished. I'm seven weeks in with tins and based on my ex licence I would suggest:

Two fitted sheets-one on the bed, one in the wash
A flat sheet and a lightweight blanket. Again no more than two. I'm using a crib size flannel sheet for swaddling and no other cover as its so warm.
Clothes-8 vests and similar number of sleepsuits. There will be many pop accidents so the more you have the better-they will get used. Keep the tags on until you know what size you need because you can easily swap them for th right size. If it looks like you will be staying in hospital overnight, show your DP where he can buy the clothes so he can be sent out to get more if Required.
For sterilising, I use the Milton tablets in a washing up bowl. I have too mNy bottles to bother with a microwave unit but do have the reuseable microwave bags for when I neec something cleaned quicker than the 15 minutes in the Milton.
Pump wise, I'd suggest trying whatever the hosoitak has first and see his you get on. I'm hiring a hospital grade pump but gave a hand pump for when out and about. It was only a cheap one as I wasn't sure how I'd get on with it but it's been fine.
Changing table-just use a mat on the floor.

Hope that helps get you started

2015 Thank you so much! A very good start indeed. I am actually thinking of setting up a gift list as there are already a few ppl asking us what we'd like as a pressie (waaaay to soon IMO), but my girlfriends have recommended to have a list too, so I'll set up one with John Lewis. And whenever someone asks we'll simply direct them to it :) And hopefully save some money ;-)

Anyways, thank you so much for taking time to write your post twice, I really appreciate it! X

The pp has covered off lots but in terms of a bouncer recommendation, I loved the baby bjorn balance bouncer. Got mine off ebay for about £50 then bought the little toy bar to fit on separately.

We had a chicco bouncer given to us, but my colicky DS didn't love it. I put him in the bjorn bouncer at a friend's house and he was miraculously silent. I ordered one then and there

If you google 'new baby essentials' you'll find loads of websites with lists of what to buy for your baby. xx

The mothercare website list is pretty good.

Tbh, I think you need to start buying. My friend delivered at 36 weeks, both v healthy and they were home in 2 days. Babies don't need much but they do need a few things. At least get your hospital bag together (for you and baby)