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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

first time mum - shopping checklist

42 replies

MidnightRun · 12/10/2015 23:33

Evening mumsnet lovely people!

I'm 21 weeks pregnant with my first and with Being due in February my dh and I are wanting to start buying a lot now to spread the cost out, especially with Christmas in the middle! I Have found a list from mothercare (www.mothercare.com/on/demandware.static/Sites-Site/Sites-MCENGB-Library/default/v1384996278608/pdfs/baby-checklist.pdf) that lists all the things I will need but I'll be honest there's a few I just don't think I need, and then some I think I'll need more of such as baby sleep suits etc.

Just wondering if anyone has any advice? We already have the pram and car seat thanks to my parents. And chosen a babystyle furniture set for the nursery.

Also we are thinking crib rather than Moses basket, but is there anything anyone would recommend for baby sleeping downstairs during the day?

X

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Liomsa · 12/10/2015 23:44

Honestly, you need very, very little, and will be given lots of things - plus you already have the two most expensive things. Your baby needs something to eat/drink, somewhere to sleep with appropriate sheets/blankets/baby sleeping bag, appropriate basic clothes to wear.

Ours napped in a Moses basket and slept in a bedside co-sleeper cot, never used a baby bath, and was given more clothes than he could possibly wear. I wish I'd never bothered with various vibrating chairs or the expensive, cumbersome changing bag - ime, after a couple of weeks, everyone just chucks a few nappies and a change of clothes in their handbag.

If you're considering using a sling, wait till the baby comes and look up your local sling library so you can try out different types.

Our only frantic purchases when home from the birth were when I turned out not to have any milk, so DH had to run and buy bottles, formula, steriliser.

Under-buy rather than over-buy.

queenofthepirates · 12/10/2015 23:58

The best advice I was given was this. Every time you see wet wipes on special offer, buy them. I did and I had enough to see my DD through until the age of 3 without spending a fortune. Plus you use them after they come out of nappies for all kinds of things.

Dinobab · 13/10/2015 00:01

I'd get a Moses basket cause you can move it around with you if babies sleeping
Baby bath is a waste of time
Vibrating bouncer was a life saver for me but I think that depends on the individual baby

Stinkilinky · 13/10/2015 07:45

I used the pram top for sleeping downstairs during the day but my LO decided that he didn't really like it. I was given a poddle pod from a friend that he preferred to sleep in

Stinkilinky · 13/10/2015 07:47

I'll 2nd the baby bath being a waste of time. I bought a mega expensive one that never got used, I passed it on for a friends daughter who is pregnant with the tags left on it!

minimalistaspirati0ns · 13/10/2015 07:50

I've had 4 babies.

I only needed a sling, lightweight compact mclaren buggy, blanket for floor, clothes, portable changing mat. I coslept though and breast fed.

minimalistaspirati0ns · 13/10/2015 07:50

Car seat!

LittleBearPad · 13/10/2015 08:07

Don't bother with too much / any! sterilising stuff if you're planning to breastfeed.

If you change your mind or BF is difficult it's easy enough to buy whatever is needed when you need it.

Don't buy anything that warms stuff up - bottles / wipes! - you don't need them.

Top and tail bowl is pointless.

Definitely don't buy high chairs or anything weaning related until baby is close to being weaned. It will just take up space.

You'll being given loads of babygros etc as presents so buy a bit less than you think you'll need. Again you can pick up more when the baby arrives if you need it.

Get a few bits in newborn size but DS was only in this for 3 weeks or so. DD fixed me by needing tiny baby size for a month or so. DH had to shoot to mothercare as all the 0-3 month stuff drowned her.

Don't buy too many nappies as you may find DC doesn't get on with what evened brand you've stockpiled.

Congratulations!!

blackteaplease · 13/10/2015 08:11

I used a crib in the bedroom and the pram for downstairs naps. Didn't bother with a Moses basket as I had heard too many stories of large babies outgrowing them at 6 weeks.

I did use a baby bath but I have a bad back so leaning over the big bath is not possible.

CalypsoLilt · 13/10/2015 08:15

Come on over and join us in the Feb 2016 babies thread www.mumsnet.com/Talk/antenatal_clubs/2481866-February-2016-Halfway-mark-Flutters-into-kicks-into-thwacks? :)

I would say either a vibrating chair or swinging chair are essential from about 3 or 4 weeks, but that's just my experience.

helloelo · 13/10/2015 08:31

Put the money in your saving account and buy what you need when you need it. The shops don't close when you give birth and Amazon has next day delivery.

LittleBearPad · 13/10/2015 08:48

God there's a lot of stuff on that list!

Avoid a bumbo. They aren't good for their hips.

And the nappy disposal system in our house has been the bin.

comeagainforbigfudge · 13/10/2015 09:29

Heavens what a list!!

I would second the tip about wipes. Although that depends on the space you have.
Nappies I purposefully only had a couple of newborn packs in. As one brand might not suit etc
Baby clothes - pack of 7 vests and baby gros to start. I got given soooooo many clothes that dd outgrew some. We've moved onto 3-6months, which I was given loads as well but all summery dresses!

ASK FOR GIFT RECEIPTS so you can take things back etc. Wish I done that.

Try looking for a charity shop near you for things like crib/moses basket. For the length of time they are in them buy second hand then get a new mattress.
Same with the bouncy chair or vibrating one

Also don't bother buying any toys just yet. Hand on my heart the only toys I've bought are a grab ball and an ikea play gym thing.

It's difficult though because everything that's wee is just so damp cute!!Grin

comeagainforbigfudge · 13/10/2015 09:30

Damp = damn
Autocorrect having a moment there!

GlasgowPingu · 13/10/2015 09:47

Can I hijack the thread for a moment to ask - why isn't a baby bath needed? Do you just put less water in the normal bath?

Absolutely agree with the comment about small person stuff being ridiculously cute. I'm not due til mid March and had promised myself I wasn't going to buy anything until much nearer the time (as am pretty superstitious about stuff like that) but finding it increasingly difficult!

Stinkilinky · 13/10/2015 09:54

I put less water in the normal bath and used a bath support

Luciferbox · 13/10/2015 10:03

Somewhere for them to sleep. I went straight to a cot. Cot sheets, mattress protector. Now DS is big enough he's in 2.5 tog grobags.
Stuff for them to wear (not a lot as I'm drowning under gifts) keep it basic, vests and baby gros.
Some way of carrying them around (pram or sling)
Car seat and I splashed out on an isofix base as its easier to get them in the car.
A few blankets and lots of muslin sqs.
Nappies, change mat and baby wipes. Not too many nappies as they can grow very quickly. I've just given away lots of size 1 & 2 nappies. I've never had a change table, I've always just changed him on the floor. Less likely to fall that way.
DS2 is 9 wks old and I use this stuff daily, the other stuff is nice but really not necessary.

BreeVDKamp · 13/10/2015 10:15

We use our baby bath every night! DS loves it and surely it saves water? Seems silly to run a full big bath, or a big bath with only an inch of water in

We did buy quite a lot I think, and have bought a lot since DS was born too! Baby carrier, stretchy sling, ring sling, playmat, vibrating chair as our bouncy chair was crap. I would say you don't just need something for them to eat, somewhere for them to sleep, and something to dress them in - a couple of months after they're born you're going to need somewhere to put them down in most rooms of the house.

comeagainforbigfudge · 13/10/2015 10:32

glasgowpingu I luffs your name!

I didn't get a baby bath as well. I wouldn't take it out of the bath so why not just fill bath. when I sat fill I mean about two inches of water I got a large flat sponge to rest baby on

And in fact when baby was tiny we just used a kitchen sink sized basin (which she grew out of QUICKLY, I got a long baby Grin)

Artandco · 13/10/2015 10:48

That is a very long list!

The best thing to do is look at the list as guidance and see what you already have.

For example baby bath, surely you already have a kitchen sink, bathroom sink and a shower or large bath. Use those. We put a towel folded at the bottom of kitchen sink and bathed in there a lot, or just bathed baby in main bath with us.

Things like baby towels?? Just use erm a normal towel I'm sure you have loads of

Etc etc, there's many things in your house you already have a similar thing for, and it's better to use as most things you will only use 6-12 months, 2 years maximum.

If possible just get a cot or cot bed instead of crib. They will last newborn- regular bed age, so no need to buy crib and then cot after 6 months. For downstairs I would just use your pram laid flat/ carrycot prt if you have/ or just a blanket folded up on the floor. Remember few babies can move before 6 months so if you lay them on a sheepskin rug/ blanket on the floor when small they aren't going to be escaping around the room ( and would just roll onto floor safely if they did roll)

Extras like a baby bouncer/ jumper/ rocker I suggest don't buy at first. Wait and see what your baby is like. If they are happy to be laid on blanket on floor or on you then just stick with that, as most bouncers you can't use once they can sit up anyway as can pull chair over so again you only get a few months out of things.

Much better to save the space stuff uses up for later on when they have toys, and save the money to actually do something with baby/ child like swimming

Junosmum · 13/10/2015 10:51

I got my baby bath for £2 from ebay - couldn't find one in a charity shop. Upstairs in our house can get quite cold so would want to bath a newborn downstairs initially and it'll save water as our main bath is quite big.

I've bought 90% of things second hand (the odd new outfit, new car seat and new mattresses) and saved over £1500 on buying it new. People say that you get loads of things, and in terms of clothes you will but I personally prefer to have the necessities ready and waiting, I like to be prepared!

I've got a crib for our room as the cot won't fit and I don't trust myself co-sleeping, a moses basket off my sister for downstairs as I plan to keep the pram in the car for space.

Junosmum · 13/10/2015 10:52

And I bought a bouncy chair for £5 off ebay - I'm not a fan of electronic items for babies. Well aware that may change when baby arrives!

Artandco · 13/10/2015 10:52

They Fit in kitchen sink for ages imo! As they just sit up more as they grow. We have a double sink and when mine were tiny I used to have one year old eldest sitting in one side with rubber ducks and bubbles, and newborn in the other! Perfect height too!

Skiptonlass · 13/10/2015 10:59

Things I've used constantly in week one :

Really big soft 120cm square muslin blankets. Constantly in use for snuggling and swaddling.

Babynest. Was made for us by mil and has been so useful!

Lanisoh. Your nipples will thank you.

Artandco · 13/10/2015 11:01

A few things from that list

  • 4 bedding changes, 2 is Plenty, you just want one on and one washing really ( or clean)
  • 20 Muslin clothes! That seems highly excessive, even a pukey baby 5/6 should be plenty. Seeing as you will be washing clothing etc anyway so can throw them in often to wash
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