So, you're pregnant with your first baby, you've pretty much got all the essentials, what would you like people to buy for you?

[KittensWithWeapons]

My sister is pregnant with her first baby, who's due to put in an appearance over the coming weeks. We're all really excited, and I so want to buy stuff for them. But without over stepping any boundaries. I've bought a couple of wee babygros, but I know they will be swamped with baby clothes from lovely relatives and friends.

I was going to make up a hamper of things like lansinoh, breast pads, water spray for using in the boiling hot hospital etc, but she's well stocked on all of that.

Mum has bought them a travel cot for when they come to visit.

So, when you were pregnant, what would you have liked, gift wise?

Best present I ever had. My brother got me:
m.johnlewis.com/red-castle-cocoonababy-nest-and-two-fitted-sheets-white/p/2827248?sku=236162780&kpid=236162780&s_kenid=f6086988-48a7-47cd-825f-c7e35a8efa6e&s_kwcid=403x2963983&tmad=c&tmcampid=73

You could buy her some baby proofing bits for her home. It's the kind of thing you don't need now but in 8 months, you need it NOW! and then you remember your kind sister has got you everything already!

Alternatively, a battery charger and a hefalump of rechargable batteries. Because every toy they have in the next few years takes a hefty amount of power.

Hand cream is nice too-you wash your hands a lot with a new born.

a vacuum mug with a lid
Some nice toiletries
Yes to hand cream

A gro swaddle
A baby sleeping bag
A box set

Oh, brilliant ideas, thank you. I've already given her an insulated cup so she can have a hot cup of tea on hand when she's BFing, and a load of boxsets to watch.

Battery charger and hand cream are great suggestions. As is the cooconababy. Thank you!

Am also bearing in mind the baby proofing suggestion. Great idea, sis and her husband will get loads of tiny newborn stuff from lovely kind relatives, but little for further down the line.

What's your budget?

Sleepyhead (like the cocoonababy linked above, but not tilted and lasts longer)

Merino sleeping bags (cost a lot but last to age 2)

Smaller useful items they may not have: nail clippers, a snoozeshade for the buggy, a "buggy buddy" (a caddy thing that goes on the buggy and holds a drink/phone etc), baby mirror for car. None of these are essentials but I've found them all quite useful.

Pretty muslins - I only ever felt able to justify buying the white ones but secretly coveted the coloured ones.

This is my best gift, just hope it works for our little one when she arrives

www.amazon.co.uk/SweetDreamers-ewan-dream-sheep%C2%AE-purple/dp/B0040JSN7Y

Went to buy a gro bag the other day, but sister told me that they were instructed not to use gro bags or swaddle for the first three months, at her antenatal class. Not sure why!

Small present-wise, someone got baby a swimming costume and swim nappies (I think they were 3-6months). I hadn't thought to buy it for myself and was great to take him.

You could also buy classes for something like waterbabies or baby sensory. It would make lovely memories.

A jumperoo is also, always a winner (but couldn't be used straightaway)

minipie, budget is about €500. Those are all brilliant suggestions, thank you! Merino sleeping bags are a great idea. Also the buggy buddy . She will be doing a lot of walking so somewhere to stash a coffee or bottle of water will be very useful.

Vap, I actually had a Ewan in my hand yesterday and put him back! Would you recommend him?

Books to read to baby
Hand cream definitely
A cleaner for a month

I second the sleep sheep suggestion. We got the Cloud B one and it was a great help when DD was newborn. Was getting ready to put it away when she was 18 months but we are using it again to help her transition to self settling in her toddler bed. Glad we didn't stuff it away in the loft! The white noise machine comes out of it completely and she now cuddles with the sheep while the machine is still being used to help her get to sleep.

Thanks, primary. Brilliant idea!

Gin. You're welcome.

A sheepskin buggy liner. Makes a huge difference - buggy is cosier in winter, and totally unsweaty in summer.

Rainbow, we could actually organise a cleaner for the first month. Would it seem intrusive though?

orange, decent gin would be very well received .

Life, thank you. Looking up sheepskin buggy liners as we speak.

Yes I'd agree with sleep sheep. We still use the removeable sound box for DD2 who is now a toddler. Really does seem to help her self settle

Hmm any other ideas...

Baby bjorn bouncer chair

A good sling - I like the beco gemini, the Ergo is popular too (not if your sis is small though)

A mobile for above the changing mat

Forehead thermometer - much easier on a baby than other kinds

Some of these things eg bjorn chair are readily available second hand in good nick (I know that may not seem very presenty but means you could get more for the money!)

Books would be lovely - the Thats Not My books are good first baby books, also Eric Carle (Hungry Caterpillar etc).

If you want to get a liner check it fits the buggy she is having

I got given one and it didn't fit well but felt I couldn't buy the one that did fit as I already had one...

A sleepyhead and Ewan the dream sheep, both saved my sanity and helped my ds sleep!

Yy to hand cream (and naice soap)

Lots of muslins (pre-washed!)

A cleaner would be awesome! But maybe a voucher so she can use it when she wants

Thanks so much for all the brilliant suggestions. Olennas, you say pre washed muslins. Should I pre wash them? With non bio washing powder?

Kittens, I think that's only if baby is under 7lbs. The actual grobag ones can be used from birth if baby is 7lbs+ This is confirmed by the FSID who endorse grobag but not other sleeping bags.

mini, it's an Uppababy Vista.

Thanks Property, that's good to know.

Pretty muslins definitely!

I've got an uppababy vista designed accessory thing which holds keys, a cup, wallet etc.

Could you get a cook meal delivered (if she has the freezer space?)?

But I'd save the money for now and get a jumperoo or similar for later.