Experienced mummies... how much did you buy and how much did you need?

[Muffintops87]

I am trying to work out a checklist of essential things that I will need for when my little one arrives but there is so much I foresee me going over board and buying too much and buying useless things that I don't really need.

So how much did you all buy in terms of clothes etc. and how much did you really need?

Also anything that you could not have lived without?

Trying not to bankrupt myself!

Lansinoh nipple cream - I only needed a little for a few days but would have sold everything but the baby during those days!

Sleeping bags. Especially for fidgety babies.

When they're old enough, only buy calpol with the syringe. Can administer one-handed & no spillages.

Vibrating chair rocker thing. Godsend.

Muslins. Lots of them. Keep a 'spare' in your bag - can be an impromptu nappy, blanket, hat, sun shade, change mat, play mat, etc.

If you want to express I heartily recommend the medulla swing pump. I didn't get until a few months of struggle. Was worth every. Single. Penny.

I wanted to try reusable nappies & found thenappylady the best place for info & supplies.

We bought & still rave about reusable cheeky wipes. They are so much better than disposable wipes & save you loads of money.

Agree with the Aldi nappies - I was really impressed but did miss the boxes the pampers nappies came in!

Also - sod disposable breast pads. They are noisy, sweaty, and expensive. I used amazing reusable ones that were invisible & silent.

Second hand furniture, pram & clothes really cut down the expense. NCT sale in a 'nice' area will get you good quality stuff.

Good luck!!

Lots of excellent suggestions here!
I want to add washable wipes, we had Cheeky Wipes and used them until DD was nearly 2. Soo much better at cleaning up a poonami compared with normal wipes!

Also maybe not essential but things we found really useful and used loads:
Tuppence and Crumble star wrap, alternative to bulky snowsuits that can be tricky to get a newborn into.
Aden and Anais giant muslins, DD was a summer baby and these were excellent as lightweight blankets, sunshades, playmats. I still use them now to throw over toddler DDs legs in the buggy if it's chilly or as a lightweight sheet at night. We have the bamboo ones which are extra soft.

I didn't use a fleece blanket at night but not because of suffocation, I think it was more that they tend to keep heat in quite well so was worried about overheating. I did use them in the car and pram though.