What to buy

[cazzy80]

Hi everyone, I am just over 21 weeks and as it's my first I just haven't much of a clue what essentials I will need to buy over the next few months. I don't want to be going overboard and buying unnecessary stuff as I know there will be gifts when the baby arrives also so I equally don't want to end up with too much.

What kind of things would you recommend I add to my list?

Thanks in advance

somewhere for baby to sleep
way of feeding baby (relevant bras, nursing pads, nipple cream or bottles etc)
way of getting baby about (car seat +................. travel system/ sling/ whatever)
basic clothes (noone will buy the vests most likely or in all the sizes you need)
Nappies etc

I can't link to it but mumnset have a good list of newborn essentials.

The one thing that I got wrong was the baby grow size! I had lots of 0-3 months but my little one was just under 6lbs and so I needed newborn. She looked so funny in the floppy 0-3! It was only for one night though because my Mum went out and got lots in her size the next day so don't worry. I also recommend a babymoov head support pillow, my friend got me one and it really makes the babies head stay nice and supported while you change and dress them. However as long as you have the real basics it will soon become apparent what you do and don't need and you are right in thinking that there will be lots of gifts! Oh, another couple of things - make sure you get some extra large sanitary pads for yourself. It's also a good idea to stock the fridge and freezer with easy to prepare food. No one wants to cook when they have their new baby to stare at and cuddle. Enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and good luck.

Newborn size clothes not just 0-3, I thought I was having a huge baby but he only fit tiny baby stuff, we had to rush out and buy more stuff he was only 6lbds.

Nappies, nappy bags, wet wipes, nappy cream.

I didn't bother buying bottles Sterilisers ext as I thought I would breastfeed and didn't want to spend unnecessary money. Aptamil do ready made bottles with teats so I bought some of those in case breastfeeding didn't work out.

Car seat, somewhere for baby to sleep, Bedding.

Baby nail Clippers, mitts.

Stock pile easy and quick food to eat for you.

Don't buy too many newborn size nappies, you'll need bigger ones quickly.

Wraparound vests are much easier for beginners, it is surprisingly fiddly to get a vest over a newborn's head and then somehow wrangle their tiny arms in.

Check out in advance if friends/family have anything they can lend/donate ... it's frustrating discovering you could have a free x when you've just bought one.

Thanks everyone, you have been very helpful!

We have bought a new travel system and I've managed to borrow my sisters Moses basket, steriliser and cot so I will just buy new mattresses and bedding. Saves us a fortune which will come in handy considering maternity pay is as little as it is

I actually bought some little vests and the sizes were making me wonder which route to go down but I bought newborn so hopefully they will start us off. I'm going to sort sleepsuits and basic stuff next.

So much to think of but also so exciting as it makes it even more real so I just can't wait!

I've only bought a few things in newborn size as my bean was estimated at 5lb8oz on 32 week growth scan (no, I know they're not accurate but....)

I've got lots of sleepsuits and vests in 0-3 and not intending on buying any 'outfits' at all. Chances are if it stays warm, bean will just be in a vest and nappy anyway (nearly 36 weeks now)

You haven't long to go now! Im sure that will work just fine as summer comes in over the next while. Good luck :)

Download Shpock - I have bought so much for a fraction of what I'd spend brand new!!

I bought both newborn and 0-3 sizes in basics but kept the labels on. DS was nearly 9lb (and I'd been told he was going to be big so I was kind of expecting that) so I took the newborn stuff back after he was born and exchanged it. No one bought me the basic vests and sleepsuits in the tiny sizes. Mostly 3-6month outfits!