Experienced mums: what did you wish you bought?

[Spooples]

Currently 26 weeks with baby number 1 and trying to start buying in bits for when she's here.

Ive had a look through the recommendations in my books and online about what to get, but is there anything in your experience you found was really useful but you maybe didn't know about it in advance?

What would be your top recommendation of useful things to buy for baby? Or even for child birth?

Mam bottles and (cannot stress this enough) a perfect prep machine. 90quid but omg so worth it. If youre FF its a must have. Im also making lots of use out of the blanket part of a mothercare bear sit me up so maybe a good quality blanket that you'll be happy to lie them on to kick about

1. Car seat - if you have a car as it's a legal requirement
2. Sling - I'm a Londoner and they are great for using on tube as very few stations have step free access. If I'm going on a combined public transport journey I tend to use it rather than a pram. Go to a sling library to try some out if you don't have friends who can give you their old - not too old due to risk of hip dysplasia with some old carriers - ones. Oh I also use it shopping in supermarkets. I saw a lady using one while pregnant and thought if I can get one on quickly then it will be less hassle than mucking around with car seats.
3. Access to eBay etc - to buy second hand stuff (or sell your new stuff if inclined)
4. Friends who want to get rid of their baby stuff - you save thousands. Just make sure you buy new mattresses.
5. Baby box - alternative spare bed for 0-4 month baby that is either free if in Scotland and some parts of England, or the cost of shipping which is about £6.

I was told not to spend loads of money on a travel system as being in London I would likely end up with more than one strollers depending on how I decided to travel. So I brought mine new with a 0+ car seat and lie flat pram included on a deal. I have since brought a light weight stroller so now don't need to stress about fitting stuff into my car boot. You can get travel systems that cost £800 for £50-100 second hand but be wary of second hand car seats unless you know the person. You also need to get a new pram mattress. You can also get second hand strollers for £30-40.

For the first three months don't bother with outfits as just using baby gros will make your life easier. Also people will give you some outfits.

Also by the time your baby can pull themselves up you don't want them in a moses basket or similar as they are unstable if in a off the floor holder.

Things like lanisoh cream, nappy rash creams etc may not be needed so just get samples or a small amount. I'm now more likely to use the nappy rash cream for sore bits when I go back to doing sport than using it on my daughter.

A morkk for the car seat- it's a fitted blanket and saves needing snowsuit etc.

A large changing bag- ours seems a bit too small.

More muslins than you think you'll need.likewise sheets for the Moses basket/crib. Also cellular blankets.

Stick to vests babygrows and a couple of cardigans. Worry about actual clothes when they are bigger. Make sure it's button up the front not pull over the head babygrows. You also get vests 'kimono style which are like a jacket rather than pulling overhead- way easier with tricky newborn bodies!

Don't need a playgym at the start.

Don't buy playgym/toys/clothes as you will get LOTS of gifts and vouchers.

Don't buy lots of bottles/dummies etc wait and see what baby will take- you may end up needing to get a different brand.

Have saline nose spray and infacol in- better than trying to get in an emergency. Thermometer- we have an infrared rather than trying to manage with an ear one

The ikea highchairs are great - so easy to clean.

A forehead thermometer. Baby sleeping bags - love them so much, I felt so much safer using them than blankets and swaddling.

If you plan to BF some singlet tops to go under your normal tops to make it easier to feed in public. No need for $$ nursing tops. Pure lanolin cream for nipples if BF.

I also loves the button up singlets with long sleeves, in all I would only use button up singlets not the loose ones as the loose ones ride up too easily.

Our one big purchase apart from cot/car seat was a pram with a slide in/out bassinet, it was great for getting out and about in all kids of weather (with a rain cover though if it's raining) and if bub fell asleep you could fully enclose it so no one annoyed them or park it in a bedroom if you were visiting someone with bub having their own quiet sleeping quarters. You could also pick it up and carry it in somewhere if they fell asleep and there was not enough room for a pram.

Last of all one of my Fav things that I can't do without - a good quality ring sling carrier for quick trips and a sturdy buckle carrier for long walks. Hands free baby wearing makes life so much easier!

I wish I had bought a bigger house and 'bought' (hired) a part time nanny/housekeeper! Wasn't on the cards though, we were hard up. Bigger house was nine years down the line and didn't need a nanny/housekeeper by that time, though did have a fortnightly cleaner.
Our parents were helpful.

It is so much on personal preference and each baby you have will be different too.

Many on here say a changing table is a waste of money - for me, it is one of the best things ever! Kills my back changing on beds and I don't change my children downstairs at home. So much that I have a table in each bedroom (I have 2 in nappies right now). I picked both up on Fb selling, paying less than £30 for one and nothing for the second but I wouldn't be without them.

We use washable nappies and Ive learnt that paying for the best ones in terms of convenience, absorbency and drying time is the best investment as it makes them a pleasure to use and stops anyone else from complaining about extra work with them.

In terms of general essentials, I agree with babygros and vests, outfits are a pain for first 4 months and not worth the hassle. A lot of places do zip up baby grows now and I personally love them, so much easier than buttons when baby is screaming. Morrck/footmuff for carseat is brilliant too if having a winter baby. Yes to muslins but I don't need as many as some on here say. I have an extremely sicky baby and have about 15 normal size and 6 big ones which is perfect.

Used a stretchy carrier for DC1 but DC2 was much bigger and went straight to buckle carrier with him as my shoulders couldn't take the wrap. Sleepyhead was invaluable for DC1 but not being used much for DC2, same goes for swing. I didn't get a carrycot for my pram for DC1 as had a lie flat seat so stuck to newborn cocoon and in hindsight, I really wish I had one. Picked up a second hand one for DC2 and it is so much easier for the early days.

Thats main things I remember but you will find everyone has different preferences and regrets. I agree with buying essentials, joining local Fb selling groups and having Prime. You can get everything else you need quickly when you need it.

Buy the basics beforehand and then you can Amazon Prime/24hr supermarket anything else you feel you need after baby arrives.

My early day essentials were nipple cream, muslins, and breast pads.

Finding nemo play gym - allowed me to have a shower in peace every morning and still does! Muslins, nappy bin, slumber buddy, stretchy wrap so you can get stuff done round the house, a nice pram with big basket underneath.

My second was born in winter and we also used the Moby stretchy wrap a lot - it was great, right from newborn and you can tie it before you head out and leave it on when you take bubs out then just pop them back in again.

Also I never got a chance to use them as my labour ended in a c/s but pad popcycles are highly recommended and easy to make. Essentially open up some pads, pour water in them, refold, rewrap and freeze. Then you can use them on your lady bits if they are feeling a bit tender and swollen after giving birth. Ask your hospital if they have a storage freezer or if you need to keep them in something that will keep them frozen. They are also handy of you are BF and a bit tender.

Also I know you didn't ask for it but I think this is really important advice.... if you do BF and you are worried ask to see their lactation consultant prior to discharge to check latch etc and if it hurts there is a good chance that the baby is latched wrong so don't just try to 'hack the pain' if you experience any :-) All the best for everything!!

I'm a bit of a shopaholic - but there are things that do just make your life easier! You don't NEED much at all - but having some things does make life so much easier.
I didn't have a sicky baby but lots of muslins are so useful as they still make mess and muslins are great and quick to wash and dry.
Bought a change mat that has a cover from ikea as it must have been cold everytime I laid him down which didn't help with the crying!
I have bought a decent pram rather than going for the cheaper ones this time but I bought it second hand so effectively cost less - bough t new car seat etc with isofix - this was a must for me - so easy and you know its safe.
I have bought a next to me and a sleepyhead and the new Ewan the sheep which apparently can turn itself back on ... we will see! If it says it helps sleep I'm willing to give it a go!
I really like being organised and don't want to feel hassled having to go out and get stuff.
We had a swing for about 24 hours last time as he hated it so that was sold straight on!
As many have said each to their own - we love the nappy bin, keeps things tidy and away but I empty it all the time too.
I plan to BF but have a perfect prep as they will have bottles and again to me this will ne easier!
My friend has loaned me a load of bathing items - we just used a baby bath and then a toddler bath - saved money but couldn't bath the baby on my own until he could sit up - so the soft support looks like a winner to me!
Bought a lovely change bag that I like as a bag this time - it can also go as a backpack - so worth it to me.
I'm a marketers dream! But I feel happy and prepared... as much as you can be!

Moses basket, swaddling stuff, baby bath. Waste of time (in our case). On the other hand, didn't get enough bibs, and tiny newborn clothes or muslin cloths.

Don't bother with a moses basket-baby will be out of it in no time. Just buy a cot.
Also, regarding slings. I always found them to be dangerous-if you trip and fall, then you are going to fall right on top of the baby and risk seriously injuring them or possibly killing them. Never liked the thought of them to be honest.
Also, don't waste money on an expensive pram as you'll find it becomes unbearably heavy as baby gets bigger.
Sterilisers too-just but cheapest you can. I can tell you that all that sterilising 6 bottles at once is a load of rubbish. I'm a science teacher and I questioned this statement in mothercare. No one could answer me. Truth is once that lid is open, the bottles are not sterile. It only works if you fill all the bottles at once. A cold water one is best and cheapest. Just throw the bottles in after washing and pick them out when you need them.
Don't bother with fancy clothes either. Honestly, baby will be in Babygro's for the first few months. Do buy a snowsuit though. My baby is a winter baby and he lived in it.
Honestly, simple is best. You won't use it. People always buy things for you too and you end up with multiples of lots of things.
You won't need a high chair for months, but buy a basic chair that reclines and is height adjustable. You can get one new for around £45 or on gumtree for £15.
I'd recommend a bouncer though, my baby still has his milk in his. We use it as a chair! It was a life saver as it meant we could strap him in when we had to leave the room.
Don't bother with a changing unit. All you need is a changing mat. Nursery furniture as in small wardrobes and changing top units are a waste of money too. They won't thank you for it once they're past 6 and you'll have wasted all that money. Buy a decent wardrobe and chest of drawers which will last (if you don't already have some).
The baby shops try to make you feel guilty and that you're somehow inferior if you don't have all this stuff, but, believe me, your baby will not care.
You don't need a special swaddle wrap either. A blanket will do but baby may not like to be so restricted and they can overheat so be warned.
Goodness me, babies used to sleep in drawers years gone buy.
Don't fall into the marketing trap. That's my advice.
Oh, nappies-Lidl or Aldi are best I tried. Pampers are awful and they contain those awful plastic pieces which are destroying the environment (and are twice the price).

I was sceptical about changing tables but we had hard floors and my knees demanded one in the end. DH rigged up a shelf that folded down in the downstairs loo, with all the nappy stuff on shelves above.

There is tonnes of secondhand hardly used baby stuff in circulation so I would buy as little as possible, there are NCT sales, Facebook, loads of friends/relatives/people you hardly know will be bringing stuff round.

Really useful was a low rocker chair, e.g. Chicco Hoop-la, just meant I could put him down safely in front of cbeebies for a few minutes and go to the loo or wash up.

Orsy2017’s post above proves how individual it is... some of the things she’s said don’t bother with were extremely useful to us, and a lot of her must haves were useless!

Controversial one this but one of the best things we bought was an Angelcare nappy bin. The bins themselves are always reduced and only a fiver or so, however they hook you in because you need to keep buying rolls of liners to use in them. I don’t care- it is super-convenient and worth every penny imho. Times tippee Sangenic are similar I think.

I had far too many muslins after reading all the advice on here, we were prob lucky re sickness though. We inherited a Baby Bjorn bouncer and it was fabulous. At the higher end, but available second hand, the Stokke high chair with newborn attachment is great as a place for the baby to sit at waist/table height and see what’s going on.

Sleepyhead was also great but, again, suggest buying second hand.

Playmat is a must. And (again controversial) but from 6 months or so the jumperoo was brilliant- he loved playing in it and it meant my hands were free to get on with things.

Yep, I agree that changing a baby standing up is much preferable to doing it on the floor, and a firm surface is much better than a bed. We inherited a changing table and still use it now he is over 2.
Also, we found our (inherited) Moses basket really handy for when we went away to stay with people when he was small, and of course to move him round the house when sleeping. He fitted in it for at least 3 months, but we are a family of small people.

Lots of the things other's have said, but my top two are probably a carrier/sling, we had a bjorn and fairly quickly moved to an ergo. And also a bath support seat, so you can play with them in the bath knowing they are supported, instead of wrangling a small, slippery person in hard bath. And when it comes to a high chair - a super simple wipe clean one!! We've stayed places with fiddly covers and way too many creases and holes for food to hide in.

My top tip is buy as little as possible ie get stuff pre loved from friends and family. You will save stacks of money and also less of a bummer if the stuff doesn’t work for you. Plus much better for environment. Literally the only things I’ve bought new are some baby nail scissors!

Best things we’ve been given include haaka breast pump (sucker it onto boob you’re not feeding on - really easy expressing), a baby bjorn and a poddle pod for baby to nap in. Also bought a second hand Bednest that was formerly a rental one. You get a new mattress with it and it’s in perfect nick.

Enjoy!

The best things we bought were:

A travel system from Mothercare, only £300 for the whole lot (car seat and pram that goes into a buggy) and its slim, wonderful to drive even one handed and sturdy. You don't need to spend £600+ on one.

A slimish baby changing bag. You do need to repack each night, but I do anyway as everything has it's place, but much less bulky then most.

Bottle starter kit with powder dispensers, LOTS of muslins and vests (we bought in stages), but the best thing of all was a Thermos flask.

We bought two and they have been a God's end! With bottle feeding means you can make it anywhere if you have a powder container (cafe's don't give got hot water these days but will give cold, so it was easier cooling a bottle than making it without the flask) and we took one upstairs on a tray with a box of ice for night time and still do! I've used them multiple times each day for almost a year and no leaks! Buy good ones and they'll last! x

You basically just need enough babygrows, blankets etc to get you through the first week or so. After that you'll be able to make short trips out to the shops, or send someone else for you, or ask one of the many visitors to pick up something you need. It's not like you're being rocketed off to the moon!

A good quality digital thermometer. Pretty dull compared to a lot of other baby stuff but essential.

*cafe's don't give out hot water these days, so I found it easier to make the bottle from the flask and ask for cold water with ice to cool it down!

Oh yes, absolutely the thermometer, as soon as you get them home you’ll always be wanting to check temp to reassure yourself it’s just normal baby stuff and not illness. We had an ear one but lost it and replaced it with one you just point at their forehead, which is even better.

NOTHING, As a wise person once said, the shops will still be open once the baby is here. if only I had paid heed and not ended up buying piles of "essential" nipple cream, mittens, slings, cellular blankets and room thermometers and a whole load of other crap that I never used.

As long as you have some bodies, nappies, wipes, somewhere for baby to sleep, pram and baby friendly soap you are set and then can figure out what extras will make your particular circumstances easier. Every baby's needs are different and everyone's lifestyles are different.

I would have bought a stokke trip trap chair from the off with the baby insert and the insert for when they can sit up with support

That way ds could have sat to the table at my height whilst I ate instead of being in a bouncer on the floor or somewhere else

If I'd bought a brand new one I may also not have had to replace the one i bought 2nd hand (baby dan) that literally fell to pieces

Chairs Sell on v quickly on gumtree

I would definitely recommend bath support (looks like a dolly's slide from mothercare) and jumperoo (there is a roaring 2nd hand trade around here for those too)

I had a fisher price cot mobile with lovely music and it projected stars on the ceiling and a lovely big fisher price floor mat/baby gym

And despite the cost buy a proper parasol for your Pram not a universal one that doesn't stay on properly - ds used to waggle ours around all the time!

I never had a video monitor (ds is 6) but if I thought I could get away with one now I'd buy one

Dm had a mothercare buggy. I had a maclaren techno xt - straps on mine were a lot longer than on hers - sthg to think about if you think you may have bigger dc's (mine is v tall) so outgrew her buggy (would still fit in mine if I would let him