Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Pregnancy

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

Help a first time Mum! What do I need?

43 replies

xJune88 · 29/12/2018 17:11

Currently 21 weeks with a very much wanted baby girl after 2 losses :). Have no idea at all what I need to buy and what is just a waste of money and when do I need to start buying things?
Clothing? Nappies what size?! Wipes? Bedroom essentials? Literally clueless please help :) I plan to breast feed but am aware this isn't always possible. Do i still need bottles and an expresser and which one is best? Thankyou x

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
AGnu · 29/12/2018 21:38

Muslins. These ones seem to be better quality than any others I can find www.amazon.co.uk/Muslinz-Premium-Quality-Muslin-Squares/dp/B008BSX3YS?tag=mumsnetforum-21
The details of a local breastfeeding support group - you could even go along before the baby comes to get some advice on how to get started.
Sock-ons for when the baby starts wearing socks. We've never lost a single sock thanks to them!

Have you thought about cloth nappies/wipes? There's an increasing number of nappy libraries around the country who could advise/loan you things if you're interested. Ditto for slings so you can try some out before you choose what to buy. I prefer a sturdy pashmina or a kikoy with sling rings myself - it's so versatile & often works out much cheaper than buying a "proper" sling.

Those are my "wish I'd known when DC1 arrived" things!

PerfectPeony · 29/12/2018 21:54

If I could go back and do it all again:

  • I’d only buy sleepsuits/vests 0-3 and 3-6 months. I had a colicky reflux baby and bought nothing but pretty dresses- I was so delusional!
  • Medela double breastpump. I knew 100% I wanted to breastfeed, I use this all the time now although it took me a while to establish supply before I could express much. I didn’t like lansinoh cream as it’s sticky but I liked mothercare nipple cream. We bought mam bottles which we have been using from the start- DD has never had a problem taking a bottle (expressed milk), I find Mam dummies are also good for breastfed babies.
  • Cheap wrap sling to start but if you want something more sturdy later on I would recommend ergo baby 360.
  • All the usual stuff you have mentioned.. pampers nappies as they have the blue line, Johnson’s baby wipes, Aveno baby lotion smells lovely and makes their skin lovely and soft, I’d also recommend the shnuggle baby bath- great purchase that we are still using at 6 months. We have a ‘cuddle dry’ towel which is actually useful for bath time too. Smile
LittleDoveLove · 29/12/2018 21:55

Hi OP, I have got grosnug, and grow bag for when he's a bit bigger to sleep in too.
Bottles wise. I am going to be bottle feeding so I have got the Tommie Tippee kit with the steriliser in and am getting a perfect prep. I think other people have covered other things :) my friends just had a baby so I'm planning on getting a list from her too! I know she mentioned gripe water!

user1471433387 · 30/12/2018 02:33

Electric nail file and coconut oil (for baby’s skin).

I have a 19 month old but no idea what people use muslins for?!

If it is really important to you that baby takes a bottle I would strongly recommend not waiting as long as 6 weeks before offering one.

AssassinatedBeauty · 30/12/2018 02:38

I used muslins to have to hand to wipe up any small spit ups, or larger vomits, as a quick cover up when breastfeeding, as a light layer over the baby in the pram, as a clean surface to lay them down on, to put over my shoulder before holding the baby, to wipe dribbles and so on.

m4rdybum · 30/12/2018 08:14

Currently pregnant with our first so in the same boat, but thought I'd put a list of what we have to see if you've missed anything Smile I'm 38+2.

  • Cot (for her bedroom)
  • Side sleeping cot for ours (first 6 months, bought the BabyLo from Smyths Toy Store)
  • Moses basket (for naps downstairs)
  • Pram (3 in 1) (includes pram bag then we bought a foldable changing mat for out and about)
  • Baby bath
  • Changing mat (didn't bother with a table, so we can move it around)
  • Bottles (6 of)
  • Steriliser
  • Tub of formula and pack of ready made bottles (I plan to breast and formula feed from day 1 so I don't lose my mind)
  • Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep (for the night feeds)
  • Ewan the Dream Sheep (white noise/womb sound teddy - not essential but me and DH tried it the other night and it sent me straight to sleep, so at least it works for someone!)
  • Clothes (lots of vests, varying in leg and arm length, sleep suits, couple of little outfits) (didn't get many in new born size, and now glad of it as we're predicted to have a whopper)
  • Blankets and a couple of sleeping bags
  • Muslin cloths and bibs
  • Hats and booties/socks
  • Baby monitor
  • Baby thermometer (didn't bother with a room or bath thermometer, as thought they'd just stress me out)
  • Nappies (have been buying numerous small size new born packs from different brands, so we can try them all)
  • Baby toiletries (cotton balls, wipes for later on, baby soap, sudocrem, bedtime baby oil, colic syrup)
  • Mummy toiletries (maternity pads, maternity mats, breast pads, nipple cream, small shower gel/shampoo/toothpaste)
xJune88 · 30/12/2018 09:49

Thankyou all so much I'll write it all down in a proper list just don't wana be buying things that really arnt necessary. When would you start buying if you were me? X

OP posts:
Passthepigs · 30/12/2018 09:59

Feeding;
Wait and see how you get on with breastfeeding before buying any bottle equipment. You might not need it and it can be easily purchased on Amazon for next day delivery if you do.

If you are thinking about a breast pump I found Medella best. Again don’t buy before the birth though as you might not need.

Changing;
Wipes- I use Aldi sensitive. Never had any problems with them. I used Water Wipes for the first few weeks on midwife recommendation but will use Aldi from the start next time.

There is a really good bath sponge you can get in mother care that you rest baby on when in the bath. You also need a few flannels/sponges and some sensitive bubble bath. Just plain water is best for first few weeks.

A hooded towel is nice to have but not essential.

Nappies- first size pampers are softest and nicest for a new born. I stuck with pampers all the way through as found they fitted DS best after trying cheaper supermarket alternatives.

Sleeping- decide what you want. A Moses basket will last 3 months max, possibly less. Bonus is tin can bring it downstairs in the day. I used a side sleeper crib until 5 months then into a proper cot in his own room. Downstairs I either used the pram carry cot or a Poddle Pad cushion for naps.

Clothing-
Some plain white vests in newborn, 1 month and 0-3 months.
Sleepsuits again in a variety of sizes. Don’t buy too many as you will no doubt be gifted loads when baby is here! Don’t buy any proper outfits for first few weeks. Total waste as they aren’t comfy in them and they only get sicked or poo’d on!

Oh and finally- muslin clothes. Twice as many as you think you need and then double again. No need for expensive ones, they all wash the same!

Passthepigs · 30/12/2018 10:01

Baby monitor not needed at first as baby will
sleep in your room. Wait and see how you organise sleeping arrangements as baby grows. We ended up cosleeping for a year so never needed one.

A good thermometer is a must for keeping an eye if they become poorly.

ememem84 · 30/12/2018 10:14

Agree re muslins. Buy tons.

And dribble bibs.

I bf for about 6 weeks then was so exhausted we switched ds to formula. I went in with your attitude - that I want to try but may not be able to. Dh has bought a pack of formula which he just put in the cupboard “in case” I switched after week 6. Ds was feeding a lot at night and I just needed to sleep. This means that dh could do a feed and I could rest.

Do whatever’s right for you.

We use water wipes and boots own brand nappies. For us they’re great. I don’t rate pampers. The water wipes are on subscribe and save on amazon as well as the nappy bin refills.

kenandbarbie · 30/12/2018 10:18

Someone posted about mummy toiletries, get witch hazel, cold compress pads, bottom spray - it's sore down there ladies!!
Also - those ginormous green maternity pads and this time I got an inflatable donut cushion to sit on.

I also wouldn't bother with a perfect prep or nappy bin - they'd be on my list of stuff you think is essential but isn't. Although I know some people swear by them!!

LeeCee · 30/12/2018 10:49

@xJune88 I'd try to get most of the big things sorted in your second trimester - especially anything that involves shopping around, or ordering in advance, like your pram/cot/car seat. No rush for the bits you can order online. Just bear in mind your energy levels will be lower towards the end so it's nice to have things sorted

nic01234 · 30/12/2018 10:56

Thanks to all the posters - I'm also a FTM (19w) and this thread has been very helpful! Smile

Passthepigs · 30/12/2018 11:28

Straws for your hospital bag- it’s much easier to drink while DH holds the cup! Also those Andrex wet toilet wipes for the first days after labour.

I also found lip balm helpful as the ward was quite drying and took my own flannel to use as a cold compress.

LeeCee · 30/12/2018 12:39

@user1471433387 what nail file did you get if you don't mind me asking? Could do with a recommendation for one

mrsclausisdrunk · 30/12/2018 13:20

I don't know if you can get these in the US but they're amazing. Just bought another pair for ds as he's now 5 and the others are blunt.

Help a first time Mum! What do I need?
mrsclausisdrunk · 30/12/2018 13:20

The blades are TINY but cut really well.

Angelmiracle · 30/12/2018 13:49

Buy a pack of 2 Mam bottles as they are sterilized in the microwave save you getting a steriliser. For a back up!

Once you do your list- start after new year buy few bits at a time.

I have a maxi cosi cabriofix car seat and schnuggle bath so far.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page