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.

Baby Items ... Help?

30 replies

Marty93 · 22/07/2019 13:14

Hi all

hoping for some experienced mama's / papa's / carers here to help me out. I have created a bit of a checklist of things that me and OH need to purchase in readiness for our bundle of joy to arrive (not until January!), I feel like it is a bit early to start HOWEVER, like the idea of spreading cost over the months rather than rushing around at the end :)

So far we have listed:

  • Nursery furniture (cot, wardrobe, drawers and changer)
  • Moses basket / something to sleep baby in initially when it is in our room
  • Pram / travel system / car seat
  • fitted Crib mattress sheets / pram sheets
  • baby bath (? is this a necessity or just more of a luxury ?)
  • bouncer / swing
  • perfect prep machine (I am going to be bottle feeding)
  • bottles/steriliser
  • room / bath thermometer
  • baby monitors
  • night light
  • changing bag

I haven't included things such as clothes and nappies etc. on this list just trying to think more of equipment and gadgets.

Is there anything that you have bought that were an absolute godsend and things you bought that you just didn't use?

I feel like I'm missing loads of things and as this is my first baby I just feel really overwhelmed with it all! Lol. I know that as long as we have the essentials then we will be fine, but I just have a bit of OCD and like everything to be well organised!

thanks in advance! :)

xxx

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
RomaineCalm · 23/07/2019 20:12

Things we bought and never/rarely used:

Cot blankets, cellular blankets, flat sheets (we used sleeping bags in the end)
Nappy bin (I hated having used nappies upstairs so just took them out)
Baby sling (DC hated it)
Newborn/0-6month outfits - got given loads of lovely things that were never used as DC grew too quickly
Gro-egg - temperature paranoia!
Top and tail bowl - ended up being used for storing cotton wool - easier just to bring through a small bowl of water
Additional changing mats - no idea why I thought I needed three of them...
Cuddly toys/blankies - we bought and were given some lovely ones but DC much preferred an old sock
Lots of creams, washes, lotions and potions for every eventuality

If I were to go back and do it again I would put the money aside and only buy the essentials to start with - somewhere to sleep and some bedding, nappies, wipes, bottles/formula, cheap steriliser. Leave things in their packaging in case you don't need them and want to return stuff.

Amazon and most online retailers can get stuff to you in 24hrs so if you do need things quickly you can generally get them when you know what you want/need. I loved planning and making lists and getting everything ready but I do cringe when I think of all of the stuff that was given away and the money wasted.

BertieBotts · 23/07/2019 20:20

Baby baths are pointless, we used ours twice. If you really want one get a shnuggle or the angelcare bath seat.

I agree with a stretchy wrap they are brilliant for newborns and inexpensive.

I used a bouncing cradle thing with DS1 from newborn but the ones they sell today are very upright and I couldn't put DS2 in it until he had a bit more head control. If you can find a flatter one this might be good.

It is worth thinking ahead and researching the second stage of car seat at the same time as the first because sometimes in hindsight you will wish you'd had another type. But only if you have the time and it's not taking a toll on your mental health. Worth thinking ahead to imaginary baby number 2 as well if that is something you'd like to do.

BertieBotts · 23/07/2019 20:22

And YY the stupid gro egg will make you crazy if there is a heatwave. Babies don't melt, be sensible and don't put them in masses of clothing when it's already warm, but a finger down their collar will tell you everything. If they feel cool add a layer, if they are sweaty remove one.

Marty93 · 24/07/2019 10:21

@poppymatilda thanks - I have never felt pressured into breast feeding but do think it's funny how people can press their opinions about it onto mums like myself who have chosen to formula feed without trying BF..

I was exclusively formula fed as a baby, and I have been an extremely healthy child / adult so don't feel I missed out at all lol. I just think a fed baby is a happy baby and I try to ignore the people that push for breast feeding or try to make me feel guilty for formula feeding lol!

X

OP posts:
burritofan · 24/07/2019 10:44

Things we've found useful:

Baby bath – our bathroom sink is too shallow and our bathroom quite cold, this way we can do cosy sitting room baths. We got one with a texture bit for the head and a bum support so it's not too wriggly/slippery

Reusable wipes & flannels – cheeky wipes are good but you can make your own set with cut-up towels and Tupperwares

Rucksack instead of changing bag

Close caboo sling for naps/walks, now switching to an Ergo for out and about, but borrow/try sling library first. Get a giant cagoule from charity shop to cover you both when it rains

IKEA inflatable changing mat – we just chuck it on the bed and change DD there, no need to get up in the middle of the night or have a dedicated changing table, we have two for when there's stealth wees; also handy for nappy-free time

Snuzpod - makes a handy bedside table for my water bottle and snacks since DD prefers sleeping in my armpit :)

White noise app on my phone (free)

Bouncy chair to plonk her in while I shower

IKEA wooden baby gym, occupies her for a bit while I drink tea

Thermos mug for hot drinks

Lamaze firefly toy thing - hideous but distracts her in the pram to trick her into sleeping

Snooze Shade for the pram

Snot sucker nostril torture device

The nappy cream in the yellow tube, great for bums, neck rolls, armpits

Crossover vests and bodysuits instead of ones you pull over the head; we gave up on sleepsuits v quickly

Vest extenders - DD grows long before she grows out

Blackout blind

Dribble bib bandana things

Hooded towels for baths

Not v useful:
Dream sheep, runs out of batteries endlessly
GroEgg - just use the free thermometer that comes with buying sleeping bags
Sleepsuits/babygros - bodysuits/vests and leggings far easier
Socks - who can be faffed, really
Bath thermometer - just use hand/common sense
Blankets - just need two, one in the wash and one in the pram

New posts on this thread. Refresh page