The big shop!

[Rubyshoos]

Hi everyone,
I've just started my maternity leave (hurrah!) and have decided this week to do the big Boots/Mothercare shop to get all the necessary toiletries one needs (for both me and baby). Does anyone have a definitive list that they used? I've been recommended arnica, calendula cream, etc, but aside from the obvious things like nappies, nappy rash cream etc etc is there anything that as a first time mother I could potentially miss....?

any tips much appreciated!
RS

bio-oil was a must for me to help my bad stretch marks recover.

plenty of sanitary towels and big nicks that they can fit in as you do loose a lot of blood in the first week or so.....

i reccomend a nappy cream called bepanthen- bit more expensive but worked 10x better for my two when they had nappy rash.

plenty of baby blankets, towels etc....quite a few cardi's and hats for baby to wear as its winter (i had my son, now nearly 3, in dec and i wasn't anywhere near prepared enough so had nothing and was sending hubby and family out for things!!!)

old towels to put under you in bed the first few nights.....if your breastfeeding they will ache and leak getting used to feeding times etc, and if not they will ache and leak as your supply dries up.....and just in case you find you get some sleep and your pad leaks downstairs have one there too....so plenty of pj's for you too!!!

i'm sure you've probably got all the big things sorted and know what you need there.... erm....cant think of much else, oh muslin squares are fab to mop up sick instead of baby wearing a bib 24/7!!! and make sure you have plenty of washing powder in too so you dont need to get out for them in the first week or so!!!- its hard enough remembering to take everything you need out with you, let alone bringing home everything you need!!!

good luck with it all- you must be getting sooooooo exited!!!

If you're going to breast feed then get some Lanisoh (sore nipple cream!).
You could treat yourself to a Neal's Yard Lavender Bath salts thing or get some Epsom salts to ease any sore bits and pieces
Small bottle of pharmaceutical grade olive oil for baby (incase dry skin).
You only need to wash baby in plain water for months and months - I personally think products are too harsh for newborns.
Paracetamol
Cream for piles (just incase)
Lilly Padz instead of breastpads (Amazon sell them plus others) - you won't regret them!!!!

My midwife recommended bathing in a shallow bath with tea tree oil in after the birth to keep your bits clean and help them heal - I really think this worked.

Agree with previous post re Lansinoh cream - Lansinoh breast pads are also really good. I found normal sanitary towels better than the maternity ones (which are a bit stiff).

I got minature toiletries for hospital bag so I wasn't scrambling around finding my shower gel etc when I went into labour.

All I can think of that's essential for baby is cotton wool balls and nappies.

Good luck!

Some good/nice hand cream for you. I seemed to be constantly washing my hands after my DD was born and they got so dry, cracked and sore.
I'm due next week so I will keep and eye on this thread incase I have forgotten something....
Good Luck and enjoy your maternity leave!

Quick heads-up - Sainsbury's have got LOADS of baby stuff on half price at the moment - includes baby wipes, Johnsons shampoos, baby lotions etc, sudacrem, infacol etc etc.

I'd recommend having a look around there first

Wonderful, thanks everbody, have noted it all down and will hit the shops tomorrow (if it ever stops raining!)

Rshoos

... but (re sainsburys) remember you don't need wipes, shampoos or lotions for tiny babies - water is fine.
(and old flannels are a lot better for wiping than cotton wool, too)

Vaseline to put on the baby at the first nappy change so the meconium is easier to clean off.

Don't bother with baby wipes, shampoos, baby baths, etc . Cotton wool and water is best for newborns.

Don't forget some meals for the freezer and some chocolate for you.