What do I need for when baby is born?

[misskatie90]

Hey everyone. I'm looking for a little help, I'm 14 weeks pregnant and a very excited for when my baby comes along. I have many friends who tell me what I need for baby. The thing is we have not got loads of money and I only want to get what we need, not all the top gadgets. We have not bought anything yet and was going to wait a few more months. So I'm wondering what do people recommend when the time comes to buying baby stuff. What worked well for everyone. I'm reading a baby book at the moment, but again I still can't decide there's so much stuff to choose from. I'm thinking what's essential, I can always buy things when baby's born EG a cot. Thanks in advance for the advice

@sociallydistained

Remember you’ll get lots of gifts too so don’t go mad on baby grows and clothes as bet you’ll get lots as gifts. I would be prioritising the car seat(s) and buggy at first.

Thank you

Keep an eye out to see if your local branch of the NCT are doing any nearly new sales as you can get clothes and other kit for not much.

I don't have a money issue but its still important to be sensible when buying a baby products. I am 37 weeks and I have not bought next to me crib or moses basket. Our bedroom is big so we managed to fit a cot bed besides our bed and put a baby nest in it. Plenty of good ones on amazon and not so expensive. You can always transfer cot bed when baby starts sleeping in their own room. Next to me crib and moses basket are only used for initial first few weeks and its just money down the drain few days later as babies grow fast and you will eventually want a cot bed as its safe for babies to learn rolling and turning etc and loads of space for them. you can always take baby nest in whatever room you are and can put it on sofa, dining table etc as well for them to sleep in first few days.

@clareykb

Dont forget that you can get lots of baby stuff in great condition second hand.

I second this.

Everything we have except car seat and moses basket matress has been second hand - either free / very cheap (think £5-20 depending what it is) from facebook marketplace or has been given to us by friends and acquaintances who have had children and were clearing out and were more than happy to pass stuff on.

Think we've spent in the region of £500 over the course of pregnancy picking up all the bits n pieces. This includes car seat (Joie I Level for £175 if interested).

We still need to incorporate nappies and wipes into our food shop, but half hoping that when people come and visit they bring a pack with them (which is what we say if asked if we need anything).

And would need to buy bottles etc if breastfeeding doesn't go to plan.

A crib & sleeping bags
Transport - pram / sling
Car seat - if you have a car
Nappies / cotton wool / wipes
Clothes - sleepsuits, vests, hats, cardigans
Nappies

You don't need a bath thermometer. I have a 4yo & 6mo and don't need one.
You don't need muslins either, you could use tea towels or old clothes cut up.

Useful to have / made life much easier: baby bouncer seat and a baby gym.

Don't rush in to spending money.
If I was having a baby now I would buy;
6 plain vests and babygros 0-1 or p0-3 months
2 cardigans
2 hats
Car seat
2 blankets
A packet of nappies
Reusable nappies and wipes
Stretchy sling
Carrycot( that is safe for daytime naps)
Next to me cot
The last two are aspirational and not essential ; you can make do quite easily.
No need for baby baths , matching bags, furniture , any gadgets or thousands of babygros in all the sizes. Shops will still be open if your child is an unusual size and it is highly unlikely that you won't get any presents.people like to give clothes as presents and it is nice to use them however unstylish you might think they are!

Congratulations.

For me, I would say early essentials are:

Somewhere for baby to sleep, sheets, blankets/sleeping bag
Pram
Baby grows
Baby sleepsuits
Cardigans
Car seat of you have a car - I'd personally buy this new
Bibs/muslins
Towel
Soft flannels (no need for bubble bath etc in early days)
Nappies, change mat and nappy bags
Thermometer
Think about feeding- Ready made milk bottles, bottles (just as a back up incase breastfeeding doesn't work)

You really don't have to spend a fortune and Facebook market place is so good for second hand baby bits. Supermarkets have great quality clothes at good prices too. Keep an eye out for Asda baby sale, that's always good.
My baby stayed in baby grows and sleep suits for about 5 months so that saved me buying actual outfits.

I also bought a little bit each month to spread the cost out.

I borrowed things like baby bouncer and carriers off of a friend.