Baby items worth keeping/spending money on

[MissingGrandstand]

Hi all, apologies as can’t work out the best board to put this on…

Want to start by acknowledging we are in an extremely fortunate position with regards to baby items - several family members have toddlers so I’m being offered second hand “bigger items” like bouncer chairs/jumparoos/walkers etc left right and centre. Because of this I’ve been telling people we don’t need gifts or just smaller gifts if they really push (didn’t have a baby shower etc)

A very close, well-off friend has just asked what he can buy for the baby, and I know he won’t take no for an answer. I would really love for him to get something I can keep, so my question for you wise ladies is what have you found worth spending money on getting a timeless, high quality version of?

My ideal example would be a beautiful wooden crib (a small one for downstairs). Unfortunately my mother is also a very wise lady and bought one of these when she had her own children, so I already have one to use as it’s so timeless!

Thank you all in advance

Stokke Tripp Trapp chair with the baby & toddler fittings.

Whilst I’d bought one when mine was a baby as it is great as I can see them using it for years (it’s suitable up to adult)

Although you will want a cheap Ikea Antilop high chair for weaning as it goes in the dishwasher!!!

How about a stokke tripp trapp? I would have really liked one but couldn't justify the nearly £300 cost. I really like idea of baby being at table height with us but in the end i just shuffled the moses basket over to the table when needed.

Ha! Cross post with @Shouldhavebutdidnt!

Stokke Tripp Trapp. We have one that’s been in our family for 18 years and still going strong. I find it more comfortable to sit in than our new dining chairs

Thank you all so much, seems like there is a consensus! I shall look into that now

I think it will also depend if you plan on having more than one dc. If so invest in a good pushchair, cot bed set. I have used my I candy for both dc and still In good enough condition to sell or pass on, likewise with the cot bed. Also agree with pp and the trip trap chair.

Oh gosh, yes I also came to suggest a tripp trapp! We’ve just bought a second one as my 3 year old isn’t ready to part with hers before her sibling arrives

Stokke Tripp Trapp is a brilliant shout. Ours was given to us secondhand by my godmother, who bought three of them about 20 years ago for her own DC and they're all still getting plenty of use. Fab things. Before my godmother's grown-up DC all left home, they used theirs as bar stools for their makeshift home bar!

Tripp trap here too, currently trying to source another second hand one for our second child.

We got the cheaper version of the hauck high chair and it's brilliant, weaning second child in it now so would recommend that or the Stokke. Something I wanted for first child but couldn't afford then bought for second child is a Pikler frame. We bought the Ette Tette one and it's fab as it changes shape. Only really useful as a massive play gym to tie things to at the beginning but my babies move early so my 7 month old is cruising around it and attempting to climb. The 3 year old loves it too and I think we'll get years if play out of it. The thing with baby equipment is at some point they move on, so it depends what will bring you most pleasure to look at. I only spent £30 on a second hand cotbed which is still going strong, but if I'd had the funds first time around I would have bought something aesthetically pleasing. Slings can be quite expensive thinking about it, I have 7 in various styles and sizes all Facebook bargains but you could buy a beautiful wrap sling and easily spend over £100. Much easier to see what you get on with once baby is here and you can get to a sling library though. Enjoy the window shopping!

It's not something to keep but because we have hardwood flooring we bought a fairly pricely play mat and it's been one of the best things and doubles as a yoga/exercise mat. I got mine from totter and tumble.

I came on to say Tripp Trapp too! My youngest are 13. We only put them in the loft last week, technically they are suitable for adults too.

They’re brilliant - and have a resale value too

I was also going to say Tripp trapp
Or if you might baby wear a beautiful wrap. Oscha or Firespiral are beautiful

Going against the grain, but a car seat; a highly safety rated one that will last.
I'm currently 19 weeks pregnant and the two things I will definitely not be buying secondhand for safety reasons are a cot mattress and a car seat.
That said, I'd love a Stokke highchair, but will likely be getting the IKEA one mentioned above 😁

Thanks all for the suggestions! Massively appreciated

Yes to a Stokke Tripp Trapp with the newborn seat and baby harness. It is lovely to have the baby up at the table in the first six months before they start weaning. Then Ikea Antilop for 6-12 months ish and back in the Tripp Trap for the toddler years and beyond.

If your generous friend wants to buy something else in a year or so then a Pikler triangle with ramp or a Wobbel board.

Totter and Tumble mats are also expensive but excellent.

Invest in a safe and comfortable place to put your baby down. As lovely as those cuddles are, nobody can hold a baby 24 hours a day. Q bouncer, vibrating chair etc is perfect if you want to make a drink or have a wee whilst they're within sight. Also our Jumperoo was a sanity saver for nine months before our little girl grew out of it but babies need good head control before they go in one.

A Tripp Trapp is a good idea, there are cheaper versions of it though if a new one is too expensive. I would also recommend a rocking chair with footstool for the night feeds, baby that doesn't sleep etc.

Tripp trapps come up all the time second hand on eBay etc so worth keeping an eye out for one rather than buying new (unless you want a new one!) Because they are solid wood you can sand them down and paint a fun colour if you don't like the colour or if if needs a touch up

Bambeano! Best purchase ever 😊