What baby must-haves would you recommend that a first time mum should buy? Anything from buggies to breast pumps to books!

[CR7]

After many years of trying and heartbreaking losses, I’m finally pregnant and due early January.

I would love some advice on what you bought for your baby that you got loads of use out of and would recommend.

There is so much conflicting advice out there that I don’t know where to start. I’ve looked at some baby essential checklists but I’m not sure how good they are and some contain sponsored items which doesn't really sit well with me!

I’d love to know from real mums what you would recommend / steer clear of.

Thanks in advance!

My DD was a summer baby. These were my essentials last year:

• syringes for colostrum collection!

• Pram: Uppababy Vista V2. I still love it. The basket is huge! Plus it can turn into a double if you have a second while the first still needs it. This was a big plus for us as we knew we'd try for a second soon after.
• Bassinet stand: we put the bassinet from the Uppababy on a stand designed for it in the living room. DD napped in that which meant she had no problems napping on the go, either. It had a shelf where we could keep her nappies and bits.
• Carseat and isofix base: we inherited a cybex Cloud-Z from my sis - very safe but on the heavy side.
• Next to me sleeper crib: we went for the Joie Roomie Glide - cheaper than the Chicco options, breathable mesh, big enough that our small DD was in it for 6 months easily. BUT, I think moving baby from crib to bed might be a bit more seamless with the chicco ones. We had to lift her slightly out of the Joie.
• Don't forget lots of sheets for the crib and a breathable waterproof mattress cover. We used a Natural Mat one.
• Sleeping bags: DD hated the swaddle, so we used bags - I recommend Ergopouch and Baby Mori
• White noise machine: Snuzcloud! We bought a Ewan but he was shit compared to the Snuz. I love it so much, even now.
• Rocker: we went for a Joie Dreamer. Lasted a bit longer than a bouncer I think.
• Monitor: we got a Vtech one. I recommend one with app capability. Don't stress over monitors as they're all a bit shit on battery life especially, but having an app too makes it more flexible.
• Sling/Carrier: we used a Close Caboo sling when she was tiny, and since then we've loved our Baby Bjorn One carrier. We own an ergobaby 360 and find it more fiddly.
• Bath: we went for a shnuggle. It has this little ridge in the bottom which stops them slipping. Made us feel a bit more confident in bathing her.
• Haaka and Double Breast Pump: this can wait until bf is established but if you intend to express for bottle feeds, I recommend a Medela Freestyle Flexi.
• Playmat: we swapped our rug for a Totter & Tumble mat and felt much better about changing DD, bathing her, doing everything on it! Now she plays on it.
• Changing table: DP is very tall, so he needed somewhere to change her that wouldn't knacker his back. Get one that will continue to be useful after baby is too big/wriggly for it. We went for an Ikea Hemnes one - the changing bit folds up and now it's just her chest of drawers.
• Muslins: DD wasn't a sickly baby but they're so handy for bf, and all manner of baby slime!
• Sleepsuits: a few in newborn (they'll grow out of these quick if they're born small enough) and some in 0-3. We were given a lot of clothes as they're easy gifts so don't buy too much beforehand! Plus Vinted is excellent for baby clothes.
• Reusable nappies: we went for Close Parent newborn ones and they worked very well - no rashes. But it was summer, and they could be dried quickly so we didn't need an enormous stash.
• Reusable breast pads. Plus maybe some disposables for the hospital. Didn't need shields, thankfully.
• Nursing pillow: bbhugme
• Cellular blanket for the pram: only kind you need because they're breathable. I wouldn't use any kind of blanket in the crib though, just in case.
• Thermometers: bath, bedroom, in-ear. We got a cheaper Braun in-ear one and it's rubbish. I'd spend some money there.
• Fan: it was a heatwave!

@Ponderingwindow @deliwoman1 @DelphiniumBlue thank you all so much for taking the time to send such detailed lists and ideas. I really do appreciate it xx