Shopping trip tomorrow...

[Hybrid]

We're trying to get organised and want to go on a big shopping trip tomorrow (including heading over to a NCT sale).

Although I'm intending on BF, I'd like to get bottles and sterilising equipment for emergencies/night time feeding. I have no idea what kind to get/how many bottles I would need/what make would be best - can anyone shed some light please?

We are also considering a baby monitor with a sensor mat, namely the Angelcare one - again any advice/opinions.

Is there anything else anyone would recommend getting? (We have clothes and a pram but not a lot else).

Thanks for any help!!

If you really are intending on BF, then I would spend the money on a triangle shaped cushion plus covers x 2, a tube of nipple cream and a book on bf (e.g. the NCT beginners guide to bf). Wait until you need bottles to buy them, they are easy enough to come by, even if it's the middle of the night all night chemists will sell all you need to start bottle feeding.

I don't have experience of sensor mats, though my gut reaction is that it's something that will make you worry more rather than less.

Basically my advice would be to buy the bare minimum and then buy things when you actually need them: you will get all sorts of stuff as presents, and you really don't need very much equipment at all in the first few weeks or even months; my list would be:
a few clothes (but not too many as you just don't know what size the baby will be, and they do outgrow sizes very swiftly to begin with)
pram
nappies
muslin squares
cotton wool or soft flannels for cleaning baby's bottom
possibly a changing mat
possibly a sling
car seat
somewhere for the baby to sleep (unless you are going to cosleep)
a couple of baby blankets
a triangle shaped cusion for b/f (no need to buy a special bf cushion, those ones they sell for reading in bed are just fine) & possibly a change of cover for said cushion
nipple cream

Good luck!

Thanks Biccy!

I was thinking about the nipple cream - is there a specific king I should get???

Also, I hear there's a cream/oil which I should be rubbing down below to try and reduce tearing in labour (ouch!). Do you know what it's called and actually, does it even work??

Thanks again!!

have bfed all 3 of mine but have also had a box of formula, some bottles and a microwave steriliser in the house - somehow made me feel better having them there? if nothing else you can use the bottles for expressed breast milk later on. I bought a tomee tipee microwave steriliser from tesco for about £9 and it came with 3 bottles in it

agree about buying the bare minumum though, you will get so much stuff from people

the nipple cream I used was from the active birthing centre online and it was fantastic, pricey but one pot did each time and it lasted well and worked brilliantly

If you intend to bf then I wouldn't get any bottles ect in the house. There are 24 hour supermarckets most places if you get really desperate and if they are in the house you will be tempted to use them when it gets difficult.

My advise would be to buy the bare minimum. The shops will be open after the birth and you will then have more of an idea of what you will use/need. Rather than what you think you will need/use.

biccy's list is good. Although I never liked a sling myself. I would add a baby sleeping bag. Swear by the things, much better than sheets/blankets...

You're welcome. I think good old olive oil is fine for perineal massage - I also think you have to be a very dedicated massager for it to make much difference...

olive oil great for dry baby skin and cradle cap too!

I think the sensor mat is not a good idea. It makes parents extra worried, and is only recommended if there's a family history of cot death.

Agree with olive oil for baby (and you if you can reach!)

And if it's a NCT sale, you could try to get more than one sling - sometimes you need to try it out with the baby to see which style works.

Thanks for all the advice - was amazed at how crazy the NCT sale was!! It was like a Next sale, just more hormonal!!

Feel odd about dabbing olive oil down below but hey, will try anything to try and keep myself in tact!

Thanks again!
x

Thanks for all the advice - was amazed at how crazy the NCT sale was!! It was like a Next sale, just more hormonal!!

Feel odd about dabbing olive oil down below but hey, will try anything to try and keep myself in tact!

Thanks again!
x