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Exactly what will I need...

17 replies

BranflakeGirl · 28/03/2010 15:27

and what is the lowest I can expect to pay?

I'm a first time M2b and I am going mad thinking about stuff for baby and the cost. DH and I have very little money but all the lists of stuff we'll need I have seen seem to be endless and the prices, even on websites etc, seem phenominal. It's really getting me down.

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Kathyjelly · 28/03/2010 16:07

It's one huge marketing thing isn't it. Don't let it get you down. It's quite cheap really.

If you have a car, you'll need a baby seat to take the baby away from hospital. You'll need a buggy too, some can attach to the car seat or you could decide to use a sling for the first few months. Car seats are hard to get secondhand and not recommended. The best value I could find was from preciouslittleone.

Moses baskets or cribs aren't necessary imo because they grow out of them in about 4 months anyway. So you'll need a cot, secondhand is fine just order a new mattress. Sheets and blankets - not quilt or pillows. Get pure cotton as you may need to do a really hot wash. If your mum's handy with a sewing machine, get her to make two cot sheets from one single one, it's cheaper.

People will give you baby clothes but you'll need basics like vests, babygrows and a cardigan, a hat and a shawl.

Otherwise I managed with 4 bottles, nappies, nappy cream, cotton wool, baby wipes and a changing mat. Supermarket own label are fine. Breastmilk is on tap or if it doesn't work, the hospital will help with formula to begin with. You don't need a steriliser. Nor an expensive changing bag. Mine is my last beach bag. And I abandoned my breastfeeding tops because they were hopeless and went back to stretchy lycra and soft supermarket bras.

That should get you started and then you can decide later what else, like a babybath etc. It really is fun and you can be really creative without spending much.

BranflakeGirl · 28/03/2010 17:18

Kathyjelly - Thanks. I'm trying to be as creative as possible and scouring Gumtree and Freecycle but with little joy (especially as we don't have a car or friends with cars to collect stuff.)

How come a steriliser's not needed? Everyone's always going on about how bottles and breast pumps must be sterilised. How do you do without one?

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Kathyjelly · 28/03/2010 17:41

If you have a microwave then putting some water in the bottle and heating it up in the microwave. The steam sterilises the bottle and kills any bacteria. Put the parts of the breast pump in a container of water and run that in the microwave too.

Or if you have a dishwasher, running it on a hot cycle also works. Check your manual if you can find it. I didn't know either until the health visitor gave me a book once I'd had my ds.

What things have you got so far and what do you still need?

cocolepew · 28/03/2010 17:46

You can use steriliser tablets, just use them in cold water. If you are FF some baby clinics sell it cheaper than shops.

thelittlebluepills · 28/03/2010 17:46

The most basic method is to chuck it all into a pan of boiling water!

Don't bother spending money on cot sheets etc - use existing sheets/blankets and cut them up or simply fold in half - if you want new then get them cheap from tesco/ikea

try and find an NCT nearly new sale as you can get tons of stuff from there - including bundles of clothes

you can easily get a cot secondhand but definitely do spend some of your money on a new mattress

if you are short of money do check out if you qualify for the sure start maternity grant

cocolepew · 28/03/2010 17:50

Join all the baby clubs Boots Asda Tesco etc you get money off vouchers and samples.

cocolepew · 28/03/2010 17:50

Actually if ypou join the boots one you'll get a free changing bag if the deal is still on.

bibbitybobbityhat · 28/03/2010 17:51

Netmums have good local "for sale" boards. I am sure you could get all your basics very cheaply in your local area. You could no doubt put a "wanted" ad on there.

Try charity shops for clothes. In my local charity shop you can buy 3 baby grows for 90p.

If you are really short of money then I do urge you to breastfeed. Tis absolutely 100% free! .

BranflakeGirl · 28/03/2010 19:47

Loads of good tips there...thanks.Have joined ALL the baby clubs (just for the free stuff), especially Boots for the free changing bag, but only seem to get junk mail/spam.

bibbitybobbityhat - Of course! I didn't grow these things just to give DH something to play with!!!

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BranflakeGirl · 29/03/2010 20:05

Ok, so what would people be willing to pay for a Mamas & Papas cot 2nd hand? Been offered one and asked to name my price but I don't want to offend the lady by offering too little.

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fairimum · 29/03/2010 20:41

I got our cot from ebay for £15 - was mothercare though rather than mamas and papas! also www.babymattressesonline.co.uk/ are fab, quality is brilliant and much cheaper than mothercare etc!!

bibbitybobbityhat · 30/03/2010 23:17

Offer £20. You'll need to buy a new mattress. I have a mothercare cot I'd be willing to sell for £20 (when I can get round to it!).

BranflakeGirl · 31/03/2010 11:06

bibbitybobbityhat - If you live near me and can drop it off (I offer petrol money too as we have no car) I'll buy yours instead

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bibbitybobbityhat · 31/03/2010 13:30

Where do you live? roughly

BranflakeGirl · 31/03/2010 18:13

West Sussex

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bibbitybobbityhat · 31/03/2010 18:58

Aw, sorry, too far away. Hope you get the other one ok though. Cots quite often appear on freecycle too.

BranflakeGirl · 31/03/2010 20:35

Lol...yes, I thought it might be. I'm sure something will turn up in the next 5 months.

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