A few questions about baby/new mum items

xmaslolly76

chickaroonee wrote: »

I'm just putting together a list of things I still need to buy and hoping people can help with a few questions about things I might need:

• muslins (any idea how many and where is a good price to buy them?) I have about 10 of them some from tesco some from toys r us
• Do I need bibs as well as muslins? yes i have loads of bibs bubs wasnt sicky but he is a dribbler and they save his clothes from getting soaked
• maternity pads (heard boots are quite good, again any idea how many?) I avoided maternity pads and bought the night time towels
• For baby toiletries I've only got cotton wool at the minute as I know they're not supposed to have anything else when they're born, is there anything else that would be useful? you will get given small samples of baby bath and shampoo in the bounty pack you recieve try them if there is no ill effects then continue use
• any other toiletries for me that might be useful? (already have lansinoh and breast pads) VASELINE for after you give birth plaster it on your parts before you go to the toilet (stops the stinging) and on babies bum before they do they first poop makes it much easier to shift

Also for a changing mat, is it best to get one with a towel on?
Never bothered with a proper changing mat i just used the fold out one that came with the free boots nappy bag
And finally, are the baby bath support things any good? Most people seem to say just use a washing up bowl and then into the big bath later on, but I'm a terrified first-time mum and scared I'll drop a slippery baby! I had a bath support used it a few times when bubs was feeling exceptionally riggly but in general they arent needed you will get used to holding baby.

I always ask myself two questions when i buy anything 1. Will i use it 2.will it make my life easier or bubs happier. If you answer yes then buy it the majority of the time you will think of other ways to do things unless it is truely something that you will need :-)

JenniMc

chickaroonee wrote: »

I'm just putting together a list of things I still need to buy and hoping people can help with a few questions about things I might need:

• muslins (any idea how many and where is a good price to buy them?) - Asda and Ikea both do patterned ones for only around £3/£4 for a pack of 3. I'd suggest getting 2 packs.
• Do I need bibs as well as muslins? - Yes, I'd suggest getting around a dozen. You can get packs of them quite cheaply. Ikea do a pack of 5 for £1.99.
• maternity pads (heard boots are quite good, again any idea how many?) - Tesco and Boots are good. Your hospital will probably provide them for your stay (mine did) but I'd take a pack with you anyway. You can use normal sanitary towels too but I think the maternity ones are better for at least the first few days.
• For baby toiletries I've only got cotton wool at the minute as I know they're not supposed to have anything else when they're born, is there anything else that would be useful? - I used cotton wool and water at the hospital and then changed to wipes when I got home. Cotton wool is still handy for drying the baby's bum after using the wipes. Top To Toe wash is gentle enough to use from birth and they used this in my baby's first bath at the hospital. Olive Oil is good for if your baby has dry skin. I got a pack of facecloths from Ikea and use them for washing baby in the bath. I like hooded towels. You don't need to spend loads on them. You can get them from Asda.
• any other toiletries for me that might be useful? (already have lansinoh and breast pads) - I took mini bottles of shampoo, shower gel etc with me. If you join the Sainsbury's baby club then you'll be able to get a voucher for a free mother and baby pack when you buy a pack of Huggies newborn nappies. The pack has a mini shower gel in it, scratch mits and a nice changing mat. I took Arnica to help with my bruising after I had baby and it really helped so I'd definitely suggest getting it.

Also for a changing mat, is it best to get one with a towel on? - They look nice but aren't really that practical. The free one from the Sainsbury's pack is all you'll need. You can always put a muslin down if you're worried that baby will get a bit chilly. As already mentioned, you can also get a free changing bag when you join the Boots baby club and buy Pampers nappies. The bag also has a changing mat in it.

And finally, are the baby bath support things any good? Most people seem to say just use a washing up bowl and then into the big bath later on, but I'm a terrified first-time mum and scared I'll drop a slippery baby! - I got one from Mamas & Papas and I think it makes it a lot easier as you have both hands free to wash baby.

Good luck with your pregnancy!! I hope it all goes well for you.

NAR

chickaroonee, tyvm for starting this very useful thread and a big thanks to those who have contributed. My DD is expecting in June and has found the advice here invaluable. :T

PrincessPlaty

ooh im going to contradict everyone here :rotfl:

chickaroonee wrote: »

I'm just putting together a list of things I still need to buy and hoping people can help with a few questions about things I might need:

• muslins (any idea how many and where is a good price to buy them?)Asda as someone else said they are reasonably priced and come in different colours pack of 3 is £3.50 DS will be 10 weeks thid friday coming i dont think i have used one yet! I infact moved them from one cupboard to another today thinking i might actually use them if i move them but probably not i never used the ones i brought with my DD's neither!
• Do I need bibs as well as muslins?I have loads of bibs and i would say i probably use about 2 a week DS really isnt a sicky baby at all, and doesnt seem to spit any milk out he wants it all! :rotfl: no wastage here!
• maternity pads (heard boots are quite good, again any idea how many?)Everyone is different i brought 1 pack of the normal boots ones and then one pack of the slimline ones and after that used always night time pads as they worked out cheaper and were basically the same! I found the slimline ones much comfier and more discreet if i had to go out though!
• For baby toiletries I've only got cotton wool at the minute as I know they're not supposed to have anything else when they're born, is there anything else that would be useful?Baby wipes forget the cotton wool especially when you are cleaning up meconuim! They are a god send! In the bath i just use top to toe wash you only need a tiny amount and one bottle will last you ages!
• any other toiletries for me that might be useful? (already have lansinoh and breast pads)All i will say is dont under estimate the number of breastpads you will need!

Also for a changing mat, is it best to get one with a towel on?I paid £8ish? for a winnie the pooh one from asda with the cover on as others have said a hand towel underneath bubba works just aswell i find myself doing that even with the cover on it!

And finally, are the baby bath support things any good? Most people seem to say just use a washing up bowl and then into the big bath later on, but I'm a terrified first-time mum and scared I'll drop a slippery baby! I have one and so far havent used it at all, DS went straight into the big bath, i also have a baby bath and top n tail bowl too luckily i got them off freecycle or i would be angry with myself for not using them! They will be going back on soon if i havent used them after 10 weeks chances are im not about to start now :rotfl:

x