Newbie, and first time expectant mum. Help.

jo_b_2

This link might also be useful to all the pregnant MSEs out there. Lists some of the benefits/grants etc that you might be entitled to.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/lifeevent/famchild/fc_expecting_a_baby.asp

Savvy_Sue

jo_b wrote:

This link gives more info about local Surestart programmes.

http://www.surestart.gov.uk/surestartservices/surestartlocalprogrammes/whatissslocalprogramme/

You might have been looking into the Sure Start Maternity Grant. This isn't restricted to particular areas as it's available throughout England. This is only available to people on low incomes or claiming certain benefits.

Thanks for finding the link when my brain had died. You are right: there is a difference between the maternity grant and the local programmes. The programmes are offered in areas where children are considered to be in need of a pre-school boost and vary considerably. Locally I know you get free books if you live within the area, regardless of income, but they also run classes and activities which are free to anyone who turns up, AFAIK. Across town they offer completely different things and I think focus on 1:1 support for families considered to be in need of it.

So it's worth looking into even if you are just outside a SS area.

Lillibet_2

Thanks, I'm obviously having a dim day as I can't get the form to work no matter what region I put in so I have emailed them! Fingers crossed but I bet it won't be available in my area (Elmbridge in Surrey).

Can any experienced mums who have used washable nappies tell me how many I might need? I have purchased 20 birth-to-potty shaped terry toweling ones plus 10 regular terry toweling squares to use as absorbancy pads within the shaped ones. I still need to get the wraps. What sort of quantities do you think are best? I plan to be at home so could potentially wash every day if necessary btu I don't have a tumble dryer. Advice appreciated!

Many thanks

Tillymynt

Josie_Jump wrote:

I forgot to say check out https://www.babycentre.co.uk , they have different chat forums for different stages of pregnancy and birth so you can see what other people at your stage are encountering. You can also sign up for newsletters where they email you with developmental updates - what your baby is upto at certain stages of pregnancy. I love this site and still visit even though I'm part of the August 2002 club!

Ooh, yes - heartily recommend babycentre.co.uk - I'm the moderator on the 'First time pregnant board' and all of the ladies there are great.

trippy

My advice is to watch ebay and get brands that have a high resale value. We bought a Mamas & Papas chassis, carrycot & pushchair system on ebay for £110 which is more than we'd have normally spent but we will be able to sell it again for about the same and so it will have cost us nothing in the long run. We find the carrycot on chassis a godsend for naps downstairs as it saves us running up and down the stairs when he wakes/ goes to sleep and helpful for rocking him back off if he stirs.

My other tip is never take the tags off clothes until you've put the baby in them. I often find clothes that are too small and have never been worn and then just take them back to the shop for an exchange. Some shops like Gap, John Lewis and Sainsburys only give you the last sale value unless you have the receipt but Next & Adams are great at exchanging things even from the previous year!

I would definitely recommend nursing bras as it's easier to be discreet when you're feeding in public.

And to save money use re-usable nappies. The Nappy Lady website is fab for recommendations (I have nothing to do with it - just used it and thought it was great). We use Bumbles which last from 10lbs-30lbs and I highly recommend them. Birth-toddler packs are false economy as you don't know how big your child is going to be and getting the nappies & sizes as and when you need them helps spread the cost out. One revalation is re-usable wipes which we love. They are rectangles of terry's cloth and are just like cleaning your baby's bottom with a flannel. Great for picking up all the poo! Just soak them in a plastic Pampers wetwipes box in Camomille & Honey tea and they don't smell all chemically either. Plus suitable from birth.