12 to 24 week pregnancy thread

claire16c

Ooh love a good check list / spread sheet.

It's funny I haven't really thought of what I need - I think I just pictured myself going in various shops & raiding the place lol!! Which is clearly not the best plan!

Remember people will buy you tons of clothes, although I remember my friend saying she got so much 3-6 month stuff but had to buy a few extra new born bits as didn't have enough of that.

LannieDuck

becca0417 wrote: »

Let's hope there are many more to come too amy!

Can anyone point me in the direction of a good website that tells me the basics we need? e.g. how many sleepsuits, vests, blankets, sheets etc etc.

I can give you an opinion from when I had DD1 if it would help?

Don't get too many clothes until you know how big your baby is. Mine was 7lb 3oz, so 'newborn'. My SIL has just had a baby at 5lb something, so 'tiny baby'... and a lady in my postnatal group had a 10lb baby :eek:

We bought a multipack of vests and sleepsuits in newborn size, and my OH popped out to the local Tescos to buy more once we knew the size!

Blankets - we didn't have enough. Smallish ones are v helpful to wrap baby in in hospital. They do have some, but if your baby possets a lot (like mine did), it wasn't always easy to find a midwife to get a clean one, so good to have some of our own. I think 3 was a good number for us.

Sheets - we got away with two, but we washed one as soon as it got messy so we always had a spare. Plus I used a couple to swaddle my LO so we had those as spares too if really needed.

VICSH

Those list don't look too far out my ds was abig baby 8lb12oz so wasn't in newborn for very long we were given loads of clothes as gifts in the 0-3 month section but less so in the 6-9 months. I would say for new borns upto about 6 weeks my sons was in baby grows pretty much the whole time as they were much more comfortable for him than outfits we found.

I would say you can go mad buying lots of things, equipment/ clothes etc but I would just say maybe wait and see how you get on especially Internet shopping etc you can buy things after baby get here....

Feeling really rubbish today I have a terrible cold,the congestion is making me sick and feeling fed up, on a plus side I am not going to work today and ds is at preschool so I can try and catch up on some sleep.

Hope everyone is ok xx

claire16c

My Asos parcel arrived and the jeans are great! They run true to size, I ordered 2 pairs of skinny jeans one in normal denim blue they fit like a glove with a nice under bump waist band, then a darker indigo pair which are a little looser around the legs & waist so keeping those to wear later on or for a more casual look. Had a third pair but was just for checking the size, so they're going back along with some leggings as they were no different to my normal new look leggings!

So I'd really recommend the jeans & as I spent £100 i got next day delivery & can pop the stuff I don't want to a local shop or post office for free.

So happy to sit in jeans I don't have to undo the button on - I think jeans should be like this in general lol!

SmlSave

Hi everyone Had a lovely weekend and felt ok most of it, strange how coming to work coincides with feeling queasy!

Sounds like those jeans are lovely claire16c. I like matalan for mat clothes Normally I'm a size 14/16 but matalan maternity is generously sized and I get size 12! Feels very nice to be in size 12 even if it is all a lie

I would mirror what Lannie and VICSH say: try to be reserved with what you buy for baby. 6-8 newborn babygros are essential and lots of muslins to start with but you may find yourself swamped with gifts of clothes and blankets!

We were very lucky with DS and got given a cotbed, highchair, blankets, carseat, pushchair, bottles (useful to have even if you breastfeed) etc. I literally have only bought him a few key items of clothes over 2 years as people know I'm happy with hand-me-downs. People I only knew to say hello to turned up with homemade blankets and gifts such as my mum's neighbors, friends and a work colleague!

Jox

glad you've got nice jeans claire, and thanks for Matalan tip smlsave, I will really have to go clothes shopping, I've been saying it for weeks but am such a tight wad that my purse is hard to prise open (for myself anyway, I seem to be overly generous with others - lucky them)!

While I was feeling energetic yesterday I took everything out my wardrobe and put away those clothes I definitely won't be able to wear for a long time, and re-discovered some baggy jumpers that will do me for a while.

The flu has pretty much gone, I'm back at work catching up, I was convinced I had swine flu on Friday night, too much googling! Unfortunately I've passed the lurgy to OH...

I think I've got stretching pains today, there's something going on in there!

I've joined some of those local facebook groups either selling or giving away kids things, have seen lots of bargains so far, haven't announced pg on fb but maybe just joining these groups has raised suspicion??

18+4

jemb

Birdie85 wrote: »

Hello ladies! :wave: Back from my holiday! Gosh, pregnancy in heat really saps your energy doesn't it? I'm kind of glad we were on a lying-around-doing-nothing holiday as I was just too tired to move most of the time!

Bump had a growth spurt last week, glad we came home when we did as my clothes and swimsuits were getting uncomfortable! Still not feeling kicks though.

If it helps I have an anterior placenta which really got me down, but past week she's had such a wriggle around the sides I can feel the washing machine effect going on!

SmlSave

I've just had fun dissembling one of the 'essentials for your baby' lists. To me an essential is something you have to have.

Sorry TTC40, I picked your one as it was the first one I came across.

Please read it tongue in cheek and feel free to comment.

" Infant Bathtub -nice to have for 2months or so then we used the sink which was much more fun!
" Soft Hooded Towels - nice to have
"[STRIKE] Grooming Kit
" Slip resistant bath tub mats
" Wash Cloths
" Cotton Wool Balls and Cotton Buds[/STRIKE] - never used the ones I got.
" [STRIKE]Shampoo[/STRIKE], Oil and[STRIKE] Lotions [/STRIKE]- We used organic sunflower oil to combat dry skin but new babies are pretty self-cleaning and the shampoo made dry skin worse.
" [STRIKE]Crib Bedding/Crib Fitted Sheets/Crib pad/Crib Blankets/Bassinett Sheets/ Mattress Pad[/STRIKE]s - Condense this into Cot, mattress and covers - ESSENTIAL, one sheet with a waterproof layer is useful but you can put towels as extra protection under the sheet.
" Lightweight [STRIKE]and Heavy [/STRIKE]Blankets - ESSENTIAL
" [STRIKE]Waterproof Liners[/STRIKE] - Are we going swimming?
" Changing Mat - ESSENTIAL
" Wallpaper - Now what's wrong with painted walls?
" [STRIKE]Cot quilt/Pillow[/STRIKE] - these are no-no's for new babies!
" Curtains - You may like blinds
" [STRIKE]Lamp and lampshade[/STRIKE] - Got rid of ours as it was too bright
" C[STRIKE]hanging Table Cover/Changing Table Pad[/STRIKE]
" Onesies or Bodysuits - ESSENTIAL but don't go crazy
" [STRIKE]Sleepers or Nightgowns[/STRIKE] - If you have the above what's the difference?
" [STRIKE]Socks and Booties[/STRIKE] - Very cute but you can do without
" [STRIKE]Light cap for night[/STRIKE] - what?
" Baby Hat - You used to get a free one with your bounty pack
" T-shirts(pullover and side-nap)/ Cotton shirts/Pants (pull on, waterproof) - Try and wait to see what clothes people get you, DS lived in bodysuits for months.
" [STRIKE]Mittens[/STRIKE] - If you keep their nails short they shouldn't scratch themselves
" Sweater / jacket
" Winter coat
" [STRIKE]Shoes [/STRIKE]- I read somewhere it's better to have no shoes until they start walking to allow their feet to develop properly.
" [STRIKE]Sleeveless vests / undershirts[/STRIKE] - we had a hot baby so never used these. In fact the midwives made us feel like bad parents for 'underdressing' DS but after dealing with him throwing up from being too hot we thought stuff 'em.
" [STRIKE]Rompers (footed and not)[/STRIKE] - What are these? Oh, just googled and a thick bodysuit basically.
Nappies - (you may decide to EC your child then nappies aren't essential)
" Newborn nappies - ESSENTIAL if using
" Cloth or reusable nappies - ESSENTIAL if using
" Washable liners - If you breatfeed you don't need these until weaning (6months)
" W[STRIKE]aterproof protector[/STRIKE] - Only if using two-part nappies
" [STRIKE]Safety pins [/STRIKE](or other ways to secure the nappy) - Are we in the dark ages here? Next you'll be telling me soak the nappies!
" Baby ointment / cream / powder (against rashes) - ESSENTIAL but no powder and only use rash creams when baby actually has a rash.
" Baby wipes (disposable or washable) - ESSENTIAL we found our washable wipes (made from cut up towels) much better for cleaning up bottoms and everything else!
" Nappy Pail (disposal system for soiled nappies)
" Changing Mat [STRIKE]or Changing table[/STRIKE]
" Nappy Bag (when travelling) -ESSENTIAL get the free boots one.
" Bottles (washable or disposable) - ESSENTIAL Even if you breastfeed a couple are useful. Do people actually use disposable bottles?
" Nipples (fast and slow flow) - ESSENSTIAL
" Bibs, you'll need loads! - ESSENTIAL
" Steriliser -ESSENTIAL we used good old Milton
" Bottle Brush
" [STRIKE]Bottle Warmer[/STRIKE]
" [STRIKE]Bottle Drying Rack[/STRIKE]
" Teether's/Dummy's - these are something some can't live without and others won't accept
" Bottle Caps - Do they mean lids, these come with said bottles
" [STRIKE]Bottle Liner[/STRIKE] - Huh?
" Breast Pump Set
" Breast Pads (washable or disposable) - ESSENTIAL esp if you're a leaker like me. I used a mix of both and slept with towels under me at night.
" Breast milk Storage Bottle
" [STRIKE]Nursing Pillow[/STRIKE]
" Nursing Bras - ESSENTIAL
" [STRIKE]Privacy Shawl[/STRIKE] - some may disagree with me
" Breast Shields - used for a bit
" Nipple Lotion - used for a bit
" [STRIKE]Nursing Foot Stool[/STRIKE]
" Nursing Shirts
Solid Feeds - I'm sorry but I thought this was a new baby list. Weaning not recommended until 6 months and why clutter your house with things you're not using
" Feeding Fork and Spoon
" Feeding Bowl
" [STRIKE]Food Blender and grinder[/STRIKE] - I'm afraid that I can't leave this uncrossed. We did baby led weaning with DS so blending food just grosses me out. Feel free to yell at me.
" Plastic sip cup - Still using our non-drip ones now (DS 2yrs) and have 4.
" [STRIKE]Baby food and bottle warmer[/STRIKE] - I'm going to assume that we all have kitchens
" [STRIKE]Jar holder[/STRIKE] - Why?
" Highchair
" [STRIKE]Booster Seat[/STRIKE]
" Plastic spills mats (near the highchair) - we used a cheap shower curtain
New Baby Furniture - honestly, why not try and flog me a new credit card?
" [STRIKE]Chest
" Dresser
" Bassinet or Cradle
" Toy chest
" Rocking chair
" Heater[/STRIKE]
" Thermometer for the nursery - free in Bounty pack
" Ear Thermometer - very useful
" [STRIKE]Nasal Aspirator[/STRIKE] yuk, although DH's work colleague apparently sucked out his baby's snot with his own mouth - yuk, yuk, double yuk! We used Karvol and the steamy bathroom.
" Baby Monitor
" Safety Gate
" [STRIKE]Night Light[/STRIKE]
" Healthcare Books - was tempted to cross these out but I like reading other people's opinions.
" [STRIKE]Cupboard Safety Locks[/STRIKE]
" [STRIKE]Toilet Locks[/STRIKE] can you actually get these?
" [STRIKE]Appliance Locks[/STRIKE]
(with all these lock options why not just put your baby in a cage)
" [STRIKE]Fireplace Bumpers[/STRIKE]
" [STRIKE]Pacifiers[/STRIKE]
" [STRIKE]Vaporiser
" Outlet Plugs
" Door stops[/STRIKE]
" [STRIKE]First-aid supplies
" Cotton Swabs
" Cotton Balls
" Fever Reducer[/STRIKE]
" Medicine spoon
" Medicine dropper
" Disinfecting hand soap
" [STRIKE]Nose drops[/STRIKE] - never heard of anyone using these
" Teething gel
" Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
New Baby Toys, Books and Music - Why thank you, that credit card comes at 56% APR!
Lets just say that toys, music and books are nice to have but are no way essential on a new baby list, people will no doubt give you toys and I'd suggest you buy these things when the baby's here.
[STRIKE]Bath toys
" Stroller toys
" Crib toys
" Soft toys
" Development and learning toys
" Rattles[/STRIKE]
" Playgym / Playmat - It feels a little less like you're abandoning them in the middle of the floor if they're on a playmat.
" [STRIKE]Doorway jumper
" Swing
" Bouncer
" Toy chest
" Lullaby music
" Bedtime music
" Classical music
" Educational music
" CD/tape player
" Story books
" Reference books (eg healthcare, pregnancy...)
" Pregnancy calendar
" Pregnancy journal[/STRIKE]
" Infant / Toddler Car Seat - ESSENTIAL
" [STRIKE]Booster car seat[/STRIKE] wait 6 years or so then get one.
" Stroller / pram / buggy (collapsable) - ESSENTIAL
" P[STRIKE]ortable Playpen[/STRIKE] - so you can cage them round other people's houses too
" Baby crib (collapsable)
" Sun shades for car
" [STRIKE]Soft Carrier[/STRIKE] - what for?
" [STRIKE]Backpack carrier[/STRIKE] - I've never seen a baby with a backpack, lol
" Snack containers
" Sun protection (cream, hat, umbrella)
" Camera

SmlSave

Feel free to skip the very long post above but it kept me occupied during a few very dull hours at work

I swear the purpose of these lists to to get us to spend as much as possible and to feel bad if we don't have everything the 'Jones' have.

I think I labelled 15 items as Essential out of the 100's mentioned.

DH actually had a meeting with his bank a little while ago and the account manager told him how much an average baby is "supposed to cost". DH came home and said we'd better start spending more money on DS!

P.S. If you have the funds available to get baby everything on said list please go ahead and post me a picture of your beautifully decorated nursery I will sigh with envy

Jox

The lists can be overwhelming! Thanks for your guide smlsave, especially a first time mum like myself will probably want to wrap up little one in cotton wool but I'll try not to go too over the top! Being an older mum might help with being sensible (I'm hoping).

As I've said before, I'm a frugal person, so it's not my intention to buy too much, plus I'm in a one bed flat (hopefully not for ever!) and I'm sure I'll be given lots of things as gifts anyway

I am freaking out a little about managing financially etc but I'm so grateful to have a little being growing inside me I'm trying to focus on that and not worrying!

I read an interview with Sophie Ellis-Bextor who said she fell pregnant when she'd only been with her boyfriend a few weeks and then the baby was born 2 months early, she was worried it wasn't the right time to have a child and her mum told her "it might not be the right time but it's the right baby" that made me blub a bit in my hormonal and ill state yesterday.