Baby stuff to pack as a useful gift -- advice wanted.

Laconic

No, not me, for my sister. She's expecting her first and she's asked if I could bring her some things when I come visit for my holidays. I'm thus constrained to only pack items that are relatively light/space-efficient and of real value to a new mother. Alas, there's no returning things or swapping them out if they don't quite fit.

I'm leaving in 8 days' time and won't be able to go far afield, so whatever I buy has to be reasonably easy to get in shops. I'm in Manchester, so I'm hoping someone's got some local knowledge of good shops for baby-stuff.

So far on my list: some baby clothes, bibs, socks. She's asked me for some reusable nappies: are the pre-folds better than the regular kind? And what's a sensible amount to start with? What else would be handy? I'm finding myself leaning towards a tub of barrier cream as well.

Sorry for all these questions, but I'm hoping to be a thoughtful auntie.

lambanana

We use reusable nappies and the all in one type are easier than those that need folding, pinning and covering with a wrap (though those are fine too). I bought most of mine on-line but I know some branches of boots are now selling bambino mio solo nappies and totsbots easyfits. They're not cheap though, more of a long term saving investment! Just a warning I'd double check if that's what she means or if she is happy with terry squares.

Bibs are great, we used loads. I'd try looking for ones where the fastening is at the side (sort of under the ear) instead of the back, they're easier to get on and off a wobbly headed newborn. Muslin cloths are very useful, we went through LOADS as my LO was quite sicky. If you're getting socks look out for "sock-ons" a fantastic invention as baby socks fall off easily otherwise. If you have a waitrose their "bottom butter" is lovely stuff, they don't really recommend barrier cream with cloth nappies as it can clog them up and stop them absorbing as well but that is fine to use instead. Babygrows from Next and Sainsburys have little foldover flaps on the wrists to use in place of scratch mitts (which just fall off). If you're buying babygrows I'd stick to ones that fasten up the front instead of any that need pulling over the head as they're a pain to get on whilst baby hasn't got their headcontrol yet. Maybe a little hat or two? Babies can't regulate their temperature properly and even if it's quite warm they need a hat to go out and about in the early months.

It sounds like you are a very thoughtful auntie

dizziblonde

Sock ons.
What about some of the dribble bib bandana style ones for when the teething drool waterfall starts a few months down the line? Tesco I know sell them in a few colours and I find theirs don't roll up at the end like the Funky Giraffe ones someone bought us do (which drives me nuts).

sweaty_betty

Some great suggestions here. As you're in Manchester I can tell you that sock-ons were in the reduced section of the big Sainsburys on Regent Road in Salford:money:and there's often 25% off around half term which is a couple of weeks away, so you might just catch it before you go. They also do some lovely clothes.

fiscalfreckles

baby towel, the kind with a little hood? They are quite small & light.

Lola888

I use reusable nappies and my advice would be to not to get loads of one type. I found some worked really well, but my LO had skinny thighs (she's chubbied up since!) and some nappies didn't work until she got a bit bigger. I've probably got about 6-8 different brands if not more.

The best nappies I found were the 2 parters where there is a shaped nappy which is not waterproof with a waterproof wrap over the top. I use these for night times and they last a good 14 hours without a change. I do use the all in ones as well for convenience in the daytime.

A sensible number if she wants to use them full time would probably go over your baggage allowance. I would probably just buy her a few to try and she how she gets on and then order more if she likes them.

Laconic

I started in probably the worst place for a MoneySaver: Boots. I found myself staring in stunned horror at £16.99 for *one* prefolded nappy. Sainsburys it'll be tomorrow then!

AnnieO1234

I second Waitrose bottom butter!

The one thing I would do is buy three or four packs of wipes of different types. My LO uses the soft skin cocoa butter ones from huggies but reacts to others in the huggies range - a lot of trial and error.

As a general off brand vegetarian and multi award winning range Asda's Little Angels is spot on.

Sudocrem, even a tiny pot, to deal with any bottom rashes.

Don't forget something nice for mom! Maybe some bath bombs from Lush or something or a body butter.

Sounds like you'll be a great auntie xxx

moneypenny21

Best gift we got was a "medical kit":
- Gripe water
- Calpol
- Teething Gel
- Cradle Cap shampoo
- Olive oil (for dry skin when they are tiny)
- Nasonal
- Dummy
-Teething Rings
- Metanium Barrier Cream

We used stuff in the middle of the night such as the Gripe Water and Calpol which was a godsend to have in at that time of night. Seriously the most useful gift we had!

sweaty_betty

moneypenny21 wrote: »

Best gift we got was a "medical kit":
- Gripe water
- Calpol
- Teething Gel
- Cradle Cap shampoo
- Olive oil (for dry skin when they are tiny)
- Nasonal
- Dummy
-Teething Rings
- Metanium Barrier Cream

We used stuff in the middle of the night such as the Gripe Water and Calpol which was a godsend to have in at that time of night. Seriously the most useful gift we had!

Great idea! But might be worth reminding that calpol has a minimum age unless prescribed (is it 8-12 weeks? I can't remember now)

skintchick

sweaty_betty wrote: »

Great idea! But might be worth reminding that calpol has a minimum age unless prescribed (is it 8-12 weeks? I can't remember now)

Also that gripe water (and anything else other than breastmilk) will destroy the virgin gut, so maybe leave that out?

I'd probably go with nappies, bibs, a nice baby lotion to use for baby massage, Sophie the giraffe, that kind of thing.