Basic Baby & Mum toiletries

AnnieO1234

I don't know how close to the bone you want to cut this with your budget. Tesco and Sainsburys both do dirt cheap baby lotion, bath etc for about 20p a bottle.


That said, I found Asda were the best for my LO. J*hnsons no m*re tears were cr*p. The stuff really affected him. Asda's is also BUAV approved.


I'd try and speak with a store like Asda if I were you and see if you can do a deal. Their own brand wipes for example come in boxes of 6 for around £4.50 but I'm sure if you're buying enough of everything there'll be wiggle room.


As far as products go, I'd personally avoid bepanthan etc, personally found Waitrose Baby Bottom butter to be the very best with nappy rash and sore breasts from feeding. It's just brilliant, it's coconut and olive oil I think and that's it.


As your target mums are I assume on the poorer side (can I say that?) have you considered looking into terry nappies? If you go onto the NCT website they'll be able to guide you further.


Immediate needs on birth I would say were:


Wipes
Nappies
Body suits
Vests
Jacket/cardigan
Talcum powder


If it were me I'd also add some baby toothpaste and brush for baby to get used to 'brushing' before her teeth come in.


and for mom


Breast pads
Maternity pads
Maternity pants (the paper kind about 5 in a box for a £1 in most supermarkets)
A nice hand cream (after lots of changes and washing hands they can get sore)
A moisturising body cream (Aldi's are very good)


If you're planning on giving this out before the birth (not sure if you are or not) I'd include some mini-toiletries like the travel kind for mom to use in hospital. Deodorant, shower gel, shampoo.


xxx

rach_k

I'd not get anything like Johnson's - it's too harsh so lots of babies react to it. The supermarkets usually have own brand 'natural' baby toiletries if you do want to include baby wash. They're not as good as stuff like Weleda but not as bad as Johnson's at least.

Cotton wool and water is all that's recommended from birth anyway, but you could give some nice soft small baby wash cloths as an alternative. We used cloth wipes along with cloth nappies but you can use cloth wipes even if you're using disposable wipes. Maybe speak to Cheeky Wipes and see if they could do you a good deal/some samples. If mums want the best and also to save money, cloth is the way forward I've been told that £1 shops often have good sized packs of baby wash cloths that can be used as wipes. Maybe include a leaflet from your local nappy library too, for if mums want to look into cloth nappies.

I_try

Sainsburys are doing their 25% off all clothing from today until Monday. I think when I bought baby things the bibs, sleeping bags, muslin cloths had the reduction too but can't be certain. It comes off from the clothes in the reduced rail too :-)


Muslin cloths still get used for all sorts and my DD is 3 now. I would also suggest the small tins of Vaseline. Useful for the hospital bag for Mum and baby and then for the changing bag after that.


Lansinoh is amazing stuff!!!


A can of dry shampoo for Mum.

Lara44

Also worth a look in IKEA - their wash cloths are very pretty and priced well.

skintchick

Chakani wrote: »

Lansinoh for anyone planning to breastfeed. You might be able to get samples - there are often little sample sachets in hospitals and midwife clinics, so definitely worth asking as it's not cheap stuff..

Just a note that a lanolin-based cream is not necessary when breastfeeding. Some mums may find it useful IF they develop cracked nipples, but there is no evidence that it actually makes a difference, and it certainly is not a must-have when breastfeeding.

Breast pads would be more useful I think - maybe washable ones?

Baby wipes

cotton wool

Muslins


How about a nice hand cream for mums?

Babygrows

ema_o

AnnieO1234 wrote: »

As far as products go, I'd personally avoid bepanthan etc, personally found Waitrose Baby Bottom butter to be the very best with nappy rash and sore breasts from feeding. It's just brilliant, it's coconut and olive oil I think and that's it.

I just had to say thank you for the suggestion of the baby bottom butter. I looked it up and it has fantastic reviews, have been rubbing it on my bump (as recommended in the reviews) the last few days and it feels and smells amazing.

My DS said 'why can I smell hot chocolate & marshmallows' :rotfl:

I was just about to get some more Burts bees bump oil so you've saved me a fortune I'm not sure there will be any left for baby's bottom!!

JudithB

For baby care I've recenlty discovered Waitrose essentials: really good and affordable!

For furnitures I look at the charity shops. Oxfam or William Willberforce Trust in Chiswick .. loads of them for few quids.

In general I never stick with a particular brand and I always look at those ones that are on sale. The easiest way to do is to download an app or get alerts.

Babies can be SO expensive but there are ways to save money :j