Newborn- What to get/ not to get?

AndyBSG

There's a web site that list some but these are franchised in some way

http://www.mum2mummarket.co.uk/

There are plenty of other non franchised ones and i'm sure of you google 'local mum 2 mum markets' you'll find loads.

Also, recommend looking for local new parents face book groups and maybe contacting your local NCT 'Bumps And Babies' groups as i'm sure they or the other expectant mums attending their groups will know of them.

Fen1

Freegle, Freecycle, and Gumtree.

Stock up your food cupboard and freezer with easy meals. You will not want to be cooking when you are exhausted! If you don't already have one, buy a slow-cooker ( large size.) You will be able to bung everything in when you are feeling ok, then have a hot meal ready several hours later, thus reducing stress at mealtimes. A large pot will provide several portions, including portions for the freezer.

Kynthia

I highly recommend going to an NCT Nearly new sale and picking up lots of stuff cheap. Baby items rarely get worn out. It's a good idea to get some newborn sized sleepsuits and vests second hand. I was afraid they'd be a waste if I had a bigger Baby but 0-3 month stuff absolutely swamped my 7lb 6oz baby.

Most things you can buy as you need as most of us live near shops that are open 7 days a week. A car seat, crib or moses basket, clothes, cellular blankets, muslins, sheets, etc you need. A bouncer and an activity mat are good to have. An ear thermometer, saline nose spray and a snot sucker are good to have already as if your baby is under the weather you don't want to wait for these things and babies can't breath through their mouth until over 4 months.

We never got on with Ewan the sheep and we used a basic bath seat in our bath rather than have a baby bath.

Definitely go to bumps and babies or see what your local NCT is doing. Other mums can be a lifeline when you're on maternity leave.

SmlSave

Spendless wrote: »

Your basics are the baby needs:

somewhere to sleep

something to carry them around in

something to feed (if/when not breastfeeding)

something to wear and somewhere to store these items

something to wee/poo in

If you think of these needs, then you can go as expensive or cheap or as many of the items within these catergories as you wish.

I had a baby monitor with both mine, but looking back, until my eldest was 21 months we lived in a 2 up, 2 down with a staircase in the middle of the living room and could hear the baby anyway without it. With youngest we'd moved to a larger house and did need one in order to hear her when she was upstairs and we weren't.

I think this is the most wonderful and perfect reply Spendless :T

No matter what one person thinks is essential, another will disagree and vise-versa.

My two pence worth :
You can hire breast pumps if you need one, different ones suit different boobs which makes life interesting.

If you do get a moses basket - pillow cases make awesome, cheap and reusable covers! (waste of money for my kids, thankfully I borrowed one)

The kitchen sink is truly a wonderful place to bathe a baby, just at the right height too. I have wonderful memories of both kids in the kitchen sink.

Do mention to everyone you know that you are on the look out for baby 'stuff'. A distant work colleague gave me a cot, baby monitor and curtains and another a high chair that they were clearing from their loft.

It's amazing how little you need to spend on babies despite what the world wants you to believe :rotfl:

ViolaLass

I got loads of clothing, a cot and a Moses basket from Freecycle - ask and you (might) receive. Ditto anyone you know.

victor2

We bought a travel system for our new grandson. You can get a pram, pushchair and car seat in the one matching sytem. The pram body is also a carry cot, and the car seat will clip into the wheeled frame should you need it to, although there is a separate pushchair body.
We were advised by a friend to visit our nearest Mothercare for this. They were extremely helpful, even trying the car seat in the car before we purchased. It was purchased before the baby was born, but they said the 12 month warranty would run from the date of birth.

Momlovessavingmoney

Thank you!!

FreddieFrugal

Kynthia wrote: »

snot sucker

That tickled me :rotfl:

Lots of sensible suggestions.

We got the basics - then bought other things as and when we needed/wanted them.
Didn't spend a huge amount on baby things at all.

GwylimT

We bought

Car seat

Sling

Cloth nappies

Basic clothes

A few flannels

Glad

Hi GLM congratulations on your pregnancy

have you read the following MSE article on the main site?

Baby Checklist
50+ tips 'n' tricks to save with a baby or toddler