What do you really need for a baby?

wotnext

I had a baby bath for my first two but it was a real back-breaker to use. Kneeling over and bathing baby was bad enough, but once that was done you had to lift it to empty it - it's very heavy!

With my last child I had learnt my lesson so bought a foam bath insert that you lay the baby on in the main family bath. It was excellent - low enough so that baby was in the water and very cheap and comfortable. I'd highly recommend it and will be purchasing one again.

Zoetoes

One thing I found I couldn't do without was a steam steriliser, I had a Lindam one, think it was about £20, it takes 8 minutes to do everything. Can fit about 9 bottles (I stopped breast feeding after a couple of weeks before I bled to death through my nipples!), dummies, bowls, spoons etc.

First time round I used a water one with tablets, oh what a pain, never again!

kay41_2

If I had my time again I would not buy a sling (that's just me) and I would buy my buggy again (M&P Pliko with car seat - fab!). I was leant a baby bath that fitted on top of the standard bath and I used to fill it with a shower spray, it had a plug to let the water out. It also had a changing mat that went over it, so I could change her in the bathroom - a great invention. One of those baby shaped sponge rubber bath mats (cheap from Tesco mine was) was excellent as I could wash her without having to hold her all slippery and soapy. Also used this n the big bath when she was too big for the baby one. You could used one of those bendy buckets you get from DIY shops - that would work really well! I hired a swinging seat which was OK for a few weeks.

I bought a cheap bouncy chair which was excellent and gave me somewhere to put her down when I went to the loo, answered the door etc. If you get a 2nd hand cot, buy a new mattress. I used cut down flanellette sheet for muslins as I had a very dribbly baby. I would invest in fitted terry cot sheets as they are so much easier. Find your local NCT and the dates of their nearly new sales.

I had a playpen from about 6 months which was great as she got used to it before she could move and it was a safe place to put her while I hung out the washing, had a wee, did the cooking etc (2nd hand from NCT sale). I did use my baby monitor a lot as my daughter wouldn't yell when she woke, just gurgle and chat to herself, and it was useful for naps. I could sit in the garden and still hear her.

One of my best buys was a v-cushion (Argos not one of the expensive baby brands) which was great for breastfeeding, propping the baby up when she got bigger, I used it when I fed her in the night between her and the edge of the bed (also helped me remember which side I'd fed her from!).

The other really good buy was a car seat (from one year on) that was light, tilted for sleeps, and could easily be moved from car to car OH and I had a car each) I also took it on loads of flights and smiled when my little one settled down quite happily in her familiar car seat, whilst other toddlers rioted! When she got older we also had a baby rucksack (from about 9 months), again 2nd hand from NCT sale. We used this so much for walks and sometimes for shopping when you want your hands free. Also great for things like bonfire night when you want them to be safe and high up. I also found it brilliant for going on planes (esp. with a toddler that runs in the opposite direction as you at every opportunity!) as they can't move and you have your hands free. My daughter has been across swinging bridges and climbed mountains in hers on my back. PHew - hope that's enough ideas.

I also used an inexpensive room temperature thingy (digital) to make sure her room wasn't too warm in the summer, and therefore establish how many blankets to put on. Oh, and a fleecy snuggly suit for bedtime when they are big enough to kick off their covers and then wake you up when they're cold! Last of all - a digital thermometer as I have no idea what a temperature feels like.

Baileys_Babe

Meant to put this in my previous post ask friends, family, friends of family etc look on freecycle. For clothes and equipment. Everybody is so generous and people love the fact that another family will get some use from the thing they no longer need.

TEENY

hi when i had my first i went out and bought everything you could buy and used less than half of it.With my second i was more sensible this is what i had.
You have already got the 3 main buggy,cot and moses basket.
I used disposable nappies(i know shame on me)but it was not only more practical but you have to think that when you buy reusables you have to wash them and that takes time water and washing powder (not to mention a strong stomach)
I had my little one kitted out in sleepsuits for a good few months,all of the little outfits you can buy are cute but you only need one or two for best.
I didn't use a baby bath i used a washing up bowl, you can use it on the floor if you are worried about height or if you use it in sink wrap towel around the taps.
I didn't use monitors with my youngest as i found them to be more of a worry than not with the eldest(i was always worried if he was too quiet and would go and check on him anyway!!)if your baby wakes up you will know about it !!!
Hope it has been a little bit of help and good luck

rio

I would buy more babygros for up to 3 months rather than newborn ones,if like me you have a very long baby then the newborn ones will be too short, nevermind about the baby's weight.Also changing tables are a really good idea if you have a caesarian, it makes if far easier, but if you have a normal delivery then I wouldn't bother. They are widely avaliable, and if you have a caesarian you will be in hospital a few days, so there is time for one to be bought and set up before you get homel.

buxtonrabbitgreen

I agree with other posters you really don't need that much. When I had my first we didn't have a car so didn't need a car seat. Lived in a flat with one bedroom so didn't need a monitor. We were given a second hand pram. I made blankets out of offcuts and used pillowcases for sheets. Make sure you have a cat net though if you leave the baby in the pram in the garden. I did have a baby bath which I used on the dining room table. Less painful on your back. Get the OH to empty it. I used 2 dozen terry nappies, and rubber pants, though they don't exist anymore.
I had a big bucket from the kitchen my DH worked in, with a lid for the nappies.
In those days boys wore nighties, 35 years ago, and I made him loads from donated flannelette off cuts, knitted him hats and mittens and booties.
I have had 4 more since then and had loads more stuff for them, but as I say with the first we managed with very little. Oh and some bottles and a cold water stereliser.
I did have a sling for 2 of my others who were miserable left to thier own devices, which made it possible to get some house work done. And a playpen when I had 2 toddlers at once. so I could at least go to the loo, and answer the phone.

squashy

Sling sling sling!

I had the mothercare type ones with my first two and barely used them as they broke my back and dug into my shoulders. With my third I have been lucky enough to be introduced to "proper" slings, there are lots of options out there and I have three different types at the moment (a pouch for speed of use, a wrap for all day extra comfy use, and a ring sling for the best of both worlds, kinda inbetween the two!)

I use them for entertaining the baby and for getting her to sleep, as well as days out on public transport, the school run, going round the supermarket (ever tried pushing a pram and a trolley at the same time??)

Also, you might get away with less clothes for a cloth bummed baby as in my experience they tend to leak less then disposables, as they are more adjustable/adaptable.

I didn't bother getting a steriliser but I did buy some sterilising bags for occassional use, they are about a fiver for a pack of three and each can be used in the microwave around 10 times to sterilise 2 bottles and teats plus any other bits n bobs.

starbump

laurasbump wrote: »

With a baby on the way in a few months I've started buying some things for the new arrival, however I'd be interested in your opinions with regards to what I'll actually need. What couldn't you have done without and what was surplus to requirements?

There are only 3 things I can't live without:
1. Baby sling (I use a Baby Bjorn)
2. Breast pump (I use an Avent)
3. Lansinoh disposable breast pads (no other brand will do)

Everything else was surplus to requirements. (Only slightly exaggerating!)