What you really need… Your new baby shopping list
Babies are not babies for very long. That is the key thing to remember when buying for your new pride and joy to be.There is an overwhelming temptation to splurge out and buy all kinds of beautiful things that you really don’t need and are not massively practical. Keep the cash for when you really need it, and only buy the basics. Many catalogues and companies will make you panic buy things you really don’t need.
Our list isn’t sponsored by any businesses and has come from asking mums what they really found necessary when coming home from hospital.
Sleeping
Moses baskets are great. Babies no matter how heavy when born are still really tiny. Cots can be big lofty places and the security of the smaller Moses basket will keep winter babies warmer. Baskets can be transported around the house.
Cellular blankets and sheets for cot and Moses basket will be needed. Cellular blankets are best as they have large holes that trap air for warmth, and should the baby pull it over their head they could still breathe.
Try to beg or borrow a basket rather than buy, as two months tops is how long you need one for. If you do get one second hand then get a new mattress to go inside.
Cot. You will need one of these. If you get one with high sides it will last longer as it will be harder for a young toddler to climb out. A cot bed will take you further as it will also convert into a toddler bed.
Baby bouncer. This is a small fully lie back baby seat on gentle rockers. The baby can sleep in this unsupervised. It is a good idea to wait until they can support their own head though. These are brilliant for your baby as they get older. Some people use the car seat instead but you should never do this as you increase their risk of car seat cot death. A bouncer will allow the baby to lie back without restricting their airway. They can then safely watch you as you get on with your day, and the baby has a few appropriate toys to explore.
Feeding
Microwave steriliser. Brilliant buy and very cheap second hand. Anything you need sterilizing such as bottles and cups go into the steriliser with some water, and minutes later are ready to use for up to two hours.
Milk formula. You may be dead set on breastfeeding, but at 2am when you are home with no button to press for a midwife and your baby is going berserk, having a ready made carton of formula milk on standby will be a winner.
Entertainment
A dummy. You like millions before you will vow not to use a dummy, but it is worth having one at home in case. It may save your sanity when the crying doesn’t stop and will help tricky babies to settle. Do be prepared for the battle to get it off of them when they turn two years old.
Small assortment of rattles. Manhattan Toys are particularly good for newborns as they go for the bold images and colours that babies respond to.
Nappy changing
Cotton wool pads and an Ice cream tub for water is really all you need for the early days. If you want to buy a good kit then Cheeky Wipes reusable wet wipes are perfect from birth right through to the start of potty training. We have tested them and highly recommend them.
Stock up on the nappies whether they are reusable or disposable. If you are a first time parent then get disposable to start with as you will have enough on your hands. Gradually move onto reusable, or even go half and half to ease your conscience.
Car Seat
This is a necessity. Even if you don’t have a car, you may have friends or relatives who will drive you around. The hospital won’t let you leave in a taxi without a car seat. If you are given one previously used then do check for any signs and weaknesses. Never use one that has been involved in a car crash. Keep an eye on the polystyrene inner as these can split over time.
Baby Bath
Some people find them useless, but a large quality baby bath from a retailer such as Mothercare will be great for cleaning down your baby, and giving them a good space to play with their boats when they are older. A washing up bowl can be just as good for the early days. If your baby is colicky try a pound shop bucket for a bucket bath.
Clothes
You will probably be given lots of beautiful outfits and clothes as presents. Many of which you will be lucky if they are worn once.
Asda baby grows and vests are excellent. They are cheap and very practical. Don’t buy many new clothes under the age of around six months, as there is so much you can buy second hand still with the labels on. When people find out you are having a baby they will be only too happy to pass on beautiful, hardly worn outfits from their own baby. Never save any clothes for best, as they will never get worn. If you have a winter baby get a snowsuit.
If you buy second hand check out that it is both smoke and pet free.
Check out:
Carboot sales
Charity shops
http://www.beansprog.com
http://www.uk.freecycle.org