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What you need There are numerous books and lists which go into great detail about what you need for your baby and nursery. I think there is a big temptation to go overboard especially as when you visit the baby shops there are things that for sale that you didn’t even know you needed. The following is a list of the items we considered essential.
Travel systems When you go to look at pushchairs there are numerous makes; some of which are all singing and dancing and can practically drive themselves. Just remember that your tiny newborn will soon turn into a chubby plump baby that will weigh a ton. You will quickly find that it is not easy to carry a baby and open the pushchair at the same time and you will soon wish that you had some more boot space too. Most people we know move straight on to the lightweight strollers as soon as their babies reach 4-5 months. So bear this in mind if you are planning to spend a small fortune or more on a travel system It is possible to get lightweight pushchairs that can be used from birth and have a car seat that plug into them so the baby can face you. This was the solution we went for and is probably the most economical option. You will probably need a car seat to pick mum and baby up from the hospital. Ensure you know how it is fitted before this as you don’t want t be finding out at the hospital. Clothing You will need lots of baby grows and vests in the first couple of months. You will be changing the baby’s outfit at least 3 to 4 times a day at the start and probably more as the nappies have a habit of leaking. Work out how many times you want to wash clothes each week and then go from there. Don’t forget to get hats, mittens, cardigan or coat, shawls, socks and a snowsuit if it is winter. If you buy any outfits before the birth keep the labels on and receipts so if the baby is bigger than expected or not the sex you were expecting then they can be exchanged easily. If you are given vouchers as presents then use some of them to buy clothes of the 6-9 month or 9-12 month size. You will be probably be given less clothing in this size and your baby will be using them before you know it. Keep in mind the practicalities of dressing and changing a baby when choosing baby clothes. You will find that clothes that are easy to care for, can be changed quickly and that allows you to change a nappy easily will be the ones you will get the most use out of. Keep the pretty and adorable but impractical clothes for special occasions. |
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The cot A cot is an essential item. The Internet offers a bigger selection than the stores do and they tend to offer more value for money and it will be delivered to your door. Check if they come with a mattress or whether you have to get this separately. It is worth getting a good quality sprung mattress, as your baby will be using it for quite a while. If it helps them to sleep more comfortably then you will benefit too. As the baby gets bigger it is a useful place to park the baby safely with some toys for a few minutes when you want the toilet, to take a shower or do housework.
Other items that we considered essential at the start
Later on you will need to baby proof the house buy weaning equipment and a highchair but there is time to sort this out well after the baby is born. |
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