Having your first baby is exciting and you can easily go overboard and buy everything baby related because you think you might need it or just in case. However when your newborn arrives all they do is sleep, cry and feed and sleep again. It's a very simple (ok, not that simple) routine in the beginning so you don't need that many things as I learnt the hard way. I bought way too many things! It was like I was having triplets instead of just one little baby.
Ok so here is what I couldn't live without and what things you do need to buy before baby arrives. It is my opinion only and of course all mums have differing views on what is neccessary and what isn't. It's up to you to decide what suits you best:)
The first thing I bought is clothes. Actually the very first thing I bought when I knew I was pregnant was the Baby Bjorn Carrier. I didn't find this useful in the beginning because I hardly went out. But one month later- it's my life saver! You definitely need one of these. You can buy it before they pop out or later on. However, having a baby when you go out makes things a bit more challenging so I suggest you buy it before.
Alright, onto the baby clothes. I bought so many and in the end I just used Bonds singlets most the time- a white one and a blue one. I wash everyday so I just rotate them. (I had about 15 singlets in total which are still lying in the drawers with stickers on them.)
And I also bought some Bonds Coveralls and Onesies. Again you just need a couple of each and just rotate. Unless you plan to do your washing once a week then I suggest you buy a few more. Keep to the same colours so you dont have to sort colours in the wash. I stuck with white or blue.
Helpful Hint: Avoid clothes with too many buttons! It will drive you crazy during the wee hours of the morning when you change nappies in the dim lighting.
I love the Pumpkin Patch Sleeping Gown (below). It is easy to put on the baby (no need to go over their head) and the open end makes it easy for nappy changes. Also the open end can be buttoned up into pants.
Now onto sleeping items for baby. I used the Merino Kids Cocooi Wrap (below pic) to swaddle him to sleep. Newborns settle better when they are nice and secure. You can choose other types of swaddling wraps- there are many options out there! If you aren't good with wrapping then I suggest you go for the zip style wraps eg. ErgoCocoon or Woombie.
Avent Dummies- Some parents might suggest otherwise. Personally, I think dummies are my sanity saver. It soothes them when they suck and it also helps to stretch out his sleeping times so I can get an extra hour of sleep. Sometimes they just want to suck and are not actually hungry. I like Phillips Avent as they come with a cover. I'm just a bit of a clean freak. Although I heard that a bit of germs is good for their immune system.
Terry washcloths are so useful! I bought heaps and glad I did. You can use them for feeding to wipe milk spills etc. and I use them for bathing. I also use it to clean the tongue and mouth. It's so multipurpose and cheap! I bought mine from Target. I never use any muslin cloths. Never.
Here is a list of things that are also useful:
Cot- unless you want a bassinet but they will outgrow them pretty quick!
Change Table with bath tub- I live in a small space so this was great! You can also change nappies on your bed of on a chest of drawers to save your back. No need to buy a special change table for this! In the beginning I just used a laundry bucket to give him a bath. Then I transitioned to big tub at around 2 months.
Pram- unless you plan to use your carrier all the way but a pram is more convenient for shopping trips and walking in the park etc. Especially when they weigh a tonne later on!
Steriliser and Bottles- Some people don't sterilise or they use the good old big pot of boiling water to sterilise. However I find that with an electric steriliser it can save a lot of time! Bottles are a must- breast feeding or formula. You can give Daddy a go sometimes and you can take a break! I prefer the Philips Avent range.
Bath Products- I love the Mustela range and use the Bath oil and the cleansing gel. Smells like baby heaven to me:)
Baby Scissors- to cut those little tiny nails! It's scary at first but you become a pro in no time!
Bamboo Blankets- Soft and warm!
Nappies- I use disposables by Huggies. I would love to try MCNs (Modern Day Nappies) and will get back to you on that!
What I wasted my money on.......
Sleeping positioners- Lucas never moved much when he slept. He was swaddled so I don't think positioners were useful for me.
Sleeping and Breathing Monitors- I live in an apartment so I could hear him cry anywhere. As for the breathing, Lucas makes a lot of noise so I was never worried about his breathing. But I still get up and check once in a while just to make sure! It's part of my paranoid personality!
Muslin Cloths- they are only useful for prams as a sunshade or a bedding sheet. I don't use them to swaddle (not stretchy enough) or to wipe up mess. (terry cloths are good enough).
Sleeping bags- Newborns need to be swaddled so you don't need these until they're much bigger. But all babies are different so it's up to you to decide:)
Bibs- I have not used any yet. Maybe good for when they start solids.
Toys- Lucas had no interest in toys until recently (3 months) so you can buy them later.
Bouncers/Swings- they outgrow them very quickly so I suggest you get second hand!
Nappy Bags- Most of them are so bulky and big they just lose practicality. I use a soft bucket bag to carry all his stuff. But if I am out and about with the pram I just use the pram storage compartments. No need to carry a big bag!
Nursing Pillows- I just use normal V-shape pillows which works just as good!
Nursing Chair- I sit on the lounge chair with my pillows. If I want I can turn on the TV but usually he wants my full attention!
Bottle Warmer- Didn't use it at all. Maybe if you are breastfeeding it will be more useful. Especially if you express and then keep it the fridge. Could be useful when they start eating food.
Hope this was helpful! Remember everyone's parenting style is different so it's best to start off simple and go from there.
Good Luck and enjoy the first few months! They grow so fast!
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