Essentials to have before babys arrival

Uptheduff · 27-12-2019 8:30pm #1

I'm starting to look around for baby items to have ready. Maybe I'm cynical but I suspect there is a huge amount of redundant stuff that is peddled as "essential" to anxious new parents. I don't want to buy a stack of gadgets that don't get used. I'm sure that we will probably get gifts of baby clothes so I don't want to overstock with more than we'el need.

So my question is what should we absolutely make sure we have in terms of clothes & equipment before baby makes three.

The J Stands for Jay · 27-12-2019 8:34pm

You need somewhere for them to sleep. Muslim cloths are good to have. Steriliser for bottles. A changing mat can be useful.

893bet · 27-12-2019 8:35pm

Bottles x 6
Steriliser
Dummy’s x 4
Muslins x 12
Hooded towels
Cotton wool pads or water wipes
Nappies
Cellular blanket
Sudocream.

That’s it.

Loveinapril · 27-12-2019 8:38pm

I live in a very small space so my shopping list consisted of-
*Somewhere for them to sleep (co-sleeper then cot)
*Something for them to travel in (pram and carseat and sling if it suits)
*Something for them to sit in (bouncer)
*Something to feed them (boobs are great, pump if you want and bottles if not breastfeeding)

There is a lot of stuff peddled at new parents like swings, sleep pods/ nests etc. but once you have the basics you will be fine. Don't be shy about second hand stuff and handmedowns, babies use things for such a short space of time that they are rarely well used. Write a list of what you need and if people ask what you might need, show them the list and they can pick what you want.

Cakerbaker · 27-12-2019 8:41pm

Agree with most of the above although if planning on breastfeeding I’d add Lanolin to the list. I also wouldn’t consider the bottles or stersliser to be essential at the start of breast feeding although you may use bottles down the line if you decide to express etc. We also didn’t use dummies so I wouldn’t count them as an essential.

Uptheduff · 27-12-2019 8:49pm

I'm planning to breastfeed, fingers crossed I have no problems doing it.

ThunbergsAreGo · 27-12-2019 8:51pm

As a dad, I find a sling to be essential.

It was/is a foolproof way my wife or I could get both of ours to sleep. And sleep is a precious commodity.

Prior to its arrival I struggled to get our first one down during the day

iamwhoiam · 27-12-2019 8:52pm

One of the best things my daughter had for her babies was a baby bean bag . It was great for tucking baba in and could be moved anywhere and brought anywhere .

paulbok · 27-12-2019 8:54pm

Never run out of wet wipes and you'll be fine.

bee06 · 27-12-2019 9:22pm

Co-sleeper, changing table (tried without for 2 weeks and our backs were broken), clothes for a newborn (gifts are usually in larger sizes), car seat, buggy suitable for a newborn or travel system (doesn’t have to be crazy expensive but check it fits in your boot and isn’t really heavy to lift in and out).

bee06 · 27-12-2019 9:26pm

Uptheduff wrote: »

I'm planning to breastfeed, fingers crossed I have no problems doing it.

Worth going to your local cuidiu group before you give birth in that case as they are a great place for support if you need it afterwards and the last thing you want to be doing in a newborn haze is trying to figure out where to go

Cash_Q · 27-12-2019 9:57pm

A clothes horse is handy if you don't already have one. You'll be amazed at how much washing a tiny person with tiny belongings can generate, and you don't want to be putting their bits in the dryer or relying on a dry day for the washing line.

I second the recommendation for a changing table. It's back breaking doing it regularly on the floor or bed. And if they have a messy nappy or vomit all over themselves it's handy to have one area that can be wiped clean. Also if you end up having a C section you don't want to be doubled over a low surface many, many times a day to change nappies/clothes. Ideally an area upstairs and another downstairs so you're not trekking up and down all day or night.

An important one for Mama - a heat insulted travel mug... your tea or coffee will be interrupted frequently over the first few months before a routine of predictable naps is established, keep your drinks hot in a travel mug!

Little storage baskets or containers are also handy to have bibs and muslin cloths in to make them easily accessible, and also to organise/separate vests and babygros by size. We were given so many lovely gifts and it's good to be able to put your hand on something that fits. Dealz does good deep baskets/storage boxes.

Good luck, it's the most amazing time!

closifer · 27-12-2019 9:59pm

Just don't buy too many clothes. You get so many as gifts and it actually becomes overwhelming trying to get the outfits worn. We have a six week old and she has grown out if do many clothes already. Some got one wear and others are going into a box unworn. It's such a waste

seannash · 27-12-2019 10:03pm

Dont get a sterilizer, instead get those microwaveable sterilizing bottles.
We bought a sterilizer and never used it because we use them. So much handier

iamwhoiam · 27-12-2019 10:07pm

closifer wrote: »

Just don't buy too many clothes. You get so many as gifts and it actually becomes overwhelming trying to get the outfits worn. We have a six week old and she has grown out if do many clothes already. Some got one wear and others are going into a box unworn. It's such a waste

Most shops like Next and Dunnes and M and S will exchange baby clothes for bigger sizes even without a receipt .

Loveinapril · 27-12-2019 10:10pm

Cash_Q wrote: »

A clothes horse is handy if you don't already have one. You'll be amazed at how much washing a tiny person with tiny belongings can generate

Just on this- before I had my first I had an idea that they would need changes of clothes often due to poop or puke, but I had no idea how much I would need to change my clothes or bed linen because of their bodily functions! I have a 5 month old and STILL get puked on at least once a day so have taken to wearing a vest in the house and only put a proper top on when I have to leave the house!

Loveinapril · 27-12-2019 10:11pm

iamwhoiam wrote: »

Most shops like Next and Dunnes and M and S will exchange baby clothes for bigger sizes even without a receipt .

Penneys, H and M and Tesco do too.

jlm29 · 27-12-2019 10:21pm

Pack your hospital bag, buy a car seat to take them home in, a pram and somewhere for baby to sleep. That’s all that’s absolutely essential in the first couple of weeks IMO. I did get a gift of a bouncer on my first in the very early days, would ultimately have had to buy that very quickly anyhow.
Everything else is extra, and can be ordered online and delivered very very quickly if you can’t get someone to go to the shop for you if you can’t get there yourself.
If planning to breastfeed, I would highly recommend doing a breastfeeding prep class (a good one, not necessarily whatever is offered in the hospital). I would consider it the best investment I made in my first pregnancy

Minier81 · 27-12-2019 10:57pm

Essentials
Cotton wool
Nappies
Vaseline or other barrier cream
Baby vests and baby grows (6 of each)
Non bio washing powder
Hat (anytime they go outside)
Don't bother with other clothes, you will see what you need as you go.
Maternity pads for you.

Car seat
I found a pram essential, as a big walker and due to csection.
Somewhere to sleep, look at safe sleep guidance (lullaby trust) before buying anything other than a cot/cosleeper/moses basket
New mattress for cot, sheet
Cellular blanket
Changing mat
I found changing table essential but plenty do fine without

Then just your boobs!
Go to la leche league or cuidui in late pregnancy. I only went when baby was 6 weeks and I think it would have made the early days easier if I had gone when pregnant. The support in the maternity hospitals is hit and miss, and you will have a lit more confidence starting off then.
Muslin cloths too are handy.
No need for bibs I found. Also a smoother can inhibit successful breastfeeding so be aware of that.
Nursing bra. No need for other dedicated bf clothes, just wear a vest under a top, pull top up and vest down

Lisha · 27-12-2019 11:03pm

I think an ear thermometer is essential.
Very handy to have at 3am and you can’t tell are they really hot or are you just exhausted. Mind you when they are rally hot you’ll know but it’s comforting to see a normal reading on thermometer when things are fraught.

Also id have bottle calpol, neurofen and paralink suppositories . You might never use them but easier to have in house imho

Lisha · 27-12-2019 11:06pm

I also found books like what to expect in first year invaluable.

As well as books to read to baby of course.

893bet · 27-12-2019 11:13pm

Lisha wrote: »

I think an ear thermometer is essential.
Very handy to have at 3am and you can’t tell are they really hot or are you just exhausted. Mind you when they are rally hot you’ll know but it’s comforting to see a normal reading on thermometer when things are fraught.

Also id have bottle calpol, neurofen and paralink suppositories . You might never use them but easier to have in house imho

Ear thermometer not recommend under 3 months. Risk of damaging ear and difficulty getting an accurate reading.

Lisha · 27-12-2019 11:19pm

893bet wrote: »

Ear thermometer not recommend under 3 months. Risk of damaging ear and difficulty getting an accurate reading.

Fair enough I’d forgotten that. My oldest is 12 and the Braun ear thermometer we got fir him is still going strong. Definitely the best value for money baby item we have.

PhoenixParker · 27-12-2019 11:27pm

Uptheduff wrote: »

I'm planning to breastfeed, fingers crossed I have no problems doing it.

I always recommend buying one bottle and a liter of premade formula. It’s cheap, doesn’t take much space and you’re covered in case of emergency then. You can always sterilize in a saucepan of boiling water.

endacl · 27-12-2019 11:28pm

Nanny, wetnurse, and cruise booked.

shesty · 28-12-2019 9:10am

I would second a thermometer.Very important.
Also a couple of sheets and a couple of celullar blankets for nightime.
Myself, I used water wipes on my second and third babies rather than cotton wool and water, just for ease, but that is personal choice.
I do think a bouncer chair of some sort is a good thing to have.We only got 1 at 5 weeks on our first because I didn't think it was essential, but actually it was really handy and we should have got it earlier.Just a thought.
Changing table...I would get one.Save your back.Can't describe how stiff and sore your back can get between birth, lifting baby, breastfeeeding and a million nappy changes a days!Never mind as they turn into toddlers!Ikea do a 50eur table,ours is still going strong.
I think most of the stuff is covered here otherwise

pwurple · 28-12-2019 9:35am

I think play the changing table by ear, we used the top of an old chest of drawers for ours, or a Bed, the floor. Got a
wipable changing mat alright. But didn't need a changing table.

Boobs, a pack of breastfeeding pads and the shields. Those were handy if you get a cut or are sore.

Sling is not essential, but oh so handy to free up an arm when baby wants to be on you all the time. I would get one.

Bouncer, I found this really handy too. I put them in there (from a few wks old maybe?) To bounce while I went to the loo after a feed and it was great for getting wind up!

Buggy. Don't need a travel system. Highly recommend the Out n about buggy. Second hand is fine. I had a double for a while, sold it. Resell value is good. We still use our original with cousins and friends babies who visit, good as new. Great frame on it, easy for jogs and goes flat for newborns yet strong enough for 3+ year olds.

I would get infant Calpol, infant neurofen and a thermometer too. The first time you need this is invariably 2am on a bank holiday.

Bath thermometer is handy if you don't feel confident using the elbow trick.

shesty · 28-12-2019 11:07am

pwurple wrote: »

I would get infant Calpol, infant neurofen and a thermometer too. The first time you need this is invariably 2am on a bank holiday

1000 times this.Ok you can't use them on a newborn, but then you forget and suddenly they are 14 weeks, it's 2am, they have a slight temperature and you have nothing.It's sod's law.

Actually, you now need to give them calpol just before and in the 10 hours after their first set of injections at 8 weeks, so you will need it anyway.(It's all laid out in the HSE vaccine booklet you get and your nurse will tell you, so don't worry about remembering the detail for now!!!)

Uptheduff · 28-12-2019 3:14pm

Thanks everyone, this is really helpful. Am I naive in thinking the kitchen table is a suitable baby changing spot if we've got a changing mat?

iamwhoiam · 28-12-2019 3:19pm

Uptheduff wrote: »

Thanks everyone, this is really helpful. Am I naive in thinking the kitchen table is a suitable baby changing spot if we've got a changing mat?

I changed my three babies and two grandchildren on a mat on the kitchen table . We all lived to tell the tale !
I have a basket ready with wet wipes , nappies, nappy sacks , cream , a towel and bring it to the table . I had no room for a changing table and it was grand !

Princess Calla · 28-12-2019 3:31pm

Uptheduff wrote: »

Thanks everyone, this is really helpful. Am I naive in thinking the kitchen table is a suitable baby changing spot if we've got a changing mat?

My mum, sisters and niece all changed their children on their knees

Better women than I, I can assure you

I had very little space in my house but I still got a changing unit....I got one in smyths that has the bath built in too.....much to the amusement of the above females

I found it great as everything was in one place, I used the base to store nappies, the shelf trays to store their clothes. When you are in the house on your own faced with a poonami the last thing you need is to be running upstairs for clean clothes. Plus as the bath is built in you don't have one of them floating about....unless you go old school and kitchen sink it

One Lil thing I learned to do was you will get loads of clothes sets....take a picture of each set before it goes into the wash.....otherwise you'll drive yourself batty looking at the labels trying to figure out what goes with what

Cakerbaker · 28-12-2019 3:43pm

I also found the changing table handy as a storage place for babies things. So I always had nappies, wipes, baby clothes, muslins, bibs, either folded or in baskets. It meant everything I needed was always at hand.

bee06 · 28-12-2019 4:35pm

Cakerbaker wrote: »

I also found the changing table handy as a storage place for babies things. So I always had nappies, wipes, baby clothes, muslins, bibs, either folded or in baskets. It meant everything I needed was always at hand.

We’re still using ours 2 years later for the above even though he has been too big to change on it for ages.

Don’t know what I’ll do when the 2nd baby arrives but we’ll definitely get our moneys worth by the time we’re finished with it.

Lisha · 28-12-2019 4:46pm

I changed my 2 on my knee on my couch or bed. Had a small basket near couch with nappies etc. aLso has a changing mat To use on floor or bed if visitors about.

Best set up I ever saw was where someone had space fir changing table in downstairs bathroom.

Wouldn’t have spent on a changing table myself but it’s all about the space/money you have .

For storage I used the baby’s room for stuff even when they were still in crib in my room

shesty · 28-12-2019 7:02pm

Uptheduff wrote: »

Thanks everyone, this is really helpful. Am I naive in thinking the kitchen table is a suitable baby changing spot if we've got a changing mat?

Not at all, it's grand!I guess I am coming from having a couple of kids....our changing table is upstairs, very handy to have it for nappies, drying after baths, morning dressing, storing nappies, wipes and that.But most daytime nappies happen downstairs on a mat on the table, I can't be carting a toddler up and down the stairs all days long either!

CelticRambler · 28-12-2019 7:49pm

shesty wrote: »

But most daytime nappies happen downstairs on a mat on the table, I can't be carting a toddler up and down the stairs all days long either!

Having no space in the house for any kind of dedicated table, MrsCR put all her effort into finding a good changing bag, which had everything needed and saw us through four sets of dirty bottoms.

Over the years, I think the phrase we used most often when visiting relatives with a nappy in need of replacement was "no, I'm grand here!" On the floor, on the knees, in the boot of the car ... I don't think any of our children lay on a changing station, ever. :pac:

lazygal · 28-12-2019 10:15pm

I've a completely different list.
Have never used muslins that much.
No bottles or steriliser because breastfeeding is way easier.
No gadgets at all.
Few babygros and vest. Pack of newborn nappies. Snowsuit for leaving hospital.
Got more blankets than we knew what to do with as gifts.
Have used thermometer a grand total of twice for three children. Maybe we're lucky.
Don't buy any unsafe stuff like Perfect Prep machines or walkers.

Join a free cycle baby group on Facebook. We got a swing, changing table, sling and other bits for free. We'll pass on when used and anything we realised we didn't use went back up for someone else to collect. You'd nearly be sorted for free that way. Just today there was a travel system going for free local to us.

lazygal · 28-12-2019 10:19pm

PhoenixParker wrote: »

I always recommend buying one bottle and a liter of premade formula. It’s cheap, doesn’t take much space and you’re covered in case of emergency then. You can always sterilize in a saucepan of boiling water.

Would be slow to recommend this. It's setting yourself up with the notion that breastfeeding might not "work". Powering through is probably a better approach.

iamwhoiam · 28-12-2019 10:21pm

lazygal wrote: »

Would be slow to recommend this. It's setting yourself up with the notion that breastfeeding might not "work". Powering through is probably a better approach.

Not everyone can “ power through “ . Of course B/f is best but some quite simply cannot for lots of reason . Everyones choice should be respected

lazygal · 28-12-2019 10:23pm

iamwhoiam wrote: »

Not everyone can “ power through “ . Of course B/f is best but some quite simply cannot for lots of reason . Everyones choice should be respected

Of course choice should be respected.
You wouldn't fill your fridge with stuff you shouldn't be eating in case your diet wasn't working out though.

suilegorma · 28-12-2019 10:26pm

We put a change mat on top of a chest of drawers. Kept all baby nappies, wipes, clothes etc in it. Still in use now! Had one upstairs and downstairs.

Re feeding, I'd second getting to a lll or ciudiu meeting. You will meet new & experienced feeders, get details of bf counsellors, and it's great to meet some folks before you have baby in tow. It makes it much easier to reach out for help if you already know some people. I'd also batch cook, make a load of easy to defrost meals and stock up on dry snacks as bf is hungry work!

I have no idea how parents manage without a sling! We used one from 3 weeks until aged 3.5! To me thiswas essential. If you're in Dublin there are sling meets where you can try out different types and borrow. Really useful.

Id recommend a travel system too, also consider if you'll be having other children soon, as you can get ones that double up. Ours was expensive but we used it for 6 years straight and actually sold it on.

Best of luck!

iamwhoiam · 28-12-2019 10:26pm

lazygal wrote: »

Of course choice should be respected.
You wouldn't fill your fridge with stuff you shouldn't be eating in case your diet wasn't working out though.

No but I always have Calpol and Nurofen for the incase . Hoping I never need them !

Jurgen The German · 28-12-2019 10:29pm

May have been mentioned but a nose frieda is an essential piece of kit, we still use it and number 1 will be 3 in April

Minier81 · 28-12-2019 10:45pm

PhoenixParker wrote: »

I always recommend buying one bottle and a liter of premade formula. It’s cheap, doesn’t take much space and you’re covered in case of emergency then. You can always sterilize in a saucepan of boiling water.

I would also be very hesitant to recommend "just in case" formula. We did discuss this pre baby and I really felt it was not necessary. One you have a shop or a boots nearby you can get a ready made formula bottle very easily if that's a choice you make. For me I felt it would undermine breastfeeding. I did find those early days and even weeks tough and did not need a temptress in the press :-)

jlm29 · 28-12-2019 11:22pm

Minier81 wrote: »

I would also be very hesitant to recommend "just in case" formula. We did discuss this pre baby and I really felt it was not necessary. One you have a shop or a boots nearby you can get a ready made formula bottle very easily if that's a choice you make. For me I felt it would undermine breastfeeding. I did find those early days and even weeks tough and did not need a temptress in the press :-)

I would third this.

John_Rambo · 29-12-2019 12:18am

At least 20 muslins.

Some of the baby cams are a rip off. The cheap wifi cams with an app for your phone are grand.

A good point and shoot thermometer is a must. Ignore anyone that tells you otherwise.

A buggy/pram set up that has ventilation for sleeping overnight in if you're heading off on holiday or are somewhat adventurous.

A good food plan for parent/parents particularly if mum is breastfeeding. Lots of protein, carbs, fruit, nuts, veg etc...

Best of luck and enjoy it all.

pwurple · 29-12-2019 9:55am

Just adding a baby monitor mat here.

Was reminded yesterday, as one of my neighbours ended up using it. Their baby (4th child) stopped breathing in their sleep, alarm alerted them and the nurse next door was able to help recussitate when baby went blue. They are fine now thank goodness. Into hospital for checks.

Cakerbaker · 29-12-2019 10:11am

Not so much a newborn essential but something I found handy as a new parent ..... a freezer full of food. We did a load of batch cooking for the freezer prior to babies arrival. Meant we had healthy meals with very little work for the first few weeks which helped when going around in a daze as a sleep deprived new parent.

Loveinapril · 29-12-2019 10:17am

Cakerbaker wrote: »

Not so much a newborn essential but something I found handy as a new parent ..... a freezer full of food. We did a load of batch cooking for the freezer prior to babies arrival. Meant we had healthy meals with very little work for the first few weeks which helped when going around in a daze as a sleep deprived new parent.

We did the same. All we had to do for a healthy, nutritious dinner was make pasta, baby potatoes or rice each night because the main meal was already made.

Antares35 · 16-01-2020 1:30pm

pwurple wrote: »

Just adding a baby monitor mat here.

Was reminded yesterday, as one of my neighbours ended up using it. Their baby (4th child) stopped breathing in their sleep, alarm alerted them and the nurse next door was able to help recussitate when baby went blue. They are fine now thank goodness. Into hospital for checks.

Hi can I ask are these different to normal monitors? Due our first in May and this is something I have an anxiety about, like all parents I suppose! Do these ones clip onto the baby and detect movement or something?

Princess Calla · 16-01-2020 2:40pm

Antares35 wrote: »

Hi can I ask are these different to normal monitors? Due our first in May and this is something I have an anxiety about, like all parents I suppose! Do these ones clip onto the baby and detect movement or something?

We have the angel monitor, it has a sensor pad that goes under the mattress. However you do need a piece of board to go under that.... That was an unwelcome realisation... We weren't very prepared to start with, this didn't help!!

It's not really workable with a moses basket. Though someone might have a work around for this. Admittedly on out first, we put the moses basket into the cot ontop of the mat... I wouldn't be putting too much faith in that! Though until he was 3 the only place he'd sleep was in our bed!!

You can also turn the mat off and just use it as a sound monitor.

Essentials to have before babys arrival

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