Baby must haves

squishywishy · 28-11-2017 7:56pm #1

Due first baby in May. Have ordered travel system and have a co sleeper but trying to make a list of things we need for the baby. So far I have Moses basket, baby bath, monitor, sterilizer on the list as well as clothes and blankets. Know I could stay shopping for the baby forever but want to get the essentials to start and can buy things after.

Would love advice on the things we absolutely need.

Thanks

catrionanic · 28-11-2017 10:44pm

Do you need a cosleeper and a Moses basket? We used the cosleeper upstairs, and put him in the pram bassinet for downstairs napping. Similarly, are you planning to formula feed or are you going to try breastfeeding? I breastfed but borrowed a steriliser just in case it didn’t work out. We ended up powering through with the BFing and never needed the steriliser. We had a few MAM bottles which you sterilise in the microwave, which we would use if I expressed (but if a breastfed baby is full-term and healthy, sterilising isn’t necessary at all - you can just wash in warm soapy water). We also didn’t have a baby bath, as found that a bath in the kitchen sink was much handier.

Some baby essentials are changing mats - maybe one upstairs and one downstairs for quick changes on the bed/sofa/table. Endless muslins and vests and onesies - newborns need changing many times per day. Blankets and cardigans - cardigans in particular can be hard to come by - and a few newborn hats.

One present we got was a baby gym, and we got lots of use out of that.

Start stocking up on nappies and wipes bit by bit.... as you’ll go through millions of them! And for yourself, maternity pads, breast pads, lanolin nipple cream, witch hazel for stitches (sooooooo good), maternity PJs and bras, big dark-coloured granny pants (!), maybe a tens machine if you’re going to use one.

s4uv3 · 28-11-2017 10:46pm

Nappies
Cotton wool/wipes - whichever you'll use
Cellular blankets - don't bother with fleecy ones as it'll be warm in summer.
Muslin cloths, for spit ups/pukes/when you spill your tea at 3am

A changing station, doesnt have to be a bought one- you can make one up to suit yourself.

Don't bother with too many clothes, you'll get a daft amount as presents, and forget the small baby towels, they're too small to wrap baby up properly- just use your own bath towels.

Millem · 28-11-2017 11:00pm

Gosh I know everyone says “every baby is different” but they really are!
For my second boy I would say Muslins are he was a puker, a chair as he had to be kept up after feeding, cardigans, long sleeved vests, baby grows and bibs. He has yet to wear anything else!
Oh and nappies, cotton wool and waterwipes (He has serious sensitive skin). He loves going in his baby gym. He loves the toys on his cot too. He recently discovered how to grab things lol! That’s the height of it now to be honest. Not bothering with changing table etc.
Bought a 6 pk of bottles but he has yet to really drink one yet

a bit of a disaster as he is 3 months.

catrionanic · 28-11-2017 11:10pm

Also, a bouncy chair is very handy!

scarepanda · 29-11-2017 12:45am

The cot is the only essential thing I don't think you have on your list. I would get that before baby arrives because you can't necessarily say when you will put them into it and it's not a bad idea to have them nap in it very early on. We moved my little girl into her cot at 7 weeks straight from the Moses basket.

Other things that we would be lost without are the following: baby carrier (the options are endless so do your research first, we currently have a baby Bjorn and an ergo, both myself and baby prefer the baby Bjorn massively), muslin cloths (we use them for everything, including baths), sleep sacks (worth their weight in gold if you have a wriggly baby like us), changing station (ours is a home made changing top that fits a changing mat and sits on top of an ikea kallax unit. We have a shelf above for nappy supplies and all essential clothes that I need on hand underneath in the boxes, and both her clothes basket and bin to one side. I'd be lost without our set up, but wouldn't buy an actual changing unit), thermometer (always handy for reassurance for when you have a cranky baby).

I wouldn't stock up on the following: nappies (you can't know in advance if your baby will have any sensitivities to a certain brand, if they will suit their body shape or how quickly they will grow out of a certain size), the same goes for wipes for sensitivity reasons, clothes (we were given enough clothes to do our little girl right up to the 12-18 month size. We just added a few bits and pieces here and there).

Blndbby · 29-11-2017 1:03am

I'd have a big supply of whatever wet wipes your going to use & size 1 & two nappies. Maybe 1 box of size 1 as they grow out of them pretty fast.
We a cacoonbaby which we keep in the cosleeper & would be lost without it!
We did have a moses basket downstairs even though she could sleep in the buggy bassinet . It was handy for us.
A monitor maybe? We got one as a gift & used it every now and then .

You will need a blind for your car.

jlm29 · 29-11-2017 2:19am

On my first, I bought a travel system and a Moses basket, and whatever I needed for my hospital bag. Oh, and a feeding cushion.
It’s six years ago now, but the only things I can remember that I was stuck for in the first couple of days were a changing mat and a changing bag- if you can call it stuck! my mother was horrified to see me out and about with a Dunnes Stores bag carrying the baby essentials.
I didn’t use a monitor for weeks on any of mine because they were always near me. I intended to breastfeed so didn’t buy anything bottle related. I was given the world of clothes, and a few hampers of baby essentials.
If I had my time back, I’d not bother with the Moses basket. Two weeks he fit in it!

shesty · 29-11-2017 9:19am

Actually...a mirror for your car.You can get them in smyths toys etc, they allow you to see the baby while in it's carseat and you are driving.

I'd mostly echo what else is here.I would stock up on size 1&2 nappies.I have mixed feelings on bouncer chairs, we didn' see it as an essential on our first yet she turned out to be a reflux baby and we did need one to keep her upright.I got one at 5 weeks and cursed myself for not getting it sooner.So I guess use your judgement on that.A playmat (that might be what people mean by baby gym?) Or basically somewhere for baby to be able to lie and kick and move and have space.Same for muslins, hardly needed any on our first, had to emergency shop runs for them on our second who was a puker!!

We have a basic ikea changing table.Maybe not an essential for everyone but a lifesaver for your back.

A changing bag.Doesn't have to be big and fancy.I'd suggest one that does not zip shut as you cannot open zips with one hand and you will have to do that.

The only other suggestion I have is if you are planning on bottlefeeding, get one of those plastic things that holds individual servings of formula.You can get them in Boots and the like, they are divided into sections to hold formula for say 3 bottles.Because you aren't going to carting the box of formula around with you.

rainbow kirby · 29-11-2017 6:27pm

If you live in a city and/or use public transport a lot a baby carrier is an absolute essential. I used a stretchy wrap until my son was around 4 months old, then moved on to a Connecta. My husband has a Manduca and at this stage with my son being 20 months and massive for his age we both use the Manduca for him when we need it.

I wouldn't necessarily go too mad on size 1 nappies, we were out of them by 4 weeks. I would actually stash size 3 if you see a good deal.

If you plan on breastfeeding I wouldn't spend a lot on supplies now - lanolin nipple cream and a good pillow would be useful though. If you're bottle feeding then a few single bottles of different types would be useful in terms of figuring out what works for your child, then stock up from Amazon etc.

catrionanic · 29-11-2017 10:35pm

Stumbled across my list tonight actually! Also on it which wasn’t mentioned in this thread, but that I found useful, was a breast pump and storage bags (which I’m still using often and he’s now 10 months).

I second the recommendations for a baby carrier. Super useful.

bee06 · 29-11-2017 10:47pm

I haven’t had my baby yet but I’m holding off on a baby carrier / sling until after so I can go to a baby wearing meeting to see what suits. I’d hate to buy something now that I or the baby end up hating.

Lucyfur · 29-11-2017 11:00pm

A super king sized bed. Boobs.

I bought EVERYTHING for my youngest. The above is all I needed

sillysocks · 29-11-2017 11:08pm

I don't know if you'd call it an essential but to me it's one of my best buys if you drive and expect to have the baby out and about-Morrck baby blanket. They're dear enough but a godsend because it means not needing to put a jacket on a baby (which isn't very safe in a car seat anyway). You can wrap them up lovely and warm and if they fall asleep but you get home/in a cafe etc you can unwrap them without having to wake them.

With regards the basics lots of people will have different opinions, but as a few people have mentioned things that are often forgotten in lists are a mirror for the car and a thermometer (make sure to get one that takes the temp on the forehead without touching, great if baby is asleep but you want to check).

scarepanda · 30-11-2017 1:09am

That's a really good idea bee06! But I would advise having a look at all the different types and what each type is good for and also what your LO will want/need from a carrier.

For example, we have a baby Bjorn and an ergo. We couldn't figure out the ergo when she was born and actually only took it out of the box last week and have just used it on a trip to Germany.

My LO loves the baby Bjorn because it allows her to be placed front forward facing. She's never fought me when im putting her into it. She loves looking around at what's going on and has never got over stimulated from that position, which may not suit other babies. The ergo on the other hand allows front inward, back and hip carries. My LO fought us nearly every time over the last few days when we were putting her into the ergo. She hates facing towards whoever is carrying her and the strap was too uncomfortable for me with the hip carry, so it's a no go for the future and to be honest I hated seeing how bored and fed up she looked in the ergo. It's also a lot more awkward to get it on than the baby bjorn. Unfortunately she's growing out of the baby Bjorn now, so I have a ring sling and another carrier similar to the ergo, but one that allows a front forward facing carry ordered to see what suits. YouTube is your best friend, there's endless review's and some really good channels that iv come across, especially if your anyways interested in ring slings or wraps.

Oh and a couple other things, a generic cover for a carrier if you get one. I have a fantastic one that also doubles up as a footmuff for the buggy.

Re the thermometer, we had a touch one that I found useless, although I will admit it was cheap. We have an in-ear one now and can check our LOs temp whenever, even when she's asleep. We 'practice' taking her temp and now she cocks her ear to us and then tries to take ours! Although she is amazed with the thermometer in general - she's a bit strange!

What_to_do999 · 01-12-2017 11:41am

Can I just ask what Baby Bjorn carrier you got as I'm torn between them at the moment, thanks in advance

scarepanda · 01-12-2017 11:58am

We were given the original when the LO was born. Its the one a lot of people don't like because of the sitting position, i.e dangley legs. If I was to buy a baby Bjorn, I'd get the baby Bjorn one. It looks to be very similar in the way you put it on to the original (which is so much easier than the ergo), has the wide seat position (where the knees are wide apart) and you also have front parent, front forward, hip and back carry options. I was looking into it recently as our next carrier because of the front forward facing option, but it has a limit of 15 months on the front forward facing which knocked it out of the running for us

appledrop · 01-12-2017 10:40pm

I wouldn't buy a baby carrier. Never used one with my little boy as he absolutely hated it + also had reflux so 2 or 3 times we tried it he puked all over me + screamed.

Muslin cloths are essential we had so many for the little baba. I think your doing really well with your list. Every baby is different. We used our Moses Basket till baba literally wouldn't fit in it anymore. He loved the small space + hated the large cot. My friend had one + barely used it.

We have a nappy bin + I find it invaluable. Stops all the smells + you don't have to keep bringing nappies outside.

Liam McPoyle · 01-12-2017 11:15pm

Best things we got were a nose frida and the sleepy head, invaluable.

jlm29 · 01-12-2017 11:16pm

You can hire carriers from the national library for a couple of weeks to see if you and baby like them!

Gatica · 04-12-2017 11:06am

We got 6.5 months of use out of the moses basket, so really depends on the size of your baby. We had a stand for it in the living room and another in the bedroom. The basket was cheap, Aldi do them for like 34 Euro and Smyths for 40. We could just carry her in the basket from one room to the other if she was asleep.
We didn't use the co-sleeper until she was too big for the moses basket as it took up a lot more space in our bedroom and was akward. We bought furniture for baby room after she was born and didn't use her cot until she went into her own room around 8 months. So it's really down to what suits your own situation and attitude to baby sleeping in your room, bf vs bottle, etc...
We bought one of those Tommee Tippee essential starter kits, it came with bottles, steriliser and bottle warmer and carrier. Got a bottle prep machine on special offer at Boots baby event. We used the steriliser until she was 1 and we still use the bottle prep machine, it's just so handy. Should've bought a pump before baby was born too, I had problems feeding at the start, so ended up having to borrow/rent and trying to buy one in a rush.
We also got a high changing table with integrated bath. Bought a sponge support for the bath, which was great when she was tiny. We still use the baby bath in our own bath now that she's 1, it uses a lot less water and is easy to fill, rinse, clean...

waterfaerie · 04-12-2017 7:03pm

People will convince you that you need lots of things when, in fact, you need very little at all. All your baby needs is you. Depending on your lifestyle, you could actually buy nothing and be fine.

It's hard when you're pregnant, excited, full of hormones and wanting to nest, to avoid over buying. I'm very back to basics and even I got sucked in and bought too much baby stuff.

These are the only things I couldn't have managed without:

nappies + wipes (I use cloth)
sling
car seat
cellular blankets (safest for baby)

These are some things that make life easier and I'm glad I have:

plenty of muslins
changing mat
mirror for car
breast pads (again, I use cloth ones)
thermometer

These are some things that my baby really benefited from having:

a playmat with an arch and dangling toys
several toys with different textures to grab and feel
a silicone teething thing
books, books, books!

And these are some things I bought and absolutely did not need at all:

co sleeper crib
cot
travel system (I use the buggy part sometimes for longer walks now that she's bigger but could have just bought a cheap buggy)
special mattresses for both crib and cot
sheets for crib, cot and pram
too many clothes
dedicated changing area (built, not bought but still, unused)
snowsuit

If you can, instead of spending money on lots of stuff, I would recommend you take as much time off work as you can possibly afford.

bee06 · 04-12-2017 7:13pm

Waterfaerie, where does your baby sleep if you don’t use a co-sleeper or cot?

fits · 04-12-2017 8:16pm

Her bed Id say. Thats where mine are anyway. The cots are only used intermittently.

waterfaerie · 04-12-2017 8:23pm

bee06 wrote: »

Waterfaerie, where does your baby sleep if you don’t use a co-sleeper or cot?

She sleeps in her own blankets beside me. There's a lot of scaremongering about it but it's actually the safest place in the world for the baby as long as you're breastfeeding. There's been a huge amount of research about it.

It's really important to follow the safe co sleeping guidelines. The Safe Sleep 7 is a good place to find information and there's a really good facebook group, too, if you're on facebook.

bee06 · 04-12-2017 8:30pm

Thanks! I already have a co-sleeper as I’m not sure I’d get any sleep with the baby in the bed when they are newborn as I’m quite a bad sleeper anyway but it’s defintely something to look into for a bit later.

scarepanda · 04-12-2017 8:37pm

See, everyone has different opinions based on their own particular experience!

I wouldn't be without our carrier, which many people don't like wearing, while not in a million years would I be able to share the bed with a baby (not judging by any means, iv just never been able to relax enough to sleep any time she has been our bed).

So for the op, I would recommend keeping your essentials list as small as possible, you really don't 'need' all that much. Wait and see what you get as presents etc when baby arrives. And then take into consideration your lifestyle, your family and your baby to see what extra stuff works/makes your life easier that you wouldn't be without after a few weeks!

tea_and_cake · 04-12-2017 8:42pm

bee06 wrote: »

Thanks! I already have a co-sleeper as I’m not sure I’d get any sleep with the baby in the bed when they are newborn as I’m quite a bad sleeper anyway but it’s defintely something to look into for a bit later.

I'm the exact same. Took me long enough to get used to sleeping with my husband, not sure I'd relax with a baby, plus my bed is a double so just about fitd the two of us because I'm a sprawler.

I really love this thread because I neeeeeeeed everything but I know I don't. Trying to have some restraint. Not sure I could live without the travel system though. Clothes wise I am definitely holding off.

Changing table I am mixed on. I feel it will be a huge benefit but others say it's a waste. Not sure if I should wait and see. The one I want is from ikea and they now deliver.

scarepanda · 04-12-2017 9:21pm

Haha tea_and_cake! It's all so tempting when your trying to nest and be prepared for every eventuality!

I just thought of another couple things, that are by no way essential, but I still wouldn't be without out them coz they make my life easier and that's a rocking chair and feeding cushion. I can only speak from a breastfeeding pov, but would imagine they would be just as useful for formula. I use them everyday, especially at bed time. The chair is one thing I really wasn't pushed about, but my husband insisted on getting it and he was so right about how handy it is. You can pick them up cheap enough second hand and they are usually in perfect condition.

tea_and_cake · 04-12-2017 9:32pm

scarepanda wrote: »

Haha tea_and_cake! It's all so tempting when your trying to nest and be prepared for every eventuality!

I just thought of another couple things, that are by no way essential, but I still wouldn't be without out them coz they make my life easier and that's a rocking chair and feeding cushion. I can only speak from a breastfeeding pov, but would imagine they would be just as useful for formula. I use them everyday, especially at bed time. The chair is one thing I really wasn't pushed about, but my husband insisted on getting it and he was so right about how handy it is. You can pick them up cheap enough second hand and they are usually in perfect condition.

It's so tempting. I'm a pure mother hen, I'd have had kids when I was 20 if I could :pac: thankfully none of the sales assistants have pushed stuff on my. Nearly the opposite, which is nice.

I don't have space for a chair. Thankfully I have the cushion because I plan on breastfeding so hopefully it works.

I'd have all the clothes bought too but think I'll have a big baby so holding off on too much stuff.

Kintarō Hattori · 04-12-2017 9:39pm

Cotton pads - these are great for wiping their bum/area for the first month or so. We also put one/two under her chin as milk can be lost when feeding:

https://www.tesco.ie/groceries/Product/Details/?id=251242974

Washable changing mats- brilliant as you will get poop/pee on them and they can fold up to take with you when out and about:

http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/products/childrens-ikea-products/baby/changing-tables-nursing/tutig-babycare-mat-grey-white-art-10256613/

Long sleeve babysuits. Great for the chillier nights. I found Tesco's to be great. The material is good quality and the buttons are colour coded (at 3am it helps!).

scarepanda · 04-12-2017 9:43pm

tea_and_cake wrote:

I don't have space for a chair. Thankfully I have the cushion because I plan on breastfeding so hopefully it works.

That's fair enough so, it's just something I've found invaluable. We've it set up in baby's room. The cushion is definitely a massive help with breastfeeding. Get more so you have one in all the main places you may feed. I have two, one for her room and the other for the living room!

tea_and_cake wrote:

I'd have all the clothes bought too but think I'll have a big baby so holding off on too much stuff.

From my experience I'd only have the bare basics of vests and onesies for when baby is born. And I wouldn't get newborn size. It only fits up to 7.5lbs. the up to 3mths have far more longevity. So even if baby is less than 7.5lbs you OH can always run to the shop and pick up a few bits. After that, wait till you see what presents you get. We had enough clothes for baby right up to 9-12mths. She has stuff for bigger sizes but not a full wardrobe like she had for the smaller sizes. The main thing we have had to buy clothes wise for her up to now are the basics like vest, onesies and PJ's.

LirW · 04-12-2017 9:43pm

waterfaerie wrote: »

People will convince you that you need lots of things when, in fact, you need very little at all. All your baby needs is you. Depending on your lifestyle, you could actually buy nothing and be fine.

It's hard when you're pregnant, excited, full of hormones and wanting to nest, to avoid over buying. I'm very back to basics and even I got sucked in and bought too much baby stuff.

These are the only things I couldn't have managed without:
nappies + wipes (I use cloth)

sling

car seat

cellular blankets (safest for baby)

These are some things that make life easier and I'm glad I have:
plenty of muslins

changing mat

mirror for car

breast pads (again, I use cloth ones)

thermometer

These are some things that my baby really benefited from having:
a playmat with an arch and dangling toys

several toys with different textures to grab and feel

a silicone teething thing

books, books, books!

And these are some things I bought and absolutely did not need at all:
co sleeper crib

cot

travel system (I use the buggy part sometimes for longer walks now that she's bigger but could have just bought a cheap buggy)

special mattresses for both crib and cot

sheets for crib, cot and pram

too many clothes

dedicated changing area (built, not bought but still, unused)

snowsuit

If you can, instead of spending money on lots of stuff, I would recommend you take as much time off work as you can possibly afford.

I second all of the above.

In my opinion the biggest waste of money are travel systems. They are only useful for 2 things in my opinion: if you don't have a moses basket, the baby can nap in it instead when you're busy and when you're around with the car seat. Otherwise you'll switch to a lightweight buggy once the baby can sit and this is in literally no time. When they can fully recline you can easily pack your baby in one from little on.

Mine also sleeps in with me but sleeping really depends on what suits yourself and your family. Some people don't wanna have them in the bed or even in the same room, that's fair enough. Co sleepers also have this annoying thing that they're pretty expensive and they grow out of them in no time. It sometimes makes sense getting them second hand or just take the cot and take one side off and put it to your own bed.

Changing table, didn't even bother getting one now, just got a mat and changed her on the bed or kitchen table. Usually keep a pack of nappies upstairs and one downstairs.

And last but not least: clothes. The biggest money racket. I have no idea how much I spent on clothes for my son, even for the unhandiest things like tiny jeans for a 2 month old or "shoes". The don't need them and you'll hate them because most of that stuff is just gimmicky and unhandy.
I got 85% of my daughters clothes in bundles off adverts and they are cheap and in good nick because most people sell these mountains on because they made exactly the same mistake. Yes they need clothes and they also need a few spare sets but they don't even need half of what the shops will tell you you'll need.

But I think this is all a learning process, because you'll find out yourself what was a complete waste of money (and believe me, there will be plenty of things).

shesty · 04-12-2017 9:47pm

You don't need a cot straight away no, but definitely should be on the list for a few months down the line.
I can tell you if you stop breastfeeding or you don't breastfeed....I would not be sleeping with the baby in the bed.You don't have that in-built sensitivity that you have when you breastfeed.I have done it twice,transitioning from breast to bottle at a young enough age and it's terrifying how much deeper (or something) your sleep is when you stop feeding, you are not so intune with the baby, and personally it gave me an awful fright.So I wouldn't write a cot off.

Also if you have plans regarding a second baby any time soon after the first-for your own sanity and family peace, it's better to have a bed of their own for baby no.1(and I know people out there don't all do that, but as they head towards two and three, it's generally a better option). Ditto for buggies that easily convert to a double (I am an organisation freak...)

tea_and_cake · 04-12-2017 9:53pm

scarepanda wrote: »

That's fair enough so, it's just something I've found invaluable. We've it set up in baby's room. The cushion is definitely a massive help with breastfeeding. Get more so you have one in all the main places you may feed. I have two, one for her room and the other for the living room!

From my experience I'd only have the bare basics of vests and onesies for when baby is born. And I wouldn't get newborn size. It only fits up to 7.5lbs. the up to 3mths have far more longevity. So even if baby is less than 7.5lbs you OH can always run to the shop and pick up a few bits. After that, wait till you see what presents you get. We had enough clothes for baby right up to 9-12mths. She has stuff for bigger sizes but not a full wardrobe like she had for the smaller sizes. The main thing we have had to buy clothes wise for her up to now are the basics like vest, onesies and PJ's.

Great adviss thanks. Unfortunately I don't have space for the chair. Really wanted one but no space

never thought to have more than one bf pillow, thanks. I'll pick up another one in the sales. I got one newborn item as a present, it's being exchanged for a 0-3 it's too cute for them. To grow out if that soon.

LirW wrote: »

Changing table, didn't even bother getting one now, just got a mat and changed her on the bed or kitchen table. Usually keep a pack of nappies upstairs and one downstairs.

And last but not least: clothes. The biggest money racket. I have no idea how much I spent on clothes for my son, even for the unhandiest things like tiny jeans for a 2 month old or "shoes". The don't need them and you'll hate them because most of that stuff is just gimmicky and unhandy.
I got 85% of my daughters clothes in bundles off adverts and they are cheap and in good nick because most people sell these mountains on because they made exactly the same mistake. Yes they need clothes and they also need a few spare sets but they don't even need half of what the shops will tell you you'll need.

But I think this is all a learning process, because you'll find out yourself what was a complete waste of money (and believe me, there will be plenty of things).

Thanks I may hold off on the changing table so.

Totally agree. I love all the cute tiny clothes but shoes annoy me!!! I don't like shoes so until my child is walking they won't wear them. They are pointless and coat a fortune for some. Also how can you put hard jeans on a small baby?

ForestFire · 04-12-2017 9:53pm

There's a lot already covered so I'll just post a small addition, but one we found absolutely the best of it's type. It's a bit more expensive, but much larger, better protection coverage and washes perfectly without issues as new, unlike all the others.

I give you..... :-)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B007MNVPJ8/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1512420626&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=mum2mum+bibs&dpPl=1&dpID=41IR4LGS-SL&ref=plSrch

tea_and_cake · 04-12-2017 9:56pm

ForestFire wrote: »

There's a lot already covered so I'll just post a small addition, but one we found absolutely the best of it's type. It's a bit more expensive, but much larger, better protection coverage and washes perfectly without issues as new, unlike all the others.

I give you..... :-)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B007MNVPJ8/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1512420626&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=mum2mum+bibs&dpPl=1&dpID=41IR4LGS-SL&ref=plSrch

I need them for myself :pac:

I read somewhere that new borns don't really need bibs. Is that true?

jlm29 · 04-12-2017 10:29pm

There’s some great tips above, but like waterfaerie says- save as much money as you can, and put it to taking as much time as you can off work.
I’d also consider saving money on some things like travel systems to put towards a decent second stage car seat. I can never fathom when people will spend €1200 on a bugaboo and then €60 on a cheaper car seat (possibly with a picture of Minnie Mouse on) that looks like it wouldn’t protect a doll in a crash.

Cakerbaker · 04-12-2017 11:06pm

I know some people are saying not to bother with a travel system but I love ours and still use it for our 21 month old. It’s handy when they’re tiny as you can attach the car seat for quick trips into the shops which is great if they’re asleep and you don’t want to have to wake them to run into tesco.

It’s also incredibly comfortable, I know some strollers have soft wheels but I always feel sorry for kids being bounced along in strollers with hard plastic wheels. Plus the basket on mine is massive so is handy when shopping! It converts to a double which will be handy next year :-)

I’d agree with the post above, to get a decent car seat. It’s one thing I’d be wary of buying second hand as you don’t know how it’s been treated / if it’s been in a crash.

I’m also a fan of our changing table. I just find it so much more comfortable to change standing up rather than leaning over on the bed / couch. We’ve ours downstairs and it’s a handy spot for storing clothes / nappies etc.

appledrop · 04-12-2017 11:18pm

Cakerbaker wrote: »

I know some people are saying not to bother with a travel system but I love ours and still use it for our 21 month old. It’s handy when they’re tiny as you can attach the car seat for quick trips into the shops which is great if they’re asleep and you don’t want to have to wake them to run into tesco.

+1 I adore my travel system. I don't know how people say they don't get use from them. I used the pram part for 1st 6 months + my little guy loved it. It was great for walks in park + he always slept in it. He is 18mths now + still loads if room in buggy part. We brought one if those fold up buggys for our hols as easier to bring in plane etc. I absolutely hated it! Crap steering no support for baba etc.

Each baby will be different + also what suits you. Our guy was never in our bed till over 1. Just not for me I'd be too worried.

rainbow kirby · 04-12-2017 11:25pm

Try hauling a hefty travel system on the tube. You'd very quickly switch to babywearing full time or using an easily wrangled light buggy.

appledrop · 04-12-2017 11:29pm

True enough Rainbow Kirby. Our public transport system is so bad here don't bother with it much with the buggy.

khaldrogo · 04-12-2017 11:36pm

Sleep

Roesy · 04-12-2017 11:52pm

tea_and_cake wrote: »

I need them for myself :pac:

I read somewhere that new borns don't really need bibs. Is that true?

My eldest would have been fine without bibs for the first few weeks, my second and third babies were monumental spewers, you couldn’t have enough bibs and muslins!!!

appledrop · 05-12-2017 12:01am

I read somewhere that new borns don't really need bibs. Is that true?[/QUOTE]

ARE you joking? My little guy had reflux+ went through about 5 bibs a day! 18mths now + would still have one of those bandana style bibs on him everyday for all the drools with his teething.

jlm29 · 05-12-2017 12:46am

Oh I love my travel system- I bought it when I had my first baby, and he’s 6 now. I used it loads with him, though less with his two brothers. I wouldn’t not buy a travel system (personally, though not everyone needs one), but I’d just prioritise a good car seat, and buy a less than top of the range travel system if I had to make a choice

Gatica · 05-12-2017 9:00am

our travel system cost us 600 I think. We got the Venicci one with carrycot and seat. We got 6.5 months use out of carrycot (same as with moses basket) and we still use the seated buggy for all our walking around town and going for walks. The wheels are great and it's very manoeuvreable.
We got a folding pushchair for travelling from a friend and it's very handy when we cannot bring our large buggy, however, I wouldn't exchange our travel system for it for everyday use.

tea_and_cake · 05-12-2017 9:02am

appledrop wrote: »

ARE you joking? My little guy had reflux+ went through about 5 bibs a day! 18mths now + would still have one of those bandana style bibs on him everyday for all the drools with his teething.

I bought lovely bibs and then read that and thought oh I don't need them but was wondering alright. Thanks for the clarification!

Millem · 05-12-2017 9:11am

jlm29 wrote: »

I can never fathom when people will spend €1200 on a bugaboo and then €60 on a cheaper car seat (possibly with a picture of Minnie Mouse on) that looks like it wouldn’t protect a doll in a crash.

Never a truer word said.
Unfortunately I know so many people like this. I remember back in 2014 when I was buying EFC friends and family thought I was literally mad! When colleagues would see my son at 3 rearfacing they thought I had a screw loose....

shesty · 05-12-2017 9:44am

I love our travel system, although the 'travel system' element of it was lost on our first because she wouldn't sit in the car seat in the buggy, reflux, used to scream blue murder.So it was just a buggy from then!!but it's well used and abused.However we do live in a country area,use the car all the time and need big proper wheels for walks on rugged ground and beaches.It was a godsend when no.2 arrived, and I love the massive basket under it for all the crap we carry around!We have a stroller and a side by side double too, but our travel system is great.Second hand on done deal though , there are some in super condition or brand new, if you didn't want to spend the full amount.

sillysocks · 05-12-2017 10:04am

I think with a lot of baby products you need to think about your own day to day life, size of house etc before making decisions. For example as someone said if you're getting the tube in London every day your buggy needs would be a lot different to if you live out in the countryside and will be out for long walks every day.

I use my travel system all the time-mainly for the easiness of clicking the car seat onto the wheels because this is my third child and I have 4 different drops and collections with school each day so it's a hundred times easier to not have to take the baby out of her seat each time.

Another thing I remembered reading this thread was about a changing unit. We never got one, didn't have the space, but realised when the baby was born that the ikea footstools are the perfect height for sitting on the couch and lying the baby on for nappy changes. We buy the disposable changing mats and leave one on the stool and it's a perfect changing 'station' which doesn't take loads of room. A year on we're still using it!

http://www.ikea.com/ie/en/products/sofas-armchairs/footstools-pouffes/poäng-footstool-oak-veneer-finnsta-grey-spr-09090341/

The next bibs are expensive but great-they've a plastic layer inside the bib so nothing goes through them but the top and bottom are soft. Definitely my Best Buy. They are expensive but I got a lot of presents from Next that I knew I wouldn't use so exchanged them for the bibs.

Baby must haves

Comments