I used the Huggies pre-soaped sensitive skin wash cloths. They are super handy for the first few months. I never used powder or oil.

I bought some Desitin diaper rash cream becasue everybody told me I would need it. I think that some babies are more likely to get diaper rash then others, IMO. My son was 2 1/2 before he ever had a diaper rash but my neice got them all the time.

I also lotioned my son every night with Huggies sensitive skin lotion then swtiched to Aveeno when he was 2. My son had/has the softest skin ever and I will be using huggies lotion this time around as well. My BIL/SIL very seldom used lotion on my neice and her skin is very rough.

Also you will need vaseline if you have a boy that is circumcised. You will also need alcohol/alcohol wipes for the cord stump.

With OH having 2 young ones already (2 and 4) we already use baby shampoo and baby bath. We also tend to have a good supply of sudocrem and bepantham in.

I love baby talc too, always have that in but i use i on me It's lovely on feet before popping flip flops or crocs on.

Agree with the others about the chemicals in johnsons, we used it with lilly and it set off her exhema so will be avoiding it like the plague wth this one. the wipes even irritate her x

I've heard that you can use baby oil for removing sticky bits of poo! But we hve never used it on Archer, I may try it with this one as those first few poos can be really sticky.

Other than baby shampoo and baby bath the only product I would say I couldn't do without is 50%liquid and 50% soft white parrafin. You get it in big pots from the chemist for a couple of quid and we use it at every nappy change to protect against sore bums. Its really natural and gentle and a great alternative to vaseline which I find quite difficult to spread! Since we have been using it we haven't had a sore bum once so no need for sudacream, bepanthen or any nasty medicated stuff. I used liquid parafin on Archer for the first few months (on my mums suggestion as thats what she used and so did my nan!) but its really runny and a bit messy, the 50/50 stuff rocks. I love it, can you tell??!!

Defo don't go mad buying loads of stuff you will have enough crap hanging around anyway you don't need to spend loads of products (save the money and buy yourself some pamper products!)

with my son we used Johnsons head to toe wash, baby lotion, powder and diaper rash cream thats it so that is what I will be using again this time. no need for all that other stuff they just make so much of it to get you to spend all your money on them.

I bought everything Johnsons and have only used the top to toe wash and oil. The wash i use for his hair and then in his bath water. The oil because his skin is so dry but unfortunately it brought him out in a rash so i need something a bit more sensitive for him. Oh and sudacrem. I would be lost without it.

With the birthing pool. I really wanted a water birth but it never happened. It was available at the time i was in labour but my blood pressure was so high. Look into it but dont build your hopes up on having one. I did and was so disappointed. The internet is a good place to read about water births.

Good luck with everything x

My aunt is a health visitor and said that these days they recommend no soap-based stuff, only water and olive oil at bathtimes.

Are you having a homebirth? (SOrry, haven't read all replies!) - if so, buy, hire or borrow a pool (I have borrowed one from someone I met through the NCT). If not, you are probably going to have to hope that no one else is using one when you get to hosp.

Good luck!