I'm so lost about what I NEED and what is IDEAL and what is down right excessive when it comes to shopping for the baby.

I haven't bought a thing yet, almost a fear of not knowing what to buy, I dislike the idea of wasting money almost as much as I dislike the idea of not having what I need for the baby before the baby comes.

I've just spent the day in a baby super-store wandering around, talking to the staff, getting a fair idea of what I might NEED and I've established a list (Along with approimate prices)

What I would love is any mums-already or even other mums-to-be to have a look through and add to or omit anything from my list of things.

Baby's Essentials list First Draft:
Cot
Pram
Car seat
3 cot sheet sets
3 matress protectors
3 blankets
baby towels (guessing about 4 to start off with)
baby face washers (again, just guessing, but about 12 to start)
Convertible bath/change table
portible change mat for nappy bag
baby thermometer
tallboy draws for baby things
Disposible nappies
Nappy bag
baby wipes
box of disposible gloves


I wont need bottles and sterilisers and such because I'm planning to breast feed, however I have a loose plan to express milk a little later on for the purpose of me having a night off from time to time, however, I dont think that I'll NEED that equiptment BEFORE I have the baby, I guess I'll work that out afterwards.

Baby clothes I'll assess closer to my due date, as I've already got heaps of gifts coming in of baby clothes (one of the advantages of knowing its a boy, everyone's out buying me blue jumpsuits!)

So... yeah... that it... Any guidance would be awesome!

I'm just wondering why you need disposable gloves? And it sounds like alot of face washers... Not that i'd know since this is my first bub. But the rest sounds good to me. Add some cute toys too

Oh yes, i do plan to buy things because its cute :P although they dont need to go on the list, because, you couldn't stop me buying them.

The gloves... the gloves... because... even though I've probably changed a thousand nappies in my life (working in childcare)... poo is still icky! And you know... when... the.... nappy.... leaks.... up the back or out the sides.... I'd like to have gloves for those occasions.

Lol fair enough, never thought bout those moments. My friends bub did that at my baby shower. Nice little chap he is.

I bought a bath and changing mat for my first but didnt use either. I walso never bothered with baby towels. Unless your towels are rough you can just use ordinary towels. Having said that I do understand how exciting it is having your first baby....going out buying the stuff is soooo exciting, I know I did (even though I didnt use mosty of it!!)
I would add muslins to your list....I personally used muslins at everyfeed and for dribble !!
What about a crib or moses basket to sleep in while the baby is in your room, it saves moving the cot and takes up less space.
Happy shopping!

I had thought about a bassinette, I do like the idea of having the baby close-by for the first few weeks... and.... they're so beautiful and lovely to look at, I think the bassinettes are just lovely... and not TOO expensive really... that can go in the 'maybe' pile.

And I'll add muslins to my list :P

Muslin squares are a must. I think you need a moses basket more than you need a changing table. Obviously if you get a moses basket you'll need the smaller linen that fits it.
I'm planning on breastfeeding but I've got some bottles and a steriliser anyway. You never know how its going to work out and you'll use them for sure. I wouldnt want my hubby having to rush out for a steriliser and to decide which bottles and teats etc if I needed them fast.

Baby monitor.
Cotton wool - some hospitals are funny about you using wipes on newborns
Infacol
scratch mits
nail scissors
breast pads and nursing bras for you!

I have lots of things on my list that are not essential but I know will make life easier having had one already!

x

Oh thank God for this thread! I have been panicking (along with my husband), this week because we have NO IDEA where to start. We haven't got a clue what we'll need or anything. I really am getting into a bit of a panic (Ok a lot of a panic)!!
So thanks for this - I will be keeping a close eye on it!!!

Great thread hun, i had forgot a few things LOL.
I plan on breastfeeding but I have bought the sterilizer and some bottle ready just incase.
I am also going to get some nipple shields. Now my nipples are not that big and I had trouble last time and these are great if your nipples get dry or cracked. I loved them.
Luv cheryl xxx

I too would add muslin squares, and bibs-plenty of them. These are the two main things which many other Mums have been telling me to stock up on, as I'll use loads.
Also, dunno if others know, but all nappies have got a third off in Sainsbury's at the moment. I'm buying the odd pack now and then, when I see offers like this, as I know it's something which will get used.
xx