What do we ACTUALLY need?

[msizzard]

Our lovely friends want to buy us presents that we 'really need' as opposed to clothes etc. - but we're swimming in the sea of 'no clue'. Any tips on things we'll really need - for the baby or for me post birth?

[Hidden]

I am in the same position as u, I have asked people to get me nappies (when I decide what make to use) and lots of wipes. I have asked for clothes but for later on like some 3-6 and 9-12 so I don't end up with lots of newborn and 0-3. I have seen some other little things that I like so I have asked certain people for them rather than just giving a list to everyone I have given specific items for specific people. I looked on the bounty website as that gives u a list of post birth and newborn things u might like. do u know if ur having a girl or boy? xx

[Hidden]

Baby bouncer is brilliant....blankets fitted sheet and sheets for Moses basket or crib.....or vouchers for mothercare so u can get bits yourself...muslin squares for having over your shoulder or just around to mop up any baby sick..activity mat to lay them on they are all practical things that I personally think are really helpful...saw something today that plays womb sounds that u can put on when they are sleeping...and nursing bra, they are expensive so to get one as a gift is great! Xx

[minime61]

Change mats for upstairs, downstairs and change bag

A change bag

Muslin cloths-no more than 20

Dribble bibs-nice bandana ones with patterns are nice as presents

Blankets to cover, wrap and play on

I have a towel that you wear like an apron for bathtime-keeps or hands free to pick them up-can't remember what they're called.

All I can think of now....xx

[Hidden]

the thing that plays noises that help the child sleep is ewan the dream sheep..i know at least 5 people recently that have sworn by him, plays noises that soothes the child, amazon is cheapest place x

[jacquiedevon]

Hi both,

I've recently had a new baby and it was a small one, you can very quickly be in 0-3 mths or still be in newborn at 4 mths, don't buy too many clothes in advance until you know how big your baby is (not the scan prediction but the actual arrival)

For baby gifts, I'd suggest asking for vouchers for somewhere like John Lewis or Mothercare you can then use them towards a big item you might need later. Don't buy too many nappies again it depends on the size of the baby as to what brand you end up using.

You don't need a baby gym or swing for a good couple of months, initially a baby bouncer is useful, a steriliser (cold water is the most flexible), some emergency formula and a few newborn bottles with teats, a My Brest Friend cushion is the most useful feeding cushion, cot sheets and blankets, you don't need a cot set with bumper as you don't use a bumper or quilt with a newborn, Lahsinoh nipple cream, breakfast bars (for you), comfy clothes that allow you to feed your baby easily, a BebeChic or Bebe Au Lait, some comfy granny pants in case you have a c-section (and generally much nicer than disposable ones), slippers for hospital (that you will never wear again). The book we have found most useful is My baby week by week

Congratulations and you are about to embark on the most exciting part of your life so far

[Megzey]

My friends got me a prezzie called a nappy cake and it was tierd like a wedding cake with nappies and on the top were muslin clothes, teddy, booties, scrath mits, hair brush & comb & all sorts of little bits it was brilliant. The nappies were huggies though which were rubbish bit I still used them all.

Ask for vouchers if you are not sure as you will get tons of clothes all 0-3months.

[ritz21]

I have asked our friends and family to bring baby change table with a bath tub, car seat (of the company i took the pram system of) and Baby rocker/bouncer - and nothing else.

That do take care of few of the major furniture expenses - but given that we have a lot of friends and family who would be visiting us, we asked them to pool together for the above three.

apart from that my husband's family would also be bringing in stuffs which was bought for the (now) elder cousins - like crib and sling and probably also the Nursing chair. But for the used things we are keeping the strict rule of Close family only (thats the grandparents and my husband's brother and sister)

At our end we are only buying cloths, toys, feeding stuffs (because we dont know what the baby would need for feeding - time would tell), shelves for already existing wardrobes, travel cot and pram system. Keep-sake and stuff for her christening !

[tigernoodles]

Baby monitor, vouchers towards your chosen pram/pushchair, some rich hand cream for you, nappies, vouchers for your chosen baby shop so you can buy clothes or things you need. If you are breast feeding, nursing bras (highly expensive!) and breast pads, if bottle feeding, steriliser, bottles, formula etc.

You will get lots of clothes, but ask for gift receipts and take any back that you have duplicates of or want in a bigger/smaller size

[msizzard]

Thanks ladies - vouchers hadn't even crossed my mind!