What do/don’t you need?
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Product Reviews
Forum Name: Product Reviews
Forum Description: Cot or bassinette? Which pram is best for you? How about nappies? Check out our Product Reviews board to find out what other Mums and Dads think and share your thoughts!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4720
Printed Date: 18 December 2024 at 7:13am
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Topic: What do/don’t you need?
Posted By: cat
Subject: What do/don’t you need?
Date Posted: 04 December 2006 at 9:17am
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Hi all
I'm now in the process of starting to think about buying stuff for the baby. I'm a little tired of hearing about what you must have and then hearing other people's contradicting advice - it gets very confusing. We are on quite a tight budget too so can't afford new everything. I'd love people to list things they were told that they would definitely need and never used. Or things that people found absolutely invaluable. Or things that people bought loads of and only used a small amount of etc etc. Some info about what we are hoping: I'm planning on breastfeeding, would love to get baby into the cot as early as possible, we will be going away to stay with friends for the odd night here and there, we will be living on a lifestyle block and will want to walk the dog with baby in a buggy type thing/backpack, not sure whether to go disposable or washable nappies (though we will only have a large rainwater tank for water so it may not be practical to have to wash large numbers of nappies - so probably disposable). Any help would be great! Cat -------------  
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Replies:
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 04 December 2006 at 9:19am
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I had Ella in a cot from the day she came home. I had a safety sleep in her cot to stop her moving about.
www.babycity.co.nz have a list of stuff they recommend but u dont have to have it all 
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Posted By: KH25
Date Posted: 04 December 2006 at 9:48am
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Well if you are going to stay overnight then you will need a portacot. If you get one with a bassinet then you can use that at home if you didn't wanna put bubs staright into the cot. One useless thing that I bought and tried once and never used again is those towelling hammocky things that baby lies on in the bath. It was useless and Ashleigh's head was still in the water. I have since bought a plastic layback thing and it is wonderful! Oh and you probably don't really need a baby bath as they only fit in them for such a short amount of time! ------------- Kelly, mum to DD, 19Jun06 (26wks 1lb15oz) DS1, 24Oct10 (32wks 4lb11oz) and DS2, 31Dec11 (32wks, 4lb11) http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Paws
Date Posted: 04 December 2006 at 10:19am
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Things I have found invaluable...
Our Mountain Buggy...we use it so much I couldn't be without it. It is so worth investing in a decent buggy especially if you plan on doing lots of walking and not all of it on concrete! (it was a dream on the beach the other day!!) We got a Touchwood cot, main thing is to get something well made and long lasting that has a bassinet level I feel. Plus ours has the added advantage of being a first bed so it will last longer. Portacot...we have it permantly set up in our living room, gives Maddie somewhere safe to play if I have stuff to do, or have a snooze, plus we can take it away with us if need be. Good supportive bouncer...Maddie loves hers!! We ended up with a basic one that has support for her butt as well, she wasn't so keen on the ones where they lie in it and thier feet dangle (like the old crochet ones) You can never have too many bibs or all in ones! I think it goes without saying that I am a huge advocate of cloth nappies, apart from the fact they are better for the environment they are heaps better for the wallet! (unless you're like me and buy lots of cute ones! ) I'm sure there would be options for using them without trucking through the water. I'm sure some of the TNN girls could point you in the right direction or aimeejoy, nikkiwhyte or other clothies might have some advice. (we have a front loader so I'm not much help!) I think those are the basics for us. Hope that helps a little. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: jax
Date Posted: 04 December 2006 at 10:57am
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Just off the top of my very tired head... lots of singlets (with the dome snaps to fasten under crotch), lots of stretch n grows, and lots of bibs ! ------------- Jacquie - Mama to Erin, 13.07.06 - Chief Cat Chaser & Marmite Sammie Eater 
Love many, trust few, harm none. ~Anon~ |
Posted By: Sarah Beth
Date Posted: 04 December 2006 at 11:05am
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I think there is a post you might find helpful as well, top 5 things you couldn't do without under the general section. It is saved to my favourites at home so will bump it for you tonight. ------------- "> 
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 04 December 2006 at 11:48am
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I would choose a baby backpack OR stroller to start with. It mostly depends on the terrain but a stroller will last you longer (those babies get heavy!). You can easily pick up strollers in second hand shops and if you wanted to just go with a backpack for starters, I think they are cheaper.
You don't need a bassinette, just put bubba straight into a cot from when you are out of the hospital. It means you probably won't be able to have Baby right beside you in your bedroom but they only fit bassinettes for about 6 weeks anyway. Start with disposable nappies and make a more long-term decision after about 3 months. That will give you time to settle in before having to keep up with washing and working out what types of clothies to buy if you want to go that way. If you can hook into a family who have recently had their last baby, you will be able to pick up a lot of clothes from them. Get a friend to organise a baby shower for you at about the 8 month pregnant mark and you will get a lot of stuff from there. People love buying stuff for babies! Don't buy any toys until after you've had baby. You will probably get given some but you can work out what you need/want after s/he's born. There is another thread similar to this in the Buy & Exchange section, started by Vix, I will bump it for you. -------------  |
Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 04 December 2006 at 12:07pm
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Things I found useless
baby lotion - Jake's skin was beautiful and never needed it, and Taine had some dry skin, but most of the lotions were highly perfumed and irritated it. I ended up just going to a chemist and asking what they recommended. invaluable baby massage oil - i was given some with Taine as a gift and it is brilliant. Both boys love it. I give them a mini rub down after their baths and they are really giggly and cute. I recommend it! watch for: does you pushchair have or is able to support a toddler seat? It's a good thing to think of should you want to have more kids before your oldest is hitting three-ish, specially if you are going to want to walk. Also, you MUST check that the stroller fits in your car boot! Baby carriers that support the neck. mine didn't and poor babies head flopped around. i ended up having to support it with my hands - kinda defeats the purpose! we never had either boy in a bassinette and they were fine. can't remember much else. probably should as my SIL is having a bubba and wants to know the same info! |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 04 December 2006 at 2:31pm
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Never had a basinette, all three of my girls came home straight into a cot, but I wouldn't be without their safety sleeps (and they won't sleep without them now).
Bought a flash change table with a bath in it. Loving the change table, and all the pockets, shelves etc. but the bath is a big waste of time - have never been able to figure out how to get it to drain properly when it is in the change table stand so mainly use it on the kitchen bench instead. Haven't used any lotions and potions so far except the freebie samples of barrier cream, a little bit of Huggies sensitive bath liquid and some Bubbaloo pawpaw ointment as the twins both have exczema (already!). Still have the full bottle of baby lotion I bought when I had Maya nearly 4 years ago, same goes for the J an J baby shampoo. Soft towels are nice for when they have their bath, but baby towels are dearer than normal towels and some of them are just as soft. Lots and lots of muslin cloths. I use colored ones for wrapping and white ones for putting down on the change table, playmat, bouncinette etc. to mop up spills and save me washing the covers every 5 minutes. Ad we use cloth flats with some fancy overnaps I bought, and only do one extra load of wash a day for the nappies, often I throw the baby clothes in the machine with the nappies (I soak them in Napisan overnight so they are sterile). ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 04 December 2006 at 2:33pm
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Oh and our bouncinettes have been a Godsend. We have Fisher Price Linkadoos Infant to Toddler rockers, were around $70 at Kmart but they can convert to a toddler rocker that can take up to 18kg, and lie back flat enough for a newborn as well. I feed the girls in them so I can feed them both together, and in the evenings they catnap in them (they vibrate as well).
And I would love to have a baby sling, they look so practical especially when bubs is grumpy, but we have a logistical problem - can't put both babies in one at the same time! ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 04 December 2006 at 5:14pm
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I didn't have a bouncinette for my first but did for my second - it was good for providing a true personal space barrier in the older child's mind but also because #2 had reflux.
You won't need a baby bath and a change table is not necessary either. I ended up giving mine away. You also don't need a sheepskin, they're jolly hard to wash anyway! ------------- |
Posted By: CuriousG
Date Posted: 04 December 2006 at 8:52pm
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Curash powder I have found invaluable especially in that first 3 months while their bottom skin is hardening up a bit. You dont need a lot, just dab it with your finger in the cracks of the legs and in the bottom crack too - its amazing!
I found I didn't have enough face clothes or towels, I would recommend having about 5 of each. The towels with the hoods are fantastic.  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 04 December 2006 at 8:54pm
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I used Curash with Maya too, great when using cloth flats as they help keep bubs drier. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 8:27am
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Curash is great, I got my last lot via a bounty pack
Am about to rip up an "old" towel for more face cloths, so much cheaper and they're just for (in my case) wiping the girls' faces after meals. ------------- |
Posted By: Jennz
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 9:12am
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Baby bath, Baby pack, Bassinette and a change table were all things I could have done without easily.
Bouncinette, Breast feeding pillow, Portacot, Steriliser and a baby capsule were all worth their weight in gold! Ooo and you can never have too many bibs, cloth nappies, muslins or singlets! ------------- Jen, Charlotte 7 & Kate 3 
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Posted By: rug_nz
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 10:06am
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Conflicting info again but after telling DW we wont need a change table she finaly talked me into it, Thank god she did, I use it bout 3-4 times a day, we both don't have the best backs and it would kill mine if I had to change her on a bed or floor.
Don't even bother looking at front packs we got given one and have never used it, even gave it to my sis to try out she sent it back a week later. ------------- Look out! It's a man. SAHD 
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Posted By: Jennz
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 10:15am
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I just put the padded change mat thing on top of her draws! When she got big enough to roll I wouldn't have wanted her up high anyway- even if it was a proper table so just moved the mat to the floor. ------------- Jen, Charlotte 7 & Kate 3
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Posted By: aimeejoy
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 10:20am
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We had a front pack and hardly used it, always put her in the pram. I would rather have had a sling for a newborn. We managed fine without a change table, probably would have been "nice" to have one, but if moneys an issue its defintiely not essential. Same witha bassinett - we have a family one but only used it for about 2 months. I wouldnt worry about a breast pump, bttles, steriliser etc until bubs is here and you know whether you are going to bf or not, and how it is going. For a baby bath we just had one of those big party bucket things (that you put ice and you drinks in!) from the Warehouse - was $5 and was just easier at the start than having this tiny baby in big bath. Now its a washing basket!
I am a cloth nappy user too, if you are short on money they are definitely the way to go. Initially I just used a mix of cloth flats (old fashioned kind) with covers, a few modern cloth naps and disposables, then went full time Fuzzi Bunz. There are a couple of options for people on tank water - wither have enough nappies so you only need to wash every 2-3 days, or instead of using washing machine soak all naps in bucket as they get used then just rinse and spin in machine so using less water. Lots of soft flannels - cheap packs from the Warehouse - make excellent bum wipes instead of disposable ones which can cause a lot of babys to get rashes. Also you dnt need a lot of lotions and bath washes etc - we have only just started putting anything in Hannahs bath at one year! Wow, that is long...  ------------- Aimee Hannah 22/10/05 Greer 11/02/08 |
Posted By: Two Blondinis
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 10:47am
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We're Fuzzibunz users too.
We bought heaps of smalls (probably too many if I'm honest) and Caitlin was in them from birth and we love them! They certainly an investment rather than a cost (if that makes sense) and if you look after them they'll last bubs #2 too! As for using too much water etc washing them - you'll know with a newborn that the washing machine is on 24/7 anyways. The way I looked at that was you either buy HEAPS of clothes or just buy what you need and wash daily (or every other day) and spend then money on water. All works out the same in my eyes. Also, face cloths are great on sensitive bums to use instead of wipes (cheaper too). If you buy singlets, make sure you get the ones with domes underneath as the normal ones just ride up around their armpits (especially when you're winding them!) ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
 
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Posted By: Jay_R
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 11:39am
| We found the changetable with the bath to be fantastic - it had a hose that it drained out from. He grew out of it quickly though, but was great while it lasted. Also, and this is a bit of a luxury, but the best thing we've bought is the Exersaucer. Absolutely wonderful, and Joshie just loves playing in it. He has excellent leg and upper body strength now, and I think being upright in the saucer really helped. |
Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 1:18pm
| exersaucer was brilliant for us too. we got ours from trademe. $50 as opposed to the $200 they were in the shop. |
Posted By: MyMinis
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 1:43pm
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From our experience this is what I'd recommend
* Cot from beginning, We had a bassinette but bnecause we had a nearly 5kg baby she was far too heavy for the bassinette (As they usually only go to 5 or 6kg). We have a cheap cot from the warehouse which ahs a bassinette level and lower level, but the ones that turn into a first bed are definatly well worht a look at, even though they are a little pricey, but they are definatly worth it. * With clothes get more 000's rather than 0000's as most babies don't really fit the 0000's for very long (or fit them at all), you can't go past stretch n grows and bodysuits (singlet/shortsleeve/longsleeve). * Sleeping bag, we jsut cant live with out ours, we had so many problems with Haleigh waking in the night, till we tried a sleeping bag, and she started sleepingthrough the night again, they good for babies who kick blankets off, you can also get ones for in the stroller, we also have one of those and they are great. * With prams, if you do alot of walking get a good quality pram, as not all prams are designed for walking as we found out. If you are going ot spend more time in the car with bubs, then you only really need one that folds down flat and easy, for eg a 4 wheel stroller or light 3wheeler. * Carseats whether you get capsule or reversable try get rear facing up to 13kg or more, just incase, and if you get a reversable get one with a high back, we didnt know this when we purchased ours and HAleigh was the 9kg limit at 5.5months and is nearly too tall for hers and shes only 14months. * Bouncinette we found totally worth while, we had one with a sothing vibration and a toybar, HAleigh just loved it. * babygym, we first just used our clotheshorse and hung toys from it (our midwife suggested it) then my mum got us a mat with an arch and a few toys from flybuys and it was awesome (although she started crawling a month later lol) * a guard for any heaters/ fire etc, and saftey latches plug inserts etc, they are handy to get now and have them installed before bubs is getting into things to get used to them. * Aqueous cream, great as a soapless wash in the bath, for any dry/itchy skin or jsut all over moisturiser and on nappy rash, I use it and use it on my girl, we get it for $8 on perscription from doc or $13 from pharmacy without perscription, and it comes in a huge tub * Benthopan (sp) for really bad nappy rash we buy the blue one its antiseptic, it cost us $13 for the small tube which we jsut ran out off but have had it for over 4 months, (HAleigh gets it bad when teething) * Bonjela, teething bars (flat ones), muslin cloth all great to have on ahnd for teething. We were on a very tight budget when we had Haleigh, so most our stuff we borrowed/ got cheaply or was given to us the carseat was the ultimate exception we spent over $400 on that because taht was our main priority. You'll be amazed at what people buy oyu for baby once bubs is born, All the best  ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
http://tweetytweety85.bebo.com - bebo |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 1:48pm
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Very thorough Haleighsmum! I agree with you on the carseat thing - Maya was too tall for her 0-4 carseat by 18 mths.
And also with the clothes. The twins were on the small side (OK so not small for twins or 37 weekers, but small compared to teh average singleton) and they went straight into 000, I only bought a couple of 0000 things and they ahd outgrown them by 4 weeks. The 000's were on the big side to start with but not TOO big. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: MyMinis
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 2:00pm
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hehe yeah I know, I just dont want any other first itme paretns go throguh the hassle we did, as noone told us any of this, becuase all my friends had babies under 8lb so they didnt know what it was like to ahve a nearly 10lb bub.
yeah 000 were a little big on Haleigh for around 2wks then she filled out in them. we are looking at those new safensound booster seats that have the 5point ahrness in them to put Haleigh in instead of buying a whole new carseat for her, but we are trying ot hold off for as long as possible. Not sure what we'll do with the next one though, might just put it in HAleighs carseat for a while then buy a new one?? HAven't really thought about it. ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://tweetytweety85.bebo.com - bebo |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 2:15pm
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We put Maya into an Evenflo Apollo on her second birthday. It has a removable 5 point harness and can take up to 36kg. You are supposed to use the harness until they are 18kg and then remove the harness and just use a normal seatbelt. But Maya is 18.5kg and still fits the harness so I've left it on for now coz I figure it's safer. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: MyMinis
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 2:17pm
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ooo how much was that? and where did you get it from?
I want her to stay in a harness for as long as I possibly can, so I thoguht these harness booster seats were great idea :) ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://tweetytweety85.bebo.com - bebo |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 2:27pm
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$199 from the Baby Factory. They can go in them from 9kg. Only downside if you are putting a younger bubs in it is that the wings on the side aren't very big so it's not as comfy to sleep in as the 0-4 ones. Wasn't an issue with Maya coz by 2 she hardly fell asleep in the car very often. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: MyMinis
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 2:35pm
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Haleigh sleeps in the car, but we will try keep her in her carseat till as close ot 2, shes 14months now.
but shes also 13kg lol ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://tweetytweety85.bebo.com - bebo |
Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 2:52pm
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I just wanted to add, taine was just under 7pounds and quitre "condensed". he didn't fit his 000 at all! so we went and bought him a few outfits when he was a day old - no hassles. just a reminder that little clothes can be bought on the day!
My nephew was quite big born and his little Peter Rabbit outift that was ought for him to wear home from the hospital didn't fit at all. they just put on the top part and put a blanket over the bottom part- voila - cuttie pie baby in the pics anyway!@ |
Posted By: aimeejoy
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 3:53pm
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Thought of some more stuff that was great:
* big muslin cloths (I got a 4 pack from Farmers for $15, they are the size of cloth nappies and 3 layers I think) They are great for drying bubs after a bath cos they are super soft and dry in a flash. * either big pieces of cotton for wraps or investing in one of those special wrap things that is shaped and has velcro (sorry no idea what they are called) Most babies love being wrapped and will sleep better so they dont thrash around and wake themselves up. ------------- Aimee Hannah 22/10/05 Greer 11/02/08 |
Posted By: MyMinis
Date Posted: 05 December 2006 at 6:19pm
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muslin is also really good as a wrap for summer time, ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://tweetytweety85.bebo.com - bebo |
Posted By: Andie
Date Posted: 06 December 2006 at 9:35pm
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OK you've got me started on the wraps issue... I'm such a wrap-snob!! I found muslin had no stretch to it, and Ella is most comfy in a wrap with some give in the fabric (she also doesn't houdini out of stretchy ones as often). It's a right mission finding 100% cotton wraps that stretch - cotton waffle ones do, but they're a little warm for summer. And all the wraps in the shops are too small to last long. In the end I spent way too much per metre on 100% cotton stretch t-shirt like fabric (thin), to make decent wraps that work a treat. Bertini make some like these, but I bought the last pack in Palmy for now! If you're making them, just overlock the hem rather than fold & hem it so it doesn't leave bulky ridges that'll be uncomfy when bubs lies on them (keeping baby awake for longer). I have about 30 facecloths for Ella's bum at nappy-change time (best to get thin towelling ones so they get into those little crevases). I don't use baby oil at all, but Bepanthen, J&J shampoo and a baby body wash are essentials in our house. I got tripped up on buying too many nappies in newborn-size. Next time I'll get 10 packs and no more! Get a few different brands though, to see what works best on your child (Huggies are the bomb for Ella). Our playmat gets used every day (can get one just about for free with the Huggies promotion too, and it's awesome). We have 10 cloth nappies in circulation for Ella's many, many messes, and use a lot of bibs. Ones that velcro up at the side of the baby's neck are the easiest to put on (from T&T). And like everyone else said, onesie T's that dome under the nappy are essential (envelope necks are easier for me than Pumpkin Patch ones that dome up). And PP socks are the only ones that stay on. Gowns make nappy-changing easier, especially at night (2 for $12 at Baby City). Booties are useless in my books! We got a beastly Kingston Portacot and it's blimmin heavy. I once used a Phil & Ted's one and that looked far more portable (freakin expensive though). A manual breast pump works fine for me because I only use it occasionally. And buy nipple shields before you find out if you need them or not!!! Could be a life-saver. The $5 ones from The Baby Factory work just fine. Oh - and we really needed our digital thermometer. ------------- Andie |
Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 07 December 2006 at 1:15pm
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Socks for when they start crawling they get so filthy and seem to disappear so gets lots the same colour.
I loved the toweling bath seat thing we still use it to wash jacks hair and is great cos Jack can sit on it without slipping over. Matress protector and a few sets of cot sheets because they can spew and poo a bit lol. |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 07 December 2006 at 1:29pm
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Thermometers are great! Personally I prefer booties to socks because I find they stay on better. And I was given heaps and heaps of booties, something about slightly older women + someone having a baby = cluck cluck booties!!
One thing I don't like is bibs that go on like a t-shirt and don't have dome/velcro/tie openings. Once the food gets started, it makes for a very messy face once the bib has to be pulled back over. In the same way, newborn clothes with easy removability and nappy-access are sooooo good for those power-poos!  ------------- |
Posted By: Peace
Date Posted: 07 December 2006 at 9:10pm
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What do/don’t you need? (The Sara Version!)
Don't needs: Sangenic nappy bin - I was in dire need of one of these when I was pregnant. I was absolutely convinced that I had to have one. Hubby's work mates all chipped in and bought one for me... What a waste. The dang thing stiinks! I would have been happier with a pedal bin and a large supply of blue plastic bags. Booties - If you are going to buy baby socks, there is no point in having them. Bassinette - It has been said once and a million times on this thread. I was a believer. My baby needed to be snuggled and cosy, the weight and length went up to about 4 or 5 months and it was CUTE. Olivia was much more settled in her cot (which didn't ricket like the bassinette). Do need's: $100 in your bank account or sock drawer if any extra added cost pops up. My friend gave me this tip. She wasn't sure if she would be able to breast feed or what sex her baby was and it wasn't needed so she put it in savings for him when he becomes a big boy. Bath/change table - I was a cesarean girl and they were both a HUGE life saver when joined together. A saftey kit - You can get a saftey 1st kit with thermometre, medicine dropper, medicine measurer, nasal asparater and nail clippers from the Baby Factory. I use mine every week and it has great little instruction pamphlet in it. Clothes - 3 skinny singlets, 3 dome singlets, 3 wool singlets! All a must have if you are having a winter baby. Bibs - they fricken cost they earth though. Sprott Mattress cover - no baby has ever died of cot death on a Dr Sprott mattress cover. I am so down with that! A pushchair - that is not only a reliable brand but has some sort of hydrolics or shocks on it by the wheels like the Mountain Buggy has. I made the mistake of getting Mothercare because it was quite roomy! Bouncinette - worth its weigh in gold *jiggle* *jiggle* Toys - Exersaucer and baby gym. Olivia has got endless entertainment out of hers and Olivia's Mummy is ever grateful! A working camera - self explainitory. Karicare barrier and nappy rash cream - one for the butt and one for the head. I got 1 of the nappy rash cream and it is the schiznit, great for cradle cap! As for the barrier cream it is good for those first few weeks and also as a lubricant for constipated bottoms! There are a gazillion other things of do's and don't needs that have already been stated... thought I would add my 5c worth! ------------- DD1 May 2006 DD2 March 2011 DD3 August 2012 |
Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 08 December 2006 at 5:08pm
| I find anything wollen is a waste of time cos its such a hassle to wash. Anything that needs a delicate wash or ironing doesn't get used by us |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 08 December 2006 at 7:26pm
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Yep same here Just saw the post above about matress protectors.... it's best to have two because you then always have a clean one handy for when the other needs changing.
Don't forget hats... for warmth and/or sun protection. ------------- |
Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 08 December 2006 at 8:16pm
| I am so in love with my digital. Then i don't have to pay to get the endless photos of the top of Jake's head, and the blurry ones of taine developed...eyt still can't bring myself to delete them. |
Posted By: Bombshell
Date Posted: 10 December 2006 at 6:54am
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I am going to add a mummy pamper thing in here - cause i note you live on a farm etc - so make sure you have something in place for yourself such as a magazine subscription etc (use flybuys if need be) cause you may not be able to afford it once bubs comes but will give you something to sit down with for a cuppa once in a while! We have also stockpiled some dvds - bought while cheap and not watching yet - waiting til bubs here. I can watch and if i dont get through one then at least i can watch later.
It is important that you pamper yourself too - even with those little treats you like now but may miss later on. maybe even some nice coffee etc that is a bitmore expensive etc...put stuff away now while you can ready! BTW as a nanny my kids loved those exersaucers - they were awesome! We had a diaper genie too and loved it - no stink, and put it out for trash every two weeks (our collections day in states) but not sure if sangenic is the same (altho they say it is?) For me - I have bought up big on muslin wraps - summer baby! All the best! |
Posted By: Andie
Date Posted: 11 December 2006 at 9:06am
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Yeah, gotta love the digital camera as a 'baby essential' - it SO is! About the mattress protectors, I bought 4 of the "baby First' brand, they're kinda fluffy on both sides but must have something plasticy in the middle, as they're totally leak-proof. Problem is, it's like sleeping on a waterproof sheet under your bedding - even with a sheet and 2 cotton blankets between Ella and the mattress protector, Ella still got all sweaty and clammy on it. I've gone for wool now with no plastic in sight - she's heaps more comfy. ------------- Andie |
Posted By: jaz
Date Posted: 12 December 2006 at 8:09am
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I'd appreciate a bit of help here as we are back down the baby making track and will have a 12 year gap. I've kept some stuff because there have been a lot of babies visit over the years.
I have Pram Carseats High Chair Jolly jumper Cloth nappies Baby woollens (we're having another winter baby) Baby toys I definately need to buy Cot and mattress with bedding Mobile for over the cot Play mat/play gym Bouncer Change mat or change table I keep going blank on what babies need and the products/trends have changed so much since last time. |
Posted By: baalamb
Date Posted: 15 December 2006 at 9:01am
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I know some people are anti-dummies, but I wish I had bought one to put in our hospital bag to use from day 1. I had a shocker of a first few days in hospital because all Ashlee wanted to do was suck and suck and suck. We spent way too much money on them trying to figure out which one she'd take. Turned out she took the cheapest one from the supermarket and that was about 2 months later! She didn't need it often when she got a bit older, and doesn't have it at all now but she's since found her thumb and then only sucks it when she's tired and in her cot.
Next child I'll definitely be putting one in the bag! I think I probably could have done without the change table. Although that was partly to do with the fact that it killed my back every time I changed her because we chose the lowest one (because I'm short!) thinking it would be best for me but it obviously wasn't. And it was at the height where Ashlee could give me a great boot in the c-section scar area. You don't want to be bending over too much when changing a nappy. Storage drawers have been a godsend for me. We have a small flat, and hardly any room for everything to have its own place so we got a storage stacker trolley with 5 trays and wheels (Warehouse for about $20) which we store disposable naps, baby towels (with hoods - those are great!), blankets - everything that is used often and easily accessible. You'll probably get given a whole bunch of blankets so don't buy too many yourself. Also, for a winter baby, have a nice warm dressing gown for yourself to chuck on for those late night/early morning feed sessions. My friends mum made one for me out of polar fleece and it was GREAT! |
Posted By: lizzle
Date Posted: 15 December 2006 at 11:55am
| Ooh, I second the dressing gown thing. you feel like a nana - but at least you feel like a warm comfy cosy Nana |
Posted By: nikkitheknitter
Date Posted: 15 December 2006 at 10:26pm
I may be wearing my big comfy polar-fleece dressing gown as I type. 
I would have lived in it for the first three months of Han's life... except that it was summer, so I just wore nothing. (Poor step-dad! )
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Posted By: MyMinis
Date Posted: 16 December 2006 at 7:17am
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I agree with the dummy, even if you dont use it it is good to have on hand in case. Haleigh was a bub who liked to suck, and until she could get that thumb in her mouth we had to use the dummy. Although some people may disagree, but I think they are great, my friends uses one on her son because he has bad reflux and its the only way to help settle hima st nights ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
http://tweetytweety85.bebo.com - bebo |
Posted By: Rachael21
Date Posted: 16 December 2006 at 12:43pm
| Just remember the first few days of bfing determine your supply so you sort of want them to do as much drinking from you in the first few days. Once your milk has come in tho they are great. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 20 December 2006 at 4:21pm
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Just my 2 cents about the dummys. My paed said they are a helpful "cure" for reflux as it stimulates the saliva glands making more saliva which enters the tum and settles the acid a little.
I cant live without Ella having one. Its a godsend! |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 20 December 2006 at 4:43pm
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A dummy was great for our silent reflux baby but I didn't get her one until she was 2 1/2 mos old.... so no hurries if you're not into them much anyway.
One thing I keep forgetting to get is a new dresser for the Baby. I'm starting off this time with a stackable trolley (you can get them from Warehouse) and plan to get a dresser a couple of months down the track. Around here you can get a s/hand dresser for around $70. ------------- |
Posted By: Myamy
Date Posted: 14 January 2007 at 8:47am
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The one thing i have absolutly loved and reccommend to all new mums is my baby sling (sounds odd i no) but it literally is a piece of material that hangs round me like a sling that Mya sits or lies in! Im a very active person and this has allowed us to be completly mobile.No big pram to try get through crowds or small shops, she can sit up and look out in it or snuggle her in and she sleeps for ages. Not only that but i can breast feed completly privatly. Ive been know to be breast feeding while doin our weekly grocery shopping! Mya was in hers at 3days old and apparently they can hold children till their 3yrs old (by this age the sling is fastened so the child is secured to you hip, not across your front) i can find a picture of us using it if anyones wants to see one in use,and for those of you in smaller towns where u cant buy them i got mine from sarahwhitley.co.nz (unsure of price as it was a gift).
I love this so much that ive even had a second one brought over from Papua New Guinea where they use hand woven ones rather then full material (great in summer )
ok so my selling pitch is over, its just i really dolove this product! |
Posted By: james
Date Posted: 16 January 2007 at 8:57pm
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i wish i had had a sling would of been sio much help ------------- <a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://b4.lilypie.com/nLJ5p13.png" alt="Lilypie 4th Birthday Ticker" border="0" /></a> |
Posted By: busymum
Date Posted: 16 January 2007 at 9:42pm
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oo do post a pic ------------- |
Posted By: Andie
Date Posted: 18 January 2007 at 1:01pm
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Yeah I'm keen to see the pic of how it worked, too. We've got a sling but I'm not sure I've used it correcrly and wouldn't be able to hold a heavy baby in it. Another 'essential' - if you're going to get a dummy (yes, we find them really helpful as Ella likes to suck on stuff SO much - would've saved a lot of heartache in that first month if I'd known that then), then a dummy clip is great for when you're out and about. I use a dummy to settle Ella to sleep when we're not at home if she won't doze off easily, and having the dummy secured to her pram or clothing means it doesn't get left behind or dropped as I walk along. Only thing is it pays to watch the cord/ribbon between the dummy and the clip - I'd shorten some of them for safety. ------------- Andie |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 18 January 2008 at 10:41am
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Im so glad I found this thread!! Ive started to stress about what we need and what we dont need! I got a bassinett a while ago but Im not so sure Im gonna use it now.....I thought about putting the basket bit into the cot for the first few months but then I see on here a lot of people just put baby straight into the cot with a saftey sleep? Im so getting one of those! ------------- |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 18 January 2008 at 10:43am
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Oh wow! Ive just notcied that the last post on this thread was 18th Jan 07! and today I bump the thread and its the 18th Jan 08!! hehe weird! ------------- |
Posted By: mummy_becks
Date Posted: 18 January 2008 at 11:06am
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Ha I saw this too and was like random the dates are a bit funny. ------------- I was a puree feeder, forward facing, cot sleeping, pram pushing kind of Mum... and my kids survived! |
Sheza wrote:Posted By: Bumble
Date Posted: 18 January 2008 at 8:59pm
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Sheza,
You need my burp cloths!!!!  LOL!!!
*shameless advertising* ------------- formerly known as "Bee" Ethan ~ March 2003 Big 6 year old school boy! Micah ~ Aug 2008 ~ Smiley pants who loves telephones! |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 18 January 2008 at 9:48pm
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LOL I was SO looking at those today aswell!! I was having a wee looksie on your site! I have seen some things that have caught my eye ------------- |
Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 18 January 2008 at 10:16pm
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I *need* your breast pads Bee
Am refusing to buy burp cloths coz I am NOT having another refluxer, I am soooo owed a nice, placid, HEALTHY baby this time! ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: jaz
Date Posted: 19 January 2008 at 8:47am
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I've got all your burp cloths Emma, waiting for you to come back from OZ, plus dummies, bottles, teats and all sorts of stuff. ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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