What to buy and what not to buy

It is a mind field! And everyone will tell you different things that worked/ didn’t work for them so its a lot of trial and error x one thing to remember is you don’t need absolutely everything before baby is here. Get to know them and get things as you go. Amazon will be your best friend for those late nights searches 💕

Hey Halima, I hear you, it can be overwhelming! This is a great resource that allows you to calculate a budget for things you will be considering to buy - plus they give notes on each item about whether it’s essential or not https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/family-and-care/becoming-a-parent/baby-costs-calculator

Jess is right don’t buy anything you can panic buy during the 3am feed on Amazon. Especially don’t invest in a breast pump for example if you don’t know if you’ll need one! I’d say the same about carriers, I bought a stretchy wrap and didn’t use it at all because I didn’t feel confident but I think that’s the only thing I really regretted buying. See if you have a local sling library to try different types out. John Lewis appointment for your buggy, we got an Uppababy Vista which we love then from 6 months also the Yoyo and we use them interchangeably and have no regrets. But SIL bought Silver Cross ones she 100% regretted (very expensive regret) so definitely try them out . Then go wild on Facebook marketplace it’s an absolute goldmine! Used is totally fine for the majority of things 💪🏻 Sign up to topcashback too and shop around for deals

@Jess that’s something I need to remember I don’t need everything before baby is here. My Amazon prime is about to become my favourite investment

@Jess thank you so much!!! I will deffo check this out sounds soooo helpful.

@Madeleine omg thank you Madeline! You’ve literally just handed me a goldmine of information. I didn’t know John Lewis had buggy appointments booking one now. What kind of things did you get from Facebook Marketplace if you don’t mind me asking?

Go to a baby show!! We went to our local one and got humongous discounts on Mam bottles / our Cybex travel system etc. Literally saved hundreds of pounds. It was the one bit of advice I got and make sure to pass on x

@Halima No problem! We’ve all been there 😅 Start yourself a spreadsheet budget 🙌 FB - things like baby baths, high chairs, even bassinets/next to me/cot beds because you would just have to buy a new mattress anyway. I always see Snuzpod 4s go for about £40 (usually closer to £200) and all you need is to replace the mattress. Babybjorn bouncers come up for £20-30 all the time, stair gates (not for straight away). I’d just avoid used bottles or anything that needs sterilising. Even clothes can be washed well (although always fun to get some new bits for number 1!). Have fun 🥰

Ahh I’ve just noticed you’re Stratford way!! Look up the “Mama East | Buy & Sell” group on Facebook it’s the absolute best group to join xx

I feel you. 16 weeks and pressure is getting to me so overwhelmed I can’t relax anymore so sacred I’m harming the baby or going to be a bad mother help sorry just need a rant it’s good to share with you xx

@Madeleine Madeleine I think I love you. I’ve taken all your notes thank you SO much! I’m truly grateful. also I can’t seem to find Mama East I found a Walthamstow and Leyton group. Maybe they changed their name?

@Georgia right??? I’m like I need to buy it all or my babies gonna come to an empty house and I’m going to be woefully unprepared. Are you going to be supported by anyone when you’re postpartum one thing I’m thinking is my mum will be with me helping me and I think about how little she had to raise newborn me so I feel a little better not having it ALL ready.