Help on essential needed before my little one arrives

https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/pregnancy/preparing-for-labour-and-birth/what-to-buy-for-your-newborn-baby/

That’s everything I was told and researched that I needed and most things I bought or asked for at my baby shower! I’m a massive planner/list maker so this helped me a lot hopefully it helps you 🩵

Next to me or moses basket was super helpful since we could move it around (unlike a cot) I would say at least 2 sheets for it and a mattress protector. Blankets I personally didn't bother, my sister made a small one for his pram but we used sleep sacks at night since they are safer (get at least 2 sleepsacks). We also wasted money on swaddling sack (he hated being swaddled) Change table was very nice to have but we didn't bother with white noise machine, nursing chair, mobile, or night light. They don't need a night light until older and sleep best in pitch black. A lamp in the room is helpful though for night wakings. You can use your phone for white noise if needed, it didn't seem to help my boy. We have a baby monitor now but for the first 6 months he slept same room as us so wasn't needed. We bought tons of bottles and pumps and I barely used them since I hated the washing up (I breastfed).

Dummies I would only buy 1 brand. We had multiple different brands of dummies and then the first one we gave him is now the only shape he will take. Bibs, washcloths and muslins were great and we ended up getting more of them since you always want one nearby. Things like highchair, drink bottle, and bowls I would wait since you don't wean for 6 months and it just takes up room. Thermometer is useful, for nails we used an electric baby filer and we can cut his nails with that while he's sleeping it's so gentle. Don't waste money on cradle cap stuff, if they have bad cradle cap get through the dr Outlet protectors are actually considered dangerous in the UK and not recommended by NHS or electricians. Feel free to do your own research on that. Playmat was useful, especially now that my boy is starting to want to crawl. Make sure it's a decent size, we got one that is a bit padded but also wipes clean easily so we use it to put on the floor when doing his solids too (so we dont get stains on the carpet)

Baby bath seat was amazing, we got the one by angelcare I think the name is. It meant we had hands free for washing and we still use it now at 7 months because he's not quite sitting himself yet. For clothes, our baby mostly lived in sleepsuits (onesies). The ones with zips and built in mittens are the best.

Oh yeah and you will need Calpol for their first immunisations. I say Calpol but it's actually just paracetamol for babies (Calpol is just a well known brand that does it). If you go somewhere like boots or Tesco you will find it unbranded and much cheaper. It's literally just liquid paracetamol for babies.

For yourself I would get plenty of snacks and easy meals or ready made stuff since you won't want to cook. If you're breastfeeding then you'll feel hungry all the time (but that's usually because you are actually thirsty) either way snacks are great. I got some healthy energy bars but ended up not being able to eat during labour. My partner appreciated the snacks though 😅 I also got some lucasade sport since it's caffeine free and good for energy, all of those were used. I took plenty of change in a bag for vending machine, car park etc. One thing I didn't do was plan my clothes well though. I had an emergency c section and none of my clothes were comfortable due to the band around my stomach. I lived in disposable underwear for at least a week because they were the only thing that was comfortable and I did have some blood, so that was a good purchase. Can't remember what else to be honest 😅

Oh my there is so much I haven’t got 😩🤦🏼‍♀️ xx

Honestly, keep the list short as you can always buy stuff later on once baby is here and you know what you need. 😊 Make sure to have the basics. Bed (Moses basket is great coz can carry around) Clothes (our baby is now 2,5 weeks. She only wears vest and footed onesies so far) Nappies and wipes Feeding stuff (differ depending on how you will feed) Muslins and wash cloths