Personally I found that we didn't really need all of the things that we would. I think it is a great idea to ask people to pool money towards the bigger items that you will definitely need - a cot (unless you know you will co-sleep), a pram, a car seat and definitely a sling. Some clothes to get you by in the beginning, baby wraps, bedding for the cot, nappies, wipes, bath wash, nappy cream, a change table if you don't have anything the right height already. And definitely a gift subscription to the ABA which means you'll also get the fantastic book Breastfeeding...Naturally - this is one of the most practicial gifts I got. Most other things I would wait and see how you go, and get them later.
One thing that is incredibly helpful in the early days is help. If I could go back in time, I'd ask people to provide a meal for after the baby is born, or to come around and help out for an hour or so, rather than buy a present up front. Probably more so with number 2, but it is still really helpful with your first as well.
That's a good question Bee. Actually, that's another thing that I have learnt from experience. I think a sling is more important in the beginning than a pram! It is a great way to soothe an unsettled baby and means that you get other things done at the same time. And I found it much easier to get around the shops with a sling than with a pram.
Ergo is a carrier that can be used from newborn up until 4 years of age, I personally didnt like it when DS was a newborn as he never looked comfy (i used a baba sling when he was little) but once he could sit up ergo is fantastic and is great as you can use on your back when they are older.
We have a steelcraft mealtime high chair and love it its been great. ( i bought this one as needed one and the one i wanted was going to be 8 weeks till they would have them in, and one i got was on sale and $220 cheaper than one i wanted!!!)
swing we have is fisher price take along swing has batteries in it and 5 speeds and to be honest we got it when he was 6 weeks old and used it everyday till he was 6 months old and have never had to change batteries!!! He was sitting in it other day and battieries still work, it goes till 11.2kg.
Boucncer we were given its a fisher price one that vibrates
Vouchers
People to come & do washing, cleaning, etc after bub is born
Freezer meals
Larger size clothing eg 00-1 that you can put away & get out when bub grows into it
Canned food, dry food for you pantry so you dont have to go shopping when bub is born
Toys for when bub is older
board books
I love our fisher price take along swing.
Lots of people dont like to get gift cards, but TBH these were one of the best things that we got as sometimes you might have something in mind thats too pricey to ask for, but this way its a contribution?
IF you make a list of things, put down things to suit all budgets
i really loved having a swing for my son when he was little - and am about to get it out again for DS2. it was one of those non essentials that someone bought after he was born that was a lifesaver. you will use it from about 1 month in until 6+ months. we also used a bouncer a lot (a manual one - baby bjorn do them and ours is a valco). he used this as a seat too and DS2 is also loving it.
i am a sling addict - had an ellaroo ring sling with DS1 and then an ergo. also a ramalama which was not as confy but v good looking so used it for more formal fucntions. i will use all of these again and also bought a close carrier this time which DS2 already loves.
A pram is good - a larger one for early days or an unbrella stroller which you may use more once bub is a bit bigger.
A portacot of you will be going away or even to friends for dinner a lot - we have used ours heaps. they are around $100
I love the idea of ppl bringing meals for the freezer - this is lovely idea. no one has done this for me but i would have loved it and i often drop a meal past someone's house when they get home from hospital
Nappies if you are using sposies can add up - get one box newborn and then some the size up, you may not need many newborn (or you might, we are just about to go up a size and DS2 is 1 month old now - if you need more you can get them but good to have some in stock)
A gymini - play mat thingy - that is about all a newborn will play on for a few months. i have one with a mirror and music - we bought it for ds2. ds1 we had a v basic one and i always wished we got a better one as they do use them for a while (this one was about $120 i think)
Some ppl love the bumbo or bebe pod - i havent used one myself - but think they are used from about when they can support their own neck
Car seat - these can be expensive and you will use from about 6 months onwards (or get a rear facing reversible which you can use from birth - personally i hire a capsule as it is so good for NB and then buy a great car seat later)
High chair - i swear by the ikea one which is $50
gift cards would also be great if ppl would be confortable with this
some great books as reference - i love the baby book by sears but you need to find one that suits you...
A lovely nappy bag - you will use it ALL the time and for a few years...
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