We are currently making a list of items that we want and maybe don't want.
The thing that keeps popping into my head is a change table. I don't want one because knowing me I will just pop the baby anywhere and change them. Or I have seen those chest of drawers you can get with a section up top for the mat.
So what I would like to know
(mainly for mums with bubs already)
The 5 things you didn't need
and
The 5 things you can't live without
I'm watching this thread with interest Tamara .... good question!
There are 2 articles on the main site that might help too ;)
Mum's Top 3 Things I didn't need for baby
and
Mum's Top 5 things for baby
For me, I really didn't need the change table, we have a set of drawers which is the perfect height so I got rid of the change table and put the mat on top of the drawers.
So Top things I didn't need:
1. change table
2. baby bath (laundry tub & big bath)
3. Lots of clothes... I have clothes coming out our ears because of friends babies
Top 5 things I needed and use daily:
1. Hug a Bub
2. Rocker swing
3. Good backpack/nappy bag
4. Hammock (for newborn...)
5. A handheld blender for making food/icey pops/smoothies etc...
5.
Well I personally love changetables..have always used them and still do for Sammy, but the chest of draws with the mat thing might work just as well. Ive found the swinging rocking chairs probably to be a bit of a waste of time. Sammy had one for over $300 but he was just as happy in one of the little $60 ones without all the vibrating and music lol. Slings are always a must..make it so easy and bubs seem to settle so well.
Jo
TOP THINGS WE USED:
- Bouncer, great to settle in
- Dozen cloth nappies, just to clean up vomit, use when burping, feeding
- sling, also helps settle while doing things
- Bath seat, we have one of those reclining ones that sit in the bath, so great easier for holding slippery babies
- Jolly Jumper, she just loves it
THINGS WE DIDN'T NEED
- All those knitted things
- The millions of soft toys
- I probably wouldn't spend alot of money on electrical type swings and rockers.
- Lots of creams and lotions just need simple bath wash and we just use sorbolene on her dry skin.
As for change tables, ours was great but since she started rolling I found it easier to change her on the floor on a mat.
top 5 didn't need
- swing (IL's bought and for the time he could use it not worth the $$)
- all the lotions and potions
- bo babies :I used terry flats and bought 24 bo babies (muslin liners) never used them LOL
- play mats (vomit is hard to clean when you can't imerse in water) a sheet or old doona work just as well
- mobile (IL's bought)
top 4 can't live without
- terry flats (for burp cloths)
- micro steriliser
- link-a-doo rings (make great toys, can be used to hang groceries of the pram can be used for anything)
- bibs
also watching with interest...
Top 5 things didn't need:
- Lots of small wraps. Half the wraps we were given DD outgrew in a couple of weeks. Need big wraps.
- Loads of soft toys. They are very very cute but where do you put them all!
- too many summer clothes in 0000., It was hot when I was pregnant but it has cooled off quickly and she has grown quickly.
(can't think of anything else. I like the changetable - we have one that sits over the cot. But it is not necessary).
Top 5 things we can't live without:
- Hug-a-bub.
- Rocker. Great for settling, especially over dinner time.
- Heater for nursery. We have ducted but got a colum heater for her room just to take the chill off overnight.
- flat nappies to mop up spew and to put under her bottom during nappy off time.
- dummy. Much more settled baby since introducing this.
Always interesting to see how we all differ!
Top 5 things I didn't need
- Baby Bath (laundy tub, kitchen sink and big bath are just as good)
- Baby Bjorn (both my kids got too heavy too quickly)
- Small wraps
- Lotions and potions
- "Fancy/Special Occasion" outfits - they wear them once and thats it.
Top 5 things I couldnt live without
- Digital camera
- Baby play/activity centre (one of the ones they stand up in but it doesnt move like a walker)
- Bonjela with Alex (Gaby hated it) and teething rings for Gaby (Alex hates them!)
- Kiddies sofa (perfect for taking places for bubs to sleep instead of a portacot and then good for at home)
- Bibs
Hope that helps :)
5 things i loved
1. BIG muslin wraps
2.napisan and bucket for soaking cloths
3 change table
4 cloth playmat with dangly toys, basic one that can go int he wash
5 video camera/digital camera
6. mobile over change table for distraction
5 things didnt need
1. vibrating chair/rocker
2 baby biorn
3 baby bath- just borrow one
4 small wraps
5 mmmm will think of something
Needed:
Activity gym (countless hours of use)
Steriliser (didn't actually have one but wish I had, will definitely get one if I have to do bottles with the (hopefully) next one - Milton & water was waste of time)
Change table (have section at top with matt & two shelves underneath...anything that is at the right height for your back that can store everything you need in one spot wins in my books)
BIBS - had 30+ and still wanted more but really hated cleaning them (perhaps will do disposable bibs next time)
Little leather shoe/slippers (only really for once they were walking but I found them brilliant for little feet that were starting to walk and non-slip on all services)
:)And lastly....A husband/partner that can supply breast milk for middle night runs & when it runs out!!! :lol:
Didn't Need:
Too many toys - too much fun had with cardboard packaging & plastic bottles & the like
Buckets loads of soft toys - nasty dust collecting things that are a bugger to store
Bath seat - hopeless waste of money
Digital ear reading thermometer - cost us $100 and never had an accurate reading - under the arm thermometer always reliable and cheap as chips.
Bath toys with holes at the bottom - damn things don't fully drain of all water and go moldy inside resulting in being chucked out (alternatively you can glue up hole).
P.S. with the bath toys, I meant the ones like rubber ducky etc
Can't live without:
Bouncer - both my kids have used it to death. Saved us much pacing the floor LOL.
Muslin Wraps - I had two summer babies
"Airwrap" Cot wrap - breathable mesh bumper that has finally stopped DS from jamming himself in his cot bars and waking up 50 times a night.
Avent Breastpump and Steriliser
Waste of $$
Bumbo Seat - both my kids wouldn't sit in it for more than 5 minutes
Clothes - Both of them have FAR too many. And don't buy dresses for newborn baby girls - they're a pain in the butt to get on and off and they have to be ironed only for them to spew on them and look like they slept in it 5 minutes after it goes on their back!
Fancy shoes - they always grow out of them before they get any decent wear. DD has a million pairs of pristine shoes I'm meaning to put on ebay
Hats - neither of my kids could ever keep them on their heads
5 Things I loved
Bellybelly - I couldnt imagine doing it without you guys.
Muslin wraps - 120cm x 120cm
Change table - I'm 6ft tall so this was a life (or should I say back) saver.
100 ways to calm the crying
Amby Hammock
Things I didn't need/use
Baby Monitor - we borrowed ours so no wasted money, thought IMO it would be good to have.
Mobile (over cot)- DS would not sleep at all while in sight of the mobile
Bath lotions - we used plain water for the first 8 months due to DS' sensitive skin, and some intensive moisture balm.
Toys - these will accumulate on their own - their is absolutely NO NEED to buy any yourself.
Lol AmyGirl at that last Need, wouldn't that be fantastic!
My answer relates to a newborn - cause there are different "needs" now my DS is a big boy...
Couldn't do without:
1. muslin wraps in 120cm square
2. change table with slide out baby bath
3. sunshade window covers for car
4. play gym/activity centre with removable base for machine washing
5. fisher price aquarium cot toy
We didn't use:
1. baby monitor (depends on particular layout of house I guess)
2. knitted things in small sizes - sooo not worth it when they wear it once and it needs handwashing!
3. soft toys - blahhhhh you'll receive sooooo many of them as presents no need to buy them yourself
4. rocker chair - DS never liked it so was a TOTAL waste of money and space for us
5. mittens
Couldn't live without :
-Car/Carseat - quickest/easiest way to settle my DD
-Nappy bag
-Pram
-pre-made dinners!
-my mum (for those first few adjustment weeks)
Could of lived without
- baby bath (DD didnt like it one bit!)
- rocker chair (DD didn't like it)
- 0000 clothes DD didn't fit in these for more then a week
-lotions n potions -
- insensitve comments from ppl
5 THINGS I USED
1. Change table (I got one that was a timber set of drawers with a change table on top)
2. FP Swing (MUST HAVE!!!)
3. Baby Bjorn carrier
4. Lots of wraps and blankets
5. Rocker for daytime sleeps in the lounge
6. Cloth nappies to use as spew rags. Used HEAPS
5 THINGS I COULD HAVE DONE WITHOUT
1. Nappy wrapper. I used this until nappies got smelly. So for about 6 months.
2. Too many little clothes. In the early days Bonds grow suits are the best!
3. Hmm I can't think of anymore
6 things I'm loving
1. the change table!
2. BIG wraps
3. electric breast pump (on hire)
4. tiny clothes, in our case we actually needed more lol
5. cloth nappies! sposies are useless on my little man!
6. bassinette on wheels
5 we could live without
1. baby bath (he likes it in the big bath with daddy)
2. small wraps
3. don't buy any toys!
4. mmm can't think of anymore, he's too little!
things i CANT live without
1. the change table!
2. hundreds of bibs/spew rags
3. breast pump
4. baby bath
5. cocoon/carrier
6. bassinette on wheels
7.singlets with buttons at the bottom
we could live without
1. baby rocker
2. normal useless singlets
3. fisher price aquarium
My DD is only 5weeks old, but I already have things I can list...
THINGS I LOVE...
1. Microwave steriliser
2. Bottles (just in case bf doesn't work for you)
3. Bottle warmer (great for middle of the night feeds)
4. Large wraps
5. All in one suits in different sizes (not too many 0000)
THINGS WE DIDN'T NEED...
1. Baby bath (borrow one or get a cheap one, they don't last long. DD has already grown out of hers!)
2. Lotions and potions (I use olive oil on her skin and basic baby soap on her body and hair)
3. Dummies (DD hates them I have about 5 different kinds)
4. Soft toys (dust collectors!!)
5. Too many 'good' clothes (If you like it put it one your child or they'll never wear it!)
Hi there
6 most useful things;
Musical mobile - that is the best $50 I've ever spent. Even puts me to sleep
Cloth nappies - for spew and dribble
Muslin Wraps - summer baby wrapping
Bonds Wondersuits - good for everything at the moment, keep him very warm
High Chair - most people don't buy the high chair until the baby eats solids. Buy one for your new born. Some of them lay back. I'd put Daniel in it (strapped in) and wheel him around the house with me while I did stuff. I'd pack up the clothes and put them on the tray, explaining what every item was - he would inevitably fall asleep. Good way of keeping him mobile and me not being stuck in one room. We still do it that way. I was using the sling, but you can't really bend over and grab stuff off the the floor.
Rocker - what a life saver.
Steriliser and bottle warmer - YAY!!!
Most useless things:
Stuffed toys - newborns (and even Daniel now) are just NOT interested in them.
Flowers at the Hospital - I will NEVER send anyone flowers at the hospital again!! What a predicament - trying to load up a car to go home full of flowers, you've got to fit a newborn in there somwhere!! They're very nice and all, but arrrrgggggggg!!! They die anyway. I'd send a card with money in it, the parents can buy clothes or something they need with it.
Apart from that I didn't buy too much useless stuff.
My top 5 are:
DIDN'T USE
1. Dummies & bottles (he won't take either - what a waste of money)
2. Size 0000 & 000 two piece outfits (too awkward and useless)
3. Fluffy/stuffed toys
4. Nappy powder (still haven't used any)
5. Nappy wrapper (we used it early on but the cartridges are so expensive so we don't use it now)
COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT
1. Rocking/glide chair
2. Angelcare movement monitor
3. Cloth nappies & bibs for spews
4. Lightweight stroller for trips down the street
5. Pillows to prop bub up into sitting position a few months back (great for his reflux)
Another thing I must say is that we got 2 car seats (both Safe & Sound)...one that was an automatic retractor and the other is manual...the automatic one is SOOOOOOOOOOO much better (easier & quicker) and I wish we'd gotten two of them instead...
My bub is only 5 weeks but so far:
Things couldnt live without:
Dummy - he is a comfort sucker n will go for the thumb otherwise
Sling/carrier - perfect for food shopping when you also have a trolley or taking the dog for a walk. He goes to sleep instantly
Changetable - I got one of those plastic change mats and velcroed it to an old computer desk with wheels. Means I can roll it into the bathroom for after baths, and can take the change mat off and use it on the floor for 'no nappy' time.
All in one suits - but you will probably be given heaps
Nightlight with music - good when he is awake after a night feed. He goes to sleep with little fuss within ten mins
Things could live without:
Sorbolene - Never worked for us. We dabbed olive oil on dry spots n cradle cap and worked a treat
Baby monitor - house is too small n he sleeps in our room anyway
0000 clothes
Soft toys - too many. you will be given heaps
5 things i didn't need....
- booties (they never stay on)
- cot (DS will only sleep in the port-a-cot now cause he doesn't like the hard wooden bars in his big cot.)
- prima pappa high-low chair (wish i had a cheap simple highchair that is easier to clean and transport)
- baby carrier/sling (ds loved being in them but my back and shoulders just couldn't handle it)
- dressy outfits for babies under 6 months (all i ended up using was bonds wondersuits and bodysuits)
5 things i couldn't live without..
- change table (saved my back so much! also now i can't keep him still to change unless he is strapped onto the change table)
- bouncer chair with a toy bar that u can chnge toys around(he was in it constantly for a few months)
- battery operated swing (worth every single cent for DS it would keep him quiet for hours, some babies hate them though)
- polar fleece sleeping bag suit thingy (bought 1 a week ago and he has slept through ever since
- microwave steam sterilizer (so quick and easy)
This is my list so far:
Things I use all the time:
*big wraps - at least 1m X 1 m. The smaller ones just dont cut it!
*baby bjorn - great for if I just want to go for a short walk and cant be bothered to get the pram out.
*flat nappies to use as spew rags
*nice lamp with soft light for night time feeds
*oil heater - getting so cold at night now.
Things not really need:
*Baby bath - too hard to use. I just bath Claire in the bath with me.
*small wraps! useless! I think I am going to cut them up and make them into something useful, like pants.
*change table. we just got the change mat for cheap and it goes on top of a chest of draws. easy, and one less bit of furniture.
*clothes that do up at the back. She hates being on her tummy and I find these types of clothes hard to get on and off.
Things i cant live without:
1. Velcro wraps - for those wriggly babies
2. Dummy - instant calm
3. Intercom - Ella slept in her own room from 3months to get away from DH's snorting & snoring
4. Pram - We just love cruising :)
5. Digital camera - when Ella strikes a pose
Things we wouldnt miss :
1. Soft toys - they just arent fun
2. Mittens - never used them
3. Sleep projector with music thing - she would just stare at it and NOT sleep
4. 0000 jumpsuits - only good for a few weeks
5. Lullaby CD - the radio did us fine (tuned to classical ABC)
Ann
Things I didn't use:
Wraps - far too many of them. Charlie hated being wrapped
Angelcare Breathing Monitor - never even came out of the package
Baby blankets/quilts - I should have just bought the cot sheets and that's it
Aromababy stuff - he was allergic to most things as a littlie so I ended up using aqeuos cream
Three hundred different sorts of dummies - he wouldn't take any of them.
Things I cannot live without:
My digital camera - How else would I have taken a photo of Charlie at least every 3 days since he was born?
Grobag - one of the reasons I didn't need wraps and blankets, and a sure-fire way to get Charlie to settle
My video monitor - does everything I need it to do, and I can see him too!
Breast Pump - a godsend to someone prone to mastitis, even if you're exclusively BFing
Digital Ear Thermometer - the best damned $90 I ever spent!
The following, are personal observations of mine - stuff that worked for me and my baby, in our unique situation (had a bad delivery, and a child with reactive skin, and no family backup)
five "must haves" for the mum
- cloth breastpads (the paper disposable ones were too small, iritated my skin and didn't do what was needed)
- breastfeeding friendly clothing (the type that works from the bottom of the top, not from the top of the top)
- for anyone recovering from a bad c-section, have EVERYTHING you can, at a higher height, when bending down is really hard/painful, not just in nursery, i mean raising the washing machine too, floor pedal bins, it all helps
- good quality maternity bras
- subscription to ABA and ABA calendar on your wall, aba fridge magnet on the fridge
- Turn a Tot car seat, brilliant because the seat swivels, so instead of twisting YOUR body to put your bub in the car, you put your baby in STRAIGHT ON, so it's SO much easier on your back, priceless to me.
- joining parenting forums like belly belly - priceless to me, i didn't have a mother or MIL to ask all my dumb questions to, but i had BB, so i got through. (those kind people were my life line, no joke).
five "could have lived without it" for the mum
- all the breastfeeding clothing i bought, that opened from the top down - exposed more of me than i felt comfortable doing
- the rocker chair, never felt safe in it, holding my baby, plus was worried about bumping her head on the wooden arm rests
- never found a breastfeeding pillow that really worked for me.
- the contents of the bounty bag, nothing in there was useful, it's just a marketing tool.
five "if i did it again, i would make this a priority"
- a baby hammock to settle baby
- a reclining easy chair for myself to feed baby in, settle baby in (had no idea how much use one of these, would get, when i was pregnant and nesting).
- baby slings/carriers
- booking a monthly cleaning service, even if it's just the "wet" areas
- booking a weekly food delivery service for first month
- a cd player in the baby's room, with chillout cd's, lullabies etc
five "must haves" for the baby
- modern cloth nappies, worked like a charm for us. The early part of it (learning a new skill) actually distracted me from PND.
- big muslin wraps for my heatwave newborn
- buy the toys you really want your baby to have (for me that was natural/ nonplastic stuff) because everyone and their dog will buy acryllic plush toys and plastic toys.
- buy the skin care you really want your baby to have (for me that was organic stuff or just water) because everyone will give you Johnson and Johnson stuff
- cloth bibs made by WAHMS, i didn't like the white towelling bibs you get in normal stores, annoying skinny ties etc. but the WAHM bibs close with snaps, available in colourful prints, thicker so baby doesn't get a wet front, wash up really well and save the clothing getting stains. we used them early on for dribble, then for next three years for food. excellent value.
five "could have lived without it"
- there are only so many plush teddies a kid can play with
- so many plastic/pvc toys
- any baby clothing that does up at the back, or is tricky to put on and off. you change them so often, any clothing needs to be EASY AS to get on and off.
I don't know what they will be for sure as my baby has not arrived yet.
Oh that's right I think I'm about to drop off to sleep here..but I wanted recommend if you book in early enough, please go and do an ABA Breastfeeding class. We paid $70 which was $20 for the class, and $50 concession membership, we came away with a wealth of knowledge, and a book, subscription membership which includes 6 magazines, and we had lunch in the class.
Also I have been finding some great bargains on eBay, don't know if I fluked them but I got a folding change table with bath for $40, Bassinette still unassembled in box for $70, timber cot and mattress $60, large muslin wrap, oh and a maclaren rocker for $50. Be warned though bidding on strollers and prams is super competitive!
things i couldnt live without...
1 CLOTH NAPPIES for burping,spewing etc. (you can never have too many)
2 BOUNCER/ROCKER (i have one with that can be propped up to flat so bub sleeps in it during the day)
3 Angelcare monitor. (peace of mind!!)
4 the wooly wraps (like the ones at the hospitals) they don't stretch so if you've got a wriggly baby,they cant escape.
5 lots of pairs of mittens cos bub would scratch the hell out of his face. forgot to put them on yesterday when we went for a car ride.he got into a tantrum.by the time we got to destination it looked like he had been in a cat fight :(
6 Recliner!
things i didnt need
1 spent a fortune on electric breast pump only to have to stop breastfeeding the following week. :( maybe look at borrowing a friends instead if you need one.
2 same with maternity bras lol
3 baby powder/ creams etc.
The ABA hire breast pumps at half price to members. Other companies hire them out too.