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GETTING READY FOR THE ARRIVAL OF YOUR BABY
There is no denying the fact that there are AN AWFUL LOT of products out there for new babies - some are essential, some are luxury and some are plain useless!
Obviously, the products that we sell at Naturebotts are all sensible and useful - so start by taking a look at our Pregancy Page which features products we sell for when you're pregnant to when you have a newborn baby.
Everyone finds different things useful so don't buy too much kit before the baby arrives, and keep the receipts. You'll soon figure out what works for you and what you don't need.
It all adds up as well, so borrow what you can from friends & family, but bear in mind that if you are planning on having more babies, some things you'll want to keep rather than return.
Find out if your local NCT branch has Nearly New Sales - they are usually pretty strict about goods being in top condition and you can pick up some excellent bargains.
These are all things that we at Naturebotts have found useful when having babies. Some things are highlighted & link to other pages, whether a product or more information.
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Things you need for a new baby/babies
- For You
- Baby Clothes
- Nappy Changing
- Travel
- All purpose
- Sleeping / night-time
- Bath time / hair & body care
- Feeding
Rating:
- E = essential
- U = useful
- L = luxury
| ITEM | RATING | NOTES |
| Maternity/feeding bras | E | Feeding bras have special openings to make life easier |
| Maternity & smaller sanitary pads | E | All mothers have discharge after giving birth - start with maternity pads and move onto smaller pads. |
| Breast/nursing pads | E | Stop any embarrassing leakages in the early days |
| Nipple cream | U | You can get sore when feeding, we recommend Lansinoh |
If you don't know whether you're having a boy or girl, buy the first few items of clothing in unisex colours, or just plain white. Organic cotton really is a lot softer so is a great option for newborn babies.
Before using, wash any clothes but check they fit the baby first & keep any receipts. You'll need a few things ready in advance, though.
| ITEM | RATING | NOTES |
| Hat | E | It is important to keep the baby's head warm when newborn |
| Scratch Mits | U | As they fling their arms around they can scratch themselves |
| Bodysuits/vests | E | With poppers between the legs to keep them warm |
| Babygrows | E | All-in-one outfits with feet |
| Socks | U | If an all-in-one doesn't have feet |
| Wrap top/cardigan | U | For colder days or nights - avoid tops that go over the head |
Something we know a lot about!
| ITEM | RATING | NOTES |
| Nappies | E | You'll get through plenty of these |
| Cotton wool | E | Use cotton wool for the first 3 months |
| Nappy sacks | E | To hygienically throw away nappies |
| Nappy cream | U | Little bottoms can get a bit sore |
| Baby wipes | U | For emergencies in the early days, until you've finished with cotton wool |
| Change mat | E | Somewhere comfy for the baby to lie down |
| Change table | L | Not everyone needs one, but they are useful if you have space |
| Top & tail bowl | U | Any bowl will do, for warm water to clean bottoms |
| Change bag | U | A huge selection available, but a normal bag with sections will do |
Car Seats - It is illegal, and highly unsafe, to put a baby in a car without an approved car seat, suitable from birth.
PLEASE don't leave your baby in a car seat for more than 2 hours (at the very most).
Newborn babies should be kept flat so if your pram has an attachable car seat don't be tempted to leave your baby in it when you go shopping. Make sure the pram has an option to lie flat, perhaps as a separate carrycot, and is suitable from birth.
| ITEM | RATING | NOTES |
| Car seat | E | You'll need this to bring the baby home from hospital |
| Pram | E | See notes above |
| Sling | U | A baby carrier sling is really cosy for the baby, & you have 2 free hands |
| ITEM | RATING | NOTES |
| Cotton swaddle/receiving blanket | E | Keep the baby wrapped up warm, at home & out |
| Muslins | E | A multitude of uses |
| Rocker/bouncy chair | U | For when the baby is a little bit older |
| Kick mat / gym | U | Somewhere comfy for baby to lie down & kick about |
| Comfort / v-shaped pillow | U | Great for support when pregnant & when feeding |
| Lambksin | L | Cosy & warm for the baby to lie on |
When your baby is sleeping, it is really important to follow the advice from the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths.
| ITEM | RATING | NOTES |
| Moses basket | U | Babies can go straight into a cot but a moses basket is cosier |
| Cot | E | For once they've grown out of the moses basket, or from newborn |
| Mobile | U | To entertain the baby when lying in the cot |
| Room thermometer | U | 18o is the ideal temperature for a baby's bedroom |
| Monitor | U | If you can't hear the baby from another part of your home, then a monitor is useful |
| Sleeping Bag | U | From 6 weeks babies can sleep in a baby sleeping bag - no need for top sheets or blankets |
| Sheets | E | Make sure they fit your moses basket/cot snugly |
| Soother | U | Some babies need extra soothing, others don't |
| ITEM | RATING | NOTES |
| Baby bath/seat | U | You can use your normal bath but some people find baby baths/seats helpful & safer |
| Bath thermometer | U | It won't take long to know the right temperature for a baby's bath, but a thermometer helps you stay within a safe range |
| Natural sponge/flannel | E | To wash baby gently |
| Towel | E | Take a look at our Cuddledry range of extra-safe towels |
| Shampoo & bodywash | U | From newborn a baby doesn't need bath products, unless they have lots of hair, but it won't be long before you need some |
| Massage Oil | L | Massaging your baby can really help a parent bond & is calming for both of you |
| Baby nail clippers | U | It's amazing how fast little nails can grow - try to get clippers designed for babies as they are safer |
We have already mentioned breast pads (above, for mum) but if you plan to bottle feed, or find you are unable to breast feed, then here are a few essential items.
| ITEM | RATING | NOTES |
| Hand express pump | U | To help express your own milk for the baby |
| Bottles & teats | E | Try to find bottles free from chemicals, such as Baby Born Free |
| Steriliser | E | All feeding equipment for babies up to at least 6-12 months must be sterilised |
| Formula powder | E | If you're not using your own milk, babies must have formula milk made for them, not cow's milk (until 12mths) |
That just about covers it! If there is anything else you have found useful or essential, then do let us know and we'll add it to the list.
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