Buying for a new baby is an exciting but also very daunting experience. There are numerous “essential” items that many companies claim you cannot do without during those first few months. To avoid breaking the bank it is important to determine what products you really will need and those that are just masquerading as necessities. We have taken this list of "essential items" and spoken to numerous recent mums and dads about their true value. We’ve added comments alongside each item, based on the feedback received, so that you can determine whether you also consider them to be essential. You can place ticks in the boxes beside the items you feel you need, then condense and print your list for your reference. Once you have decided on your items why not take a look at our gift list. You can choose all the products you’d like to receive at your baby shower / welcoming party or select products you’d simply like to purchase yourself. TUBS is able to provide all the essential items for your gift list. Call us on 01992 625651 to discuss your requirements. TUBS will offer advice aswell as putting together your gift list or your own personal list of items for purchase whether they are already listed on the website or not.
Nursing bra - It is very important that your bra fits you properly. A good nursing bra needs to be comfortable and adjustable, give good support and be easy to get in and out of for feeding. It is well worth being fitted for one after you have reached 36 weeks of pregnancy and buy two or three at once. Check that the straps are wide enough to support your breasts without digging in and that nothing is rubbing against your breasts. A high cotton content will help ensure that the bra remains comfortable even when your breasts are full and hot. A good nursing bra needs to be flexible, allowing extra room for when the milk comes in and when your breasts reduce in size (usually after 12 weeks or so). The cups should open and close easily, preferably using only one hand. The opening should allow plenty of room for your baby to feed and never constrict or squeeze your breast as this can lead to blocked ducts or mastitis. When one cup is open for feeding, the other should continue to provide comfortable support. Getting a sleep bra is also a good idea because your breasts leak milk at night as well as in the day and you may also feel more comfortable having your breasts supported at night.
Breast pads - resuable or disposable brands are available.
Breast pump – Most mums recommend waiting before baby is born and seeing how breast feeding goes before investing in a breast pump. It is difficult to know what your needs will be before then. Some suited manual, some suited electric and some hand-expressed. Electric pumps are usually more speedy and efficient at extracting the milk than manual pumps but they can be noisy and you have less control over the strength of the suction, so they are not always ideal for sore nipples. Motors in breast pumps are notorious for burning out; if you plan to use one every day, it pays to invest in a good-quality one so that you don't have to worry about overusing it. If you only plan to express once or twice a week, a hand pump will probably do just as well. The manual pump can be a lot more fiddly to assemble, but it is usually quiet and you can more easily control the speed and suction, so they’re useful if your breasts are engorged or on bruised or chapped nipples which are too sore to feed from. They're cheaper than their electrical counterparts so a popular choice if you think you'll only want to express occasionally. Other things to consider are ease of assembly; ease of use; cleaning; noise; noise; power source and portability.
Nursing chair - some mums bought a top of the range chair for feeding baby, others used comfy chairs they already owned. We found a wide variety of opinion regarding this.
Milk bags for freezing – some mums found these invaluable whereas others didn’t use them at all. It is entirely down to preference and how you manage feeding.
Steriliser – Your baby won’t have as strong an immune system as yours, so it’s important to reduce the risk of him / her picking up bugs and bacteria by sterilising the feeding equipment. Harmful bacteria grow quickly in milk and it is recommended that you sterilise bottles, teats, soothers, breast pumps and other feeding accessories until your baby is one year old. When you start introducing solids, you will also want to sterilise your baby's bowls and spoons. There are three types of steriliser: microwave, coldwater and electric steam. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Most of our mums preferred microwave or electric steam sterilisers.
Newborn feeding bottles – necessary if you won’t be breastfeeding 100% of the time. Many of our mums bought and used these bottles, which come in various sizes.
Bottle teats - These come in various "flow" sizes, in different types of material - latex or silicone - and different shapes, including standard and "natural", which mimic the shape of a nipple. Silicone is a little less flexible than latex but more durable. You can also buy anti-colic teats that aim to reduce the amount of air your baby takes in while feeding. Generally, you should start with slow flow for newborn babies until they get used to bottlefeeding, then switch to a medium flow. All teats deteriorate with use and should be checked regularly for damage, especially once your baby starts cutting teeth. A damaged teat is a potential choking hazard. If you use boiling to sterilise your baby's bottles and teats, be aware that it makes teats sticky and unusable quicker than other methods of sterilisation.
Bottle warmer – some mums swear by them and others didn’t use them at all.
Bottlebrush – a very useful item and recommended by all our mums.
Bibs – Bibs come in a huge range of materials and styles. Small, basic cloth bibs are all your baby needs to begin with, but you may find that you need something more substantial as he or she gets older. Some of our mums bought bibs, others opted for teacloths or muslin squares to mop up baby instead.
Baby bath – Used by most of our mums after the top and tail phase. Some mums didn’t use a baby bath at all because they found it too bulky and a pain to keep filling with jugs of water. These mums found a bath support in an adult bath to be more helpful.
Top and tail bowl – most mums bought this but some said it would have been as easy to use a large plastic bowl.
Bath support – not a definite must-have but did help the majority of mums to handle slippery new borns in the bath.
Safety Tap Covers - Our mums and dads found these to be very useful for protecting babies head from bumping against taps and to stop toddlers playing with the hot water tap.
Slip mat – a definite must for the large bath.
Thermometer – most used but some didn’t. Dipping your elbow into the water is an alternative way of telling you whether the water is too hot.
Towel with hood – most mums used these but ordinary towels work too.
Vaseline – many mums recommend putting this on baby’s bottom to prevent nappy rash.
Baby sponge – many mums found sponges were too rough on their babies skin and used their hands instead.
Nail clippers / scissors – many mums used one or the other, it’s down to preference. It is important to be careful, many mums recommend using a nail file / emery board for the first few weeks as babies nails are so soft. It is very easy to catch the skin by mistake when using clippers or scissors and cause bleeding. Brush and / or comb - very soft bristles are recommended.
Baby thermometer – the ones that go in the ear are preferred by the majority of our mums.
Cot / cot-bed – Some mums used a cot or cotbed from the day baby was born although many preferred a moses basket, crib or carrycot for the few months, feeling that their babies looked a little lost in a big cot. A cot will probably be your baby's bed until he is two or three years old. Cot beds are longer and wider than standard cots, and their main advantage is that they can be converted into a junior bed when your toddler outgrows his cot. They do not usually have drop sides and not all versions have different mattress positions. Cots come in many shapes and sizes, including corner shaped cots that sit neatly in the corner of the room, oval shaped cots that can be converted into a junior bed, chairs or even a sofa, later on. You can also buy bedside cots which can be useful for night-time feeds, as they have a removable side so you can put your baby's cot right next to your bed. Most cots have drop sides, a railing which can be lowered to make it easier to get your baby in and out. They also have an adjustable base height, which can be adjusted as your baby grows. The base can be raised to the highest position for a young baby, so that you can lift him in and out of the cot easily. The base can then be lowered when your baby is old enough to pull himself up, so that he stays secure in the cot. Most cots have two or three different base heights but two is all you really need. Many cots also have a teething rail, a protective plastic coating, around the edges of the cot sides, to prevent your baby chewing on the wooden slats of the cot when he / she is older.
Mattress – All the mums and dads we spoke to invested in a new mattress for their baby. There are many different types - foam mattresses, spring interior, natural fibre mattresses, special anti-allergy mattresses, or a combination. The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths states that it doesn't matter what kind of mattress you use, as long as it's firm not soft, doesn't sag at all or show any signs of wear and tear. Unless you know the history of a second-hand mattress, buy a new one.
Moses basket with mattress – Many of our mums used a moses basket for at least 6 weeks. They found it to be the perfect bed for a little baby, providing provide a secure, lightweight and cosy sleeping environment. Most baskets are made from palm, although they can be made from maize or wicker. Wicker baskets tend to be the most long lasting. They have carrying handles so that you can move them easily from room to room. Moses baskets usually come complete with a set of bedding and a fabric-covered hood. They also usually come with their own foam mattress. Moses baskets can be used on the floor, or you can buy a separate stand so that they can be placed at a more convenient height next to your bed. Our mums found that putting baby next to the bed in a moses basket made night feeds extra easy. Some didn't use a moses basket and put baby straight into a cot in their room. If you want to gradually get your baby used to being in his cot, start by putting your baby to sleep in his / her moses basket inside the cot.
Blankets – Our mums recommend the cellular blankets as they are more airy and breathable. Some mums found the fleece blankets to be too hot.
Sheets for moses basket and / or cot – Although you can now buy baby sleeping bags for newborn babies, most of our mums recommend starting off with cotton sheets and cotton cellular blankets. They are easy to layer and keep your baby at the right temperature. Generally speaking, you will need about four sheets and two or three blankets to start with. Sheets are usually made of either traditional woven cotton, brushed flannelette which feels warm to the touch, stretch cotton terry or cotton jersey. Stretch fitted sheets are very useful as they are less likely to come untucked while your baby sleeps and are quick and easy to put on and take off.
Bumper – all our mums bought and used bumpers in the cot. Some had one at each end to allow for baby turning in the night, others found bumpers that went all the way round.
Night light – Not an absolute must for a tiny baby but useful for you to put on rather than the main light so you can make your way round their room during the night. Some night-lights automatically extinguish during the daytime.
Mobile for cot – All our mums bought mobiles. Some were better than others. Please see the gift list for further guidance. Mobiles attach to the side of the cot. Some mobiles play tunes while the mobile toys rotate. You should stop using a mobile when your baby is old enough to pull him / herself up. Cot mobiles for newborns often have black and white pictures so that your newborn baby can see the shapes.
Black-out linings – some mums needed these and found them invaluable when their baby moved to his/her own room. Others found their babies didn’t mind the light.
Room thermometer – used by all our mums.
Baby monitor – All our mums bought and used these. A baby monitor lets parents listen to their baby when they're in a different room. It can give them the peace of mind to be able to hear every gurgle, splutter or cry. There’s a huge range of features to look out for when choosing a baby monitor. Sound-only models do the basic job, and can be analogue or digital to give better sound quality. Some come with an under-mattress sensor which sets off an alarm if your baby stops breathing. Vision monitors mean you can watch your baby from another room. Other features include a nightlight, intercom function and thermometer. Baby monitors tend to vary from model to model, but all have a minimum of two units - one to transmit your baby's sounds and one which stays in the room where you are to enable you to monitor your baby. The amount you think you will use your monitor may well affect how many features are essential and also how much you want to spend.
Sleeping bags – A fantastic product that is recommended highly by every mum and dad we asked. Mums and dads found it easy to pick up baby and feed him / her during the night and put them down again without disturbing them too much. The best thing about them is that baby can't kick them off, which means that he / she is less likely to wake up due to feeling too cold. Although you can buy baby sleeping bags for newborn babies, most parents start using them when their baby is a few weeks or months old. The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths recommends that you should always use the right size sleeping bag for your baby and not put him in a sleeping bag which is too large, as he could slide down inside the bag. Also they state that you should never use a sleeping bag with a quilt or duvet, as it will make your baby far too hot.
Changing unit – some mums bought cot top changers or put a changing mat onto a bed or a suitable and sturdy piece of furniture whereas others preferred changing units. It’s totally down to requirements.
Changing mat – all our mums bought and used these.
Nappy stacker – Some mums needed these for space and because they wanted a co-ordinated nursery with all the accessories however other mums and dads found them to be a waste of money.
Nappies - As newborn babies will need their nappies changed 10-12 times a day, buy enough nappies to keep you going for at least the first few days or so. If you are planning to use reusable nappies, it's a good idea to have at least one packet of disposables handy too.
Nappies – Disposable. Our mums and dads had differing opinions over which nappies they rated as best for baby. Absorbency was a key factor although comfort and fit are also highly important. Our mums and dads recommend shopping around to find the best nappy for your baby as different brands vary tremendously in shape and some are better suited boys rather than girls. They recommend trying out a few before buying thatnsuper-size economy box. It is also important to find the right size as this also varies between brands.
Nappies - Reusable. These days more and more parents are opting for reusable nappies and things have certainly moved on since the days of soaking terries in a bucket of hot, soapy water. Nowadays you have the choice of either buying and washing the nappies yourself or using one of the nappy laundry services, like Cotton Bottoms, available in most major towns and cities in the UK. The alarming statistics showing the damage caused by disposable nappies will certainly make you think about doing your bit to save the planet. Although the initial outlay for reusables is considerable, in the long run, you can save a lot of money. Some also argue that they are better for your baby's skin because of the many chemicals and gels used in disposables. One tip is to have a go with a free trial pack offered by many reusable nappy manufacturers and see how you get on. On the downside they can be complicated both to put on and to collect together all the necessary parts - nappies, wraps, clips etc - although you can now buy all-in-one reusables. Another thing to watch out for is how long they take to dry - particularly if you don't have an automatic dryer. Having every radiator in the house strewn with nappies is not an edifying prospect. Some mums combine the two using reusable at home, and disposables when out and about. Another option is to start off with disposable with a newborn (when nappies need to be changed endlessly and you're totally whacked) and move on to do your bit for the environment when poos are a bit more predictable / less frequent. Whatever choice you make, the ultimate aim is obviously a dry, comfy child.
Pushchair / pram and raincover / footmuff / sunshade – Choosing the right pushchair is not as simple as it sounds. There's an array of different options out there from 3-in-1s to off-roaders and it's worth taking a bit of time considering the right one for you. You will need one that is suitable for newborns (with a lie-flat position).
Car seat for 0+ (rear facing infant carrier) – a definite must-have item. The first car seat is likely to carry your baby on that all-important journey from the hospital to home. It will also ensure that the journey through the first nine months of life is a safe and smooth ride, so it's really worth while making sure that you are getting the best seat to suit your needs. Head support is essential for a newborn, so do check your seat has a head hugger, which can be taken out as the baby gets bigger. Not all car seats fit all cars and a secure fit is probably the most crucial consideration. Many car seat manufacturers now provide a list of car models that their seats will fit in to but the best way to be certain is to try the seat out yourself. Large stores with parking facilities often allow you to test the seats. Alternatively try small independent shops, who will often assist with the installation.
Travel cot – A travel cot was found to be an essential item for mums and dads who travelled alot with their baby. A lightweight, collapsable travel cot is ideal for weekends away and short holidays (though your baby shouldn’t sleep in it all the time). You’ll want it to be easy to carry or wheel around, and comfy enough to give your baby a good night’s sleep. Some come with a detachable bassinet to cradle a newborn, a toy bar, change mat and and carry bag. Your baby can sleep or rest in a familiar environment away from home or have a safe place to play, if you're visiting a friend whose house is not baby-proofed. Travel cots are easy to pack into the boot of your car or with the rest of the luggage.
Baby carrier – Highly recommended by our mums, carriers are a great alternative to the pushchair for travelling with your child. Most carriers can be used from birth and, for all our mums, the first few months were when they were most useful. Baby carriers are great for both you and your baby. You’ll find them easy to use, convenient and best of all, hands-free, leaving you able to get on with your daily tasks unrestricted. And your baby will love the comforting feeling of being close to you and seeing what you’re doing. Depending on the style, he can sit facing inwards, outwards or on your hip. The downside, though, is that they require you to carry your baby all the time as well as any other baggage you may have, such as the changing bag or your shopping. This can be a problem if your baby is on the heavy side, however, many parents find they soon get used to carrying the extra weight of their baby, even as he grows bigger and heavier. As they grow, babies enjoy being carried face outwards and getting an adult-level view of the world. Look out for well-padded, wide shoulder and back straps that distribute weight evenly and don’t dig in, or opt for one that distributes the weight between the shoulders and the hip. The sling should support the baby's head, neck and back and should ideally be adjustable so support is maintained as he / she grows. If you want to use a sling from birth some models are better than others for supporting newborns. Babies come in all shapes and sizes and the age limit specified by the manufacturer may not always be accurate.
Changing bag for baby’s things – Changing bags are a great way of carrying your baby's essentials, such as nappies, wipes, bottles and dummies. They also come with a foldaway changing mat, which is crucial for nappy changing wherever you are, when you are out and about. Your changing bag needs to be spacious, easy to carry and preferably look good, too. It's useful if the bag can hold a simple change of baby clothes, any feeding essentials, as well as wipes, creams and nappies - but if it's too big it will be hard to carry. Changing bags often come in either a backpack or shoulder bag style, which keeps your hands free for carrying your baby or pushing the puschair. Remember that if you want your partner to use the bag as often as you do, you should choose something that won't look too feminine for him to carry.
Baby vests - All mums chose 100% cotton as this is best for babies skin. At least three or four vests, also known as body suits, are essential, with envelope necks and poppers underneath. These can be worn under babygros, or when the weather is very hot, a baby vest may be all your baby needs to wear.
Babygros - Three or four babygros or all-in-one sleepsuits will be very handy. Mums chose 100% cotton. Small babies tend to live in these in their first few months and really don't need to wear anything else, apart from a vest underneath in winter months, or a cardigan over the top if it is very cold.
Cardigans - Most mums used these just to wrap around baby. Cotton is best for newborns. One or two are useful to provide an extra layer if required.
Socks
Hat / booties
Scratch mittens – Most mums found these kept falling off as hands were tiny. Some used socks instead.
Shawl – Some mums used shawls, others simply wrapped baby in a cellular blanket or similar.
Feeding pillow – some mums swear by them, others don’t rate them at all.
Activity Gym – Babies spend a vast amount of time lying down, therefore toys that you can suspend above them are worth looking at. Playgyms are also a great way of charting your babies' development - as they graduate from ignoring it to taking notice, to grabbing it and finally to kicking the dangling toys.
Toys - Your baby's development from birth to six months is rapid, and he / she will enjoy discovering and exploring their new environment. Before too long babies will start to show interest in sounds, textures and bold patterns. Toys that can be attached to a cot and pushchair are also a good bet. Our mums and dads found that the more gaudy and tasteless the toy the more the baby loved it. Textures are popular with older babies as are mirrored surfaces and repetitious sounds.
Muslin squares – most mums used these. They have allsorts of uses ie mopping up spills, protecting your clothes from baby sick, mopping up dribble whilst in the front carrier / baby gym car seat / cot etc.
Bouncy chair – many mums found their babies loved these items. They found they made life easier once baby started to wriggle around at about three months. Most babies were happy to sit in them and watch the world go by.
