If you’re expecting the pitter-patter of tiny feet you’re probably busy getting everything ready for the big day and beyond. There’s so much to think about, you've probably forgotten things you've already done and other things that need to be done NOW. I'm one of those people who loves making lists, whether it's for shopping, cleaning or meal plans, I feel so much more relaxed knowing what's happening and what needs to happen, soo if you’re feeling a tad worried about missing something essential, take a look at this ultimate shopping list, which hopefully will help you out, or even give you that reminder to relax, you've already sorted it all! :)
Baby clothes Probably everyone's favorite thing to buy when it comes to babies, they're all so darn cute and tiny, it's so easy to go overboard! Babies need changing, well, ALOT, so make sure you have at least eight vests, eight baby grows and a selection of soft t-shirts, bottoms, jumpers and cardigans, there are some lovely baby clothes deals at LamaLoLi at the moment, all with fab deals too, so don't worry about spending lots of money!
Pick out comfortable, practical garments for your little one and make sure you have a couple of sizes ready, they grow before your eyes! A selection of newborn and 0-3 outfits is ideal but if you see a bargain in a bigger size, don’t hesitate to buy it as children grow quickly.
Baby changing equipment As well as a good stock of nappies you’ll also need wipes, nappy rash cream, a changing mat, towels -to put on the changing mat in case it’s a bit cold - and scented nappy sacks to disguise bad smells (these are particularly handy if you’re out and about). A baby-changing bag is also essential and you might also want to purchase a baby-changing table, although this isn’t absolutely essential if you’re watching the pennies or have set yourself a strict budget.
Nursery furniture Whether you want to equip your nursery with brand new furniture or are happy with high-quality hand-me-downs, there are certain items you’ll definitely need including somewhere safe for your baby to sleep. Moses baskets are ideal for the early days but your baby will then need to move into a crib or cot eventually (and quicker than you think!)
If you do opt for a second hand mattress it’s a good idea to buy a new mattress without any dents or stains, here’s what to look out for when making a purchase, incase you were feeling a bit nervy about it! You’ll also need sheets and blankets but make sure whatever you use is well tucked in and does not rise above your baby’s shoulders. You could also try swaddling your little bundle, or using a sleeping bag instead!
As you’ll quickly accumulate lots of tiny clothes, it’s also a good idea to buy a miniature wardrobe and a chest of draws, as this will help you to stay as organised as possible. I actually moved all my own clothes out of my wardrobe and put them in the chest of drawers, Abbie has far more clothes than me so seemed only right she had the wardrobe, spoilt bum! :)
Bouncy chair It’s amazing how quickly babies grow and how fast they start exploring the world around them. Many newborns like to sit up and watch the world go by, Abbie was one of those, so popping her into a bouncy chair was ideal for us! Not only can you move them from room to room but you can also watch them wriggle around and play while you get on with making the dinner, dusting the living room or doing a spot of hoovering (yes, life does go on). It also means you don’t have to carry them on your hip all the time which is a great relief for you, the one we had for Abbie actually vibrated and played music which even put Abbie to sleep on one occasion!
Feeding essentials Planning to breastfeed? Then I can't recommend buying an electric breast pump, there were so many times when I was so engorged, it hurt so badly even to get dressed, pumps are a great way to release that pain and you can just store the milk in the freezer if you ever need it! You’ll find plenty of advice about this new world of pumping and feeding online, it's definitely a learning curve and something different to get used to, but can be a life saver if you need to go out and have to leave the little one with a friend!
If breastfeeding doesn’t come easily or you choose to use formula from the start, you should also make sure there’s enough formula in the house to get you through those first tiring weeks – and don’t forget to take some to the hospital in case it’s not provided.
So there you have it, a list of things you certainly can’t do without when your new bundle of joy arrives, just be sure to enjoy those early precious moments because they grow fast! Seriously, it flies by!
What are your top tips? x