Oh, the never-ending lists when you're expecting – what do we need to buy? What will we use? Which one works? What's the best I can get for my baby? So many lists, so much to consider, where to even start?!
Every one of your friends or family who has been there will have an opinion on which is the best buggy to buy, the most affordable highchair, the best go-to brands for your baby, even the best leak-free nappies, but at the end of the day, it's all about finding things that that you and your family can trust to make your life more efficient.
Here are 4 items that I literally couldn't have lived without with either one of my babies:
1. Swaddle blankets
We watched online tutorials and had midwives show us how to swaddle correctly, it still took us a few days to master it, but I would safely say, these little light blankets kept both of my newborns all snug and secure for their first sleeps in the big bad world. The act of swaddling calms and aids a baby's sleep, mimicking being all snug in the womb. I've kept mine as lovely little keepsakes of those precious early days.
2. A sling
What (just what?) do people do without a baby sling? Whether you opt for a sling or a baby carrier, this is hands-down one of the most important things you need for your new baby. You'll never know how much you need to use your hands until you have a baby to hold! Babywearing means you and your partner get to comfort and feel close to your little mite, as well as get stuff done. Which helps!
3. Play mat
There is nothing cuter than seeing your baby in those first few weeks as they gaze up from their spot on a baby play mat. It is there that both of mine graduated to rolling over, bum-shuffling and eventually, crawling away to start their mobile adventures.
4. Video baby monitor
An absolute lifesaver, although you're always checking your new baby to see if it's still breathing – this is a neurosis that comes with every new baby, so there's nothing more reassuring than being able to see them as they sleep. As they get older, it's a great way to see if you actually need to go into them when they cry – sometimes they cry in their sleep and are not fully awake. This saved us always jumping up and rushing into them unnecessarily.
And here are the 5 items that I could have completely lived without:
1. The tummy tub
We agonised over which baby bath to buy – and I mean agonised! We Googled, spoke to friends at length, we wondered which would be the most comfortable, and which would make our new bundle feel like it was still in the womb as she bathed! Finally, we plumped for the tummy tub, and our baby girl hated every single second in it – and there is nothing more heartbreaking than watching the lip of a newborn drop. This was no womb experience for her. So, we used it as a laundry basket for yucky babygros because it was plastic and washable. An expensive laundry basket.
2. Baby changing table
Some people really prefer to change a baby's bum on the bed or couch but I suffer from back problems so I was always going to get a baby changing table, it was almost like the baby's room wasn't complete until we had this cumbersome piece of pretend wood perfectly in place. Which we used for about 10 minutes – well, a few months, but once the baby started to roll even remotely to the side, I moved the changing mat to the bed, and it stayed there for two more years, and then another two more when the next baby arrived. The fear-factor of them doing a roly-poly on to a hardwood floor was too much for me to handle. Once they start crawling, they pull everything off the table too. A big, fat waste of money on pretend wood.
3. A feeding pillow
If the item has a recognisable word in it, such as 'bin' or 'pillow', then just ask yourself this question: 'Do I already have one of those at home?' The chances are you have several pillows at home that you can use to prop up baby if you are feeding them so save your money for a nice treat for yourself instead!
4. Nappy bin
Not only are they quite expensive, but the mechanisms can be tricky to work out when you're tired and hormonal. Remember the bin that's in your kitchen? Just move that outside your back door until your kids are potty trained!
5. Hoods
I never knew why they make baby clothes with hoods and pockets on them? Sure, the pockets look cute, but not quite sure they are ever used?! But the hoods – they are a total pain. Newborns have no neck control for some time, so they have no way of moving their head away from that bulky piece of fabric under their neck. All they can do is 'announce' that they are not comfortable. Hoods should be kept to coats or jackets – a snug little hat will keep their noggins all warm.
What were your essentials and non-essentials mamas? Let us know your thoughts in the Facebook comments.
