What to buy

It’s a good idea to start shopping early and pick up things as you go. You’ll have a lot more energy and you can keep an eye out for bargains.

Nappies

Which type?

Disposable nappies

• Save time
• Easily available
• Useful if you don’t have much room for washing and drying
• Useful when you’re out and about
• Not environmentally friendly
• Expensive

Washable cloth nappies

• More environmentally friendly
• Always available (providing you do regular washes)
• Cheaper to use, even taking into account the cost of washing
• More time-consuming and you’ll need space for drying
• More difficult to use when you’re out and about

You’ll find there are lots of different brands of cloth nappies and each one has slightly different components. But the rough list of what you need includes:

• Nappy liners (disposable or cloth)
• Plastic pants: four pairs, either tie-on or elasticated
• A bucket with lid
• Nappy sterilising powder or liquid

Nappy services and nappy costs
 

There may be a nappy laundering service near you. They deliver clean nappies to your home, take away the dirty ones each week and supply everything you need. To find your nearest one, call the National Association of Nappy Services on 0121 693 4949.

It’s also worth speaking to your local authority, as some offer money-off vouchers for using cloth nappies.

Changing

You’ll need:

• White cotton wool. Rolls are cheaper than balls
• Plastic changing mat
• Barrier cream to help prevent nappy rash. Find out more about preventing nappy rash click here
  
• A changing bag for when you’re out-and-about
• Nappy bin

Changing surface

• The safest place to change a nappy is on a mat on the floor, but this can take its toll on your back and may be draughty
• A changing table is at waist height, which is much better for your back
• If you use one, you need to make sure you keep your hand on your baby at all times so they can’t roll off. So make sure you have everything close to hand

Bathing

You’ll need:

• A large plastic bowl or baby bath
• Two or three towels with hoods, to keep their head warm
• Washing your baby with water is fine. So you don’t need shampoo or bubble bath
• When you feel soap is needed, use a mild, unperfumed one

Sleeping

For the first few months, you’ll need a crib, carry cot or Moses basket in your bedroom. You’ll also need:

• A firm mattress that fits snugly without leaving spaces around the edges
• Four sheets
• Several light blankets

Pillows and duvets are not safe for babies less than a year old because of the risk of suffocation. Plus they can make your baby too hot.

Cot safety

• You must have a new mattress and this must fit snugly to the edges of the cot. Look for the European standard of EN716
• Cot bumpers aren’t safe. They can make babies overheat or get tangled in the fastenings
• Don’t leave any spare clothes in the cot in case they get caught around your baby’s neck
   

Travel

Prams, pushchairs, slings. There’s a lot of choice out there. So take some time to look at what’s available and think about what would suit you. It’s also worth asking other mums what they've found useful.

Essentials:

• Sling or front baby carrier
• Pram or pushchair (needs to be reclining so she can lie flat)
• Changing bag

Car seat
 

It’s worth getting a car seat well before your due date, so you’ve got chance to fit it and get familiar with it.

• Look for European Standard number R44/03
• It should be rear-facing, either on the back or passenger seat
• Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure it’s correctly fitted – a huge proportion of car seats aren’t
• If you put it in the front passenger seat, make sure the air bag is disabled. Refer to your car and car seat manufacturer’s instructions
• Don’t buy one second-hand. It may have been damaged in an accident
   

Feeding

Breastfeeding

• Nursing bras are most practical and comfy. Make sure you get fitted for one by a specialist. They open at the front and have adjustable straps
• Cotton is best because it’s breathable
• If you try on bras at about 36–38 weeks, they should fit when needed later
• Breast pads may be useful

Bottle feeding

You’ll need:

• 4 x bottles
• 4 x teats and caps
• Bottle and teat brushes
• Steriliser
• Teat tongs
• Infant formula milk, which comes in both powder and in a ready to use format. Don’t buy this too far in advance and remember to check the sell-by date

Clothes

All you need for the first few weeks are enough clothes to make sure your baby is warm and clean. You can always get more as you figure out what you need.

Some suggestions:

• Sometimes it’s nice to splash out a bit on a special outfit, but do remember your baby  won’t fit into it for long
• Hand-me-downs from friends and family are great
• Buy colour-fast, machine-washable clothes suitable for tumble drying
• Natural fabrics like cotton or wool let their delicate skin breathe 
• Wash everything before it’s worn using non-biological detergent

A good list of what to start with:

• 6-8 stretch suits. These can be used both day and night
• Two woollen or cotton cardigans. Several light layers of clothing are best for warmth
• 8 vests
• Shawl or blanket
• Hat, mittens, socks and bootees
• Sun hat
• Winter suit (if your baby’s born in winter)
• 6-8 muslin cloths, for mopping-up