Expecting a baby? Here’s your how-to guide for buying essential items

Let’s face it, babies are expensive.  So for most parents-to-be, they want to make sure they are getting value for money for whatever pieces of equipment they choose to purchase in preparation for their baby’s arrival.  It’s easy to get swept along with the mountains of information pregnant couples have to deal with, and it can be really confusing to know what items are essentials, and what are just luxuries which may end up being shoved in the back of a cupboard and rarely used.

This post will take a look at the key pieces of equipment which all parents will need once their baby arrives – the rest are simply down to personal choice.

1.       The Pushchair

No sane parent would be without a decent pushchair.  There are quite literally thousands of different models on the market – all claiming unique features which will make you the best parent ever.  But it’s sensible to be practical about your choice in pushchair.  To be savvy, it’s best to choose a pushchair which can be used from birth up until the infant is ready to walk independently full time.  Bugaboo provide a great solution for this – their wide range of models are suitable for a newborn baby right through to a child which weighs up to 17kg. They even offer an extra-long raincover to keep a toddler’s legs completely dry during a rain shower – a common problem for parents using other pushchair models.  Many parents have made the mistake of buying a large travel system which is great when the baby is very young as the car seat can be incorporated onto the chassis, but can become cumbersome, forcing parents to buy a separate lightweight stroller to use once the child reaches six months.  With Bugaboo, parents can just purchase one pushchair which can be used for the whole time the infant requires it – rendering it an economical purchase for already financially pushed parents.

2.       Car Seats

When it comes to safety, it’s best not to cut any corners.  Always buy a car seat which is from the correct group for your child, and always, always ensure that it has been fitted correctly.  

3.       Somewhere to Sleep

It is said that young babies spend up to 16 hours per day sleeping, though for new parents, it may not feel like that long!  So it makes sense that your baby has somewhere safe and comfortable to nap.  It is a matter of personal choice as to whether you choose to buy a moses basket for your baby for the early weeks, or whether you put them straight into a cot.  Either way, you must ensure that any cot you buy conforms to the British Safety Standard BS EN 716-2:2008.  It’s best to speak to your midwife to find out what the current recommendations are for your baby’s sleeping position.

4.       Useful Accessories

Of course, there are other items which you will need once baby arrives:

• Nappies – and lots of them!  Nappy bins are not essential, but nappy bags are useful to stop your bin from smelling unpleasant.
• Vests and all in one sleep suits are a must – you will no doubt have plenty of cute outfits bought for you once baby is born, so you can stick with buying the basics if you are trying to watch the pennies.  You might find that baby will need changing more than once a day, so make sure you have plenty of non-biological washing powder at the ready.
•  If you choose to breastfeed, nursing bras and breast pads are a must have.  For bottle fed babies, you’ll be needing a selection of bottles and teats, plus a bottle brush and steriliser.
• A baby bath is useful but not essential, you can always use a newborn bath support in your main bath if you’d rather not store a baby bath.
• A decent changing bag – it is worth investing in a decent sized changing bag, particularly if you bottle feed your baby.  Allow space for spare nappies and wipes, bottles, muslin cloths, and a change of clothes.

If you’re in the process of buying equipment for your little one, then visit the BabyBabyOnline website or call 0121 744 6786 to see if they can help you to prepare for their arrival.