When getting kitted out for parenthood, it is best to start reasonably early in the pregnancy. Not only will you have more energy to traipse around the shops, but it means you can buy bits and pieces here and there, and look for bargains instead of leaving it to the frantic final weeks.
The Shortlist!
It's prudent to avoid buying expensive clothes for your baby as it will grow so fast that it won't be in them for long. Hand-me-downs from friends and family are a great way of avoiding unnecessary costs. That said, one of the great pleasures of pregnancy is buying baby clothes.
A rule of thumb is to buy colour-fast, machine-washable clothes that are suitable for tumble drying. Make sure they're natural fabrics such as cotton or wool, so your baby's delicate skin can breathe.
Here's a useful skeleton list of what to buy:
50 small size disposable nappies or 24 fabric nappies.
6 bibs
5 envelope neck vests
4 short-sleeved jump suits with poppers at the crotch
4 jump suits with attached feet
3 nighties
3 hooded baby towels
2 cardigans
2 blankets
1 summer or winter hat and a pair of booties.
Rub-a-Dub-Dub
Although you can in theory use the sink, a plastic baby-bath with a non-slip mat inside is a very useful piece of equipment to have. Baby bath and baby shampoo (if your baby has hair!) are the best things to wash baby with, although water on its own will probably do for the first few weeks. Buy a flannel or natural sponge to wash your baby with. For drying, use hooded baby towels to keep the baby's head nice and warm when it's wet. Ideally you should have three of these for a clean supply.
Bottoms Up
There are two main schools of thought with regard to nappies - those who are happy to go with the ease of disposables, and parents who are equally keen on cloth nappies. Whichever route you decide to go (and you can read more on that debate here) there are some things all parents will need.
Changing Mat:
Ideally, choose one with a material cover that can be taken off and cleaned. It's more comfortable for your baby. Look for a mat which has raised edges. Your baby will soon be able to wriggle around and you'll be glad of any help keeping it in place!
Nappy cream
Wet wipes
Talcum powder
Cotton wool balls
Nappy sacks
....and air freshener!!
