Babys First Year

First time parents will probably have a long list of what they need for the birth of their baby but is everything really required and necessary? The answer is probably not! It will either never come out the box or will end up being only used on a few occasions.

There are a few items of furniture which are a must and a few others which could be bought but it is not essential to buy new, second hand or given by others will suffice.

The most essential item required for a new born is a crib or Moses basket. It is not essential that these items are bought new but ensure that the mattress is new due to SIDS.

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A Moses basket may look lovely but you will probably only get a couple of months at most out of it and if this is to be your only child definitely not value for money!

A crib on the other hand will see your baby until they are six months old and are of much sturdier construction. They are only a fraction more expensive than a Moses basket however are much more durable and long lasting. A crib that can be rocked will also help soothe your child to sleep and give you some quality ‘me time’.

It is recommended that your child sleeps in the same room as you until they are six months old and a crib should see you through to the next stage.

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A pram is also an essential. It is of purely personal choice whether you opt for a travel system such as a three in one, a carrycot or an old fashioned pram. Each has their good and bad points. Again depending on the financial side, there is no harm in buying second hand. Just ensure you buy from a smoke free home and take it for a test drive. Also ensure it comes with instructions. If buying new, check the internet for price comparisons. Ebay is a very good source if you know which model you like and you should be able to buy BNIB (brand new in box) giving you that extra piece of mind. If you have a car, ensure the pram when folded fits inside. Common sense I know but you would be surprised! A pram that lasts till past the age of one is ideal as after this time a lighter weight buggy can be used and is less cumbersome.

[baby stroller new,2,0,110]

The next main expense is whether to buy a cot or a cot bed. The difference being that a cot bed should see your child up to the age of four. Also a cot bed is much bigger in dimensions and more expensive. A brand new mattress conforming to all safety regulations is a must even though the cot may be second hand, ensure the mattress is not. Cot beds also require different bedding and if buying one ensure whoever is buying the bedding that they know this. If space is tight then a cot is ideal.

Also if you plan to have more than one child then a cot is probably the better option as your older child can be moved into a proper bed freeing up the cot for the new baby.

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There a variety of other essentials immediately required after birth such as a baby bottle steriliser (this can be electric or microwave) if bottle feeding, a breast pump if breast feeding, a small travel steriliser and travel change mat aswell as a baby change bag. Depending on the size of your house then a baby monitor may be required and hearing your baby breathe may be soothing to you as well.

Other non essentials that are often bought are changing tables, baby baths, and baby pillows aswell as bottle warmers. Baby baths are large and cumbersome and there are baby rests which you can buy that support your baby when bathing in the bath or sink that make the job so much easier. When changing your baby then as long as you have a large padded changing mat and flat surface then a changing station will probably be under utilised and a waste of time. Bottle warmers again are expensive especially when you can boil a kettle and takes the same time!

Be warned there are plenty of products out there that state they are essential during the first few months of your baby’s life but these really are a way of getting you and others to spend. If someone asks you what they should buy, then get them to buy vouchers so you can buy something essential later on or get them to put the money on a pre paid credit card so you can be every day essentials such as nappies and formula.

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