Baby Preparation!

Alyssa Randall
Jun 20, 2021
3 min read

Pregnancy & welcoming a new baby into you're world is a very exciting time, but it can be so easy to get caught up in all the bells and whistles of Baby products, that you will find yourself buying items that you definetly don't need.. Take it from me, a second time mum with 7 years experience in the childcare industry.. Children do not need as much as you think they do!

So what do you actually need when preparing for your first baby.. Hint.. It's not a baby wipes warmer!

What to Invest in: You should not compromise on Quality with these items.. They can also be passed down to any future children you may have or re-sold.

Change Table or just a change mat.. you can pop the mat on a bed or dresser if needed, just be cautious when Bub starts to roll.
Car Seat.
Pram - with a bassinet attachment or car seat adaptors.. please do not put your baby in an upright position before they are capable.
Bassinet or Cot.
Baby bath or Bathtub insert.
Monitor - if you chose to have baby in other room to you, But it is recommended you sleep with baby in your bedroom ( in their own Cot or bassinet) until 6-12 months.
Baby Bag - I reccomend you invest in a good quality baby bag, you will use it every time you leave the house!
Breast pump - if Breast feeding.
Co-sleeper - NOT a baby lounger (they are not approved for SIDS safe sleeping) .. but a co-sleeper.
Baby Carrier - This is more of a necessity for your second child, but we still used it a lot for Layla, perfect for grocery shopping, while you are cooking dinner or just about about anything that you need you're hands free, and don't want to use the pram!

Good to have, but not needed:

- Nursing Chair. - you can feed on the couch, at the dining table or in bed..

- Bottle warmer - You can boil the jug and heat up milk with hot water, or better yet keep some pre-boiled and cooled water in your fridge and use that with the boiled water for quicker bottles.

- Baby swing - We personally did have a baby swing, but it was not entirely needed, Layla would have been okay without it.

Don't waste your money on:

Nappy bin- Nappies smell, you don't won't to keep them in bubs room, therefore their is no need for a dedicated bin.
Wipes Warmer - unless you live in Antartica, It is completely unnessasary.
Baby shoes- trust me, your newborn does not need shoes, there feet never even touch the floor, they are difficult to put on and are bad for development.
A heap of newborn clothes! - unless you have a prem baby, they do not fit in newborn size for very long, don't go overboard!
Bath time thermometer - the water only needs to be Luke warm, and you can tell by touch.
Baby bath products - it is recommended you only wash baby in warm water for the first 12 months.
Baby towels - Yes they are cute, but definitely not needed.

The Last 10 weeks of pregnancy!

- Have Babies Bassinet/Cot set up.

- Have all babies clothing pre-washed ready to wear!

- Install babies Carseat

- Pack your hospital bag

- Freeze some meals for Postpartum.

- Write out your birth Wishes (Plan)

- download a contraction timer to your phone.

- Have a Postpartum recovery Kit ready for when you come home from hospital.

What you need for the hospital:

Okay so the time has come where you have the nursery prepared and it is time to get yourself and Bub's bag ready for birth at the hospital.. so here is what you need!