What Parents Say
We understand how daunting it is preparing for your new arrival. With so much to buy and so many choices it’s hard to know where to start, that’s why we’ve created this guide. We’ve asked some of the UK’s parent bloggers what they couldn’t live without when their little one arrived, giving you the guide to what you need, from those in the know…
Swaddling Blanket
"My essential item would be a swaddling blanket. New babies love to feel warm and secure just like they did in the womb. It is amazing how a fretful baby can be calmed down by swaddling, it is such a simple item to buy but one that I would recommend 100%. I have used a swaddling blanket for every one of my four babies and it has saved me from many a long night of crying (which is always good when you're a new parent). Swaddling also helps babies get into a familiar routine for going to sleep e.g. swaddle, bottle/breast then bed; babies learn to expect the same routine which means it eventually becomes easier to put your baby to bed."
Digital Thermometer
"My number one essential for parents would be a digital thermometer, the type that goes in their ears. It seems a bit steep at the outset 30-50 ish quid, but I think I'm in love with mine. I have four children (aged 4-10) and after years of faffing around trying to hold thermometer strips to their heads, or sticking the other digital kind under their arms and then clamping the arm down (you can picture that with an ill 6 month year old, right?). Just used it during our recent bout of suspected swine flu, so simple, it takes about 10 seconds to get a reading. I know it sounds a little evangelical, but I do so love products that make my life easier!"
Digital Monitor TD300 by TOMY
TOMY's range of monitors have been developed by parents for parents. Like all new parents, Warren Jacobs, Senior Product Designer at TOMY and dad to Ginny and Amabel wanted to be sure his babies were safe and sound, that's why he developed a new range of monitors to help minimise any worries.
"The days my two little girls were born were the best of my life. As soon as I saw them I felt incredibly protective and I wanted to know that even if we popped out of the room and left them alone for a second the girls would still be OK... I wanted to make the monitors really easy to use while giving you all the useful features you need as a parent."
Bouncy Chair
"A bouncy chair is an essential purchase for your baby. Most are suitable from birth to around nine months. They range from a basic material covered wire frame for around £12.50 to, quite literally, an all singing, all dancing swinging experience for £200. A bouncy chair is somewhere for your baby to sit in a reclined position. This is really helpful after a feed if they are a sicky baby, or suffer from reflux. You can sit the chair anywhere so your baby can watch what is going on, whether that is you int he kitchen, or the trees in the garden. Most chairs come with a toy arch to entertain your baby, or you can give them a rattle or a soft toy to hold. You can sit your baby in a bouncy chair to start weaning. Remember to use a bib or cover them with a muslin square in case of splattered food! Even more useful is a chair with a washable cover. If your bouncy chair has a rocking motion your baby will find this soothing and may sleep."
Baby Carrier/Sling
"Wearing your baby is a must and I couldn't live without a baby carrier or sling. Whilst new borns do sleep a lot there are time when your baby just won't want to be put down, usually at the time you most need your hands free. A carrier pleases both of you and the motion will help soothe your baby. i found ours great for quick trips out to the shops much easier than maneuvering the buggy and hanging on to a shopping basket at the same time. Carriers are also much more convenient than a buggy in crowded places and there's no folding needed to get on the bus!"
Baby Gowns
"I would definitely recommend baby sleep gowns for any new parents. These are like a long nightie (that goes down over their feet) with an elasticated bottom for your baby to wear in bed at night. Your baby is as snug and warm as they would be in a sleep-suit but middle of the night nappy changes are so much more simple when there are no poppers to deal with. You simply slide the gown up over the nappy, quickly change and slide back down. Quick, easy and your baby is disturbed as little as possible. You can also buy them with integral scratch mitts, which I found very useful. I gave some to a friend's baby who hated being undressed and it stopped all crying during night changes."
Clothing
"The best tip I would give new parents is to moderate how many clothes they buy. It’s hard to resist those tiny outfits! My advice is to buy two special outfits for when family and friends visit. Then buy more practical wash friendly clothes for everyday use. Most people will buy you clothes as a gift, and you’ll be surprised how much they’ll grow out of without wearing. The more fiddly the outfit the harder it will be to change a nappy too! Those on a budget should look at online auction sites for good condition bundles of clothes."
Frozen Meals
"You’re home; you’re on cloud nine. Your wife or girlfriend – the new mother of your new-born child - is still in hospital recovering. You won’t be able to sleep. And you can’t stay on the ‘phone all night. So do something. Do something really useful. Get the pans out; put the oven on; get peeling, chopping, blanching, cooking – everything that you can get your hands on. Make as many meals as you can, then pop them in the freezer. Let’s face it, you’re going to be a bit preoccupied when the family comes home. But you’re still all going to have to eat. And when you do, those little home-made ready meals you made will probably be the best night’s work you've ever done. Bar one, of course. The one nine months before!"
Mobiles
"One item that I’d recommend to new parents is some sort of mobile for their cot. We actually had two. One she liked until about a year old. It was very colourful and had all sorts of shapes and things that moved, so she could watch it when she was in her cot. Every night we’d put it on when she went to bed and it would help soothe her to sleep. Then she lost interest in it. We had another neutrally-coloured one (that looked nice in her nursery) that she loved listening to when she went to bed until she was about 18 months old. You can also get mobiles for travel, which are great for the pram or on car journeys."
Tee Tree Oil
"The midwife introduced me to the wonders of Tea Tree oil It has a long history of use in traditional societies. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, check with your doctor or midwife first. I was introduced to Tea Tree oil by my midwife after I told her how I was missing having a scented bath, I had to have lots of baths to keep my stitches clean. It smells nice, a smell that will always remind me of my tiny babies and has magical healing properties. It made a real difference. Tea Tree oil can also be used to keep the nappy bin smelling nice and fresh. You can either put a few drops directly into your disposable nappy bin, or put some in the water if you are using traditional nappies. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties will assist you in removing that yucky smell and potential germs. All in all, a must have product which is readily available and won’t break the bank!"