wise nanny new baby kit list f na… · there are so many decisions to make when expecting a baby...

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Wise Nanny New Baby Kit List There are so many decisions to make when expecting a baby and what kit is really needed is one of the trickiest. Wise Nanny’s New Baby Kit list has our recommendations and top tips of important things to look out for. With almost all baby kit, own brand items from stores are often as good, and definitely cheaper, than brand names.

Big Kit

Travel system – Pram, Pushchair Car seat

Three in one travel systems are great and have everything a new baby and parents will need for getting from A to B – Buying new is safest and worth it, but the most expensive prams are not always best. Look Out For-

Car seat should comply with i-size regulation R129

A newborn wedge or lay flat option for car seat

5-point harness for car seat and pushchair. Pushchair than can face both ways – face baby towards carer for first 6 – 9 months.

Systems on pushchair that mean it can be operated with one hand to lay down seat and fold, height adjustable handle, large wheels at least at the back.

Deals that come with cosy toes, rain cover, shade net and even bags


First beds

Side by Side Sleeper, Moses basket and Cradles

Babies will only sleep in these for a few months there’s no need to spend fortune. Whichever bed is chosen it will need several soft stretch cotton sheets and several light soft blankets.

Side by side sleepers – these fit by parent’s bed and can make life in the first few months a lot easier. If buying second hand only buy ones that are a year old or less – some older models have safety issues.

Moses baskets – these can be useful for sleeping baby around the house, babies can be kept near-by.

Cradle - Cradles are traditional and look lovely, but can be expensive; from a modern perspective they are not as practical as either a side by side sleeper or a Moses basket. If they are a must, they are safe and appropriate, but they are not our top recommendation.

Baby Box

Baby boxes are a relatively newcomer to the UK, but in areas where they are given out they are worth considering; they are practical and economical and often come with a set of new born goodies.


Cot

Cots are needed from when babies are between 2-4 months old, depending on their birth weight and how quickly they grow. They don’t need to be purchased one until after baby is born. A second hand cot is fine as long as it is no more than 5 years old and it needs to be in a good condition. A new mattress always

needs to be bought for any second hand cot. Look out for –

British Standard Mark BS EN 716

Adjustable height base – makes it easier to lift a young baby in and out, but also ensures older babies can’t climb out.

Drop side – one side can be lowered – again this can make it

easier to lift children in and out and make the bed.

Solid ends can make the cot a bit sturdier.

Convertible cot that can become a toddler bed – this can help

with cot to bed transition.

Baby monitor

Baby monitors offer reassurance to parents, as babies can be checked at any time. Some models are more complex to use and can take a little time to get use to.

Look out for - Night vision Two-way voice option Link to phone app

Room temperature monitor and music/white noise options can also be useful, are nice to have but not essential.


Nice to have but not essential

Changing table

Useful to have to keep everything in one place, a chest of drawers and changing table combo can work well, but a changing mat will do the job.

Nursing chair

Perfectly designed for nursing mothers, often with a rocking option a real luxury and can be worth it if you have the budget – but a comfy chair or bed and some pillows are just as good.

Baby bouncer/chair

These can be a safe and fun place for your baby to play for a short time, do remember they should only be used on the floor. The most expensive all singing all dancing ones are not worth buying as they can only be used for a short time. Do not leave your baby in a bouncer for hours at a time.

Baby bath

There are lots of different designs available, but a baby bath is only used for a short time so it is not necessary to spend a fortune and a washing up bowl will do the job.


Smaller Kit

Feeding equipment

Breast feeding

Nursing bras – one handed easy open ones; make life simpler

Breast pads Some easy access tops!

Nursing shawl/cover (you can get ones with a rigid neck line so that mum can keep an eye on baby while they are feeding)

Steriliser

Bottles – useful just in case and also once baby has settled into breast feeding, if mum can express milk it allows partners to share the feeding experience

First teats system

Breast pump

A couple of bottles of ready made formula for emergencies

A pack of muslin cloths

Bottle feeding

Bottles -there are many different brands and types available ask friends to see which ones worked for them

First size teats – teats that mimic breast feeding will best support your baby’s mouth

and jaw development Steriliser – steam cleaning is more natural that chemicals such as Milton


Bottle brush Formula powder Powder dispenser with compartments A few bottles of carton formula for emergencies A pack of muslin cloths Nice to have but not essential -Perfect prep bottle maker

If you are travelling disposable pre sterilised bottles can be handy

Nappy changing

There are different brands and types of nappies available to choose including cloth and biodegradable disposable and normal disposable nappies. Using disposables for the first few weeks can make life a little easier.

Basic needs

A changing mat First size nappies – approx. 40 to get you started Wet wipes – fragrance free – water wipes are the most natural Cotton wool Metanium nappy cream Nappy sacks- Nappy bin Nice to have but not essential – Sangenic nappy bin


Baby carriers

A baby carrier can be a real help in the early months, not only is it an easy option to use for taking baby out and about they are useful for using around the home especially if baby is unsettled.

There are two main types –

Structured carriers - that have a baby compartment and separate straps – these can offer a little more protection for the baby and can work better for people with weaker backs.

Soft carriers - these are basically a large strip of soft stretch cloth, sometimes with an adjusting fastener. These can be softer for baby and allow whoever is carrying to adjust them in to the position that suits both the person who is carrying and the baby. This kind is especially good for small/younger babies.

Baby bags

These are extremely useful for carrying all babies’ essentials, as with everything the most expensive is not always best; choose something sturdy that doesn’t show the dirt, as it will be with baby for at least 2 years.

Look out for -

Clips that attach it to the pram – Practical colour and fabric that is lightweight and washable Different compartments with - travel changing mat, insulated bottle bag and plastic pocket for dirty clothes.


Baby Clothing

Babies grow fast in the early months and have delicate skin and bodies they will need soft and flexible clothing.

A few special outfits are nice to have, but babies are more comfortable in a babygro!

Here is Wise Nanny’s minimal list of essentials to start with.

8 Vests – side fastening ones are the easiest to get on and off 8 Baby grows/sleep suits with feet and integral scratch mitts 4 Soft cardigans or jackets Thicker baby grow or outdoor suit (depending on the season) Soft stretch cotton hats Sleep sack – ones with swaddle sides is good for a new baby Soft cotton dribble bibs – ones with slight padding at the neck are great


Other useful things we recommend

A baby first aid box such as the Poorly Boo medicine box - it has a really good selection of everything that may be needed to keep baby healthy in the first 6 months

Baby mobile – these are great for entertaining and distracting babies especially once they move into their cot.

Baby gym floor mat - As baby develops it is important for them to have time on their front and back on the floor; a baby floor mat gives a safe space for them to learn to move their body. A lot of baby mats have attachments that make them into a play gym for baby. There are many different ones on the market, expensive is not always better, but make sure they have a kite mark and are washable!

This Wise Nanny kit list is a basic list to get parents prepared for the new arrival. There may be other items that are tempting, but don’t get too carried away. When a new baby is expected or arrives friends and family often ask what for ideas, so it is important to draw up a list so that things aren’t duplicated. If buying things second hand, be vigilant, always see and check them before you buy. Car seats and cot mattresses must always be brought new.

wise nanny new baby kit list f na… · there are so many decisions to make when expecting a baby...

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