THE ULTIMATE NEW PARENT SHOPPING LIST

Pram – We opted for the ‘iCandy designer peach Cerium’ which came with the basinet and rucksack style changing bag as well as foot muff and rain cover.

Bassinet – It is a great option for your baby between 0 -6 months, a basinet aids babies breathing and lung development. It is also recommended for spinal development and muscle tone.

Changing Bag – Our changing bag came with our pram bundle. But it couldn’t be more perfect, its quite large so fits everything we will need for baby and it doubles up as a hospital bag for baby. On top of that style wise it is unisex so works for both Tony and I.

Foot Muff – Our foot muff came with our pram bundle, but if it didn’t we would have purchased one for the winter months. Perfect for keeping baby snug on those winter walks.

Pram Bundle £1,300

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SLling / baby carrier

We opted for 3 different types of carrier after a few friends mentioned to Tony and I that we would likely have different preferences. Also most parents like different slings when out to what they might use when they are in the house. So personally have a variety at the ready to try, but if you don’t want to dive into your purchase, you can always try a baby sling library where you can hire different types on a weekly basis before choosing which one to invest your money in.

These are the ones we chose;

Baby Bjorn Air One £163.99
Close Parent Close Caboo £55.00
FreeRider Wrap £49.99

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travel accessories

Travel Accessories

Here are a few accessories we felt could be helpful for travelling.

Car Mirror – £10.59 (Amazon). Great to be able see baby when the car seat is rear facing.

Maxi Cosi Back seat protector – £16.00 (Maxi Cosi. Perfect to protect the back of your seats from little muddy feet when your little one gets bigger.

Rockit Baby Rocker – £39.99 (John Lewis). For all those parents who’s baby likes to be rocked in the pram, it basically does it all for you.

car seat and base

We opted for the Cybex Cloud Z i size car seat and 180 degree rotating base, check out my previous blog on pram and car seat choices for a full review.

Cybex Cloud Z £224.95
Cybex 180 Degree Base £185.00

SLEEPING

Co Sleeper & Cot

There is many benefits to co sleeping particularly if you are breast feeding, baby will only be in the co sleeper for the first 6 months, before it is recommended that you settle them into there own room and cot.

We checked out quite a few nursery furniture options at the baby show and decided on the following Scandinavian brand.

Snuzpod 2 – £199.95

This co-sleeper is a good size, light weight, lift off bassinet with a reflux incline option and plenty of storage underneath. Its a breathable mesh fabric on the side, which zip down so baby is right next to you.

Snuz Kot – £349.00 (Plus mattress £139.95/ Extension kit is £79.95)

This cot was a no brainer, it takes your baby from 6 months to 10 years old! It is made of natural beech wood and has a modern Scandi style which we loved. It was also easy to put together.

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SLEEP ACCESSORIES

3 x Fitted Sheets for Co- Sleeper

3 x Fitted Sheets for Cot
2 x Waterproof mattress protectors.
Cot Bumpers
3 x Cellular Blankets
3 x Grow Bags

Room Thermometer
Baby Monitor
Sleep Aid / White Noise
Humidifer
Night light
Blackout Blinds

BREAST FEEDING AND BREAST PUMPS

Let’s talk about breast feeding & pumping!

Whatever route you decide its a personal choice, after reading the Ina May’s guide to breastfeeding and after taking into consideration the fact that Tony and I don’t drink dairy ourselves we decided that “Breast was best” for us personally. However, Tony does want to be involved in the feeds, as will the grandparents and also being self employed I will need to dip in and out of work projects quite soon after birth so we also needed to explore the wonderful world of breast pumps and feeding expressed milk from a bottle as well!

After reviewing TONNES of breast pumps, we settled on two….

The Elvie Double Breast Pump – £449.00

This is a revolutionary new to the market product that allows women to pump discreetly and quietly. Im talking you can pump at your desk or whilst filling your car with petrol and no one would know kind of discreet. Its completely quiet, and fits snuggly into your bra. No wires, no tubes and no bottles hanging from your chest like you belong in a dairy farm. Its all connected to an app on your phone, is USB chargeable as well so thats a super useful feature.

What is included:

2 Hubs
4 Bottles (5oz/150ml, BPA free)
2 Breast Shield (24mm)
2 Breast Shield (28mm)
4 Valves
4 Spouts
4 Seals
4 Storage Lids
4 Bra Adjusters
2 USB Charging Cables
2 Carry Bags
Instructions for Use

Medela Freestyle Flex 2 Phase Double Breast Pump – £349.99

This brand is one of the most highly awarded brands in the market. This electric breast pump is perfect for pumping at home or in a private space. It produces an outstanding 11% more milk than any other pump on the market due to its technology that very closely mimics the suckling of a real baby. Its not as quiet or discreet at the Elvie but in terms of being effective this is your best friend.

What is included: 1 x Freestyle Flex™ double electric breast pump
2 x Medela PersonalFit Flex™ breast shield size 21 mm
2 x Medela PersonalFit Flex™ breast shield size 24 mm
2 x Medela PersonalFit Flex™ connector
1 x tubing
4 x 150 ml breast milk bottle
4 x lid
2 x bottle stand
1 x power adaptor with USB cable
1 x carry bag
1 x cooler with cooler element

The reason we opted for both is I wanted the Elvie for work purposes such as pumping in the dressing room at QVC I would rather the discreet option, however when at home the Medela was my top choice to ensure my pumping time is the most effective and I am getting the most milk possible for baby.

OTHER BREASTFEEDING ESSENTIALS

Let’s talk about breast feeding & pumping!

Whatever route you decide its a personal choice, after reading the Ina May’s guide to breastfeeding and after taking into consideration the fact that Tony and I don’t drink dairy ourselves we decided that “Breast was best” for us personally. However, Tony does want to be involved in the feeds, as will the grandparents and also being self employed I will need to dip in and out of work projects quite soon after birth so we also needed to explore the wonderful world of breast pumps and feeding expressed milk from a bottle as well!

After reviewing TONNES of breast pumps, we settled on two….

The Elvie Double Breast Pump – £449.00

This is a revolutionary new to the market product that allows women to pump discreetly and quietly. Im talking you can pump at your desk or whilst filling your car with petrol and no one would know kind of discreet. Its completely quiet, and fits snuggly into your bra. No wires, no tubes and no bottles hanging from your chest like you belong in a dairy farm. Its all connected to an app on your phone, is USB chargeable as well so thats a super useful feature.

What is included:

2 Hubs
4 Bottles (5oz/150ml, BPA free)
2 Breast Shield (24mm)
2 Breast Shield (28mm)
4 Valves
4 Spouts
4 Seals
4 Storage Lids
4 Bra Adjusters
2 USB Charging Cables
2 Carry Bags
Instructions for Use

Medela Freestyle Flex 2 Phase Double Breast Pump – £349.99

This brand is one of the most highly awarded brands in the market. This electric breast pump is perfect for pumping at home or in a private space. It produces an outstanding 11% more milk than any other pump on the market due to its technology that very closely mimics the suckling of a real baby. Its not as quiet or discreet at the Elvie but in terms of being effective this is your best friend.

What is included: 1 x Freestyle Flex™ double electric breast pump
2 x Medela PersonalFit Flex™ breast shield size 21 mm
2 x Medela PersonalFit Flex™ breast shield size 24 mm
2 x Medela PersonalFit Flex™ connector
1 x tubing
4 x 150 ml breast milk bottle
4 x lid
2 x bottle stand
1 x power adaptor with USB cable
1 x carry bag
1 x cooler with cooler element

The reason we opted for both is I wanted the Elvie for work purposes such as pumping in the dressing room at QVC I would rather the discreet option, however when at home the Medela was my top choice to ensure my pumping time is the most effective and I am getting the most milk possible for baby.

Natures Bond Manual Pump & Milk Saver – £12.99 – Amazon

Mam Easy Start Anti Colic Bottle Set – £57.50 – John Lewis

Mam 6 in one steriliser & bottle warmer – £89.99 – John Lewis

Breast Feeding Pillow – £29.00 – Mamas & Papas

Original Nursing Bra – £27.00 Bravado Designs

Multi Muslin Cover Up – £19.99 – Cheeky Chomper

Eco friendly reusable Nipple Pads – £11.00 – Close Parent

Breast milk storage bags – £7.99 – Medela

Low Wattage Feeding Light – £17.99 – Vava

BABY TOILETRIES AND BATHROOM ESSENTIALS

Organic, Chemical Free baby bath & shampoo

Organic, Chemical Free Baby oil
Organic, Chemical Free Nappy Cream or Baby balm
Organic Chemical free baby powder
Eco Friendly, Biodegradable Nappies or reusable nappies
Eco Friendly, Biodegradable Nappy sacks
Biodegradable or Reusable Wipes
Cotton wool balls
Changing Caddy
Changing Mat
Baby Bath
Natural Bath Sponge
Hooded Towels
Dressing gown
Baby Nail clippers / file
Bath Thermometer
Nappy Bin
Dummies

Mama Shack Anti Roll Changing Matt – £28.88

Personalised Robe – My First Years – £26.00

Biodegradable Nappies & Wipes – Mama Bamboo – from £14.95 per bundle

Vital Baby Nappy Bin – John Lewis – £44.99

Organic Baby Products – Neals Yard – From £9.50

MEDICAL FOR BABY

Baby first aid kit
Sudocream
Baby Olbas Oil
Infacol
Gripe Water
Snot Sucker
Baby Grooming kit
Saline Spray
Baby Ibruprofen
Baby Thermometer
Sterilising Wipes
Vitamin D Drops

BABY CLOTHES 0-3 MONTHS

So here’s a thought, the most important thing for Mumma and Baby is skin to skin…. and that requires zero clothing! So here is my bare essential guide to stocking up on the bare necessities for bringing home your newborn.