Baby essentials I swear by

When pregnant you’re recommended to buy certain things for when your baby arrives and depending on many things, you may or may not use them. Which is why for a few of our purchases we waited until Emily arrived before we started spending money on things. There are so many variations of products out there suiting all budgets and other things should realistically be seen as luxuries and not essentials. We got most of our things early on or as gifts from family which has been super helpful especially when a baby really is as expensive as you think, if not more!

Here’s my list of baby essentials that have been lifesavers in the first few weeks of Emily’s life that I just can’t live without:

Grobag | Gro Egg Digital Thermometer | Mothercare | was £22.50 now £15.50

• Colour-changing for quickly checking if baby’s room is at the right temperature
• Room temperature should be maintained at 16-20 degrees celcius

My mum bought this for our room just to keep in check the temperature for Emily.

What’s good about it:

1. Easy to identify whether the temperature is right at a glance
2. Compact
3. Lightweight

Downside: the only downside with this product is that the Gro Egg only works through the mains, it would be far better if it was battery operated.

Mothercare| My Little Garden playmat |£35 

• Suitable from birth
• With four detachable toys plus a baby safe mirror
• Part of the coordinating My Little Garden collection
• Playmat with Arch Dimensions: D80xW80xH60cm

This flower shaped play mat is perfect for babies to gaze at and eventually play with. Sam’s best mate bought this for Emily to kick her legs about on and although she’s not interested in what’s attached above her at the moment, she does enjoy sleeping on it, which for me works when she’s not keen on being held.

Ana Wiz Washable Bambo Breasts Pads | Amazon | £5.95 

• Pack of six pads, 2 x Natural, 2 x Blue and 2 x Pink
• Super soft and ultra-absorbent.
• Slim line making them extremely discrete under your clothing.
• Breathable PUL membrane to ensure no leaks.
• Washable at 30 or 40 degrees

I swear by these even though I don’t breastfeed anymore. After I filled up with a lot of milk ready to breastfeed, I felt like a cow in a milking factory. My boobs would not stop filling up and I went through about 90 breast pads in just a few days. With these washable breast pads they’re far more comfortable and softer on your skin, have cool designs on them, are environmentally friendly and affordable.

Buzz Bouncer (Sweet Dreams) | Mamas & Papas | was £29 now £23.50

• Dimensions: H: 48 x W :50 x L :67cm Approx.
• Requires: 3 x AA batteries (not included).
• Age Suitability: Birth – 6 Months Approx.

What’s good about it:

• The compact design means you can store it away with ease.
• The four melodies provide a variety of relaxing atmospheres.
• Two interactive toys add some hands-on fun for little ones.
• The detachable toy bar can be removed for a more relaxed rest.
• The removable washable cover is easy to take off and even easier to clean.

Downside:

• The melodies are a little annoying and I can’t for the life of me figure out what the first tune is.
• Although it says ‘suitable from birth,’ Emily was way too small for this when she was born. She’s only just able to lie on it in the past 2 weeks. She does need a bit of support to keep her from sliding off it.

Cosytoes | Mothercare | £24.99

• Super soft fleece fabric to keep baby warm and cosy
• Fun print design will certainly brighten up your stroller
• Zips apart for use as a soft and cosy seat liner- great for warmer weather
• Fits most strollers and pushchairs
• Dimensions: length 97cm, length: of front section 55cm

The fleece is lovely and thick and has acted as not only a comfort for Emily in her pram but also in her crib. Excellent value for money, comes in a variety of designs, Emily’s is red with white stars. It keeps Emily nice and snug in the cold winter especially down by the sea.

Beatrix Potter Peter Rabbit Cot Mobile | Precious Little Ones | £34.99

 

• Suitable from birth
• Wind up music box plays a gentle lullaby
• Attaches easily to the cot side
• Soothing and calming for bedtime
• Adorable Peter Rabbit and Flopsy Bunny toys and two soft cubes hang from a circular frame which turns gently

Downside: The music could do with playing a little longer.

My mum got this for Emily because who doesn’t love Peter Rabbit? This beautiful musical cot mobile features 4 characters from the  original tales of Beatrix Potter. Peter Rabbit, Flopsy Bunny, Benjamin Bunny and Cotton Tail hang from a circular fabric mobile with cute “Sleep tight little bunny” wording.

Baby bather | Kiddicare  |£13.99 

• 3-position backrest recline
• Integral cushioned head rest
• Removable, washable fabric seat
• Suitable from birth
• Full instructions for use included

We bought this baby bather as I didn’t want to bath Emily in a hard plastic tub in her early months. This baby bather makes bath time easier for Sam and I (doesn’t break my back) and safer. The soft mesh helps Emily relax and she enjoys splashing about in the water whilst we wash her. It comes with a head support which she is too young for, but seeing as we have quite a few months wear out of this, we’ll use it when she’s big enough to sit up properly.

Are there any products you swear by that you’d like to share?