Baby due in Sept. What should/shouldn't we buy? What brands do you recommend? Other tips?

morse on 25/05/2019 - 13:59
Last edited 25/05/2019 - 14:41

Expecting a baby in September. We're starting to look a what we should buy, and decide on brands so we can get a good price. Thanks in advance for recommendations on brands, bargains, value, where and when to buy, what to wait to buy, etc.

These thing are on the list of definite things to get:
Pram/stroller
Cot with mattress etc
Baby monitor
Nappies (haven't decided on disposable or cloth or mix)
car seat

These are the maybes:
Change table
Breast milk pump (+storage system, bottles)
baby carrier
Wraps, swaddles, sleeping bags etc

Thanks for any advice or other suggestions.

General Discussion

Comments

  • GoldenDragon888 on 26/05/2019 - 06:46
    +2

    Click in bassinet style car seat. They click into the stroller too. Made getting kid in and out of car easier. Just remember to check you’ve buckled the kid in.

    Second hand is great for a lot of things. Our click in car seat was second hand, same for cots. Picked up boori brand for 40$.

    I would recommend against baby monitor. But MSO and I were/are anxious parents so every little noise caused us to jump. Also screaming becomes stereo. Monitor on one ear and actual noise on the other.

    Aldi nappies are fine, cloth no. If you go cloth may as well go the full hog and use family cloth yourself.

    Aldi formula is fine. You don’t have to fight off other Asians for it. Though MSO (asian) always flinched buying it.

    We got enough clothes for our kid during th first year from gifts. People are nice and buy fancy brands when gifting, them it’s cheap stuff from Kmart and big w.

    Buy take out a lot.

    Biggest advice, ignore people’s advice including mine. If things are not going right or well like with our kid it becomes more and more disheartening being told how to make it better.

    • morse on 26/05/2019 - 09:38

      Thanks for the great tips!

      MSO is also Asian, and I haven't wondered if we end up needing some kind of speciality formula if he'll get assaulted in the supermarket.

      Agree on baby monitors, I'm pretty sure I'll get one, but being a generally anxious person could see how this could make it worse.

      Take out - lol - great idea!

  • Superunknown on 26/05/2019 - 09:53
    +1

    I have a 1yr old. Some use monitors (we don't anymore).

    Use an old phone with the Dormi app. Plus the phone can play white noise through the night which is recommended. I mount the phone on a sliding door mirror using a windscreen mount to aim at the cot (so the monitor can also show video).

    A bassinet can be useful if your prefer kiddo to sleep in your room at first (as sids recommend). Also very handy for the night feeds in winter.

    Read about baby lead weaning in about 6 months.

    • morse on 26/05/2019 - 09:58

      Thanks - We do have some old devices lying around unused that we could use as monitors, good idea. Will have to look at bassinets too. We might end up putting a bed in the nursery to sleep nearby at first if we can fit it all in.

  • Gesiet on 26/05/2019 - 10:37

    Get a king sized bed, a baby carrier and a car seat (convertible 0-4). That is all you need!

    • morse on 26/05/2019 - 10:50

      Thanks. I've been eyeing off the 0-4 or 0-7 car seats, especially the ones that can be used rear facing for longer. I still don't really get how they work for a new born - more time in the baby shop/class for me!

      • AncientWisdom on 26/05/2019 - 13:13

        Go for a good 0-4, it's not a biggie to get a second hand booster seat when they're 4, and from experience can be quite fussy at that age so you might try a few before settling on one that they're happy with (quiet driver - priceless!)

      • YTW on 26/05/2019 - 16:10

        They have a newborn insert - a bit of padding that keeps them a bit more snug and stable. You take it out as they get bigger.

        I personally wouldn't go for a 0-7 over a 0-4 just because of the larger age range. You may find you're using it for a younger kid (it's cheaper to buy a booster for the older kid and let the next baby have the convertible) or they've trashed it (especially if you let them eat in it or they get carsick etc) by the time it's time for the next stage. Newer models also come out, which are tempting. 7 years is a long time in carseat time.

      • Paladin2015 on 28/05/2019 - 10:12

        I find 0-7 is always poor fitting with the child's head and body are not well supported even with all the inserts. I think it's design constraint to support such large age range.
        Best is go 0-4 and then buy another booster later, then you have spare for the second baby.

    • WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot on 28/05/2019 - 20:55

      I second what Gesiet says. But the baby carrier should be for the wife. It felt odd wearing one and it seemed more natural to hold the baby in my arms. Also, my friends baby fell out of their baby bjorn when they were taking it out, so be careful.

  • diddy50 on 26/05/2019 - 10:53
    +1

    Disposal nappies.
    Car seat, convertible with isofix locking.

    Hire a baby capsule from Council for the first few months maybe?

    If mum not breastfeeding, try aldi brand formula. Cheaper and good quality.

    Second hand clothes!!!! They wear the like once and grow out if them. Go Savers or Salvos. Or bulk buy from a local mum on Facebook marketplace.

    Presents from people?
    clothes or nappies and wipes.

    Screw the toys for presents.

    • diddy50 on 26/05/2019 - 10:54

      Second hand anything you can get really.

      Also clothes, buy yellows purples whites etc if worried about boys and girls colours.
      But it's a baby so who cares what colour they wear haha.

      Also never call your baby an IT. They have a name haha. I did that a few times. Oops.

      Good luck and congratulations!!

      • morse on 26/05/2019 - 11:04
        +1

        Thanks!

        Have already called the little person 'it' quite a bit. It mostly gets 'baby' though, and various names my husband makes up.

        Thanks for all the tips. My check out vinnies/salvos for second hand clothes. I also didn't know that councils hire capsules, good to know.

        • MeesusEff on 28/05/2019 - 11:42

          I am due in July and I keep calling her an 'it' out of habit as my hubby rejects all the names I come up with!

    • idonotknowwhy on 26/05/2019 - 11:05
      +6

      Apparently (from a childcare worker), fork out the extra cash and exclusively buy "bonds wonder suits" with the 2 zips. You'll be changing them a lot all hours and these are much easier. Avoid anything with buttons all the way up, regardless of how "cute" it looks.

      Get a Xiaomi robot vac if you don't have one already, anything you can do to save time.

      • morse on 26/05/2019 - 11:16
        +1

        Yes, everyone's been raving about the wonder suits.

        I'd love a robot vac, especially as we have a fairly hairy dog - will look into it.

        • pistachio1 on 26/05/2019 - 12:48
          +1

          The Bonds wonder suits are great, but they are the most expensive of the bunch. Kmart and Best and Less have their own store brand version of the zippy suits for a LOT cheaper, and they are exactly the same.

        • 1Kenobi on 26/05/2019 - 20:39
          +1

          Wondersuits often half price at wworths

      • mintysaurus on 28/05/2019 - 13:10

        I love wondersuits for their stretchiness. They'll last longer because baby can get more wear out of them.
        But never bothered with the 2 way zip. If there was an incident mid change (which happened a lot to us in the newborn stage) or the nappy had leaked and she needed a change, I'd have to zip her legs back up to undo the other zip which was just messy.

  • Seaeagles on 26/05/2019 - 10:56
    +2

    Don't forget the new SUV, don't want the little one being in a death trap 18-month old hatchback.
    $80,000 seems to be the average budget according to most new car threads on here.

    • morse on 26/05/2019 - 11:14

      lol… we bought a new SUV in Jan - luckily not a $80,000 one. I'm sure a hatchback would have been fine - I just preferred something higher with better access for lifting in and out.

    • YTW on 26/05/2019 - 16:12
      +3

      lol. We used to joke that there was a private hospital somewhere issuing new mothers with white Prados.

    • SnakeCasablanca on 26/05/2019 - 20:13
      +2

      They saw you coming mate!

      My parents raised three children to adulthood… So did all of my relatives. Estimated 30 adults raised with no one in my extended family ever buying an $80,000 vehicle. Also no baby deaths due to car accidents. If all of my extended family took your advice they would all be a lot poorer.

      I know… I'm as surprised as you are! Hahaha

  • RSmith on 26/05/2019 - 12:17
    +2

    If you're planning on having another child, buy a pram that has an attachment in which the toddler can sit and the new born can lie in the pram. Also, get a decent camera and take a lot of pictures. These little people grow very quick and you want to have lots of memories.

  • pistachio1 on 26/05/2019 - 12:45
    +5

    I have 4 kids!
    My prams were bought second-hand off Gumtree. I've never bothered with any of the fancy pants designer prams. They've been Steelcraft, apart from when I needed to get a double pram because I had 2 babies close together. If you're planning on having a second child pretty soon after, definitely get yourself a double pram. My double pram was Phil & Teds, off Gumtree, very cheap. The little baby can sit in the front and there's a removable seat in the back for your toddler.

    Definitely get yourself a capsule. They're worth every penny, even if you only use it for less than 6 months. That's why it's better to get it all second-hand. The last pram I bought off Gumtree for my last baby was $50 for a VERY good condition pram AND capsule. Who cares if you get rid of it after six months?

    Babies grow super, super fast. All those cute newborn clothes your relatives got you will fit for like, a month. Ask your family that if they're going to buy your bub clothes, can they consider getting sizes other than newborn. Newborn will fit for a month. 000 will fit for up to three months old. 00 will fit from 3-6 months. 0 from 6-12 months. But some babies are big and fit in the clothes sooner! My fourth baby never fit into any of the newborn clothes we bought him. He went straight into 000 from the day he was born. Now he's two months old and already wearing 00. Keep the tags and the receipts until your baby actually wears them. Most stores (Kmart, Big W, Best and Less) are more than happy to let you exchange the clothes if the tags are still on even if you don't have a receipt (gift, for example).

    Nappies. I don't bother with brand names UNLESS it's the Huggies newborn size. If you have a small baby, Huggies newborn will fit the best for the first few weeks. Once they're a few weeks old, store brand, baby! I love the Woolies brand, personally. $5 for a small pack of newborns (they will wear these for a few weeks after the Huggies are too small), then $10 for a large pack of all the other sizes. Aldi and Coles are the same amount of money. Those nappies are great too. I love the Little Ones woolies brand because they're just sliiiightly softer and stretchier. Otherwise, no difference. Don't bother with Huggies or Babylove, honestly. They'e so much money and they literally just get filled with poop and thrown out.

    Wipes. I love the Woolies brand again for these. $2 for a pack of 80. Or you can get 6 x 80 packs for $10. Fragrance free. Big W wipes are also pretty good. They're $7.50 for 6 x 80. They come in fragrance free (pink label) or lightly fragranced (purple label). They're slightly drier than the Woolies ones, but other than that, no real difference. If the budget is really tight then go Big W. I've never tried Kmart or Target, etc, brands. Don't waste money on the more expensive wipes unless your baby really has a need for them (allergies or eczema or something). Pick up a box of nappy bags, too. They're just tiny little plastic bags that are lightly fragranced that you can put soiled nappies in before putting them in the bin. They're not ESSENTIAL but it can help. They're pretty cheap. It's like $4 for 200 bags or something. Worth getting, in my opinion.

    Bottle feeding or breastfeeding? I won't talk about formula since everyone has their own preference and some babies need the special soy or what-have-you formula. I buy the Big W brand bottles. It's about $9 for six bottles. They have cute little lions and elephants on them. Very cheap. All my babies have used them.
    Breastfeeding? It's going to be hard on you (or your wife, if you're the dude). Make sure you speak to a lactation consultant BEFORE you leave the hospital! You will also need things like breast pads so the milk doesn't leak through your shirt! They're pretty cheap, too. About $5 a box iirc, Coles and Woolies have them. Don't forget them. You don't want milk leaking through your maternity bra. IT WILL HAPPEN!

    For the first few weeks, you can wash bub in the kitchen sink! Really, you can, they'll be that small. When they're a few weeks old, grab yourself a cheap plastic baby bath chair. I don't bother with the actual baby bath, I just put the plastic bath chair in the normal bath and fill that up, but if you want to save water, buy a baby bath. They're quite cheap. Maybe $10 from Kmart? You don't need Johnsons & Johnsons baby wash, either. That's expensive. Kmart and Woolies etc have their own brand. You can even just wash them with plain warm water for the first few weeks. They have sensitive skin.

    I hope this helps you!

    • morse on 26/05/2019 - 14:54

      Thanks heaps for all of this, lots of helpful information. I think I'm going to need to start a list.

      • pistachio1 on 26/05/2019 - 15:13

        You can buy swaddle bags from Kmart, too. Two sizes: under 6kg for a zippy bag and 6-8kg for Velcro. They're $8 for a two-pack, I think. They're amazing. Your bub will sleep soooo much better. There are other brands but again, super expensive. Kmart is AMAZING for baby stuff. I love the Best & Less brand for clothes. Bonds is good but it's just so much money and babies grow so fast. You need to keep in mind that their clothes will fit for a few months and then they'll never wear it again. So buy the $4 bodysuits and $8 zippy suits from B&L instead of dropping $20-30 a pop on Bonds. It's just a waste!

  • DiscoJango on 26/05/2019 - 13:16
    +4

    definitely be like the douche bag asian wannabe rich couple at my local coles and drape your child in an Louis Vutton shoes, shirt and matching blanket.

    • dust on 27/05/2019 - 10:25

      Louis Vutton shoes, shirt and matching blanket.

      Do these actually exist? Won't your baby just get poop, pee, vomit, saliva on it in 2 minutes. And won't he/she outgrow it in about two weeks?

      • DiscoJango on 27/05/2019 - 18:52

        wasnt a baby, was child, i would say 3 - 4 yrs old. the blanket was like a giant wrap around scarf thing

  • AncientWisdom on 26/05/2019 - 13:31

    Congratulations!!!

    We tried breast pumping and found it was just too much with for an already tired mum. YMMV but with second child we just fed formula 1-2 times a day by me (dad). Much easier, I believe child still receives all the benefits of being breast fed plus the bonus of the dad getting that special time with baby without troubling mum (so she could get some rest!). Also since we did it from birth didn't go through the hard process of re-introducing a bottle (babies don't like them if all they know is a boob…)

    A mix of cloth and disposable nappies worked well for us. Get good brand cloth nappies second hand if going down this route, will save a fortune. I think it's not only environmentally friendly but also the OzBargain way since it's much much cheaper in the long run.

    Both our kids liked the baby Bjorn carrier as babies and transitioned into ergo baby when they were older.

    With baby #1 we didn't insist on a dummy but with baby #2 we did (Brand doesn't really matter I don't think as long as it's well made). The reasoning is that it helps a lot on the first year and we think breaking the dummy habit is easier than dealing with a baby with no dummy if that makes sense.

    One last thing that can be divisive amongst parents, we followed the Baby Wise method with great success. The TL;DR version is:
    Make baby routine sleep-eat-play and try slowly guiding it into a structure (i.e. same times every day, around 3 hour cycles).

    The idea is that they don't get used to falling asleep while getting fed which is a very hard to break habit later on. They also usually start sleeping through the night after about 3 months following this method.
    The reason it's divisive IMO is that some parents follow it very strictly and become stressed about it. My advice is to be gentle with it, be sensitive to bub and use it as a guiding principle, not a hard set of rules.

    Good luck!!

    • AncientWisdom on 26/05/2019 - 13:33

      Oh, one last thing - good sleeping bags a must IMO. Again, second hand is a very good idea because you save a lot of money, they grow out of them pretty fast and you hardly lose money selling them on.

      • morse on 26/05/2019 - 14:52

        Thank you for all the advice. I'd kinda heard of the sleep eat play thing - sleeping through from 3 months sounds amazing!! I also hadn't thought of getting the sleeping bags second hand - great idea.

        • AncientWisdom on 27/05/2019 - 12:29
          -1

          You're very welcome! Get ready for the ride of your life 😁

      • 1Kenobi on 26/05/2019 - 20:42

        What’s a good sleeping bag?

        • AncientWisdom on 27/05/2019 - 12:28

          Just good quality and condition, you can usually tell when inspecting.

  • Seraphin7 on 26/05/2019 - 13:44

    Pram/stroller + baby capsule … get an integrated system one. Makes life so much easier when transferring between home, car, outdoors, etc. The less you can handle the baby at these times, the easier (particularly on the ears) your life will be.

    Baby monitor … I reckon a maybe purchase. If the baby is going to be in the room next to you, you probably don't need it. If you are some distance away (like several rooms/different level) then go for it.

    Cloth nappies … you want a bucket of poo hanging around the house and dealing with that? It's pricey, but go with the disposable.

    Car seat … start with the capsule, then move to a "seat" when they outgrow it. You can get one seat that will see them all the way from post-capsule to when they can just use a normal seat.

    Breast pumps … the value depends on how good the baby is a feeding. We have two kids, the first was a bit difficult and so the pump came in very handy. Didn't get as much use with the second one.

    Change table … where else are you going to change the baby? You don't want to be rumbling around the floor do you?

    Wraps … have a look at the Baby Origami and don't be afraid the wrap the baby FIRMLY. This can be the difference between sleep and not.

    Otherwise, I wouldn't get too worked up about the rest. They REALLY do grow out of things before they've been worn so GO EASY … and don't be shy of buying at Kmart or what have you. The kid won't know it's from Kmart and you'll have more coin in your sky rocket.

    • morse on 26/05/2019 - 14:50

      Thanks for all the advice. Lol re change table - it's surprising how many blogs etc say to change on the floor or a bed.

      • RocketSwitch on 28/05/2019 - 01:19

        It's essential, otherwise you're going to have a very sore back and knees changing on the floor or bed.

    • MrFrostySmooth on 23/06/2019 - 18:31

      Cloth nappies are more work but a lot better for the environment. 200 - 500 years to decompose disposables. You can rinse the cloth in the toilet quite easily, no mess laying around. They work out cheaper in the long run too.

      Re the change table, unless it is placed in a central part of the house you tend to just change the baby wherever you happen to be, hence the floor or bed. A change mat on top of a dresser is affordable and practical.

  • 82norm on 26/05/2019 - 14:10

    Congrats.

    2 things. Use disposable nappies. Cloth nappies in my opinion are no more environmentally friendly by the time the you factor in detergent, nappy san, water, time, etc. That said, landfill is a big problem too. I suggest using good quality nappies for night time and cheaper ones for day time use, that way you may get some extra sleep.

    You’ll also need a digital thermometer. Check out IKEA they seem to cater a lot of stuff for new borns.

    Good luck 👍

    • morse on 26/05/2019 - 14:47

      Thanks for the tips!

    • 1Kenobi on 26/05/2019 - 20:44

      Digital thermometer at ikea for room or body temp?

      • fenric on 27/05/2019 - 18:08
        +1

        If it for body temp, then get the Vicks ~$20 one. Almost every nurse in Australia uses them it seems.

      • RocketSwitch on 28/05/2019 - 01:19

        Also for making sure the bath water is at 37 degrees.

  • Freerange braincells on 26/05/2019 - 14:19

    I didn't use a baby monitor, there's an app called Dormi that uses an old phone as the camera. So app cost around $7, video/audio access from anywhere in the world, can talk to the baby through the app. Works well, reuses a discarded phone, good quality footage and easy to use.

    Don't put the baby in a onesie that removes over their head. The ones that open from the chest/side are much better for the inevitable poo that no nappy forged by a mere human can contain.

    • morse on 26/05/2019 - 14:46

      Thanks - the Dormi App sounds interesting. Hadn't thought about the way a onesie opens, but now you mention it, over the head doesn't sound too logical.

    • MeesusEff on 28/05/2019 - 11:50

      Did you use Dormi in an unlit room? All my phones (iphone/samsung) have pretty dismal night vision so curious as to how it'd work. I have bought a $35 Xiaomi which seems to tick the boxes.

  • OzzyOzbourne on 26/05/2019 - 14:52
    +1

    You shouldn't buy a $80k investment car

  • nomoneynoproblems on 26/05/2019 - 14:58
    +2

    By a baby seat on eBay, make sure it's "expired" but don't inform the seller. After your bub has out grown it after 9 months pull the ole "you scammed me card" and threaten legal action. Easy free car seat.

  • SpaceNinja on 26/05/2019 - 15:53
    -2

    Well it's too late to buy a condom isn't it?

  • AustriaBargain on 26/05/2019 - 15:56

    Find a babysitter that is unknowingly undercharging for what they are worth.

  • kickling on 26/05/2019 - 16:00

    Congrats.

    Had a boy 2 years ago. 2nd due in Aug/Sept this year too.

    Happy for you to PM me if you need someone to bounce ideas off about anything and everything.

    • morse on 26/05/2019 - 17:57
      +1

      Congrats to you also. Thanks for the offer - I may well take you up on it!

      • kickling on 27/05/2019 - 17:09

        No worries. Turn on your private messaging here on Ozb too.

  • NotSureIfSerious on 26/05/2019 - 16:14

    My 2c on the cloth nappies…

    My wife bought about 20-30 second hand cloth nappies for about $200 and we've used them 90% of the time during the day except (holidays or staying with family ect) and we put him in a disposable at night. The same nappies that fit my son at newborn still fit him (he's 2) but you have to factor additional time to wash, hang out, fold up ect. If you have the time, they will save you a lot of money, but they get tedious.

    We also got a bunch of washable cloths (probably about 20) and we use them instead of wipes and wash them with the nappies. Yeah it's not great if there is an poo explosion, but 50% of the time its a wee and its no less effort than a disposable. We're planning on using them on our next child, so the cost/benefit will keep growing.

  • Abcxyztpg on 26/05/2019 - 16:39

    Congrats !

    We are also expecting first baby in september. Things we brought so far:

    Pram
    Cot and mattress
    Change Table
    Swing
    Wonder suits - 4 for each size (0000, 000, 00)
    swaddles
    Wrap
    car seat
    baby carrier - must have as told my friends
    Capsules - Life saver

    Things to buy:
    nappies
    baby monitor
    robo vaccum
    air conditioner for baby room
    bottles

    Every baby is unique. Some of our friends swear baby carrier is best, for others capsule is best, for some both doesnt work.

    Change table is a must. As they grow you dont want to bend on bed and change 4-5 KG baby. One friend hurt her back and is seeing physician because of it. You can buy one 6 months down the line but its a must from year 1 to year 3-4.

    Best of luck !

    • morse on 26/05/2019 - 18:17

      Congrats to you also! You're so much further ahead than us with buying things! We've bought an over priced toy duck from the Louvre in Paris whilst on babymoon and that's it!! haha… hence this post. Everyone seems to say a change table is necessary - definitely don't want to hurt the back.

  • partymix on 26/05/2019 - 16:55
    +1

    Very exciting times… congratulations!!! FTM here too with baby due in July - thanks for posting this as I'm finding some of the comments useful too :) I've also been doing a lot of research as well as buying things slowly… Number #1 advice I received is, apart from the bare essentials (eg, cot, car seat, pram etc) don't go overboard and buy things as you need!

    Also agree with buying secondhand where you can - I've scored a lot of bargains on FB marketplace especially barely worn baby clothes in bulk. There's also heaps of FB groups that are useful as well - Midnight Mums is one of the main ones that I frequent although I'm sure there are more than I don't know about :)

    I am surprised at how many people are so against cloth nappies - have they even tried? Or are they just put off by poop and pee? Did you know you're also meant to scrape the poop off disposable nappies before throwing them in the bin? Sure, it might not be for everyone, but don't let that put you off if you want to try it. I'm going down the cloth nappy route with a view that, I won't know unless I try it and if it doesn't work, that's ok too. There's also a lot of amazing FB groups for this, the main one in particular is 'Clean Cloth Nappies' (https://www.facebook.com/groups/cleanclothnappiesdownunder/ or their website: https://cleanclothnappies.com/ ) where they can help you with the best wash routine, detergent etc etc. The key here is also RESEARCH! The number one tip I received was don't build your stash off one brand as every baby is different, so I have purchased a couple from a few different brands including a whole bunch of second hand ones. Test it out with bub, and see which ones work for you before building up your stash.

    In terms of prams - check out Redsbaby, they're an Australian company so their prams are designed for the aussie climate. I did a lot of research and decided on the Jive2 as they also have what's called an 'air flow kit' which is where you change the seat and hood materials and it has mesh windows which will be amazing for keeping bubs cool in summer. They're an online company but offer Demo days where you can go in and test out the prams - if you buy on the demo days, you will generally get a free accessories pack but the price is pretty decent compared to some of the more "trendy" brands like Bugaboo etc

    Check out when the next baby expo is on near you - I found it useful for myself, in particular to try out different prams and find out about baby products that I hadn't heard of. There's always freebies as well as special expo prices too.

    Anyways, I could go on and on :) but will leave it there for now!

    • partymix on 26/05/2019 - 17:06
      +2

      Can I also add (even though your post is about what to buy/brands etc) - something that not many people talk about is how to look after yourself immediately postpartum. I found a few youtube vlogs useful in terms of how to prepare for this :) eg, spraying heavy overnight pads with some soothing mixture and freezing them to help soothe your lady bits post birth etc. Sorry if these is TMI for the boys on Ozbargain, but it's definitely something we really don't think about!

      A few other things were
      - doing a bulk cook up of meals and freezing them, I keep being told the last thing you want to do when you're sleep deprived and looking after a newborn is book
      - accept help when it's offered, even if it's as simple as 'can you please do a load and washing and hang it up' - I know this will be a very hard thing for me, so I hope I can accept help when it's offered
      - most importantly, look after yourself. it's gonna be overwhelming, some days might be great and other days might not be but don't be too hard on yourself!!!

      :)

      • kickling on 26/05/2019 - 17:09
        +1

        Very good points. Make sure you use your health/help services too. Post natal depression is very common. And breastfeeding is super hard, so think about if/how long you want to breastfeed for, and if you want to get professional help (lactation consultant).

    • morse on 26/05/2019 - 18:26

      Congrats to you too! Thanks for all the info. I was hoping to go to a baby expo, but the only one I could find kinda nearby is the same day I have a wedding to go to. It looks like you've done a lot of research - all the best for when bub arrives.

  • KupoHo on 26/05/2019 - 18:02
    +1

    Lots of great advice, I would second buying any "wanted items" second hand…

    A rocker/swing was our life saver and you are much better off getting them second hand

    Breastpumps are great - most people (including myself) buy a Medela one but there's a much better brand called Spectra which I had never heard of. It is close circuit so the milk stays uncontaminated…unlike the Medela which is open.. Seen some horrible pix of ones that were opened and had heaps of mould in them! Too scared to open mine haha

    Change table- we've always used one, they make life easier but aren't an essential. I found the nursing pillow more a waste of money lol

    Sleeping bags - some children really sleep much better swaddled or in a sleeping bag. My children kick of the covers so I always keep them in one…

    Nappies - I've always used huggies until they got older and switched to baby love as they were a better fit. Also the newer huggies nappies are really not as good as the old ones :(

    Car seat- so many to choose from!! We've always used safe-n-sound but you can visit https://www.childcarseats.com.au/ and use that to decide which one.

    Most importantly, do what works for you. You may decide you will do things a specific way but when bubs comes, you may do the opposite and that is okay. Navigating parenthood is a crazy task! Ask people for advice and recommendations but don't take their judgements to heart if they tell you, you should do things a certain way. Just tell yourself they mean well and carry on!!

    Congratulations and welcome to the I will never sleepwith both eyes closed again club :)

    • morse on 26/05/2019 - 19:06

      Thanks heaps for the advice and well wishes. I somehow came across info in the Spectra breast pump which has good reviews, so am hopefully it will work out for me. I'll be interested to see how I handle all the advice, so far I'm asking for it and not am really bothered if it doesn't sound right, it'll be interesting to see how I feel once bub arrives.

  • dracoknight92 on 26/05/2019 - 18:41
    +3

    For safety reasons, my wife always advises people to keep their child sitting in rear facing position for as long as possible, so maybe you can consider some car seat that will allow for that.

    • morse on 26/05/2019 - 19:07

      Thanks. Yes, I've read this too, so was planning on going this way. There seems to a few good option available.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/05/2019 - 19:08
    -1

    Get a pet dingo

  • The mikky on 26/05/2019 - 19:13

    Look into combo deals from baby stores,we got a great deal with cot, change table, pram, capsule and car seat all at once, was a great deal for us, saved us hundreds.

    Edit like below, we got a massive combo deal a few years ago, but they still at least do combos on furniture for the nursery

    https://www.bubsngrubs.com.au/nursery-furniture/cot-package-…

  • Sirocco on 26/05/2019 - 19:22
    +1

    That's great that everyone is recommending visiting the local thrift store and buy 2nd hand stuff, but some people might have decent jobs and can afford new baby furniture.

    Styling a baby room can be challenging, so make sure you hire an expert that can give you tips on colours and matching furniture. Those Instagram pictures have to be high quality.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/05/2019 - 19:35

    If you have private health insurance check your cover for an allowance on artificial aids. Our insurer covered the bulk of the cost for my wife's breast pump so we picked up a really good one.

  • whirlpool_guy on 26/05/2019 - 19:45
    +1

    Breast pump and disposable nappies are both must haves

    Stock up on baby wipes

    Baby feeding chair is useful if you have space

    Don't buy too many baby clothes (000 or 0000 size) because baby will outgrown them in a couple of months

    Stock up on blankets if giving birth in winter months. Air conditioning is a big plus

    Baby monitor - make sure it's got video

    EDIT: my family had great experience with Medela pumps

  • [Deactivated] on 26/05/2019 - 20:19
    +1

    Heaps of towels and little cloths.

    This 8 pack from Big W will serve you well

    https://www.bigw.com.au/c/cotton-towel-nappies/

    The cheapy baby cloths from ikea are good - buy heaps.

    thank me later

    • someguycalledpaul on 27/05/2019 - 07:31

      this guy knows what he's talking about. do it.

    • kickling on 27/05/2019 - 17:05

      Yup. Also IKEA $1 cloths … still using heaps to wipe up the endless tracks of drool on the floor.

  • [Deactivated] on 26/05/2019 - 20:23
    +1

    People are saying not buy too many clothes because they will grow out of them quick, which is true but your bub will also makes a mess of clothes real quick with throw-ups, poo explosions etc so make sure you have enough to last between washing loads.

    The little rompers are cheap as chips from Kmart so better to have too many then not enough.

  • Name on 26/05/2019 - 21:09

    We bought something like this for a change table (but not this one and not this price, was about 8 years ago now). The top bit is removable. The dresser part we still use to this day.

    https://m.catch.com.au/product/joy-baby-royal-7-drawer-chang…

  • Powershopz on 26/05/2019 - 22:01

    Pram - Redsbaby are very good quality for the price.

    You don't need a capsule. We were fine without one, as were all our friends and other parents in mothers group. The one person who did get one said they thought it was waste of money because they got very little use out of it. Rent/2nd hand if you want one.

    Nappies - anything disposable

    Change Table - Only get it if you'll double the use as storage. Get one that is very large on top or has the top shelf open. This allows you to store wipes, nappies, moisturizer etc that is easily accessible. After 6 months you wont use it anymore as you're baby will be too active and it's easier to just change your baby on the floor. We had one of those foam mattress and they are great to just put on the floor. Make do with good height chest of draws and a foam change table.

    Baby Monitor - only needed if you're child's room is far, far away. As other's have mentioned - old smart phones can do the trick.

    Grobag are really great - We started using them from about 6 weeks old and they are amazing. Super easy to put on and off and very good quality. They often have specials where they are 15-30% off. Well worth the money.
    https://www.gro-store.com.au/pocketful-of-fins-grobag.html
    https://www.gro-store.com.au/grobag/6-18-months.html

    Breastpump - this depends if you want to use formula or prefer breast feeding. If you'd prefer to breast feed then i'd strongly suggest getting one.

    Good Luck!

  • compacc on 27/05/2019 - 00:13

    Pram - I bought a City Select double when I had my second baby and I wish I'd had it from the first baby. Easy to steer, easy to fold, change the seating around so baby can see you or the world, a peekaboo flap to check in on them, big basket … my husband said it was the first pram he used where he didn't accidentally kick the brake on. I bought it $500 second hand and sold it for $450 a couple years later. It even came on the plane with us for holidays. Brilliant pram.

    Nappies - I intended to use cloth. I bought loads of Bumgenius. But then they say to use disposable for the first few weeks (newborn poos are so rank. SO rank. And I was told to use disposable until the belly button stump fell off). Didn't take me long to go back to them. Disposals do a far better job keeping baby dry which helps prevent nappy rash AND they have a wetness indicator to tell you when to change baby. Which is just so helpful.

    I never used a capsule. Just did babywearing and pram, worked well for us. I used an Ergo carrier.

    Best thing I ever bought was a bath seat called an Angelcare Bath Support. My kids loved being in it, when they were very little I'd put a warm wet flannel on their chest and they would be happy for ages. Good for easy hair washing too. Even when my kids were 2-3yo they sat in it to make hair washing a breeze. I gave it to my friend when we didn't need it anymore and she still raves about how helpful it was.

  • tictoc2 on 27/05/2019 - 00:16

    I have a daughter who's over a year old. We tried to shop for basics only, some things didn't work and were sold.

    Baby monitor - we have an audio one that we used for a few months, but our home is small so it wasn't used much.

    car seat - we have the Infasecure Neon from Bigw. Good price and rated well on childcarseats website. Car seat installation was free with my purchase but I would recommend it for the first time (the installer put a towel under my car seat to get 40-45 degree incline for newborns).

    Change table - worth it with storage and saves your back. We put her clothes at the bottom so it was easily accessible when there were diaper explosions that got on to clothes (happened a lot). We still use it and diaper changes have become difficult so if it wasn't for the change table she would probably just run off.

    Breast milk pump (+storage system, bottles) - bought and sold my electric one and was really happy with my Haakaa pump which worked better for me. They have a website and I think they're on Amazon too. Around $35. Also if breastfeeding, reusable nursing pads will be useful (Ebay) and nursing bras (nursing sleeping bras worked fine and cheaper).

    baby carrier - this was very convenient in the beginning. I could shop using a trolley or basket, not worry about finding elevators to get to different levels. Bought the Ergobaby with infant insert and recommend it, will probably use it when I travel overseas because there'll be times when places aren't stroller friendly and she might get tired from walking and will want to be held.

    Wraps, swaddles, sleeping bags etc - muslin wraps worked well! If you do buy them, make sure they're a good size so it wraps well, 1.2m x 1.2m worked for us.

    Congratulations on the pregnancy and starting your family. It'll be really special!

  • someguycalledpaul on 27/05/2019 - 07:23
    +1

    congrats. Everyone's journey is different and remember there is no right answers here. I'm going to work my way forward through the experience and highlight what we did/what i learnt, again some of this might not be valid for you so take it all with a decent pinch of salt.

    • We used a baby carrier, why? because i dont really want to wake a sleeping creature if i can avoid it. We went maxi cosi. You can hire, but you can buy/sell via gumtree and recoup your money pretty much after its use. Make sure you check the construction/manufacture date to confirm how 'new' it actually is, otherwise await specials. Also make sure you get one that you can buy adaptors to join your pram base, buy these second hand. Oh and per below, you're having a baby going into summer think about SHADE for this thing. Holding up a random newspaper like a moron has limited shelf life.

    • Pram - we went joolz. But Bugaboo/joolz/blah - its amazing how much brand names matter in the shopping centre stakes. We went joolz because I found an outlet clearance sale on https://m.facebook.com/pg/AnstelBrandsClearanceOutlet/posts/. I strongly recommend looking for one with more storage than you would think you need and furthermore please make sure it's got decent shade. We went the Joolz Day 2? and the shade is insufficient. If you want a practical one i think we saw alot of people really loving the mini city jogger gt or something like that.

    • Cot - we went boori country. Bought second hand went and looked at a few, personally would avoid ones with bite marks.

    • Bassinet - We used ours probably twice. If you have a big enough room I would recommend just putting the cot in your room for a while, otherwise get one. Get one with decent wheels. They all have sh!t wheels..

    • Matress - we bought new. Make sure you get some matress protectors and spare fitted sheets. Learnt the hardway on this one.

    • Nappies - personal preference but natual nappies are good in theory I'm all up for the environment but my line was drawn and I will donate to the appropriate charity to counter balance. We use aldi scentless/senstivie wipes (cheap ones) and aldi nappies. The huggies newborn ones are good. but there was no noticable difference between the aldi and the more expensive brands after this.

    • re shade look at something call flybaybee i think it has a different name now?

    • car seat? car seat. This stuff is the most complicated crap if you actually look into the different variants, permutations, age durations, front/rear facing. We went Maxi Cosi Euro I think. Get ISOFIX if you have a new car, heaps easier to take in and out if you need to. When we're on the topic of cars, think about sun shade. Those little shade round fkrs dont do the job, you need full scale blackout. I never figured this one out. Baby on board sticker actually makes people not drives as much like idiots around you, and sometimes let you in as they feel sorry for you. I still have the baby on board sticker on my car today.

    • baby monitor? Get a good one. Get one with music options, a night light, personally not sure about the connecting to phone thing if im honest, but thats a personal preference. We got this purchased for us, it wasnt cheap but we're still using it every night. especially for the music.

    • Comforter toy. As soon as you have figured out which comforter toy he/she likes go and buy 3 more of them. Be strategic. Find ones you can replace and have a brand name on them. Otherwise you're screwed later on.

    • Clothes. He/She will be beautiful, you'll have plenty of clothes purchased, but lets talk practical. You're going to end up with way too many clothes, and gradually get yourself into a mess as to what fits, what doesnt. Think now how you deal with this, make a system, stuff that doesnt fit are you keeping it, donating it, half/half whatever it is get storage boxes from kmart and throw theones in. otherwise you'll end up like me and have a bunch of clothes and you'll end up putting leggings that end up being shorts. Oh and before i forget please avoid stuff with buttons. Buttons are the arch enemy. You want bonds zippies. Ban the button.

    • Breast milk pump. I recommend you hire a hospital grade pump, medela, you can hire them from the pharmacy at the hospital. its cheaper than you think and they work a billion times better than the ones you buy. After a couple of months you'll then know if you need the pump, or have changed approaches here. Our kidlet got breastfed till 2, but i would recommend pumping and getting the kidlet used to either bottle or boob. It was an UPHILL battle trying to get kidlet to take from a bottle after getting used to pure boob over 1 month. Do atleast 1 bottle feed a day.

    • How to avoid the pharmacy run at midnight:

      • Snot sucker - nose frieda, looks gross works the best, those little crappy suckers just dont work. You can get a battery powered one but nah
      • Saline in little containers. I think we used this to clean eyes/unclog nose, breast milk supposedly also works.
      • Temp Guage - Get a decent one that'll last. Xiaomi do one. Manual ones are a joke. try holding something under a babys arm when they are sick.
      • Baby Panadol. Baby Neuofen, Panadol Supposetories I hope you never need to use the last ones, but if you ever are being told you do the LAST thing you want to be doing is going out and buying them.

    • Use the midwive service, but take what they say sometimes with a grain of salt. They all differ and some have some differences of opinion and end up contracting each other.

    • Use doctors on call, those guys come quick and bulk bill (in vic anyway) when its baby stuff.

    • baby carrier, we got a ergobaby 360 and a baby bjorn, found at different stages one worked better than the other, overall unless you are going on a holiday or use them every day im not sure they are valuable.

    • the zippy sleeping bags are the way to go. easy. We did swaddled at the start but then went to these.

    • enrol in childcare wait lists as soon as you can, dont leave it.

    • if you find your mothers group not geling speak up and change.

    • public v private is a big debate, we went public and it was perfect.

    • dont think of sleep like you deserve it, and you'll catch up on it. With a baby sleep debt does not accure.

    Ta.

    • sam-1966 on 28/05/2019 - 17:18

      Brilliant advice re they comfort toy - I wasn't able to get doubles/triples of the favourites, which was a pain if left at grandparents etc. A friend had three of each favourite and rotated regularly so the 'smell/feel' was alike on each.

  • pformag on 27/05/2019 - 10:26

    Woolworth's brand nappies are better out of coles and Aldi. They don't tend to smell as bad once the baby has done its business and hold a hell of a lot in.

    Baby Jogger City Select is pram of choice, as you can add another seat for future babies. it is also very easy to use.

    Look at Infa Secure for car seats. You can get a 0-8year seat, so you only have to buy 1 seat.

    Look at getting a nappy disposal bin for the nursery. Changing 7-10 nappies a day and taking them out to the trash can be annoying. Senginic is the brand of choice.

    Look at gumtree for 2nd hand items, such as baby monitors.

  • trapper on 27/05/2019 - 12:01

    Nappies (haven't decided on disposable or cloth or mix)

    Madness…

  • trapper on 27/05/2019 - 12:10

    Second hand baby stuff is so cheap it's crazy, you barely need to pay full price for anything.

    People spend a fortune on this stuff then end up almost giving it away when they no longer need it - often barely even used.

    You can get literal sacks of baby clothes for free, not to mention the number of baby gifts you will get, it's crazy, a lot of newborn clothes don't even get used once before baby is too big.

    You end up with so much baby stuff everywhere, it gets out of control - then you too will be giving it away for free lol

  • iDroid on 27/05/2019 - 12:18

    I'd say keep it simple. There are so many things you think you "NEED" for you baby/toddler/etc. The vast majority is a total waste of money. It's amazing how fast they grow and how QUICKLY that so important items becomes JUNK filling your house.

    Save the $$ and buy your older kids better gifts!

    I'm speaking in general here, of course there are many items you should buy (especially developmental stuff - usually physical things). But think hard and use logic not emotion.

    I've speak from experience here, I have $$$$'s wasted on junk used for minutes!!! But we guilt our selves into making sure our kids don't miss out. They won't, they never cared for this junk!

    Don't knock second hand either - most stuff is new anyway (it only got used once!!) I've given away a lot of seemingly brand new kids items.

    • tictoc2 on 27/05/2019 - 13:41

      I agree, kids can be expensive but mostly because we make it so. It's important and easier to buy the big and essential items before birth (car seat, place to sleep, pram, clothes etc), but other things can wait till people figure out how they want to parent.

  • stevie67 on 27/05/2019 - 13:04
    +1

    If you want the safest option long term in a car seat you may want to look outside of Australia. The application of ISOFIX into Australian approved car seats is limited. If you want to continue to use ISOFIX after the age of 4 you are out of luck. Want to use the inbuilt 5 point harness for as long as possible rather than secure a child with an adult seatbelt? - not going to happen.

    I went with a Britax Romer Advansafix which has ISOFIX and top tether. It can be used from 9kg-36kg (approx 9 months to 12 years old) and the integrated 5 point harness is rated up to at least 15kg. The ISOFIX is a hard connection to the seat anchors and until you move away from the harness at 15kg the seatbelt secures through the back of the seat. In effect you have a seat secured by a hard ISOFIX connection, a top tether and a seat belt - that seat is not going anywhere but it still has enough movement to absorb impacts. My daughter is now 8 and uses the seat every day - still in perfect condition and will do her for at least a couple of more years.

    I bought directly from Germany and depending on the model and retailer you are looking at around $500-600 AUD delivered. For something far superior, safer, cheaper and simply not available in the local market it was a no brainer for me. Of course it does not comply with Australian Standards but I'm in charge of my kids safety in my car so I'm OK with the lack of a sticker.

    https://www.kids-room.com/en/britax-roemer-advansafix-iii-si…

    https://www.kidscomfort.eu/en/britax-roemer-advansafix-iii-s…

    • Jazza2400 on 27/05/2019 - 18:56

      Not sure if this chair is approved for use in Australia fyi. This may lead to fines and loss of demerit points. I don't know how it would affect your insurance.

      There are a few seats that allow for harnessing up until age 8, the maxi guard pro I think and the infasecure cadence.

      Stevie67 is correct, Isofix is brilliant and reduces operator error but in Aus the Isofix seats only go up to 4 years old. Extended rear facing is the go.

      • stevie67 on 27/05/2019 - 21:13

        Agree 100%, Extended Rear Facing for as long as they can physically fit in the seat. After that put them in something like the Britax Romer Advansafix. Ignore the comments that the kids will get bored looking backwards or that it is overkill. Just do it. It works and it can stop your kid from receiving life changing injuries at even relatively low speed impacts. You may be a safe driver and have completed advanced and defensive driving training but it just takes one idiot to destroy a life. Unfortunately it happens every day of the week.

        I work in Aviation Safety and take in research globally, not just what the local market dictates. The Britax Romer seat does not have the Australian Standard mark so is not an approved local seat. You may be subject to a penalty of 3 points and a fine which ironically is exactly the same if you are caught not strapping your kid in properly. If you don’t use ISOFIX there is a much higher chance of you not strapping your kid in properly…

        I have been stopped multiple times by police for RBT and ‘random checks’. The car seats I use have britax embossed on the side and a top tether so most police wouldn’t push it any further even if they had an idea what they were looking for. A colleague in a crash had both of his German sourced car seats replaced by his insurance company so he went out and bought 2 more. There could be an issue on a claim for personal injury though if push came to shove.

        As with everything you weigh up the risks and make the call. For me it was a simple choice.

  • blehgg on 27/05/2019 - 14:13

    Prams:

    Double Prams - avoid them if you can. Best thing for us was a "skateboard on the back of the alta".

    Hated the phil & teds double (2nd hand)
    Got a brand new Baby Jogger City Select Lux - with 2nd seat ~ hated it (from the states under 1K) - sold it in Australia (made some money).

    Babyzen yoyo - best portable pram we've ever had. (bought off gumtree $200)
    Uppababy Alta - current large pram - great storage underneath - easy to push.
    - skateboard attachment

    Alta capsule - wife loved the maxi-cosi capsule (if kid was asleep, you can transfer to and from car without waking them. - was heavy though (for her small frame)

  • buahahaha on 27/05/2019 - 14:28

    Winter baby ?
    nasal aspirator(electric ones) is very useful - suck all the goo before they enter the throat and blocks the broncho..?

    https://www.amazon.com.au/Aspirator-Operated-Toddlers-Operat…

  • mousie on 27/05/2019 - 15:38
    -1

    Ibuprofen

  • Jackkkkkk on 27/05/2019 - 16:23

    Buy second hand for all items you've mentioned.. Don't spend hundreds on new cribs etc. You'll know pretty much straight away what you will/won't need once you have the baby.

    Find a crib that transforms into a single bed.. I bought new and lasted a good 7.5 years. Only selling as we upgraded my daughter's bed into a double.

  • Snoopy113 on 27/05/2019 - 16:44

    When you buy your pram, if there is an option for standard or bigger offroad type wheels, go for the offroad ones. You will get by with the Standards but once youre pushing a pram around your neighborhood you will realise how horrible the quality of pathways and gutters are. Also so many gutters dont have ramps at the end of streets which will drive you insane.

  • nosey on 27/05/2019 - 16:58

    If you are an NRMA customer, they will install your baby seat in car for free in a 'certified' way. I inherited a seat from friends and NRMA said it was missing some clips which they charged me $11 for. That probably saved my sanity as I heard if following YouTube vids, it can still take hours.

    Once my wife heard that there WAS a certified way, I wasn't allowed to do it anyway :(

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