Parents: What Are Necessary Items for Our First Baby?

PropertyPig on 06/10/2021 - 07:23
Last edited 07/10/2021 - 14:28

Hi all,

I'm going to have my first kid soon and I'd like to work out what do I actually need. I've read first time parents can go overboard so I don't want to be one of those parents. But at the same time, I want to make it nice for my kid and my partner.

What are items that are fine getting second hand vs new?
What sort of gifts did family and friends buy?
Did you make a baby wishlist?

What I already have

  • Cot/Crib with mattress - Bought new on clearance
  • Carseat (newborn to 8 years) - Bought new on extra discount
  • Shower chair - Given to us barely used
  • 1 x Nappy bag - Bought new on discount
  • Co sleeper/Portable crib - Given to us
  • Bouncer - Given to us
  • A few books - Got from vinnies
  • First aid kit
  • Wipes
  • digital thermometer

What I need

  • Pram
  • Change table and mat
  • Sheets/blanket for mattress
  • Clothes for the baby
  • Maternity clothes for my partner
  • newborn nappies
  • bibs

What I think I need

  • First aid training
  • Baby monitor
  • Feeding Bottles
  • Rocking Chair
  • nappy bin
  • Steriliser, bottle warmer, breast pump
  • Toys

Any info from parents would be great. I like to be organised with what I need, but I also don't want to buy things that are just a waste of time, money and space or if its a common gift.

Edit: Thank you everyone for your kind help and suggestions! My partner is stunned that people took the time out of their day to write to us. I'm adding things i need into my spreadsheet and going for a hunt on marketplace!! Thank you!

Toys & Kids

Comments

  • belesci on 06/10/2021 - 07:45
    +40

    Some sleep :)

    • SF3 on 06/10/2021 - 08:26
      +2

      Some sleep :)

      I think a lot more than some ;)

      Get as much sleep as you can! you'll crave it when your newborn enters this world! OP, Congrats btw!

    • PropertyPig on 06/10/2021 - 10:33

      I wish i could store sleep now so i could stay awake later!

      • aboogee on 07/10/2021 - 13:23
        +4

        actually i think the key is to agree with the missus how to split the work.
        if she takes the night shift and you take the day, its actually manageable
        i think most people end up doing both day and night shifts together

        having said that, i was lucky to have parents helping out

        • PropertyPig on 07/10/2021 - 14:50

          My partner and I talked about this and I think this is the way to go. I work from home and I will continue to (yay for remote first companies!) So being home should help with not getting sleep. We will probably split the shifts so she takes the night and I take the morning.

          • wau2 on 07/10/2021 - 21:04
            +1

            @PropertyPig: Every so often you should switch it up. Like on weekends you should do the nights (or like last one before midnight for example) so your partner can get at least a 4-5 hr stretch.

            Another important thing is if you are willing to do sleep training (most are after 6 months or so). You have to agree on the type of Sleep training that’s suitable for both you. Yes u might get one that sleeps well, but those are as rare as unicorns. Especially after regressions

          • nikey2k27 on 08/10/2021 - 16:19

            @PropertyPig: mate mine had a new baby I told them have night out I look after her did make it there master bedroom sleep until10 am next morning I spent night theatre room with the baby it soundproof. get sleep and doing shift

        • DKZ370 on 08/10/2021 - 20:48

          I'm curious and genuinely asking. For a newborn who is breastfeed and required/needs to feed every 2-3 hours or on-demand. How does this actually work?

          • humdingaling on 08/10/2021 - 22:09
            +1

            @DKZ370: very tired mum and/or expressing (breast pumping) milk

  • morse on 06/10/2021 - 07:50
    +4

    There’s been a few of these posts over the years eg https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/459082
    But an update is always good

    I’d also consider a play mat but you won’t need a full size one until they are learning to crawl. The Kmart ones are popular https://www.kmart.com.au/product/reversible-padded-play--flo…

    Some sort of swaddles. Love to dream is a very popular brand, but expensive but you can either buy second hand or buy new then sell for about half what you paid. We ended up using the Kmart fake love to dream copies from about 6 weeks once bub was big enough.

    Maybe a breast pump but you won’t know until after bub comes along and you see what kind feeding you’re doing. You can rent one if needed in the early days.

    Maybe a bassinet. We found having one on wheels really good for rocking bub. Also bear in mind that SIDS recommendations are that bub sleeps in your room in their cot for the first 6-12 months (very few people do the full 12months) I did about 3months.

    Some kind of baby monitor is not essential but most people have one. We had a camera and an under mattress breathing monitor. The breathing monitor was great until he started rolling a lot then it false alarmed. Most midwifes and GPS don’t recommend breathing monitors, but it helped me feel less anxious.

    Baby carriers are really handy ergo 360 is a good one but you won’t need it straight away most likely.

    What you actually need is super variable - basically it’s different for everyone.

    All the best for your impending arrival.

    • PropertyPig on 06/10/2021 - 11:47
      +1

      Thank you for your answers! I didnt think about the swaddle, but I will look into it. We have this portable bassinet thing that was given to us and so we will keep that in our room.

      • lechuck123 on 07/10/2021 - 11:22

        Had my baby in June.

        For winter we used a baby sleeping bag and wrapped the baby in a thin-medium thickness blanket. As we're approaching summer we'll start to use the many muslin wraps we were given as presents to wrap his lower half. As he's now 4 months we're trying to get him comfortable sleeping with hands out as he'll start being able to roll soon.

        As others have posted. Worry about what you'll need immediately. For longer-term items, see how it goes/what you need.

        They grow so quickly in the first 4 months. Already switched from the bassinet to pram seating.

        Got this baby monitor.
        https://www.babyco.com.au/vtech-rm5752-video-monitor-with-re…
        Very well priced, has night vision, can use the app on my phone to see the baby.

        Downsides: Bad battery life on unit. We just leave it plugged in at night and take it out during the day. requires WI-FI & Internet connectivity

        Don't buy a rocking chair. See what your baby is like. We got lucky and he slept well, especially after a feed. Never needed to hold him or rock to sleep. Unless you're having trouble with sleeping them, you don't want to train the baby to require being rocked to sleep.

    • carlJack on 08/10/2021 - 18:24
      +1

      +1 for Play mat.My bub loves it.

  • Skramit on 06/10/2021 - 07:53
    +13
    1. Dont buy baby clothes until you need them. Your friends and family will want to buy clothes as gifts so dont go overboard buying clothes yourself. Same applies for toys, dont buy toys or books either for the same reason.
    2. "Steriliser, bottle warmer, breast pump" - Rent a pump form your local chemist and it's pretty cheap. Dont buy a steraliser or bottle armer. Waste of money. If you have a saucepan with water you have this already.
    3. "First aid training" - Most hospitals offer this as part of anti-natal classes.Ask your local hospital.
    4. "Maternity clothes for my partner" - Let her work this out after baby arrives.
    5. Don't go to baby shops like baby bunting together with your partner, you'll end up with so much crap you never need or use. It's the sort of shopping trip you will regret the next day. ONly go when you need something specific.

    Get as much of the stuff second hand as possile, as before you know it, your kid will have outgrown it or no longer need it and you'll be looking at it thinking…. bugger i spend hundreds on this stuff now it's useless.

    • Crosscade on 06/10/2021 - 09:21
      +11

      I disagree on the steriliser and bottle warmer if you are going formula or pumping.

      Heating a saucepan of water deep enough to sterilise bottles takes a long time and leaves you with a pot of boiling hot water from which you need to get the bottles out of. A cheap microwave steriliser is much faster and can fit much more in it.

      A cheap bottle warmer is great as more of a set and forget. Once you know how much water you need to add to heat up a quantity of milk/formula, you can have it ready to go, add it quickly and get to something else. Yes you can run a sink of hot water or boil, but this takes longer and can overheat.

      This being said, don't bother buying before you give birth, see how your baby feeds. If you need them, just go to kmart or amazon and buy them.

      If you end up pumping and bottle feeding, I would highly recommend getting a dual pump or two seperate pumps to pump both at once. A breast pump bra makes this much better also so you don't need to hold in place. Again, wait and see how you go with your newborn before spending hundreds.

      • spook290 on 07/10/2021 - 11:38
        +2

        Kettle + a large mug does the trick pretty quickly :)

      • Scoobth on 08/10/2021 - 09:38

        We went with a big stock pot… But..

        We decided not to buy a steriliser, and went and purchased a new stockpot, as we didn't have a large pot. The big stock pot and a metal steam net has worked well for us. We do not fill the pot with water only enough to create steam. And steam for 10-15 minutes.

        The reason this option is not suggested often is because there is risk of fire! Leaving the pot on the stove too long (especially when you are tired and distracted by a crying baby) and the small amount of water boiling dry there is a chance of you then melting your baby bottles and stating a fire!

        Our circumstance mitigated this risk as we have an induction hob which let's you set the cook time with auto shut off… This is important for saftey.

        So consider it as an option if you have a way of auto turning off your stove easily, otherwise consider an alternative.

      • Skramit on 08/10/2021 - 16:25

        I disagree on the steriliser and bottle warmer if you are going formula or pumping.

        My point was more 'dont buy it til you need it'. I have lots of friends who did big 'baby shopping trips pre-birth' and bought all that stuff and never used half of it.

    • lechuck123 on 07/10/2021 - 11:32

      Same as below. Agree with all except the steriliser (Although never tried sterilising with the above method, probably not bad if you have an induction stove top which I don't).

      For me, no need to go overboard but something we've found something simple like this to be very handy:

      https://www.bigw.com.au/product/philips-avent-microwave-ster…

      Also, we went to this baby expo.
      https://www.pbcexpo.com.au/promo/sydney-expo

      There was a massive Phillips pack of stuff which when compared to retail price was very very good. If you go, try to avoid buying too much!
      This was it, we got the "microwave starter set" which included the electric breast pump, steriliser, bunch of bottles and containers:
      https://imgur.com/a/tyBQXlF

    • wau2 on 07/10/2021 - 21:07

      I vote for steriliser and warmer. Makes it more easier to manage
      Steriliser you shove in and forget.
      PLUs you can reuse for as many kids as you like!

    • modiika on 08/10/2021 - 13:56

      I disagree on clothes. Obviously its dependant on the size of your friend and family network. While we got clothes. We got a range of stuff for different ages. We got a really good set of baby clothes on gumtree, which went from 0-18 months. Ultimately, we purchased what we thought we needed for first month or two. Then after Bub was here, we counted what we had for older ages (ether through gumtree or gifts) and supplements with others.

      Personally, I know the sleeping bags are very popular. We never used them.

      Steriliser and bottle warmer we did find useful. It does depend how often you are using it. But relatively to other costs they weren't that expensive. We found the microwave one cumbersome. Even in an apartment with a smallish kitchen, we found the electric steriliser and the bottle warmer worth the convenience. Less time wasted, easy place to store things.

      But as crosscade said, you should probably hold off on this.

      We didn't get to do any of teh antenatal classes due to covid. We considered paying for a non-hospital provider. But these all seemed to have an agenda. Basically, no drug births, we didn't think it was worth the cost. My wife got some basic first aid training as part of the maternal health nurse stuff post birth. I've had some general first aid training in the past, so that helped me feel not totally out of my depth if something were to happen.

      I think you should just accept that you will buy something you will regret. For us it was baby monitor, in the end, the Bub stayed with us in our room past 12 months, and we've never found a use for the video monitor. Ended up selling it around 9 months. Also we bought an expensive double breast pump. My wife found it painful, and would firstly only ever use 1 at a time. And secondly produced much more milk with a hakakaa (a kind of suction cup bottle thing) than she ever did using the pump. I just think she found it so painful she couldn't relax. So that's a big regret cost wise.

    • carlJack on 08/10/2021 - 18:26

      Don't go to baby shops like baby bunting together with your partner, you'll end up with so much crap you never need or use. It's the sort of shopping trip you will regret the next day. ONly go when you need something specific.

      Absolutely

  • Danstar on 06/10/2021 - 08:09
    +10

    First baby. I had those bottle sterilisers, second baby, never used them again.

  • SF3 on 06/10/2021 - 08:30
    +2

    Nappy bags (for throwing away the nappies) - or have you own (non leak bags). e.g. https://www.platinumhealthsupply.com.au/products/baby-u-scen…

    • PropertyPig on 06/10/2021 - 11:48

      Wow i didnt know there were specific non leak baby nappy bags!

      • SF3 on 06/10/2021 - 12:09

        yup - useful when you are out and the used nappy needs to be kept in the car until you can deposal of it.

      • paaj on 06/10/2021 - 16:02
        +3

        We had twins - honestly, we just used the doggy poo bags from the local park. you only need them for number 2s. and you'll already be generating plastic waste at home so reuse those bread bags etc.

        • morse on 06/10/2021 - 21:36

          We share those bags between our doggo and baby too. I figure we pay extra on our rates for said doggo, the bags are biodegradable too, which the ones from Kmart etc aren’t necessarily.

      • DarwinBoy on 07/10/2021 - 17:10

        Just use medium sized freezer bags from wollies.

        • BartholemewH on 08/10/2021 - 12:35

          Exactly, freezer bags are larger, cheaper and don't have useless handles.

  • deeevan on 06/10/2021 - 08:34
    +5
    • Clothes for the baby

    • newborn nappies
      Don't go overboard on newborn size as they may fit a couple weeks at best. If you have a giant baby, they may not at all. Have a pack of the next size up ready, as the last thing you want is to realise mid-change. Supermarkets used to let you exchange unopened boxes for the next size up without receipt, not sure if that's still happening with covid.

    • Dymadon (baby paracetamol)
      Hopefully unnecessary, but it is usually at some inconvenient time of the night you decide you do need it. The baby Panadol is cherry flavoured and disgusting, and quite often spat out.

    • Skramit on 06/10/2021 - 09:02

      The baby Panadol is cherry flavoured and disgusting, and quite often spat out.

      Interesting result! My babies loved it…. its also very sweet which helps…

    • PropertyPig on 06/10/2021 - 11:49

      Thanks for this suggestion. I think I will get quite a few hand me downs from my sister kids. Didn't even think about the childrens panadol!

      • macrocephalic on 07/10/2021 - 10:55

        When you go to the pharmacist to buy the paracetamol you'll find that it comes in 0-2yo and 2-7yo. Get the one for the older kids, it's just got twice as much paracetamol by volume so you only have to give them half as much. The dosage table on the back goes down to 3 months. If your baby doesn't like it (and most don't love it because all they want is milk) then you only have to get half as much into them.

        Our paediatrician recommended The Baby Book by Sears et al and we found it quite useful. It's about $35 on Amazon. The author definitely believes in the attachment parenting methods, but that's neither here nor there. When your baby has a fever in the middle of the night, or is vomiting, then you can look in the index and read the few pages about what to do and when to get medical attention. It also has a lot of good sections on how to prepare to be a parent, and how to behave and support your partner through it (and it goes both ways).

        Another book worth getting is Reading Magic by Mem Fox (the acclaimed children's' author). This book is for adults to read about reading to your children rather than a children's' book. Start reading to your child from day one. It's a great way to spend time together, get them used to your voice in a calming manner, see you reading, etc.

        Do the antenatal course at your hospital and make friends with the others in the group. These will be your friends and support group as they'll all be going through the same things at the same time that you are.

        Small kids might not fit well into a 'baby carrier' like an ergo baby. I recommend getting a 'wrap' for the first few months. It's basically a long piece of stretchy fabric and instructions on how to tie it. Your baby will fit snugly against you and feel more secure and supported while it's small.

        Buy a whole heap of those old fashioned white "nappies" - not to use as nappies, but just to wipe things up, use as spit rags, and cover up yourself and your clothes. Babies are messy.

        Baby sunscreen. You probably won't be taking your baby out in the sun for a bit, but when you do you'll want to make sure it doesn't get burnt.

        Is your digital thermometer a touchless one or an ear one? We have both and find the touchless one to be really inaccurate. The in-ear one is much better. The laser one can be off by a one or two degrees - which is a lot when it's the difference between 37c and 39c!

    • morse on 06/10/2021 - 12:28

      We never had any success with any kind of paracetamol including dymadon - he still won’t touch it at two years, apparently it has a bitter taste. He used to projectile vomit instantly when we’d trick him into trying it again. Moved to neurofen as soon as he was old enough. Lots of others have had success with dymadon though.

    • deeevan on 06/10/2021 - 19:15

      Mine has no issues with Panadol or even gritty bitter antibiotic suspensions, but I heard plenty of stories of refusal. My suggestions are born from remembering the "Oh bugger wish I'd got that when the shops were open" moments, I'm sure there's more.

      Other things I hope aren't needed:
      - Zyrtec drops for allergic reactions
      - Colostrum. Don't try to buy this, your partner collects it. It's usually recommended for gestational diabetes, but anything could happen that puts her out of action early on. Expressing may help kick-start milk production too

  • SF3 on 06/10/2021 - 08:43
    +8

    mattress protector

    • macrocephalic on 07/10/2021 - 10:56
      +8

      Two mattress protectors - so you can wash one and put the other one on.

      • darkchoc on 07/10/2021 - 15:30
        +6

        Our tip to set up the bedding….

        Mattress protector 1
        Sheet
        Mattress protector 2
        Sheet

        If something happens in top sheet, you pull off the first sheet and first mattress protector. Voila - fresh sheets already on bed.

        Very handy for night accidents

        • Hansi on 09/10/2021 - 20:52

          We use:

          Sheet
          Puppy Pad
          Towel (cheap kmart one)
          Mattress protector

          So far the mattress stayed clean but almost all other layers were breached at times!

          Some people just use two nappies at night - YMMV.

  • Archi on 06/10/2021 - 08:53
    +6

    change tables are pointless after about 6 months, when baby starts rolling and turning there will be an increased risk.

    unless you have one that is like a set of drawers for clothes then that will become useful.

    we had a little caddie with a handle that fit in the essentials for a nappy change.. and we did it on the floor, the couch, the bed, where ever we needed to. just lay down a mat.

    • macrocephalic on 07/10/2021 - 13:56
      +4

      Where do you change them then?

      Our oldest is 2.5 and starting toilet training, but we still use a change table for changing him. It's a comfortable height, it's padded, it's vinyl covered so it wipes down, and it has storage space underneath for nappies etc.

      • TEER3X on 07/10/2021 - 20:22

        I think they use the homer Simpson method, newspapers all over the floor and let them run around nappyless

        • Archi on 08/10/2021 - 12:06
          +1

          NO… i have tiled floors i just mop up afterwards

      • Jayblu on 10/10/2021 - 10:38

        No change table here either, just move the change mat (15$ from kmart) over the floor from the dresser whenever we're changing the little one. Definitely not great for the back but at least i don't have to worry about him wiggling and falling.

    • BartholemewH on 08/10/2021 - 12:36

      Agreed, change mat on the floor is our go to.

    • Pertuan on 09/10/2021 - 20:13

      We used a three drawer tallboy from Ikea with a change mat on top. Prefect height. Of course, there are many models with different heights. You just need to choose the right one.
      Top drawer had all the change stuff. The other drawers had clothes. Worked well for us. Now the kids are older, its just a clothes storage.

  • dust on 06/10/2021 - 09:21
    +6

    Get as many hand me downs as possible. A lot of newborn stuff is only good for a few months until the baby gets too big.

  • sahh on 06/10/2021 - 09:23
    +4

    Towels - big for bathing, lots of small ones for wiping up spit/vomits

  • djones145 on 06/10/2021 - 09:23
    +2

    Pram
    - yep, no rush, unless u love walking and going out
    Change table and mat
    - good to get a second hand and one with wheels and storage underneath (some have baths in it too)
    Sheets/blanket for mattress
    - mattress protecor and two, bound to have mistakes
    Clothes for the baby
    - its coming to summer, so just get the basics, singlets
    Maternity clothes for my partner
    - if breast fedding, just something to help assist that
    newborn nappies
    - LOTS
    bibs
    - LOTS
    What I think I need
    First aid training
    - yeha good to complete or know the basis
    Baby monitor
    Feeding Bottles
    - depends if you are breast feeding or bottle dont get too much
    Rocking Chair
    - depends if you are breast feeding and have the room
    nappy bin
    - just bags and bin right away
    Steriliser, bottle warmer, breast pump
    - depends if breast feeding
    Toys
    - need basics dont need much

    get basic chuck towels, there will be lots of that, just basic ones from kmart
    washing powder
    sleep
    sleep
    sleep

  • Ocker on 06/10/2021 - 09:45
    +3

    Earplugs

  • Crosscade on 06/10/2021 - 09:46
    +1

    What I need
    Pram - I wouldn't go overboard on the pram (Uppababy is overkill), get one that folds and unfolds easy and is light. Check it will fit in your boot if you have a smaller car. One with good access to the bottom storage is good also.
    Change table and mat - Find a good used change table with some storage shelves and replaceable mat. I'd replace the foam/mat as they will get a lot of fluids on them. I didn't think a change table cover was needed as they are more work. A smooth mat that can be easily wiped down is better. Don't get a mat with a physical pattern in it as poo will probably get into the crevices.
    Sheets/blanket for mattress - Definitely get a waterproof mattress protector. You'll have leaks and don't want them getting into the mattress.
    Clothes for the baby - I would limit how much you buy, everyone gives clothes as presents. Consider 'gender neutral' clothes that you could use again down the track if you have more children. Limit getting anything too small. You may not need 00000 clothes, and probably won't need 0000 for very long.
    Maternity clothes for my partner - Let your partner work out what they need. Don't go too overboard as you won't know exactly what size to get. See if you can borrow clothes of similar sized friends if possible.
    Newborn nappies - Don't get too many of the smallest size, perhaps one box. I would wait until near the birth when you should be getting a reasonable idea of what size your baby will be.
    Bibs - We didn't really use bibs, but burping cloths can double as a bib. You will want some cloths to wipe your babies face.

    What I think I need
    First aid training - Always good to have
    Baby monitor - Probably not needed until you move the baby out of your room. First few months the baby will likely be in the same room as you. As soon as they are sleeping in another room I'd get one. I'd look for one with good resolution and that you can add extra cameras to in the future if you have more kids.
    Feeding Bottles - Wait to see how your newborn feeds. If needed just buy a couple. I'd avoid Tommee Tippee as the stem bit was just annoying to me.
    Rocking Chair - Not necessary but nice to have. See if there are any good used chairs. Otherwise look for one that you can reuse as normal furniture down the track.
    Nappy Bin - We just used nappy bags and put in the normal bin.
    Steriliser, bottle warmer, breast pump - Wait and see how your newborn feeds. Just get cheap steriliser and bottle warmer, they aren't complicated. Get a double breast pump and consider a pump bra to make them hands free.
    Toys - Don't get too many toys, similar to clothes you will be given so many as gifts.

    A bassinet on wheels was great for the first couple of months but will be quickly outgrown. Is useful to wheel into different parts of the house while you do other things.

    Get some cloths for swaddles, you won't need many. You might consider some sleep sacks also once they are 2-3 months age.

    Try to put price alerts on camelcamelcamel or alerts on ozbargain or similar for any big ticket items so you can buy on sale.

    Some advice regarding sleep: try to split up baby duties with your partner so one of you can get sleep while the other looks after the baby. Have one do the first half of the night and the other do the second half. Try to have a separate sleeping area for you so you aren't waking up your partner getting into and out of bed. Sleep when the baby sleeps.

    • macrocephalic on 07/10/2021 - 10:59
      +1

      Regarding baby monitors: baby monitors are pretty much just expensive security cameras. Get a Eufy/Reolink/whatever security camera and point it at the baby. This way you can easily add more. We don't use them as baby monitors much anymore, but we have them around the house for keeping an eye on the house/dogs/kids.

      • magster on 07/10/2021 - 11:26

        The Kogan baby monitor is really good though and worth it for the price. Currently $50 with Kogan first.
        It’s a copy of the Lollipop, with all the features. The cry notification is good, it will send me an alert on the phone even when I’m not watching on the app.

  • mingjuitsai on 06/10/2021 - 09:48
    +6

    • Nappy Rash Ointment for barrier and treatment
      Good for any skin irritations or nappy rash prevention.

    • Panadol Children 1 Month – 1 Year
      You never know when you will need it. Fever can kick in in the middle of night and they can cry all night hysterically without some relief.

    • Baby lotion
      Their skin gets dry after shower and can have irritation easily. Good to apply baby lotion after shower.

    • Formula milk
      This depends but in my experience, even you are going breast or pumped breast milk sometimes the baby needs a top-up and not enough milk.

    • Night light
      Night feeding should use dim night light to let them know difference between day/night, so they can sleep overnight sooner.

    • A comfortable chair for nursing
      This depends as well. You might find it OK to feed sitting anywhere.
      I find my back a lot less sore when feeding on a comfortable chair ( I got a nursing rocking chair )

    • Mulga Bill on 06/10/2021 - 09:55

      Yes, baby Panadol and lots of it…babies get sick and their temp goes up, Panadol brings it down. Noting worse than 2am on a Sunday morning, baby wont stop crying, teething with a temperature and your out of Panadol!

    • Crosscade on 06/10/2021 - 09:55
      +1

      Agree on all these. We liked Bepanthen more than Sudocrem.

      Don't go overboard on formula early as you will probably need to throw out your first can before you finish it (meant to use within a month) unless you are going full formula fed.

      Remember you can ask for formula in the hospital if your partner is struggling to produce enough colostrum/milk. Ask what they use as formula as your baby might get use to it.

      • Nicolefish on 08/10/2021 - 10:25

        I would suggest having one tin as backup, leave unopened until that night at 3am when baby still hasn't gone to sleep.
        Just keep in mind it takes 6 weeks for milk supply to be fully established, demand = supply so skipping a feed might not be ideal. Breasts will make the milk that baby requires, that's why they cluster feed. They will do this early on to make the milk come ASAP after colostrum. I remember the second day with my bub… little one fed for 14 hours straight but voila milk the next day, amazing! Other babies will be kinder and spread this out over a week lol.

        Breastfeeding won't always work out but give it a go.

  • nnishant on 06/10/2021 - 09:50
    +2

    Congrats PropertyPig

    You are getting some good advice already with your list and the posts above.
    our youngest is now 4, so most of my advice is when she was born in 2015.

    One of the best thing we got was help, and lots of it. From friends and family, esp those who you can trust with a baby.
    You & your partner will get frustrated at times, but getting help is invaluable. It gives you time to calm down and potentially do other things at home while the baby is being looked after.

    First few months all your baby will be doing is sleeping, drinking and getting their nappies changed (with a bath time in somewhere between)

    Depending how much help you get may changes what you really need. For us, what was really valuable:
    - bassinet (Cot was too big for the first 6 months)
    - muslin wraps and swaddle
    - some kind of white noise app or music
    - arm chair in the sleeping room, both for feeding and rocking the baby to sleep
    - baby monitor that can also detected movement

    Also suggest you get advice from people who had trouble with baby not sleeping enough or not eating enough. no doubt they would have gone through a lot to get it right. For us, our first born had a hard time calming down to sleep.

    Eventually, we had to seek professional help(can not thank the out patient nurse enough), where we managed to work out a way for baby to sleep and sleep well…

  • Mulga Bill on 06/10/2021 - 09:51
    +8

    The biggest stress I had as a father was a child with nappy rash - never nice seeing your baby in pain. We always has Sudocream as a barrier cream and Lucas' Papaw Ointment seemed to heal it pretty well too.

    • Crosscade on 06/10/2021 - 10:00
      +1

      We had issues with some of the cheaper ones from aldi that seemed to cause nappy rash for our bub. If you start getting nappy rash use lots of barrier cream and just use water on a cotton cloth to clean the bum. Not as easy as wipes but helps it heal faster. Try different brands of nappies/wipes if you are continuously having issues.

    • paaj on 06/10/2021 - 16:04

      Sudocream is great! and I think GP can also prescribe another (cant remember the name) that has steriods to use when nappy rash gets really bad - for us it was when they started daycare.

    • macrocephalic on 07/10/2021 - 16:16

      Sudocreme is a barrier and soothing cream - good for prevention. Bepanthen is better for treatment, but more sticky and more expensive. We use sudocreme every night after a bath, and bepanthen as required.

  • Drew Peaballs on 06/10/2021 - 10:02

    I had my first baby 5 months ago. It's all down to personal preference and what works for you and your wife/partner:

    What you'll need:

    • definitely sleep
    • quick and easy microwaveable meals. You will not want to cook. Lucky I had awesome neighbours that brought around food.
    • baby monitor is good. Nice to get away for an hour with just your own thoughts.
    • breast pump - Big W/Target usually have them hella cheaper than Baby Bunting. Source it from other stores, go to baby bunting and price beat 5%.
    • change table/mat AND waterproof liner/cover
    • waterproof cot/bed sheet. Even though their clothes and nappy will probably absorb it, it's not gonna hurt to protect the mattress/mat as well for resale/reuse
      https://www.kmart.com.au/product/waterproof-change-mat-cover…
    • saline nasal spray. Their little noses haven't developed enough structure and they will get blocked up from breast milk/formula and it'll break your heart when they try to breathe.
      https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/55070/flo-baby-spray…

    • bottle steriliser - used this a lot during the early months. My partner had trouble breast feeding at the beginning.
      https://www.target.com.au/p/tommee-tippee-electric-steam-ste…

    • first aid training is great. Maternal child health nurse will advise you of this. The council usually do free sessions.

    • vomit towels. Go to Kmart and buy face washers/hand towels because expect lots of vomit
    • nappy bin. My mate gave me one and used it. A plastic bag and bin does the same thing.

    Hospital grade breast pump
    We hired this from the local chemist. This is at your partner's own discretion on how she feels if she can breast feed. As I said my partner had trouble breast feeding due to latching issues. It's all good now but that breast pump made the world a difference when she was engorged.

    Biggest tip - everything you're doing is okay. :) Other people will give you tips and tricks but you and your partner will find what works for you.

    • Cobber870 on 06/10/2021 - 10:44

      Agree with the meals. Anything quick and easy is great, if friends/family provide it is even better. We cooked extra to freeze beforehand - spag bol, lasagne, curries, etc. Obviously do what you like to eat :)

      We used a moulded change mat that sits on a dresser, very handy that you can move it to the kitchen if needed.

      Agree with other comments re: clothes. It is the go-to gift for many people, we love the Bonds Wondersuits for their ease of use - 1 zip, can go up or down. WW often have these at $13-14 each, and they seem to last forever (until they start crawling). YMMV
      Agree re: newborn sizes, they grow quickly, both ours were only in 0000 for 7-10 days before going to 000, but they definitely needed to be in the 0000.
      Swaddles are a personal preference, both ours wiggled way too much and easily got their arms out, not matter how tight they were. Others love them however.

      Pram: good ones are expensive, we paid about $700 for a Baby Jogger and it is great, then got another with 2 seats + bassinet second hand for $300 18 months later. Personally I now do not see the need for a new one. Do your research and see what will fit into your car easily.

      • PropertyPig on 06/10/2021 - 11:53

        The meals things ive heard is great. My partner loves to meal prep our food so i think we are going to create lots of those premade bakes that i can just whack in the oven from our chest freezer.

        It seems like everything needs to be waterproof. I guess babies leak from every orifice at all times!

        We have a pretty big car, but i dont want the whole boot taken up by a huge stroller. Id like a compact one if possible. I'll have to do more research.

        • Cobber870 on 06/10/2021 - 12:02

          Probably best to look at in-person (if you are not in a lockdown). We have the City Select, and to fit in a medium sedan (Mazda 3) boot it takes up a lot of room. Lucky we have a ute to put it in the back of. It is a great pram for walking and the features/versatility, but if I was to do over I would look at something that is more compact when folded.

          • humdingaling on 08/10/2021 - 23:08

            @Cobber870: concur with checking in person

            the boss wanted a capsule so i took her to baby bunting to try them out
            she couldnt easily lift any of them so gave up on that idea

            that's why we ended up with a combi (around ~4kg) and a yoyo (clone) for later….
            we went clone yoyo because well on ….7-8 times the price we paid does not compute

        • moar bargains on 06/10/2021 - 13:28

          I guess babies leak from every orifice at all times!

          Like you wouldn't believe! Make sure you take at least one change of clothes wherever you go, because they will invariably have a poo leak at the most inopportune moments. And when that happens they usually need a whole new set of clothes.
          We bought a couple of packs of these: https://www.kmart.com.au/product/12-pack-cotton-terry-nappie…
          Super handy for mopping up spews, poos, and everything else.

    • paaj on 06/10/2021 - 16:07

      to go with the nasal spray, I also suggest a balloon pipette. good for sucking all the snot out as newborns obviously dont know to blow the snot out. i think we got ours at the local pharma.

      • macrocephalic on 07/10/2021 - 16:17

        You can also get battery powered ones if the balloon one isn't working well.

  • mrmachine on 06/10/2021 - 10:32
    +5

    The best thing for new parents that nobody ever tells you about is the Frida Nose Sucker.

    Your little baby will get lots of boogies and won't know how to blow them out herself.

    https://nosefrida.com.au/products/nosefrida-nasal-aspirators

    This thing sucks the boogies out and stores them in a tube for later. Or you can just wash it out.

    Do not get those lame electric nasal aspirators or the pump ones. They don't have enough suction.

    This plus little nail scissors (not clippers) and a good digital thermometer make up our gift bag to all new parents we know.

  • Bafranz on 06/10/2021 - 10:35
    +1

    Baby on board sticker

    • Brumby92 on 07/10/2021 - 15:20

      Came free with the $25 Car seat install.

      Was worthwhile for my peace of mind.

  • mafroew on 06/10/2021 - 11:51
    +2

    Food and snacks ready to go… who knows what time you'll be leaving home, how long labour will last and what food the hospital will have available once the baby is out.

    Nappy bin is pointles, take that shit outside ASAP!

    • PropertyPig on 06/10/2021 - 11:54

      Sounds like preparation is key!

  • iamherenow on 06/10/2021 - 13:01
    +2

    Don't go overboard. You get lots of gifts. And lots of stuff from other parents that need to offload stuff their baby no longer needs as they grow. I'd get the basics, and then go for quick trip to store for anything you missed when the time comes.

  • Danstar on 06/10/2021 - 13:48

    Ah also I used this cream for any nappy rash that came up (maybe not till after they're 24 months old at least

    https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/3981/dermaid-0-5-ecz…

  • foxmulder on 06/10/2021 - 13:51

    Congrats. I recommended this Tommee Tippee Essentials Starter Kit with Steriliser, Baby Feeding Bottles, Bottle Cleaning Brush and Warmer https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0714CY2FJ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt…

    Enough bottles for start, high enough for medium bottles, still usable for our almost 2 yo baby daughter.

    I don't recommended changing unit as you easily use your bed or sofa, but use towel under baby just in case. Bassinet is really not necessary as rarely a need to go out and by 6 months it's useless.

    Diaper bin is also a waste. Just have one bin in your bin but for no 1 only. If no 2 that diaper goes straight to kitchen bin and thrown out every night.

    • magster on 07/10/2021 - 11:38

      If you get this kit, I recommend to descale the steriliser weekly, the scales seem to build up easily with this machine then it burns the heat plate. I went through 2 of this machine already. I see so many people selling these on marketplace with burnt heat plate, they obviously don’t realise. To be honest, I’d recommend a different brand for steriliser for this reason.
      And also I would recommend Pigeon bottles more. We used Tommee Tippee for our first and he developed bottle aversion after a while, of course all babies are different. The lactation consultant said Pigeons are the best.
      Sorry foxmulder, don’t mean to put down your recommendations. Just input from my experience.

      • foxmulder on 08/10/2021 - 20:24

        I have this trick that we do not need to do that descale sterilizer that often. I have a new strelizer on May (the old one just die - not turned on) - and I just clean that strelizer once few days ago. The plate is just slightly darken thus I didn't do this when it's black all over.

        I don't use the plain tap water for the sterilizer - I used one that already boiled previously. And water for boiling used was filtered water with Brita.

        The water boiler also not in need of descaling that often.

  • onetwothreefour on 06/10/2021 - 14:27

    https://www.bigw.com.au/product/big-softies-baby-bath-tub/p/…

    Something like this to give the baby a bath.

    • macrocephalic on 07/10/2021 - 18:15

      We borrowed a baby bath from a friend and only used it a few times. They don't need a bath every day when they're really young (advised by midwives) and then once they were a couple of months old we just started taking them in the shower with us.

  • Jazza2400 on 06/10/2021 - 16:06
    +4

    Furniture anchors. Cheap from bunnings and might save your kiddos life. Look up how many ikea malm's have killed. Anchor everything.

    Bexsero vaccine for men B. At 12 months your kiddo will get (for free) the men ACWY vaccine. People don't really know (unless you read the horrific news stories of kids who get it) that this vaccine isn't included on the national schedule (apart from SA, if I recall correctly). https://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-09-03/parents-warn-of-menin…

    The nosefrida is amazing and I second the comments from others who have suggested it.

    Good luck.

    • Brumby92 on 07/10/2021 - 15:22

      Yep! Anchors. Rubber bits for sharp corners. And electrical socket protectors. Not newborn stuff, but very handy.

  • paaj on 06/10/2021 - 16:11
    +3

    Gotta love the Ozb spirit! some really good suggestions here.
    i'd suggest dont rush into buying everything. We got lots of hand-me-downs, stuff off gumtree and marketplace.
    Find a good paediatric GP and a good child health nurse that you can connect with. They're invaluable with information.
    Sure it tiring and you're up all night sometimes, but enjoy the journey! all the best!

  • John Kimble on 06/10/2021 - 18:08
    +1

    Some sort of music subscription that allows you to play lullaby versions of famous songs that makes bedtime more bearable. Group name is "Rockabye Baby!".

    Ie https://www.google.com/search?q=rockabye+baby%21+songs

    My kids listen to "Lullaby Renditions of Lady Gaga".

    • Brumby92 on 07/10/2021 - 15:23

      My boy loved Enya and the Lord of the rings soundtrack.

  • lainey13 on 06/10/2021 - 21:42
    +3

    No blanket for cot, you will get so many muslin wraps and bunny rugs you won't need it AND its not recommended anyway. Sleeping bags and swaddles is where its at for safe sleeping!
    Don't buy maternity clothes buy NURSING clothes. You can wear before and after birth then. I do recommend breastfeeding. Once you push through the first few weeks and mum and bubs learn to feed ok its waaaaay easier to just whip them out instead of faffing around with bottles etc. Bottles aren't recommended after 12 months anyway due to bottle teeth decay. I've donated mine to lamb charities!
    You don't NEED a capsule but now that I've borrowed one it would have been handy early on not having to swap bubs out of a car seat into a pram.
    Baby monitor is a MUST because sometimes they make noise but will settle themselves BUT if they catch a glimpse of you its game over. So u can use a monitor to judge whether you actually need to go in.
    Rocking chair definitely not needed but a feeding pillow saves your wrists and arms.
    Nappy bin handy for multiple stories or not clogging up your main bin and helps with not needing to go outside in the freezing night. Also depends how sensitive your nose is. If you get one (I have two…) you can get no name bag refill cartridges cheap off ebay.
    You are missing a white noise machine. Freaking life saver.
    Play gym is a must if you want to put them down for a few mins and keep them occupied.
    Carrier is great when you want to keep your hands free but bubs refuses to let you out of their sight. I can hang up the washing with him strapped in so I'm not having to entertain him on the floor all his waking hours.

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 07/10/2021 - 07:50
    +1

    Only two things you absolutely need before Bub comes. Sleep and sex, I’ve it’s here, kiss them both goodbye lol.

    Congrats, enjoy parenthood. It’s a wild but fun ride!

  • bigsaver on 07/10/2021 - 08:27

    What I need
    Pram - get a full size one..Small ones like yoyo wont be as comfy.. I got RedsBaby Jive and very happy.. $700 I think.. 2nd hand pretty cheap.. I have a pretty much brand new basinet selling for $80.. he barely used until 5months

    Change table and mat - we have the silicone one $120. I think we could do without tbh..changing him in bed now at 7months as he outgrew

    Clothes for the baby - best and less has ok quality and cheap

    Maternity clothes for my partner - probably not needed either.. except 1 or 2 pieces

    bibs - ger the huge ones with a hole that go through the head

    What I think I need

    Baby monitor - yes
    Feeding Bottles - yes 6 is ideal.. you need to boil
    Rocking Chair - no need
    nappy bin - no need
    Steriliser, bottle warmer, breast pump - no need.. just boil in the stove… re..breast pump can't advise as we had to go 100% formula
    Toys - kmart

  • Aureliia on 07/10/2021 - 08:35
    +2

    Pram - I did a huge amount of research on this before we had our little one last year. I recommend you look at the Valco Baby pram.

    Change table and mat - we got a change pad that we've popped on top of a chest of drawers. Our little one is 10 months old and we're still using it.

    Sheets/blanket for mattress - fitted bottom sheet only, no top sheet or blanket as it is a SIDS risk. Look on marketplace for sleep sacks. I preferred the Ergobaby sleep sacks when he was little.

    Clothes for the baby - we got given loads of second hand clothes and then were given heaps of new clothes also at our baby shower. The only clothes I've bought along the way were Bonds Wondersuits. He lived in them for pretty much the first 5 months of his life.

    Maternity clothes for my partner - your partner will sort this out herself. I personally bought basics from Kmart and Target. Agree with the recommendation of nursing clothes. It's damn annoying having no belly now but my clothes still having the extra material for it.

    newborn nappies - recommend Huggies initially then work your way through different brands to see what works for you bub. We've settled on Little Ones nappies from Woolies, but we're actually now starting to use cloth nappies more and more.

    bibs - we were also given a huge amount of bibs and you don't need them straight away. I'd wait if I were you. But the big fabric ones from Kmart are my favourite.

    What I think I need

    First aid training - helpful. We did our training before baby arrived but I somewhat wished I waited till just before starting solids as I feel choking is the biggest risk in their first year and I feel like I've forgotten so much of the course already.

    Baby monitor - we got this once we started to put bub in the bedroom during the day for naps.

    Feeding Bottles, Steriliser, bottle warmer, breast pump - depends how you end up feeding. We were given bottles from friends and we've not really used them as out bub has a tongue tie and struggles to latch to bottles.
    The microwave steriliser is easiest. 3 min in the microwave and done. I've barely used my breast pump but it was leant to me by a friend.
    Personally I'd wait to see what happens with this one.
    I also see others have recommended having formula in the house, I personally don't. The first 6-8 weeks are super hard for breastfeeding, it's a skill both Mum and bub need to learn and it often doesn't come naturally. There were many times over night I wanted to throw in the towel and give formula but I'm so thankful we didn't have any in the house and I persevered. It's cheaper, easier and bub gets everything they need and more from breastfeeding.
    Also be conscious of top ups with both formula and expressed breast milk, this can decrease your supply which then means you need to continue top ups. Direct from breast for the first 6 weeks with no bottles in that time is best.
    If you are being encouraged to top up or baby isn't putting on weight seek the help of an IBCLC (international board certified lactation consultant). Unfortunately the early childhood nurses aren't that great in this area. An IBCLC can check for oral restrictions etc.

    Rocking Chair - we spent A LOT of money on ours but I'm in it many hours a day. I don't regret this expense at all.

    nappy bin - we only bought a dedicated nappy bin once we started solids. If you have a breast fed baby you don't need to worry initially as their poo doesn't smell bad. We had ours in an open bin in the bedroom and they could be in there a few days before it would start to smell. We now have an Ubbi Bin which you can get reusable liners for so you don't need to continually purchase plastic liners.

    Toys - you'll probably be given some. Play gym is what we started with, along with a Munchkin and Bear play mat that we were gifted.

    Highly recommend you look into:

    White noise - we've got the aroma snooze and love it.

    Burp cloths - two packs of terry towelling nappies from Kmart/BigW.

    Carrier - but don't buy this till after baby arrives. Take your bub to Baby Bunting and go try them all on. Everyone recommended the Ergo360 but both bub and I hated it. We ended up with a Baby Born One mesh and I love how easy it is to take on and off. I used it yesterday with my little one who is now 10kg.

    Mattress protector - when you make up the cot, double layer so if you need to change the sheets in the night it's an easy job. So mattress protector, sheet, mattress protector, sheet. Then you just need to strip off in the middle of the night.

    High chair - we bought a second hand Stokke Tripp Trapp from marketplace. Highly recommend. They are pricey but last forever. If you go cheap and cheerful make sure you purchase a foot rest. Babies find it hard to concentrate on eating with their legs swinging all around.

    Make sure that your partner showers a minimum of once a day, it goes a long way to making you feel human. Particularly if she ends up having stitches etc.

    Also make sure when she is trapped feeding that she always has a bottle of water beside her.

    • jorf on 07/10/2021 - 10:10

      nappy bin - we only bought a dedicated nappy bin once we started solids. If you have a breast fed baby you don't need to worry initially as their poo doesn't smell bad

      It does, and everyone who visits your house will get assaulted by it. Like pets, you think it's ok because you get used to it. Don't get a bin, take it outside.

      • macrocephalic on 07/10/2021 - 18:22

        It smells less.

        We've tried nappy pails and things, now we just keep a bin in the garage. Wet nappies go in the regular bin, soiled nappies go in the bin in the garage.

  • TEER3X on 07/10/2021 - 08:47

    Bought this pram on sale, can recommend, you can go in store to check them out: https://www.babybunting.com.au/4baby-origin-stroller-granite…

    For most of the required items, you can just get used

    Breast pump we bought here: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Spectra-S1plus-S1-Electric-Breas…

    Works really well, better then Medela in our experience

  • TEER3X on 07/10/2021 - 09:44

    Anyone have a suggestion for heating up frozen breast milk?

    I understand high heat is bad, and the bottle warmers take forever

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