So you're having a baby…
Congratulations, you yummy mummy-to-be, you! In a bid to help you prepare for baby, without getting too stressed, we've figured out a way for you to get everything you need, including cots and prams, WITHOUT breaking the bank.
You're welcome.
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The things you HAVE to buy
Before the baby arrives, you will definitely want to make sure you have…
1) Maternity pads
Trust us, you will DEFINITELY need these after the birth!
2) Nappies / baby wipes.
Buy in bulk at your local Wilkinsons if you can - look for deals and stock up, as you will, pretty much, always need nappies. Always.
3) Breast pads / microwaveable bottles
Choose one or t'other, depending on your nursing method, and buy accordingly.
NOTE: Don't forget to bagsy a nursing bra too, if you're breastfeeding.
4) Baby clothes
Forget the cute dinky dresses and playsuits - your baby needs eight white all-in-ones, one or two cardigans for layering, and eight vests. That's all they will be living in for the first few months. Plus they're so much easier to wash!
NOTE: If it's winter, you should bag them a little hat and a warmer all-in-one, to keep the chill off. And don't worry too such - we bet friends and family will be buying you a lot of cute little outfits as your babygros.
5) A rear-facing car seat
Unless you never plan on driving with your little one, you will need a car seat - and you'll probably be using it from the very first time you leave the hospital together.
Try to buy a convertible one, which can be adapted to suit your growing baby, so that you don't have to keep replacing yours.
We recommend the Britax First Class Car Seat from Kiddicare - it's just £79.99 and will last your baby from birth right up until they're approximately 4-years-old. Bargain!
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Skip the cribs and Moses baskets - the fact of the matter is, your baby will eventually be sleeping in a cot. Save money and go straight for the big buy now!
NOTE: You will also need a fitted bottom sheet a baby sleeping bag, and a baby mattress.
7) A cot mattress
Whilst you can buy your cot second-hand, the FSID (Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths) recommend that you never buy a second-hand mattress.
Your mattress must be:
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Clean
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Firm, not soft
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Does not sag
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Shows no signs of deterioration
It is also worth choosing a mattress with a PVC surface / removable washable cover, so that it's easier to keep clean.
8) A pram
You probably, in all honesty, do not need an all-terrain pushchair. Bagsy a budget / second-hand pram that lies flat, so that you can take your little one out to the shops, round the park, or onto the bus.
It's also worth making sure your buggy folds down, to make it easier to get it into the car boot.
NOTE: You will probably need a rain cover / sunshade, depending on the time of year.
9) Sudocrem
Nappy rash, eczema, sore nipples, whatever - it's always good to have a little pot to hand.
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The things you MIGHT want to buy
1) A breast pump
Always a good one to have to hand if you're breastfeeding, especially if you fancy a night out / can't be with your baby for whatever reason during feeding times.
2) A baby monitor
Your little one will be sleeping in your room with you for the first year, so it's up to you if you want a baby monitor as well. If your house is large, it's probably a good idea to get one.
3) Baby bouncer
Yes, they keep baby occupied (not to mention the fact they're super cute!) - but they do take up space and can be costly. Decide how much you need one and buy accordingly.
4) A playmat
Your baby will love a kick-about, but - trust us - lying them down on a towel or picnic blanket will be just as much fun for them when they're very little.
5) Muslin cloths
Most mums will tell you that you DEFINITELY need a muslin cloth for feeding time - or just to pop over your shoulder when you're burping baby, to prevent too many sick stains on your clothes. But we bet you'll have something else suitable around the house (an old tea towel would do the same job for far less pennies).
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The things you DON'T need to buy
1) A baby bath
Nope, unnecessary. You can just as easily use your sink or washing-up bowl.
2) Baby towels
A small bath towel will work just as well for snuggling your little one up in after their bath.
3) A changing table
You can change your baby just as easily on a towel on the floor.
4) A changing bag
An ordinary rucksack - preferably large - will do the job just as well, and will be far cheaper (not to mention reusable!)
5) Baby shoes
Your little one will not be wearing shoes until they need to walk - and it can actually be damaging for their little feet to wear hard-soled shoes too early on.
6) Baby socks
If you buy all-in-ones, the little socks won't be necessary - and neither will hunting down missing pairs, either.
7) Baby shampoo / shower gel
Babies don't need to be soaped or shampooed so much early on - warm water will do the trick nicely. But do buy baby lotion, as their skin can get quite dry after their baths.
8) A baby memory book
You can use any photo album / large sketchbook to share your memories.
REMEMBER
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Borrow items wherever possible
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Only buy new if there is a safety issue involved (such as with the cot mattress or carseat)
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Craft a list of 'essential items' you need and hand out to friends and family; hopefully this will mean your baby shower sees you receive useful presents, rather than too many cuddly toys
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Alternatively, ask for vouchers - this way you can put them towards baby items you actually need as you go along
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Shop around, use discount sites, and plan ahead to take advantage of sales
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Don't turn your nose up at hand-me-downs
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Only buy what you need
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Try to buy items that can be converted / adapted to suit your baby as it grows.
Do you have any money-saving tips for pregnant mums? Let us know via the comments box below now.
Top 50 most unusual baby names - and their meanings
1 of 48Chester
Holly Willoughby bagged Chester - meaning 'fortress' - for her baby boy, so we imagine this comfortable, quirky and cuddly name will rise in popularity soon.
2 of 48Pax
Meaning 'peaceful this unusual unisex name got a lot of publicity when chosen by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie for their Vietnamese-born son.
3 of 48Constantine
Constantine, meaning "steadfast", is a distinguished name that has long been overlooked. But, as names such as Augustine and Atticus become more popular, it seems as if the Roman Emperor's name could be primed for a comeback...
4 of 48Lev
This concise one-syllable name, meaning "heart" or "lion", has definite potential, being more unusual than the increasingly popular Levi.
5 of 48Susannah
Susannah, meaning "lily", has an irresistible, flowing rhythm - and is a more stylish version of the traditional 'Susan' or 'Suzanne'.
6 of 48Mirabelle
If you're looking for a 'belle' name that isn't 'Isabelle than why not try the lovely Mirabelle? Meaning 'marvellous it can be changed to 'Mirabella' or 'Maribel' - depending on what suits your little one.
7 of 48Rio
Rio is a Spanish boy's name, meaning 'river'.
8 of 48Theodora
This charmingly old-fashioned girl's name means 'gift of God' and has a wealth of nicknames available - think Teddy, Thea and Dora, to name but three!
CELEBRITY INSPIRATION: Robbie Williams named his little girl Theodora - nicknamed Teddy - Rose
9 of 48Shepherd
A cute pastoral boy's name, Shepherd means exactly what you think it does - and can be shortened to the adorable Shep.
10 of 48Rosalind
Rosalind - meaning 'pretty rose' - was made popular when Shakespeare used it for one of his heroines in 'As You Like It'.
11 of 48Caspian
Caspian - taken from the name of the large sea between Asia and Europe - was used by C.S Lewis for the name of the hero of his children's novel, Prince Caspian, part of the Chronicles of Narnia series.
12 of 48Zadie
Zadie means 'princess making it perfect for your little girl.
13 of 48Ellison
Ellison, meaning 'benevolent is traditionally a boy's name - but could just as easily be used for a little girl.
14 of 48Aviva
Aviva is a vivacious and memorable girl's name, meaning 'springlike, fresh, dewy'.
15 of 48West
West is definitely shaping up well as a unisex name - but we imagine it will increase in popularity now that the Kardashian-Wests are in power!
16 of 48Indigo
Indigo, a deep blue-purple dye from plants native to India, is particularly striking for both girls and boys.
17 of 48Cleo
Cleo (meaning 'glory') is short, of course, for Cleopatra, one of the most powerful women in history. Sounds like a good choice to us...
18 of 48Devon
Devon, spelled like the lovely seaside town, can be used for baby boys or baby girls - would you be tempted to use it for your own little one?
19 of 48Aurelio
Aurelio is an exotic and energetic Italian boy's name, rarely heard in the UK, which means 'the golden one'. It can also be changed to Aurelia - just like in Love Actually - if you plan on using it for a baby girl.
20 of 48Pilar
The girl's name 'Pilar' originated in the legend of the miracle of the Virgin Mary's appearance over a marble pillar, giving it a special sense of strength and elegance.
21 of 48Baxter
The boy's name Baxter, meaning 'baker was last popular in 1886, meaning it's well time for a comeback.
22 of 48Pippa
Pippa made headlines thanks to Kate Middleton's sister - but this cute name, meaning 'lover of horses is still an unusual one.
23 of 48Willis
Almost never used in modern times, the boy's name Willis means 'resolute protection'.
24 of 48Georgiana
Pronounced Geoge-ee-AH-na, this elaborately feminine girl's name means 'farmer' - and has cropped up in the likes of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice and 2008 film The Duchess. Very regal!
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25 of 48Octavia
Octavia - meaning 'eigth' - was popular in ancient Roman and Victorian times, and has a rich literary pedigree. Think Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, for starters.
26 of 48Zinnia
Zinnia is an edgy, energetic flower name - symbolising remembrance. We love it.
27 of 48Teo
The Spanish version of Matthew, this unusual boy's name means 'gift of God'.
28 of 48Winifred
This beautiful vintage girl's name, meaning 'blessed peacemaking has a choice of two nicknames; Winnie or Freddie.
29 of 48Marguerite
Marguerite is a classic French girl's name, meaning 'pearl' or 'daisy'. Totally chic!
30 of 48Roscoe
This quirky name - meaning 'deer forest is a fresh choice for a baby boy or girl.
31 of 48Romy
Another unisex name with a lot of energy and bounce, this cool name means 'citizen of Rome'.
32 of 48Nile
Nile, meaning 'champion is inspired by the famous Egyptian river and can be used for both boys and girls.
33 of 48Juno
Juno, inspired by a Roman goddess named the 'queen of heavens is fresh, beautiful and unique. We love it.
34 of 48True
Inspirational and aspirational, True means exactly what you'd expect - and can be used for both boys and girls. Nice!
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35 of 48Verity
This virtue name, meaning 'truth is the perfect fusion of old and new - it even made a brief appearance in Harry Potter!
36 of 48Slater
This boy's name was made popular by 90s TV show Saved By The Bell, but has diminished in popularity since then. A shame, since this boy's name has a seriously friendly and genial feel.
37 of 48Tierney
Celtic unisex name Tierney means 'descendant of a lord making it a fine choice for any new parents.
38 of 48Lulu
We love the name Lulu (which means 'pearl') - it's so energetic, vivacious and fun!
39 of 48Penn
This simple, elegant boy's name - meaning 'enclosure' - is VERY distinctive, isn't it? No wonder it made it into Gossip Girl!
40 of 48Snow
This girl's name feels brisk, fresh, pure, evocative - and magical. We imagine fans of Frozen will love it!
41 of 48Cassidy
This unisex name - meaning 'curly-headed' - is an Irish cowboy name that packs a punch.
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42 of 48Greer
This glam Scottish name, meaning 'alert and watchful is a strong and sophisticated choice for any little girl.
43 of 48Henrietta
With plenty of vintage charm, Henrietta - meaning 'estate ruler'. has a number of charming nicknames, including Etta, Hetty and Hattie.
44 of 48Baker
This hip occupational name is fresh and friendly-sounding; perfect for a little boy.
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45 of 48Millicent
Millicent is a sweet and feminine girl's name, meaning "strong in work", and in definite need of a comeback.
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46 of 48Auden
Auden is a poetic and old-fashioned unisex name, meaning 'old friend'.
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47 of 48Stellan
Stellan is a strong, attractive, Scandinavian boy's name, meaning 'calm'.
48 of 48Leopold
This aristocratic boy's name - meaning 'brave people' - is an interesting Germanic one. Think 'Leo' for short!