Pregnancy
When you're stepping into the unknown, having a guide makes all the difference. These three moms have been right where you are – waiting to bring their baby home and wondering how they’ll manage. Here, they share the products that made those early days a little easier.
Michelle, mother of two
“We found that we really didn’t need a lot; we actually waited a few weeks before deciding on everything we would really need, based on our experience. We didn’t even have a cot! The things we did find really useful were Epimax (our go-to for washing), and zip-up onesies, because it’s frustrating to fiddle with press studs in the middle of the night. Built-in socks are a plus, and we also used socks on their little hands to stop them from scratching themselves. Sleep sacks are great, because you know that your baby is warm and comfy, and they can’t kick off the blanket. I didn’t like to swaddle though – I was worried that the babies might be uncomfortable if they wanted to move their arms about.
“I also didn’t bother with things like cot bumpers, which anyway aren’t recommended. I loved carrying my babies in a carrier or sling, because it left my hands free. I also found a Pilates ball very useful for bouncing the baby to sleep, and I got through many sleepless nights thanks to my comfortable feeding chair. I chose bamboo feeding bras because they were super comfy, and I wore clothes that were easy to feed in. At night, I always made sure I had my gown and slippers to hand so that I could stay warm during feeds.
“My breast pump was a lifesaver. We focused on practicality over looks – some of the prettiest, Instagram-worthy items just weren’t useful. In those early days, it’s about keeping you comfortable, because when mom is happy, baby is happy too. The baby needs very little.
“We found Sterimar or a simple saline solution useful for clearing stuffy noses. For changing, you don’t need a fancy compactum. Any sturdy, waist-high surface works just fine. Keep a bottle of water nearby because breastfeeding makes you super thirsty!
“When picking a nappy bag, I recommend a backpack style as it keeps your hands free. A unisex design is also great so dads can carry it comfortably. We had a nappy bin but used dog-waste bags instead of the pricey bin-specific ones—they’re cheaper and easy to toss.”
Cete, mother of one
“We only bought the basics. Clothes-wise, that meant vests, babygros and little caps, because babies lose most of their body heat through their head. We used muslin wraps as blankets because they’re soft and warm, but not too thick.
“Wipes were a must for us since babies only need a bath every few days. They’re a great way to keep your little one clean in between! At bathtime, we used Epimax instead of soap.
“I made sure to have a supply of breast pads, and I used a breast pump. I also bought period panties and used these instead of maternity pads – they were much more comfortable – and I also made sure I had linen savers. Feeding bras were a lifesaver, and I bought pyjamas that were open at the front to give easy access for breastfeeding.”
Angela, mother of two
“I did things very differently with my second baby, because by then I knew what was really useful and what wasn’t. I loved my baby wrap – I had a forward-facing carrier for my first baby, but someone gave me a sling the second time around and it was great because it gave her a really comfy place to sleep, and I could even feed her in it. It was super comfortable for both of us.
“I also invested in a quality leather baby bag. It was sturdy and easy to clean and held tons of stuff. It may sound obvious, but it was good to keep a wallet containing everything for nappy changes inside, so they were easy to access.
“I’d been strict about not going out too much with my first baby because I didn’t want her to get overstimulated, but I was far more relaxed with my second. Of course, that meant I did a lot of breastfeeding in public, so I enjoyed having a special weighted breastfeeding blanket that made feeding discreet – it worked better for me than an ordinary blanket.
“It might also sound like a ‘nice to have’, but I kept muslin cloths as burpers over my shoulder at all times – it helped to keep me clean. I also loved my Moses basket – it had wheels, so I could transport her to any room in the house and keep an eye on her while she slept.”