{"id":191,"date":"2015-08-19T15:13:23","date_gmt":"2015-08-19T15:13:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mumblog.co.uk\/?page_id=191"},"modified":"2023-09-19T10:23:22","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T10:23:22","slug":"new-baby-checklist","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mumblog.co.uk\/new-baby-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"New Baby Checklist: Essential Things You Need To Buy For A New Baby"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"WomanCongratulations on your pregnancy. You are now well on the way to a life time of both joy and heartache, smiles and tears. One thing is certain, and that is that children can cost a lot of money. According to Guardian Money, the average new mother spends around \u00a31,000 on items for new-borns, with pushchairs and cots often being the biggest expense. In addition, the Money Advice Service has previously stated that the average cost of a child in their first year is around \u00a34,000!<\/p>\n

With that in mind, it\u2019s worth spending some time thinking about the items you will need to buy before your baby is born. That\u2019s why we have put together a list of products for you to consider. Some are considered essential, whereas others are there to make your life easier. We have outlined the benefits of the products so you can decide whether or not you think you need them.<\/p>\n

In this guide:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Prams, Pushchairs, and Travel Systems<\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Car Seats<\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Moses Baskets, Cribs, Co-Sleepers, and Cots<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Baby Baths<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Baby Blankets and Sleeping Bags<\/a><\/li>\n
  6. Muslin Squares<\/a><\/li>\n
  7. Breast Pumps<\/a><\/li>\n
  8. Bottle Feeding<\/a><\/li>\n
  9. Sterilisers<\/a><\/li>\n
  10. Bouncing Chairs \/ Rockers<\/a><\/li>\n
  11. Teething Toys<\/a><\/li>\n
  12. Thermometers<\/a><\/li>\n
  13. Changing Tables and Mats<\/a><\/li>\n
  14. Baby Slings, Front Carriers and Back Carriers<\/a><\/li>\n
  15. Activity Mats \/ Baby Gyms<\/a><\/li>\n
  16. Baby Mobiles<\/a><\/li>\n
  17. Baby Swing Chair<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Prams, Pushchairs, & Travel Systems<\/h2>\n

    In the first few months of their life, your baby is likely to spend a great deal of time in his or her pram or pushchair. Prams and pushchairs provide a cosy space for your little one to travel in as you visit the shops, take a walk in the countryside, or visit friends.<\/p>\n

    When it comes to choosing a pram or a pushchair, it can be a mind-boggling experience as there are so many different options available, from simple pushchairs to multi-part travel systems. So, how do you choose? One thing you will definitely need to remember is that until your baby can support his or her own head comfortably (around 4 months), he or she will need to lie flat, and therefore, some pushchairs might not be suitable.<\/p>\n

    The size of the boot of your car is another thing that you will need to consider when choosing your pram or pushchair. Whilst some fold down to a fairly small size, others are unlikely to fit in a compact three-door hatchback. You will also need to think about your own lifestyle. Are you an outdoor adventurer or do you prefer the comforts of a shopping centre? An all-terrain three-wheeler pushchair is excellent for navigating rough terrain, but it\u2019s not so good at turning round the tight corners of clothing rails in shops.<\/p>\n

    Prams<\/h3>\n

    \"Prams,Prams have developed considerably from the vintage coach built prams that were popular in years gone by. Prams are excellent for new-borns as they allow babies to lie flat in a protective surround, keeping them warm and snug. With most prams, your baby faces you so he or she always knows you are there, and most also have the ability to later convert into a pushchair ideal for toddlers. However, they are less compact than pushchairs, and if you have small boot you may struggle for space.<\/p>\n

    Buy Prams<\/a><\/p>\n

    Pushchairs<\/h3>\n

    \"Pushchair\"<\/p>\n

    Pushchairs are lightweight and generally fold down to a fairly compact size, making them ideal for smaller cars and for trips around the shops. Some are suitable from birth with the option to lay the back flat, although they do not offer the same level of comfort and protection as a pram. Pushchairs tend to be less expensive, so are ideal if you are on a budget. All of the pushchairs listed below are suitable from birth.<\/p>\n

    Buy Pushchairs<\/a><\/p>\n

    Travel Systems<\/h3>\n

    \"Travel<\/p>\n

    Travel systems incorporate a pram with a carrycot and \/ or a car seat, allowing you to easily transport your baby around from outdoors to indoors without disturbing them. One thing to remember when considering a travel system is that research has shown that very young babies who spend large amounts of time in a car seat can develop problems with their posture and with their lung function. Most experts recommend that a baby is taken out of a car seat every two hours and laid flat for a period of time.<\/p>\n

    Buy Baby Travel Systems<\/a><\/p>\n

    All Terrain Pushchairs<\/h3>\n

    \"All<\/p>\n

    All terrain pushchairs give you the freedom to explore the great outdoors with your baby. They have inflatable tyres and suspension giving your baby extra comfort over rough terrain. However, the tyres are prone to punctures and we would recommend using a slime bike tyre sealant to avoid any unwanted problems when you are far from home. These pushchairs are not very compact, and they can be difficult to manoeuvre around the shops, as they are generally wider and longer than other prams and pushchairs.<\/p>\n

    Buy All Terrain Pushchairs<\/a><\/p>\n

    Double Pushchairs<\/h3>\n

    \"Double<\/p>\n

    If you are expecting twins or have a young toddler with a second baby on the way then you will probably need a double pushchair. Double pushchairs come with three different options for seating:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Both children sat side by side<\/strong> \u2013 These tend be quite wide and some brands can be difficult to manoeuvre.<\/li>\n
    2. One child sat behind the other<\/strong><\/li>\n
    3. One child sat underneath the other<\/strong> \u2013 This type and the type above where one child is sat behind are referred to as Tandem Pushchairs and are generally longer and less compact when folded down. The child underneath or behind may also struggle for legroom as he or she grows.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Not all double pushchairs will be suitable for twins, as they may have only one seat that lies flat so this is worth remembering when you are shopping around.<\/p>\n

      Buy Double Pushchairs<\/a><\/p>\n

      Car Seats<\/h2>\n

      \"Carseat\"<\/p>\n

      In 2006 the UK government introduced new laws about the use of car seats for children in cars. The law now states that all children must use a car seat that is appropriate to their height or weight until they either reach 12 years of age or become 135 cm in height, whichever of the two comes first.<\/p>\n

      To complicate matters further, additional legislation was introduced in the UK in April 2015 that introduced the European i-size compliance to the UK. I-size compliance has all babies sitting in rear-facing car seats (i.e. with their backs towards the driver) until they are 15 months old. Currently, this i-size compliant legislation sits alongside the 2006 legislation that has babies in compulsory rear facing seats until they are 9kg. It is anticipated that the i-size legislation will replace the 2006 legislation completely around 2018, giving manufacturers and parents enough time to make the switch.<\/p>\n

      The reason for this change is that it has been proven time and time again to be much safer for young children to be in rear-facing car seats when involved in accidents. In many European countries, particularly Scandinavia, children stay in rear-facing car seats until they are around four years old for this very reason and these countries have a much lower fatality rate for children in this age group involved in car accidents.<\/p>\n

      The law also states a child must travel in a car seat even if there is an unexpected journey if they are under three years of age. Over three years and a child can travel without a car seat if the journey can be demonstrated to be unexpected, necessary and of a short distance, i.e. in an emergency. The only exception is in a taxi or licenced mini cab where a seat is not necessary, although one is recommended.<\/p>\n

      Rear facing car seats must not be placed in the front passenger seat if there is an active airbag. Forward facing car seats can be placed in the front passenger seat, although this is not recommended. Statistically, the safest place for your child\u2019s car seat is in the rear seat behind the front passenger seat. Unless you can be 100% certain of the history of a car seat, we recommend that you never buy one second hand. This is because the safety of the seat may have been compromised through a previous accident with unseen damage that can affect the seat\u2019s integrity.<\/p>\n

      Buy Car Seats for Newborns<\/a><\/p>\n

      Moses Baskets, Cribs, Co-Sleepers, and Cots<\/h2>\n

      Though it might not feel like it in between the feedings, nappy changes, and periods of crying, a typical new-born baby will spend around 16 hours a day asleep. That will gradually reduce to around 13-14 hours by the time they are one year old. Sleep is important to your baby\u2019s physical and mental development, and whilst most babies will generally prefer to sleep in mum or dad\u2019s arms, a safe, cosy space is needed in order to make sure that you as parents also get some rest.<\/p>\n

      Around the world, babies of different cultures sleep in all sorts of places, from one big family bed in many Asian countries, to a cardboard box that comes pre-packed with baby clothes and accessories from the government in Finland. In the UK, babies tend to sleep in a Moses Basket or a Crib for the first few months, before later moving into a cot.<\/p>\n

      Many parents are fearful of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also known as cot death. Thankfully, this is extremely rare and there are steps you can take to reduce the risk further. These include:<\/p>\n