The time before your baby is born is a special kind of anticipation. Buying sweet little outfits, knitting blankets and choosing a car seat can all help you prepare mentally, as well as practically, for your new arrival.
But over the years so many parents have told us they’ve wasted £100s on items that were never used. So here we have five of the top ‘most wasted’ items, along with some tips on what you can do to prepare!
Nursery furniture
Decorating the baby’s nursery is an important pre-birth ritual for many families. But, in reality, the baby will likely be in your room for the first six months at least. And many parents find their baby/toddler doesn’t appreciate all the colour co-ordinated pastels and would rather be with you for longer!
So, by all means, if you have the budget and the inclination, do create a lovely space for your new arrival. But remember that as long as they have somewhere safe to sleep near you (in their own cot or following safe co-sleeping guidance) and somewhere you can store their clothes, you’re doing fine. You might want to save your money so they can help choose their own bedroom theme when they’re a little older.
Fancy baby clothes
Baby shoes, pinafores, dungarees and frilly dresses do look appealing on the coat hangers. But what matters most to your tiny baby is comfort. For them, that means contact with you, and it means snuggly soft clothes. A few baby vests and baby gros are all you need to get started. Plus trying to get a newborn into anything can be like wrestling an octopus. Make life easier for yourself and keep it simple.
Second hand are just as good as new – your baby won’t care! Join Facebook parenting groups like York Mumbler to pick up a bargain bundle.
Baby toiletries
You’ll see all sorts of baby shampoos, talcs, soaps and lotions for sale to improve your baby’s skin. But, unless your baby has a skin condition that needs special care (in which case don’t use high street brands on it anyway, seek advice), all your baby needs at bath time is warm water. And you don’t even need to rush that first bath. Wait until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and healed.
Rather than buy a specialist baby bath, harness or seat for your tiny one, you could just get in the bath with them. They may enjoy being soothed by you as they try these new experiences.
Special nappy bin
You can buy special bins to put your baby’s used nappies in. You absolutely don’t need to. Any lidded bin will do, especially in the first six months when their soiled nappies tend not to be too stinky anyway!
And while we’re talking nappies, you can save money on a changing table too. While it might be nice to have a designated area to change your baby, a mat on the floor will do just fine, and save space. If you’re curious about trying reusable nappies, York Nappy Library can help.
Breast pump
Whether you intend to breastfeed long term or not, you don’t need to invest in a breast pump pre-birth. If you need one in the very first days your midwife should be able to help you get one.
Breast pumps can be very helpful if your baby struggles to latch, or if you intend to bottle feed using breast milk, but this is an item you can get within 24 hours if need be once your baby is born. Many women don’t use them at all. So save your money ahead of time.
If you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding it’s worth attending an antenatal workshop run by Treasure Chest York, a group offering free support. They also have resources on hiring breast pumps.
Our main advice for getting ready for your baby is to look after you. In this 21st century world we live in, most items can be delivered to you within a day if you find they’re necessary. So focus your attention on getting support around you and looking after yourself.
A pregnancy massage or maternity reflexology session can be a wonderful way to soothe yourself and emotionally prepare for birth and life with your new little one. We’re here to hold space for you however you need it – whether that’s a gentle chat about how you’re feeling or creating a peaceful environment as you relax.
But over the years so many parents have told us they’ve wasted £100s on items that were never used. So here we have five of the top ‘most wasted’ items, along with some tips on what you can do to prepare!
Nursery furniture
Decorating the baby’s nursery is an important pre-birth ritual for many families. But, in reality, the baby will likely be in your room for the first six months at least. And many parents find their baby/toddler doesn’t appreciate all the colour co-ordinated pastels and would rather be with you for longer!
So, by all means, if you have the budget and the inclination, do create a lovely space for your new arrival. But remember that as long as they have somewhere safe to sleep near you (in their own cot or following safe co-sleeping guidance) and somewhere you can store their clothes, you’re doing fine. You might want to save your money so they can help choose their own bedroom theme when they’re a little older.
Fancy baby clothes
Baby shoes, pinafores, dungarees and frilly dresses do look appealing on the coat hangers. But what matters most to your tiny baby is comfort. For them, that means contact with you, and it means snuggly soft clothes. A few baby vests and baby gros are all you need to get started. Plus trying to get a newborn into anything can be like wrestling an octopus. Make life easier for yourself and keep it simple.
Second hand are just as good as new – your baby won’t care! Join Facebook parenting groups like York Mumbler to pick up a bargain bundle.
Baby toiletries
You’ll see all sorts of baby shampoos, talcs, soaps and lotions for sale to improve your baby’s skin. But, unless your baby has a skin condition that needs special care (in which case don’t use high street brands on it anyway, seek advice), all your baby needs at bath time is warm water. And you don’t even need to rush that first bath. Wait until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off and healed.
Rather than buy a specialist baby bath, harness or seat for your tiny one, you could just get in the bath with them. They may enjoy being soothed by you as they try these new experiences.
Special nappy bin
You can buy special bins to put your baby’s used nappies in. You absolutely don’t need to. Any lidded bin will do, especially in the first six months when their soiled nappies tend not to be too stinky anyway!
And while we’re talking nappies, you can save money on a changing table too. While it might be nice to have a designated area to change your baby, a mat on the floor will do just fine, and save space. If you’re curious about trying reusable nappies, York Nappy Library can help.
Breast pump
Whether you intend to breastfeed long term or not, you don’t need to invest in a breast pump pre-birth. If you need one in the very first days your midwife should be able to help you get one.
Breast pumps can be very helpful if your baby struggles to latch, or if you intend to bottle feed using breast milk, but this is an item you can get within 24 hours if need be once your baby is born. Many women don’t use them at all. So save your money ahead of time.
If you have any questions or concerns about breastfeeding it’s worth attending an antenatal workshop run by Treasure Chest York, a group offering free support. They also have resources on hiring breast pumps.
Our main advice for getting ready for your baby is to look after you. In this 21st century world we live in, most items can be delivered to you within a day if you find they’re necessary. So focus your attention on getting support around you and looking after yourself.
A pregnancy massage or maternity reflexology session can be a wonderful way to soothe yourself and emotionally prepare for birth and life with your new little one. We’re here to hold space for you however you need it – whether that’s a gentle chat about how you’re feeling or creating a peaceful environment as you relax.
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