The baby gear that saved our life…

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about my BC self. Before children. In particular, I’ve been thinking about all the things that I thought I had to have in order to be a ‘good’ parent, and survive Motherhood. The race to ensure that you have everything you ‘need’. So many questions, so many unanswered. What is the best nappy brand? Which pram do I get? Which bottles? Do I need a breast pump? Which size clothes do I buy? A vaporiser? Bumpers on the cot, or no bumpers? Swaddle or sleep suit? on, and on, and on the questions go……..

Looking back at photos of myself in the early days of parenthood I know exactly what I was thinking. There is so much baby gear…where do you start?! As any new parent knows, you feel incredibly blessed to have been given so many wonderful presents, gifts and words of advice from those Mothers who have come with pearls of wisdom and years of experience. The thing is, that until you go through it yourself….you really will not realise just how much stuff there is out there, and most of it….you won’t use. I received so much advice that just went in one ear and out the other. I wish I had have listened to one thing, and that is….you really don’t need that much. They do actually grow really quickly, and you don’t need to get them an entire wardrobe before they are born. Sure, we are all different, but having had my second child come prematurely, we were thrown into the world of ‘quick, get some things together’, and this period showed me that you really only need a few things to get by, and thrive. Some of these things are indeed worth the investment, and some of these things are cheaper than a litre of milk.

In my world right now, there are lots of beautiful women I know who are about to embark on Motherhood for the first time. If I could step back in time and give my BC (before children) self some advice, it would be to make sure that you focus on fewer better quality things, than thinking that you need to fill your house with every type of product under the baby marketing sun. I remember stepping into Baby Bunting for the first time, and walking around looking at a million different types of dummies. Seriously, how many types of teats can you possible have? It’s good to be prepared, but far out, there is so much stuff out there that it is no wonder parents to be get overwhelmed, and that is before the baby even arrives. I recently read this great article by Zoe Blake. It’s real and true. It made me think about all of the stuff that I had, that I just didn’t need. It also made me think about the ridiculous money I spent on some things that was a waste of cash.

So with that, my advice to any expectant parent would be:

Worth the investment products….

1. Buy the best pram you can afford. That sucker will get used more than your kettle. Well, maybe not quite. Yes, we invested in a Bugaboo chameleon, and then a donkey when we had two. However there are really a number a of great prams out there. I’d get yourself into a store and try one out yourself, or even better….ask you friends who’ve road tested them. I would simply have died without mine, and yes….I love my double pram. But that’s just me…

2. Get a baby carrier. Whether it’s a Bjorn, a Ergo or another brand, they will save you arms from dropping off. I used mine a great deal more when I had two little kids, but they are well worth the investment, and your arms will thank you.

3. Breast Pump. A good one. Trust me, you don’t want a cheap pump working in that area.

4. The baby Bjorn portacot. A little $, but again…worth it in every way. It is only 5kg and folds down to a case, so when you travel it’s simply the best thing you could bring with you.

5. Boon Grass Drying rack. Sits on your bench and allows your bottles to drip dry in an ordered place, without clogging up your bench, Looks great too.

Its the small things….

1. Terry Towing bath ramp: This is the shiz. Lay your little one in the bath on this ramp made of towelling. No more sore back, neck, arms. The towelling soaks up the water and so is nice and warm for little tushies to lean on. You can take the towell off and wash it to. I got ours from Target for about $15. Saved. My. Life

2. Portable hose attachment: From Bunnings, or any hardware shop, this little hose connects to any tap and you can instantly fill your baby bath up from anywhere. Genius.

3. BBox Sippy cup: for little ones, this cup will save your mind, and your toddler’s. The straw has a weight in the bottom, so if your child moves the bottle, the straw moves with it. No more getting confused about how to use this cup. Believe me. Worth it.

There are loads of other things that you will end up getting that you just don’t need. My only real advice on this is:

• DON’T buy singles without press studs on the bottom. They simply ride up and get really annoying!
• DON’T buy too many clothes in sizes 0000 and 000. They honestly fit into these for only a couple of weeks. Don’t waster your money!
• DON’T buy wraps or bibs that are too small. Go for generous sizes as they will wear better, and help you to wrap your baby nice and snug.

So if you think that it is all too much, then you are totally in luck! New Mums, or Mums to Be can win your very own Goodie Bag worth $6000. You read that right! $6000! Mums Grapevine are currently giving one of their readers the chance to win some amazing goodies to help you get started. They are simply divine! To enter, simply head to http://mumsgrapevine.com.au/2015/09/win-elise-swallows-6000-baby-shower/. Now I know what you are thinking….that would be awesome! Entering this could just change your life…..or make someone else’s day!