Title says it all, really. First baby due in October. We're very excited, but haven't yet gone to buy all the gear needed and haven't read all the baby books yet.
Appreciate any tips you might have for a soon-to-be parent - whether it's advice on products/brands/stores to look for when buying gear, or just more general advice.
Thanks!
Wow. Just… Wow. You should write cards for Hallmark.
Doubt you will get to read this comment given the popularity of this thread but here are my 2 cents
Before Baby Arrives
After the baby arrives
1. You will need more money and more of everything
2. You will have an amazing time of your life of being a parent
3. You will suddenly be more responsible
4. You will have a lot a patience
5. Your friends will soon be parents of your kids friends
Tips for the preparation
1. Don't go buy expensive branded clothes or linen
2. Try different nappies before deciding which one better suits your bub. Aldi nappies are great value
3. As baby grows, wash old clothes and store them for the next one
Having a baby is one of the most amazing things one can experience. No matter how much you prepare it's not going to be enough but you will be fine with whatever you have and can provide.
Good luck and welcome to parenting.
Thanks for all the tips! Much appreciated.
have a plan to buy a house in area of well regarded public schools
Congrats :)
I'm a bit surprised nobody mentioned childcare yet.
Checked you are in Sydney, and you mentioned you are living in a area car-free, so I would say you should start searching for childcare near your place/work.
Start putting names down, it is not too early now.
If you are planning on a private school, especially at secondary level also need to register as soon as you know sex of baby or even earlier if co-educational. Hard to believe but true.
I read a few comments, figured I would post.
I'm 32 and have the most gorgeous soon to be 2yo daughter…
First piece of advice is keep an eye on the partner. It's not easy for them and you can provide all the support in the world, but you have no idea what state they can end up in emotionally. 2 years on and my partner still struggles with day to day things with her. If they're overly agressive towards you for no apprent reason, don't think it will fix itself. Don't be afraid to ask for help. We all worry about the baby, just remember there's 3 of you now!
As previous posters, they chew through clothes like crazy, i have a full cupboard of hardly warn clothes and shoes, mostly from other people. I buy a lot of shoes and clothes from Kmart and best and less. Great value.
I purchased everything for her bedroom from ebay.
Sleep with the baby in a basinet in your bedroom if you must, move it out quickly, they make a lot of unnecessary noise, get a monitor and adjust the sensitivity so you dont get woken up for no reason. (I know a lot of people that still had their babies sleeping in their room for over 12 months)
Don't google at what age they ahould be doing things, your maternal health nurse will raise issues on learning imo. Its not a competition.
They do bugger all for like 9 months, so don't think you're gonna have a friend to hang around with!
Be prepared for a crazy experience at birth, it ain't always easy. 18 hours for me! And on that, the hospital really didn't seem to mind a couple of false alarms, don't be angry with them, they'll be able to tell when she's ready to go!
That's pretty much about it for me for the first few months.
Later on watch the swearing as soon as they start mimicking what you say you're in trouble!
Replying to my own post in case you read it after reading a post above… the Men aren't immune to the stress, emotion and impact… there were so many times early on I felt helpless. The wife was back at work 3 months in, and 2 days a week it was just ne and her.. It's damn hard sometimes. If you ever get that teary feeling because you don't know what's wrong, it's normal and you're not alone!
Thanks for sharing. As I said in another comment, I am a bit worried about the depression side. Good to hear other people's experiences so I can make sure I see the signs.
Sell it on ebay, then use that money to finance the upkeep of your second baby.
Interesting idea. But would selling one baby be enough to fund another? Surely I'd have to make it a baker's dozen before I could even handle the childcare costs?
I have 3 teenagers of my own. And whilst it has been, and continues to be a long challenging journey, I cannot think of anything that brings me more joy and purpose for living.
My advice….do as much as possible with your kids, take as many photos as possible, take as many videos as possible, go to as many events as possible, spend as much time with them as possible.
Now that I am on the other side, and my kids are starting to talk about leaving home, I can see before too long, there will be many many quiet hours at home with only my wife.
And whilst that will FRIKKIN AWESOME in so many ways, I can't help but think of the things we used to do as father and son, or father and daughter, that I never knew at the time, that it would be the last time.
The last time they would sneak in the bed and sleep with us, the last time that I would read them a bedtime story, the last time I would wrestle on the floor with them…. cherish every moment as you never know when it may be the last time…..the last party they would have at Luna Park….the last Scout Camp you would go on with them…the last time you would help them to ride their bike…..the last time I would have to get the bloody footy of the roof…..the last time I would have to ask those squealing girls to keep the noise down at 3 am during a sleep over party….sometimes, at the time, these moments piss you off, you have something else to do, your busy, your tired, but believe me, there is plenty of time for all the other crap, but those moments with your kids are fleeting…..they come and go in a blink….I thank God I have thousands of pics, hundreds of videos (backed up on multiple hard drives probably bought from some OzBargain bargain). Enjoy the present and never be in a rush to the future. I wish you and your partner all the best.
I'm not tearing up… There's a bug in my eye and I'm trying to suffocate him.
Thanks for the lovely advice.
tears
Also, most hospitals can not let you leave without an installed car seat!
Don't forget it
That'll be tough given I don't have a car…
Although maybe I just get to live at the hospital? Private health insurance should cover it.
Find a friend who can drive. Or in laws. Or someone.
It's not a deal breaker not driving but it does make things tough for a couple of reasons
I have delivered babies from the lady end and from the tummy end (c section). Regardless of which, most first time mums are hella sore and won't want to walk too far.
When it's time for the baby to come, they don't always come straight away. And you will probably stay at least 24-72hours post. That means you will have to bring in clothes and toiletries for the Mrs (as well as for new bubs)
When you leave you'll have a baby, a hobbling wife and bags.
Possible but tricky to walk
Haha, all good. I live across the road from the hospital, and we have a squillion gogets nearby if we really get stuck (some have baby seats already installed). Failing that, I've already advised the wife she might be travelling to/from the hospital on my office chair or a Coles shopping trolley.
We had a car but got rid of it when we realised we hadn't used it for a few months. We've talked about it, and even discussed it on this forum, and we're pretty comfortable not having one (even more comfortable knowing others are doing it!). If our mind changes, or we move from this ridiculously convenient location, we're in a good place financially such that it won't be a big deal to go and get one.
Don't drop the baby!
The big padded high chairs are a pain to clean and often the baby is dwarfed in them initially… we ditched ours and got a cheap plastic one from Target. Can recommend the Fizz as its cheap and can be taken apart easily enough to transport. https://www.target.com.au/p/fizz-ii-geo-high-chair/55870559
Plan on everything you do with a child taking a lot longer than normal. This is the second time I've linked to the Michael McIntyre comedy skit in the last few weeks, but it is SOOOOO true to life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFQfylQ2Jgg
Reusuable pocket style nappies save a LOT of money compared to disposables if you have the time… but are not fun to clean up and you will end up adding a bit to your power and water bill for cleaning. Worth the effort though, however using a disposable at night or for outings is preferred.
Don't become obsessive over cleaning dummies etc, it is now thought that an environment that is too clean can actually be a negative for the child and lead to allergies in later life.
Expect to be getting a lot more colds (yourself) especially when your child gets to daycare age, a good electric vaporiser comes in handy if your child is prone to coughing at night. Euky Bear brand vaporiser works well.
Multi part toys can become a nightmare once your house becomes oversaturated with them. Try to keep them to a minimum, however blocks and puzzles are a good learning tool for kids so you probably need at least some.
Depending on the size of your house, try to keep at least one living area free of kids stuff if possible, a retreat for yourselves.
Try and nip bad behaviour and habits in the bud as soon as possible, its harder later down track.
If you do decide to use a dummy at times, get rid of it before they become too attached. The last thing you want is a child that screams every time their dummy goes missing for 30 seconds.
and to end on a lighter note… I personally like to show my kids the beauty in nature, and hopefully help foster an inquisitive mind and respect for all life. Good luck.
The Wonder Weeks
The book was an essential reference for us just to know what in the world was going on.
http://www.amazon.com/Wonder-Weeks-Stimulate-Development-Pre…
There's an app now, which didn't exist when we used the book. Can strongly recommend the book.
regarding jumpsuits each to their own! for us, babies are sooo cute n are babies for truly such a short time… dresss them up to your hearts content. you eill have no regrets.
in no time they will dress themselves n choose their own clothes.
my pet hate is seeing babies wear sleep clothes all day long. i was very particular about 7am wake up which included a warm wipe down and changing to day clothes. i took heaps of pics and looking back im so glad they wore cute day clothes. in little dungarees, skirt, jeans, lil dresses.. soo cute.
the evening routine included bath, change to sleep clothes (love bonds wondersuits without the feet! last longer) , bottle, bed.
it really helps to form their routine and differentiate from short sleep n long sleep. especially that most newborns have their day n nights back to front. all mine did. it took abt 2 weeks to fix.
my other pet hate is seeing babies in clothes that are 2 to 3 sizes too big. lol just to save money but looks awful in photos.
what is a waste of money are baby shoes. buy just 1 pair for photos.
Oh I did too! Especially with my first and it was great, but the jumpsuits are just practical. I'd take a bunch of photos and then I'd have to change them out of the dress, the thighs, the little undies that came with the dress, the socks, etc etc 8 times at day. So with the second, they got the cute outfits for outings and photos and then went back to the jumpsuits.
I agree that they look a lot cuter on the little hats, and shoes and outfits but no judgement for those parents that can't be bothered to always dress them up. Gotta do what works for you :)
i did that even for my twins. it was worth it. just normal change like i would dress myself. day clothes n night clothes.. but didnt bother with shoes and accessories.
yes the dresses with undies r mega cute!
this is ozbargain, so i'll only give you advice about what to buy
huggies nappies and wipes are worth paying for, especially if you save an OzB alert and find them for around $24/box of 100ish. way less nappy changes and way less poops that make it past the nappy. when woolies/big w/coles/whatever has them on sale buy like 8 boxes of them, seriously. you can usually swap sizes later if need be.
spend the extra money to get a baby capsule system with a compatible pram that is easy to fold up. early on in the pregnancy, go into one of the big baby shops and figure out 1 or 2 systems you want, but don't buy - subscribe to their newsletters and wait for it to go on sale, and do some google searches for online retailers. you will save about 20-35%. for all the fiddly accessory bits like brackets, rain covers, drink holders, etc look on ebay. it's usually cheapest to get them sent over from UK sellers, sometimes 30-60% cheaper than buying from the big retailers. we got the baby jogger city mini GT pram and a maxi cosi capsule, it's awesome. just be aware that if you have a small-ish car (say corolla or smaller) then the car seats are huge and your front passenger might be squished. check that before deciding what to buy.
i felt the baby furniture (bassinet, crib, change table, matching drawer/crib/etc sets) was horribly overpriced so i bought one of the really high-end ones off gumtree for 1/5th of the rrp. we replaced the mattress/change table mat and the wife and i were happy.
the bonds baby suits with the zips (not the buttons, the zips!) are fkn awesome and can often be found on sale for 40-60% off. save an OzB alert, it's worth getting a few of these.
if you're having the baby privately, be aware that you will still need to cough up about $5,000 - 6,000 in out-of-pocket expenses over-and-above your healthcare contributions. if you are having it publicly, it'll be almost nothing. something to consider when you are talking about it with the wife, but unless you're going to have the baby, let her make the final decision.
edit; couldn't help myself.. two pieces of non-financial advice:
1. ensure that your wife quickly gets out and has a life of her own after the baby comes. if she is sitting at home all day she will go crazy. if you and her don't go on dates without baby, or out to dinner with baby, or just for walks to the farmers markets, she will go crazy. if she doesn't have friends and a mothers group she can meet up with and talk to she will go crazy. this isn't a gender thing, a stay at home dad would go crazy too. push her to go out and do things - exercise, coffee, play groups, etc etc. she needs to balance it with rest, but too much rest is probably worse than too much activity. you will be so glad you did.
2. if you are worried about your wife's health, or your baby's health then absolutely do not google it. what you find on google will tell you that your baby has explosive mega aids and is only 18 short minutes away from exploding into a million tiny bits. find a website you trust (raising children is good), maybe get a book you trust, get the phone number for a doctor/nurse you can call, and find a GP you can visit who you trust. searching on google will only increase your anxiety and lead to pointless visits to the hospital/GP to be told that no, your baby doesn't have explosive mega aids.
the baby jogger + maxi cosi capsule is a great combination.
agree the bonds baby suits look amazing and are great, just dont get too many or addicted to getting all the styles, they grow out of them so fast!
Get her to read a book on motherhood, it'll explain feeding and that will be invaluable when doing night feeds.
forget towel nappies, convenience wins here disposable is the way to go. Get use to it you'll progress to larger and go through plenty of them in your time over the years.
You need to learn the football technique when washing bubs, always remember to make sure you are aware of where bubs face is (to not submerge it under water accidentally). Use a baby bath tub they're cheap and better on your back when setup, look for one with a drain plug it's handy over one that doesn't.
bubs is use to such tight quarters being in your wifes tummy, don't wrap up bubs loose, the midwife will most likely show you how to wash and wrap up bubs, it's quite logical in how firmly their wrapped and they seem settled with it. I made the mistake of giving room and that just makes them unsettled.
Don't tippy toe around bubs when they drop off to sleep, make noises as you normally would throughout the day, you're training them that noise is ok/normal. With dead quiet rooms I got the feeling they sensed no one was there and woke up.
Contrary to popular belief, you don't need a Landcruiser for one child….
Your wife is going to find breast feeding painfull at first, it all depends on how well bubs latches on (fully) so be prepared to invest in a breast pump if the needs fit. Avent is pretty much the better one, quiet (some creak), efficient and long lasting. Forget about an electric pump. Sometimes your wife needs to empty the girls nothing wrong with storing them in a bottle it's convenient and helps.
Make sure you test prams in store, checkouts can get tight gotta make sure it'll fit. Reversible are nice to change direction due to sun at times just make sure it's got a good shade cover is all. Get practice in fitting infant/baby seats.
Consider joining a Mothers club, your wife may not want to but it's a great idea with similar women with infants, you'll get great tips as well as the odd outing so she's not stuck at home all the time.
At least a few months after the birth, treat ya missus to some pampering. She'll love a haircut/manny/peddy something for her basically. It's usually all about bubs so don't let her forget she's a champ too.
You don't need to read a book common sense and the greater good will steer you the way. Do give the baby book a read the one you get from the Health Department it was informative.
Enjoy cutting the cord it's a big moment and one you'll always remember, enjoy the first poo you won't forget that one and enjoy the first wash (if you do it first).
Enjoy all the stages as they grow up, you love it. When they're at the stage of talking potty training and learning they're sponges for information so teach them as much as you can. During play time be prepared to lose, you can't win all the time.
Forget the use of a dummy…entirely
Re baby clothes. If you don't like driving to some random's house from Gumtree, just go to any Salvos or Vinnies in the affluent suburbs. You will soon find a mound of Pumpkin patch clothes equivalent to Australia's annual GDP. The truly rich dont bother selling their stuff on Gumtree they just dump it at Vinnies.
Get an infant sleeping bag. Those swaddling bags are good when they're young. Much easier than trying to get a swaddling cloth to stay wrapped. Also eliminates the chance that they will drag bedclothes over their face.
Re milk. Make yourself a nice tall glass of baby formula. Tastes like crap doesnt it? Try and breastfeed if you can. Our two sons were breastfed and thanks to the immune response they didnt get sick in their first six months. That is gold.
Get Panadol and Nurofen baby. Fevers above 38.5, alternate the two. The companies themselves say not to do that, but GPs have told me otherwise. Not for any longer than a day though. Nurofen lasts longer and has much less overdose potential.
I think the Pigeon bottles are the best bottles, and the Pigeon infant teether the best teether.
Best teething remedy - put a clean cotton cloth in cold water, put it in the freezer. When frozen give to child to chew on it.
Dont buy anything new. Gumtree and salvos for everything. Especially strollers, baby capsules, stuff like that. Don't be too precious about stuff like that.
Go on a babymoon and be prepared for your best friend (partner) not being able to have much time for you.
I know that sounds pessimistic but its a real issue not many people face.
I have to reiterate something that has been mentioned, (and as I said, go see "what to expect when you're expecting" and you'll understand what I mean)…
Just don't do it! I'm 99% sure that at some stage your baby will fall off the bed, maybe even off the change table. It happens so fast and unexpectedly, but don't judge the other parent if it happens! Chances are it will happen to you, or just mark it off as an accident and move on. (This is all assuming baby is fine, which it's highly likely they will be!)
Once parents actually open up to each other, be honest to each other, you'll find that all of them have witnessed there kid fall off something. It happens. Kiss them better and move on lol
(and that's one thing I like about modern day parenting - parents admit to each other when it's not perfect, they admit the accidents, that their child isn't perfect etc. Best thing for other parents is knowing that there is no 'perfect' parent or child, but we all do the best we can, and that's all you can ask for!)
my little girl is 21 months, i was ain this exact same situation just over 2 years ago.
things i have learnt:
dont buy many baby clothes, my wife spend thousands in this 'bonds' craze that some people have, now nothing fits her and we have a couple of thousand dollars of clothes (half of them brand new) unused sitting in the wardrobe. buy small, buy often.
don't buy any fancy high chairs. the cheap plastic white ikea ones are actually the best. my daughter cant stand the fancy expensive looking high chairs when we go out to places, the best ones are the simple white ones with no padding/cushion or configuration options. sounds stupid but im telling you, the ones where you can configure everything are so awkward to sit in.
buy a quality pram. our Baby Jogger City Select has been running strong for 2 years now it cost us $700 shipped from NZ but it was worth every penny. we have smashed into so many things with it! we have put 15+kgs of groceries into the bags at the bottom and it handles it like a champ, such a quality build, also configurable to put in another seat if you ever have a second baby. Baby Joggers are quality at a good price, then theres the bugaboos which are like the apple of the pram world, you pay for the brand.
If using formula, buy like 3 tins everytime you go shopping, they go through this stuff so damn fast. get 5 - 7 good quality bottles (mothers nature, avante etc) and a microwave sterilizer makes life so much easier. (the nuby microwave sterlizers are so handy, can fit 6-7 bottles in depending on size, even though it only shows 4 slots)
good luck, its rough at the start, but after the first month you get into the routine and things get a bit easier each day. the first week may be the hardest in your life, depending on the baby.
I'm on baby #2 who is 18months old now so we're past the first 12months of pain lol
My advice:
1. Don't buy lots of stuff to start - you DONT need it. A newborn does hardly anything except sleep and eat. You'll need lots of nappies, some clothes, a bath (no special johnsons soap etc) that's about it.
We're at a point where we are starting to give things away to friends and family as our kids grow (bags of clothes, toys etc) - ask around on FB you'd be surprised what people are trying to give away.
One of the best things we did was baby wearing (not a baby bjorn as they are bad for developing hip joints) but something like the ergo baby, wompat or even wraps are awesome to carry a child around. They are comfy, close your heart so keep calm, in case of mum they can be fed in position. Bonus points when out an about not having to deal with a pram in shopping centres and public transport of areas with lots of people. You can carry your kids for years and they love it.
Research prams, spend the money on a good one as it will last - we have a baby jogger versa and it's awesome - almost 5 years old and looks good as new. Don't buy a big monster pram though - you will get sick of hauling it around and end up with a stroller. Look at kids next time your out and about most above the age of 2 are in a stroller. Because they are lights and simple, so take this into consideration.
Look at ISOFIX car seats - so much easier to install and remove/replace if necessary.
I hope your baby will have no problem breastfeeding. You and your wife should probably read
1. https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/index.html and
2. http://kellymom.com/category/bf/
to try to get breastfeeding working.
While in the hospital, keep on asking the midwifes/nurses to teach your wife and bub to breastfeed.
This will simplify things a lot (no need to buy formulas, bottles, steamers, bottles washing, hot water, etc).
Night feeding is much easier as your wife can simply lay down on bed with bub and offer the baby her breast.
You don't have to carry all the gears when going out, not to mention competing with the Chinese for formula :)
If the baby had problem latching, try to find a good lactation consultant (http://www.lcanz.org/find-a-lactation-consultant) or visit your local early childhood and book an appointment with lactation consultant.
Buy a good breastmilk pump. I would recommend Spectra S2 (http://www.productreview.com.au/p/spectra-s2.html) having used Medela brand before. The S2 simply is much more efficient at pumping.
Get an Ergo Baby Carrier NOT babybjorn as mentioned in the previous post by MiniMad.
Take a month off to help your wife.
If you plan on using cloth nappies ever, invest in some Snappi's they are fantastic! Also if anyone asks what you want for the baby say nappy service, cloth or disposable, your choice.
Yep, for newborns the snappi's (an alternative stretchy alternative to a safety pin) are great. Although once baby gets a little bigger, progress to the premade reusuable nappies that are like the same shape as a disposable. You can pay a lot for them, but also import them very cheaply from china (probably go for bamboo pocket nappies that don't require a separate cover). Although we just used the polyester ones mainly and no major nappy rash issues. Don't get the pocket nappies that require a cover as its something else to worry about when changing a nappy whilst legs are kicking.
Cant vouch for the seller, but something like this http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/20-PACK-BAMBOO-Modern-CLOTH-Nappi…
You will need about 20 probably.
Man, you are in for a thrill ride. Having kids is the best thing ever.
Look at getting a woombie instead of swaddling with wraps.
Swaddles baby well and keeps baby happy.
http://www.woombieaustralia.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/WoombieAustralia
Get your wife some Riteaid hydrogel for her sore nipples. I wish someone had told me earlier. You can pop them in the fridge whilst feeding to help cool. Beats cold cabbages and Lasinoh. You only need them until she no longer really feels the pain.
If she plans to go back to work in the next year or earlier put your name down now in a day care.
Baby swings or bouncers may be good for calming baby. Otherwise use a baby carrier to carry them around that soothes them sometimes too.
If your baby is an escape artist when it comes to swaddling or likes sleeping his her hands up, try the love to dream zip wrap. It saved our sanity but doesn't work for all babies.
If you'd like to mix breast and bottle try the comotomo bottle. Read the reviews on Amazon.
People will visit you with toys and clothes so don't worry too much about buying loads of them.
Try to get the nappy on them as soon as you've bathed them. Cleaning baby Poo from towels is not a pleasant task.
We use the baby love nappies but go with what you feel is the best fit for your baby.
Do not read stories of things gone wrong from Facebook in the first few months. It'll make you paranoid.
Someone may have said it. But don't be obsessed with milestones. Doctors aren't and you shouldn't either. Our daughter (now almost 2 and perfectly healthy) was a bit late in pointing, walking and talking, but she has fully caught up and is now ahead of what they say are the 2 year milestones. So, they all grow at their own speed. Too many parents worry too much about milestones when they should be enjoying these amazing years
Never, ever search the Internet for baby or pregnancy health stuff. My wife was worried sick from googling all the things that can go wrong. Have a good OB and talk to him/her.
All the best.
Get started on behaviour training early. Buy a bunch of dry, quickly fed treats that you can give immediately after he does something you want. When he cries, ignore him completely. Do not try and comfort him, as this will only reward the crying behaviour when he feels like a cuddle. You'll find that, doing this for a few weeks at home, he will never cry when you're out and about. Feed him on schedules appropriate to human babies, do NOT feed him whenever he cries. You're going to minimize so much headache this way. Do not give him treats when he doesn't do anything to receive them; especially do not give them when he is doing something you don't want to shut him up.
A big big tip — language acquisition occurs very strongly in infants. Speak to him daily (you need to be there, don't just put on the radio — don't speak to him in a babyish voice, as it is actually detrimental — If you can, or if you are bilingual, it will make his life so much easier later if he has a good foundation or becomes bilingual in French, German, Arabic, etc. In terms of high school, he is guaranteed a 50 study score in any language subject if you teach it to him from birth.
people have written so much in their answers, all i have to say is…
Accept all gifts….its not that you are cheap, but it's people buy clothes and whatever because they love you and your situation. Not only that, we knocked back a few things only to find we needed it a few weeks/months down the track. Our first born will be 6months next week…shit went fast.
You don't need the most expensive things for him/her….you'll find that you are never tired or angry as well……you have a family now!
Congrats!
take out private health insurance, buy cheap unbranded clothes, buy all the baby gear used from gumtree then when your done with them sell it on Gumtree and get most if not more back
Start buying Nappies when you see a deal in Coles, you will get through a few boxes in the first few weeks so best to have a few put away early, saves you having to buy 5 boxes the day after the baby arrives
I wish I had asked about this before my bub was born.
Download & print some checklists from bubhub (packing list, nursery list, birth plan etc.). Many other useful resources could be found from bubhub or babycentre.
Rent a capsule & get it installed from licenced fitter, instead of purchasing.
Read some books relating to sleeping, feeding & Settling. e.g. Tracy Hogg's baby whisperer. Tizzy Hall's save our sleep, Dr Harvey Karp's 5s.
Get a change centre to save your back when changing nappy & bathing baby.
dr harvey karps 5s 🙌
These 3 pages have been awesome! Like the OP we are also expecting our first baby in October (27th).
Good to see we are on the right track. Cot, dresser/change table and few other bits and bobs bought from gumtree!
My advice (coming from someone expecting), instead of buying a glider (which a lot of women swear by) for nursing, try what we did and buy a laz-boy rocker/recliner! We got a $1400 recliner for $300 on gumtree, and it was still new!
We'll let you know how it goes in Oct haha
Good luck and keep the comments coming.
Make sure its yours.
Nappies.. Aldi are incredibly cheap with their nappies but still pretty good. What we do is use Aldi nappies during the day and then the more expensive/absorbent Huggies during the night.
Should have worn a condom, or your partner should have been on the pill -then you wouldn't have these issues of producing a new child into the world that will be blown apart by ridiculous religious fanatics that are certainly only focused on destroying this earth.