Essential baby buys

Though it's tempting to spend every lunch hour buying pairs of ultra-cute baby socks and numerous fluffy teddies, in reality it's best to curb your urge to splurge until you've had a read of our list of smart baby buys.

We've put it together to help guide you through the masses of products on offer, and give you an idea of what your baby really needs.

Stick to it, and you should end up with all the essentials to take you and your baby through feeding, sleeping, changing, bathing, and getting out and about.

Breastfeeding
Essentials

• 3-4 nursing bras
• Washable or disposable breast pads
• Nipple protectors or cream
• Nursing pillow
  

Optional extras

• Breast cooling pads
• Glider chair or stool
• Insulated bottle carrier
• Milk storage bags and clips
• Breast pump, plus 2-3 bottles, if you're going to express milk for feeding later on
  

Bottlefeeding
Essentials

• 6-8 bottles, plus teats with various flow rates and covers
• Steriliser
• Bottle brush and tongs
• 6 bibs
• Insulated bottle carrier
• Nursing pillow
  

Optional extras

• Bottle warmer
• Glider chair and stool
  

Clothes
Essentials

• 7 bodysuits
• 5 sleepsuits
• 2 cardigans
• 2 pairs of scratch mittens
• 5-6 pairs of socks
• Hat and outer layers
• Shawl/swaddling blanket
  

Optional extras

• Pants to wear over nappy
  

Playtime
Essentials

• Pushchair toys
• Toy arch for car seat and bouncy chair
• Cot mobile
• Play/activity mat
• Bath toys
• Rattles
• Soft books
• Bouncy/rocking chair
  

Optional extras

• Sit-in entertainment centre
• Musical cot toy
  

Travel
Essentials

• Baby car seat for newborn
• Pram or pushchair suitable from birth
• Baby carrier
• Travel cot
• Weathershield cover for pram or pushchair
  

Seasonal extras

• Adjustable parasol or canopy for pushchair
• Sun blinds for car
• UV sun protection shelter
  

Sleeping
Essentials

• Moses basket
• Cot or cot bed
• Mattress
• 3-4 fitted sheets
• 3-4 flat sheets
• 2-3 blankets
• Room thermometer
  

Optional extras

• Moses basket stand

Bathing and changing
Essentials

• Baby bath
• Sponge and flannel
• Baby towels
• Changing mat
• Muslin squares
• Nappy sacks
• Changing bag
  

Optional extras

• Top and tail bowl
• Nail scissors or clippers
• Bin for nappy disposal
• Shampoo shield
• Bath thermometer
• Bath support
  

No-stress shopping
Make the most of stores that offer special shopping services for mums-to-be, such as these:

John Lewis
08456 049049
www.johnlewis.com
You can book an expert advisor who'll scan products you like and compile a gift list for you.

Mothercare
08453 304030
www.mothercare.com
Services vary, but include car seat demos.

Mamas and Papas
0870 8307700
www.mamasandpapas.co.uk
Call to make an appointment with a personal shopper.

Marks & Spencer
0845 3021234
www.marksandspencer.com
Personal shopping is available at larger stores. Call for info.

Boots
08450 708090
www.boots.com
There are baby advisors in larger stores - call for info.

BABIES R US
www.babiesrus.co.uk
You can ask a sales person to accompany you as you shop.

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