Baby Things

The manufacturers of baby products have excellent marketing teams as everything you see as a consumer , you want to buy!

I however felt like I just needed to get the essentials that we need for our baby as we had a smaller space to live in.

This list was what we used and what you get is definitely dependent on your budget, as well as lifestyle and needs. The products that have been mentioned here have been used by myself and my family and this is in no way an endorsement of the products mentioned or their manufacturing companies. These were products /items that I liked and worked well for my family and existing situation.

The Big Items :

* Cot - We opted for a camp cot as it could be used for a longer period and also did not take up as much space as a wooden cot, we used the Joie Campcot with basinette and changer. When baby needs to be rocked to sleep you can just gently push the top of the cot and it will sway. After about 8 months when baby starts turning more and sitting then you can remove the basinette .

* Bamboo Mattress- We used one for our cot but it is not really necessary , depends on you totally. I wanted the extra comfort for our baby, we did not use a pillow as we felt it was not needed. You would also need to get mattress protectors, trust me, it really helps! and also fitted cot sheets. We used the Cabbage Creek range from Baby City. Try to get at least 2 of each for washing.

* Pram / stroller - there are so many out there and honestly we looked at just 2, we went on the advice of my brother and sister in law with a baby, tried and tested works best sometimes :) . We settled for a Joie Lite Trax stroller. It has a little carrier that can also be used as a car seat until about 6 months of age or depending on the size and length of your baby. If you go to Baby City or even Babies r Us the sales assistants can show you how it works and how to even put it in your car, they are super helpful !

* Changing mat - we got from Baby City, padded and long so you can use it for longer.

It is helpful if you have space to set up a changing station with the mat, diapers, wipes, a few clothing items and necessary toiletries. I never used a diaper bin as I took out the garbage twice a day.

* Baby Bath Tub - we bought the large one from Babies R Us, we figured it would last longer and it did

* Feeding Pillow - I used the Dischem brand , it helped me alot during breastfeeding and made my life much easier. I bought 2 pillowcases from Baby City and I even bought a huge shopping bag to carry the pillow in whenever I went out.

* Car seat - We used the Joie stages - its from 0 - 7 years, easy use, can use it without isofix base as well. Please ensure you know how to use it and it is installed properly before you go to fetch your baby from the hospital. Again, shop assistants can help if you are unsure. In the private hospital setup here you have to have a car seat to take the baby home. For us those little neck pillows were a waste of time as I felt it just pushed baby's head forward.

The smaller but needed items :

* Body vests : you really don't have to buy newborn, some babies are big and that just does not fit well, the last thing you want is your baby to feel uncomfortable. You can buy a few 0-3 months, long and short sleeve, depending on your climate decide which you need more of. I had about 7 of each

* Onesies/ baby grows : I had about 8 of each, short and long sleeve

* Tops and bottoms( shirts and pants) : honestly, I had more than I care to remember.. You don't use all, in the first 6 weeks if you don't plan to go out much, then you really need about 4- 5 each of the long and short type

* Receivers (thin blankets) : About 5-7, I used them when I put my newborn on the bed or if he was being carried

* Baby Blankets : at least 5, and 1 thick but not heavy blanket. There are also weighted blankets that are a little heavier to help some babies sleep better - You can find these in Dischem, the baby section. Cotton blankets are also helpful if your baby sweats alot.

* Towels - around 5-7, hooded ones help when you wash babies hair

* Diapers / napkins : The difference - diapers ( disposable, not good for the planet but super convenient and easy to use ) , Napkins ( reusable, good for the planet, hectic to keep up with cleaning and washing). The brand we used was Pampers Premium disposable diapers, size 1 may be too small for your baby, it really depends on the size of baby, you may need a size 2. There are also some sizes available for premature babies.

* Face towels : At least 10, you need so many for baby during feeds

* Socks - just a few, most babies are more comfortable in Onesies anyway

* Beanies/ hats : Honestly, I had a summer baby so I used it only in the hospital, so maybe 5

* Baby wipes : We used Johnsons sensitive wipes, still do until today! I love the quality, wipes well and you don't get too many wipes out at once!

* Diaper bags/packets : Dischem(red), Clicks ( blue) , Babies r Us (purple), quality seems the same at all stores

* Pacifier : I bought the Nuk but then realized that my baby was using Tommee Tippee bottles so I then switched, totally your choice if you want to use it, I hardly did because my little one did not like it

* Detergents : I used Elizabeth Anne's Fabric wash and conditioner for baby's clothes until he was 18 months old, time frame for use is your own choice

* For baby's Bath - we used Dove baby bodywash, Cotton pads and cotton wool, surgical spirits - 1 bottle is enough( for the umbilical cord ) , Epimax baby cream we felt was better, thicker and seemed to moisturize better, Bepanthen bum cream really was the best for us - not a single diaper rash, Sterimar - daily hygiene ( I used it daily to clean my baby's nose, it is not a must but does help to keep the nasal passages clear) , Earbuds for the outer ear only! I also used Elizabeth Anne's Cornstarch powder for the neck , under arms and diaper areas.

* Changing mats / linen savers : Carriwell range was what we used, it helps to put this on the actual changing mat so that it is not cold for baby when you are changing. Also, if baby messes, the linen saver is easier to just dispose of than cleaning the whole mat

* Nose Frida nasal suction : a little suction device with filters to clean baby's nose after using the Sterimar, please suction gently- extra care with newborns. Make sure baby is turned on the side when using Sterimar and also when suctioning. Swaddling baby whilst suctioning helps alot also.

* Grooming kit : This will be nail clipper, scissors, hairbrush- I personally like the nail scissors, it was small enough for little nails, I used to cut after bathing and used to sing a nursery rhyme, I did it while my baby was awake because I felt like he has to be comfortable with grooming so its easier later on and for me it has been for both my boys, there are no fights to cut their nails!

* Baby Bag : any type that suits your needs, we were fortunate to get one from the hospital and our medical aid as well. This bag in my experience should always be packed with :

- At least 1 set of a warm and cooler outfit, body vests (long and short)

- Epimax travel cream, Bepanthen or Vaseline

- Face towels

- Change mat( so when you change baby in a public place he/she can be more protected ---- Receivers

- Beanie, Hat

- Blanket

- Baby bottles ( if you need) + Formula ( you can get this really cool formula container from Babies R Us / Baby City)

- Diapers + Diaper packets and a general plastic bag ( in the event of a massive soil! )

Being a bit of a paranoid mum I also put in a first aid kit! and I added panado syrup ( also comes in these great little sachets) and a syringe

* Microwave Steriliser : We used Tommee Tippee bottles so we used the same steriliser, it was much easier than using Milton and quicker too

* Sanitiser : Yes, even pre - covid I was paranoid, I always sanitised before changing and did hand washing after all changes, still do it now !

* Baby oil : There are so many out there, I used the Johnson's brand, only at night (as it can burn baby's skin during the day) for a gentle but comforting massage before night bedtime. There is also the Pure Beginnings Baby Massage Oil that I really liked

* Baby Bottles : I used Tommee Tippee bottles with size 0 teet - the shape of the teet is the closest to an actual nipple and breast . If you are doing breastfeeding then consider this as an option. Note that the size of the teet determines the flow rate of the milk from the bottle

* Milton : nice to have in case you have load shedding and need to sterilize bottles ! Also helpful if like me you are a bit paranoid with baby and want to sterilise his/her toys, etc

* Night light : Very helpful for night time changing and feeds, its low enough to not disturb baby but bright enough to do a change. We got one from Takealot

* Baby Carrier : Totally optional, I used the Baby Sense one, it was a long piece of thick fabric and you have to wrap it around you, there are instructions on the box as well as on YouTube. Honestly, I can count the number of times I used mine but that is dependent on your needs again

That is everything I can possibly think of right now, if I have omitted anything I will add on to the post or if anyone has any suggestions please share them with me, much appreciated :)