This is the first in a series of posts where we ask some of our favourite businesses to share their expertise with you.  Have a look at their suggestions, and take the time to check out their website.

If you think we’ve missed anything, then please add your thoughts to the comments.

Baby essentials and must haves for first time parents

Kelly from Ecobots suggests that if you’re thinking of using cloth nappies, then a good place to start is something that drys quickly and is simple to use, like our prefolds.  Whatever you’re planning on using later one, they’re a great place to start, and the prefolds can be later used as burp cloths, for wiping up spills and to boost other nappies. http://ecobots.co.nz/shop/

Louise from Scamps Boutique suggests a Onesie Bummsie. onesie extenders are an incredibly useful product to have! There is nothing worse than having bodysuits that fit through the body but you can’t do the domes up.

Link: http://www.scamps.co.nz/

Rachael from the Pressie Box suggests something to help get you out of the house: I would recommend a really good pushchair so you can get out and about in the fresh air.  www.thepressiebox.co.nz

Sian from Cobalt Heights, home of some beautiful jewellery also suggests a good pram, preferably one that lies flat, At least one pack of disposable nappies for those first few days (even if you plan to eventually use cloth) and nipple shields to have on standby if you plan to breastfeed . http://www.cobaltheights.co.nz

Jackie from Baby Life magazine 2cute recommends:

I think that a first time Mum must have Baby Vicks and a little nasal aspirator for when their little one gets sick. The Vicks helps clear their chest and the aspirator clears their nose so they can feed better and don’t get upset because they can’t suck (but check the instructions of both products first to ensure your baby is old enough to use it). A first time Mum should also get a good nappy rash cream and read up on what nappy rash actually is – so that they don’t freak out like me if their baby gets it!

Jackie Procter – www.2cute.co.nz   www.babylifemagazine.co.nz

Sarah from thingamajigs told us:

think one of the best inventions for babies over 3 months old (and up 3 to years old), is the baby sleeping bag. You can buy them at different togs for summer and winter. No kicking off of sheets and baby remains snuggy and warm in the bag, and not smothered by blankets. Find one with a zip opening from the bottom, so you can still do nappy changes on a sleeping baby.

Poppers! Whatever baby clothes you buy, poppers will be your best friend. They are quick and easy to do up and open and take the fiddle out of buttons. You won’t believe how much a baby can squirm around until you’re trying dress them. Always look out for poppers between the legs too for easy nappy changes too.

www.thingamajigs.co.nz

Stacey from art out loud NZ

A really good bag that is comfortable to carry and with several easy access compartments for nappies, talc, cream, a few toys… lavender oil for the bath for mum to sooth those aching post-birth muscles or lift any baby blues and a special piece of artwork to celebrate the early days of your baby such as a unique Art Out Loud NZ Ultrasound Print – see http://www.artoutloudnz.co.nz/maternity-and-ultrasound-prints.html

Website: www.artoutloudnz.co.nz

Facebook: www.facebook.com/artoutloudnz

Blog http://www.artoutloudnz.co.nz/blog.html

Getting ready for the early days

In the early days, try not to expect too much of yourself.  Really the most important thing is to get to know your baby and get used to being a Mum or Dad.  Don’t worry about looking after the house, cooking or cleaning.  All of that can be dealt with later.  Rather than actual physical items, one of the most important baby essentials and must haves for first time parents are things like lists of jobs for visitors to help you out with, meals that you can warm up easily and a lack of pressure to just enjoy and get used to being a parent.

Getting the essentials together

There is often a great deal of pressure to get the right equipment, to make sure that you have all the baby essentials and must haves for first time parents, but really it doesn’t matter. All a baby needs is somewhere to sleep, food, warmth and lots and lots of love.  You don’t have to spend a fortune on the best equipment.

What do you think are the essentials and must haves for first time parents? What would you add to the list?