The books and magazines would have you believe that you need everything. I’ll let you into a little secret, you don’t need all that stuff, but what you DO need you need A LOT of, especially in the newborn phase.

I’m going to attempt an inventory of everything I actually used during pregnancy, birth and the first three months.

Pregnancy


Maternity Jeans and/or Dungarees

I lived and [almost] birthed in my dungarees, well, until they got too small at eight and a half months. They did see me through a good six months though and were well worth the money (I got them from H&M by the way).

Going Out Top

An evening top, I found wrap-around style to be the most flattering.

Smart Casual Top

I had a long-sleeved one that I loved.

Other Clothes

The clothes above were my only specifically maternity wear. The following items were just in a larger size and therefore cheaper.

Jogging Bottoms (for slogging not jogging!)
T-shirts (aka tents)
Big Knickers (nobody said pregnancy was pretty, oh hang on, yes they do, in those b***dy magazines…oh well, THEY LIE)
Flat Sandals/Flip Flops

Maternity Pillow

This became a ‘must-have’ item after the six month mark, however, it does not need to be fancy, a simple wedge of foam is all that is required.

In Hospital

For me;

Pyjamas - Huge size

Knickers - Huge size

Sanitary Pads - Huge size (are you noticing the pattern?)

Bra + Breast Pads - Nursing or maternity bra for extra support (think: sore boobs)

Best Quality Wash Products - You will be glad!

MP3 Player - Was my saviour when I was kept in, on and off for the final week

Book/Magazine - See above + it might be some time before you read again

Toiletries

Tracksuit or similar for going home, don’t bother taking anything non-stretchy, too sore, too depressing

Food - Favourite snacks, the state of hospital food is well documented

For baby;

Nappies - Allowing 8 per day is sensible

Vests - 2 for each day in hospital

Sleepsuits/Babygro’s - Allow 3/4 for every 24 hour period (especially for first-time mums who are picky over minor spillages)

Blanket - 1, because it’s nice to have your own.

Cotton Wool - For nappie-changing

Cardigan - 1, just in case it’s cold

Complete outfit and jacket - For coming home, don’t forget socks or bootees

The First 3 Months

If bottlefeeding (couldn’t tell you for breastfeeding, although I know you need breasts and a bit of willpower as a minimum!);

Bottles - 6 or more, I found 9 the optimum.

Sterilizer - Microwaveable version is adequate

Bottle Warmer - We used it, but not for long.

A Cot and Bedding

A Changing Mat/Station - plus nappy changing paraphernalia

Some clothes, but lots of vests and sleepsuits

A Few Toys - A jingly ball that cost a pound was the favourite here

Dummies - If you plan to use them

A Car Seat

A Pram/Buggy

And I think that’s it..

Can anyone think of anythingelse, we’re just talking the bare minimum here…