Pregnancy & Newborn Inventory: What I ACTUALLY Needed
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…


I've been blogging for four years and write about anything and everything that takes my fancy.
Above is me with my beloved Ernie in Port Aventura and left with our love child in Florida.


