What could you not have coped without??

[Mildly]

My V cushion for breastfeeding and general baby propping up.

Nipple shields, the only way I have been able to manage breastfeeding with Oscar's tongue tie.

And my OH, I have complete and utter respect and awe for single parents as I know I would fall apart without my OH!

 

[claire2711]

muslins, OH and the chinese/indian

 

[nickilubs]

A manky old stinkin towel to put on the changing mat! Stops her from freaking out because the plastic is cold and put her bum on a folded up part so when she wees it soaks it up instead of her clothes plastic squidgy mat and baby wee = wee covered baby!

Also bouncy chair I didn't think I would need one but I'm so glad I do theres nothing worse than having a awake baby in your arms and desperately needing the loo but having nowhere safe to put her! Just strap them in and you know they are safe whist you can run off quickly!

And most of all my OH! Hes the best. It was so hard for the few days in hospital without him I have so much respect for single mums who live on their own with nobody to help!

 

[MrsBrightside]

Some brilliant advice in there girls as always thought it would be nice to have some on hand cant live without's

 

[Teej]

My sling....the mei tai is my favourite, couldn't have gotten anything done without it!
Muslins muslins muslins
Many flannels for putting over the winky during nappy changes so i don't get wee in my face!
V pillow.

 

[rachie29]

my OH... he did nappies as I was breastfeeding, my cushion (just one of my regular ones off the sofa) for when I was feeding Holly it meant my at least one of my hands were free to read a book and my blanket from mothercare as it made feeding Holly in public less of a hassle as I was able to be more discreet.

Now, I cant do without her walker as she loves to slide across the floor and the tv remote its the only thing that calms her down when having a paddy.. only problem is taking it off her!

 

[Sylvie]

Definitely his Fisher-Price jungle play gym
Been used since day 1!

 

[Squiglet]

Muslins (the amount of baby sick they have mopped up )

And my ring sling (which has graduated into mei tais and wraps...but in those first few weeks...my ring sling was quick, simple and easy to use)

Come back Midna...we miss you

 

[aramintalovegrove]

A big massive rolled up bath towel in Sams Moses Basket he wouldn't sleep in it otherwise.
That kept me sane for the first few weeks of sleepless nights.

I LOVE MIDNA to this day for suggesting i try that

I LOVE you Emma see your PM!!!

Basically Esme likes being carried and cries when put down, after an awful night where I ended up co sleeping, rocking and basically exhausted (something I dont mind as did with DS but would prefer not to do this time) I read this and adapted it to create a cradling arm out of a blanket and hey presto full nights sleep and able to get stuff done today.

Thanks for posting

 

[millylillyrose]

definatly stool softeners!!!

muslin squares (she loves to feel them and rub them against her cheek.)

i also used to play this singing stuffed animal to her in the womb which she LOVES now. it helps if she doesnt want to be changed or i need to distract her for a min or 2.

 

[Jollypops]

My must haves are

In the lounge - Changing Mat, Box to put Nappies, Creams, Wipes etc, Large Fleece blanket on the top of the sofa to cover me in the early hours of the morning when have needed to sleep on the sofa also fleece blanket for Calum. Bean bag.

Kitchen - Measuring jug for hot water to warm bottles (Handle comes in handy when holding baby or to clip on top and tail bowl)

Upstairs - Changing Mat on cot (Not used alot at the moment but handy), Crib in our bedroom, baby monitor with night light

Blankets - needed to keep warm anywhere as well as in the car, pram, car seat, in crib and as many spares as possible

Loads and loads of Burp Cloths

Asda plastic back bibs!

Cow & Gate Beanie Cow!

Lots of vests and babygrows!


God i seem to have a long list

Edited to add - Breastpads and a huge supply of Always!!

 

[Happybunny]

This book and DVD http://www.thehappiestbaby.com/ absolutely fantastic advice on how to soothe a child in the first three months. We are going to buy a copy for any friends who are having a baby.

And because of the techniques in the book - an electric swing and swaddling blanket werre an absolute godsend!!

http://www.mamasandpapas.co.uk/prod...arlite-swing-berry-rag-doll/470558300/type-i/

http://www.swaddledesigns.com/

 

[Emma58]

A big massive rolled up bath towel in Sams Moses Basket he wouldn't sleep in it otherwise.
That kept me sane for the first few weeks of sleepless nights.

I LOVE MIDNA to this day for suggesting i try that

I LOVE you Emma see your PM!!!

Basically Esme likes being carried and cries when put down, after an awful night where I ended up co sleeping, rocking and basically exhausted (something I dont mind as did with DS but would prefer not to do this time) I read this and adapted it to create a cradling arm out of a blanket and hey presto full nights sleep and able to get stuff done today.

Thanks for posting

You're welcome
Midna's the star tho

 

[ASD123456]

Bouncer chair- he love, love, loves it. He does his exercise on it, watches the TV in it and sleeps in it during the day.

Also Muslins, TT or lansinoh breastpads if breastfeeding. Paracetamol for after the birth to ease the sorenes and Arnica to speed up the healing of your lady bits. Some casual clothes that you don't mind getting baby sick on but that also make you feel good and are comfy. Fully charged camera- you just don't stop taking pictures.

And like some others, a supportive OH (or family member/ friend)- you really need the help in the first few weks especially before you learn to do EVERYTHING one handed (like typing this post )

Thats my short list

Alex xxx

 

[jennifer1981]

I couldn't cope without a CHANGING UNIT!!!!

OMG it is a Godsend.

I had stitches after the birth and it was so painful to put Dylan on the floor changing mat we had bought for him. My aunty gave me her changing unit and i wouldn't be without it.

I keep all his nappies and other stuff for changing him, a pile of spare vests, a pile of sleepsuits, towels and bath stuff.

It's in the lounge so we have near enough everything to hand when we bath, change and dress him (for bed).

I couldn't recommend one enough

 

[BabyMagic]

A SLING for me too, as LO only settled in one. We still love it

 

[NickyB]

I could not have coped without copious numbers of breastpads, love my V pillow too. My DH has been fabulous and hardly ever snaps back when I'm too short with him! My MIL too.

I probably couldn't have lasted BFing until now without the help of many on this forum though, so thanks for that

 

[LisaJ1986]

When she was tiny: Muslins. When Angel was first born i had no idea what they were for, Bibs were a pain and i kept forgetting to put them on. My sister was using them so i bought a pack. I loved having them in the car seat/pushchair as she was a sicky baby, and she's snuggle to sleep with them.

Nursing vests. When i'm learning to breastfeed, and extremely self conscious it was such a discreet way to learn without the embarrassment.

Now: Anything silky. When she's tired she likes holding onto a ribbon or my scalf while sucking her thumb. Muslin no longer does the job.

 

[Strangeness]

Arnica and Lavender oil for healing! My mw advised me to get some and I started feeling so much better after having lavender oil mixed with milk in the bath (it tends to sit on top else) and a couple of arnica tablets. Great stuff!

Moses basket was also great this time, my son hated his but Tamzin loved hers! She's just gone into her crib now but she was so snuggly in her basket.

Rocking chair has also been a godsend when she's got colic!

 

[Bee]

Have to agree with Jolyypops about the cot top changer - I got one for £20 from Mothercare and I love it