Having a Baby or Twins? The 10 Items you NEED for Your First Year!

As a mum of three myself (including twins), I have put together a list of the 10 items you need for your first year…

 

Video Monitor

In the first few months after giving birth you might be spooked by any unfamiliar sound coming from your baby’s crib so having a video monitor can really save you a lot of stress. You can be reassured of your baby’s safety at any time without having to constantly walk back and forth between rooms.  Some people worry they will spend every night looking at it even when their baby is asleep. But for us it was a great tool to prevent us from rushing in at the first whimper. If you’re not too tech savvy, I’d recommend a video baby monitor from BT as they are reasonably priced and easy to use.

 

Baby Bjorn Bouncer

Not only is it simple, light and portable, babies love it. Unlike many other baby swings, the movement is generated by your baby’s own bodyweight. This makes it very light and also nice and easy to carry around with you. When folded up, the Baby Bjorn Bouncer fits perfectly in the basket under your pram.

 

Helpful Books

‘Baby Secrets’ by Jo Tatum is really excellent if you do want some order in your home. This book allows you to find a routine your baby is close to and then helps you to progress from there till they are in the best routine to suit your families needs / lifestyle. Additionally you might want to check out ‘First-Time Parent: The honest guide to coping brilliantly and staying sane in your baby’s first year’.

First-Time Parents by Lucy Atkins

 

Baby Secrets by Jo Tantum and Barbra Want

Travel Cot with Bassinet

Having twins, the bending over was a nightmare. With these you can start with the babies at a higher level like normal cots and then drop it down as they get older. It was a life saver for my back and it will do wonders for yours, trust me.

 

 

Ikea high chair

The Ikea high chair is £15 and faultless, I can’t recommend it enough. It offers better support than most of the chairs I have tried, (and I have tried quite a few) Save your money for something else - maybe a nice leather changing bag for example.

 

First Foods Recipes and Weaning books

Annabel Karmel’s 'First Foods’ recipes' and the book ‘Baby Led Weaning’ by Gill Grapley are great sources of information to get you started on weaning. Karmel has lots of lovely recipes whilst Grapely gives a great beginner friendly explanation of baby led weaning. I would also suggest a basic hand blender / small chopper as these are great to have in your kitchen. I am all for items that are long lasting and change with your needs.

First Foods' recipes

 

Baby-led Weaning by Gill Grapley

 

Steriliser and Nappy Bin

If you are just having one baby then the microwave Avent steriliser is brilliant. Lightweight, simple to use and clean. If twins are on the agenda I found the Avent tall version perfect as it holds more bottles. For smelly nappies the Sangenic bin is a godsend. It cleverly wraps each nappy in a plastic cover so that the smell is kept at bay even in your baby's nursery.

 Microwave Avent Steriliser

 

 

Avent Tall Version: Philips Avent Advanced Bottle Steriliser

 

Body Worn Baby Carrier

These are great for getting you out and about without a pram. There are lots of options out there to choose from and it's all about trying one that fits you well and suits your needs. I found the baby bjorn carrier gave really good back support. Since they are made of a lovely soft material, you can observe your baby’s posture and feel the natural curvature of their back through the fabric.

 

 

A High Quality Leather Changing Bag

Being organised = happy mother = happy children. I am passionate about solving this problem with out range of Leather Changing Bags. Our baby changing bags and backpacks bridge the gap between designer leather bags and mummy bags, so you can raise the next generation in style. From the early days as a new mum to the years beyond, the innovative layout of your KeriKit bag will keep every essential organised and within easy reach even when your hands are full.

 

Shop our range of beautiful Leather Changing Bags

 

Nighties

Far easier and quicker to use in the middle of the night. Ask your granny, they were all the rage in her day! Luckily you can still find them. Forget poppers, they are so fiddly at 2am! Maternity nighties a great idea as you will benefit from them before, during and after pregnancy. Your bump won’t disappear overnight so something comfy like this lace nightie and robe set is great to have in. But don’t be afraid to treat yourself to a little luxury either. Check out this Silk Lace-Trim Nightie if you fancy something a bit more elegant, you deserve it!

 Boohoo Maternity Lace Nightie And Robe Set

 

The White Company Silk Lace-Trim Nightie

The essential items for surviving your first year of parenthood

I haven’t mentioned all the usual items you know you will be buying such as a pram, nappies, bottles, wipes, Calpol, teething granules, bedding and muslins etc. I just wanted to share some of my experiences with you on the key items I not only found the most practical but also ones which didn’t cost the earth. Good luck to all you pregnant Mummies to be, it's an exciting, tiring and rewarding journey for us all.

Having a baby or twins? Browse our range of long-lasting Leather Changing Bags here.

 

Love always,

Keri x

 

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