Parenting expert, Sue Atkins, has given us some great tips for new parents when it comes to buying essentials for their new born.

Parenting on Female First

Parenting on Female First

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1. First things first, you need to sit down and consider the things you really need to start with, this means that you will be less likely to impulse buy when browsing  for the essentials.

Essentials will include:

- Cot (plus mattress, sheets and blankets)

- Car seat

- Pram/buggy/travel system*

- Six sleepsuits/ long sleeved suits

- Six vests/ short sleeved suits

- Two cardigans/ jackets

- Changing mat

- Nappies

- Bottles/teats/bottle brush (only needed if not breastfeeding)

- Nursing bra and breast pads

- Loads of bibs

- Plenty of towels/ flannels/ muslin squares (for bathing and dribbles!)

- Loads of kitchen roll and cotton wool pads

- Brush and comb

Things that are handy:

- Moses basket/ crib (plus mattress, sheets and blankets)

- Baby bath

- Baby box or bag

- Sling

- Bouncy chair

- Baby monitor

- Changing bag

- Steam steriliser

- Breast pump

- Baby lotion

- Baby wipes

- Bath thermometer

- Nail scissors

- Nappy wrapper

2. If you're planning a big spend on baby goodies why not join a membership club like Amazon Family. Aimed at parents of babies and young children, Amazon Family is a programme designed to help families save time and money with great offers on products for babies, children and parents. So if you have a long list of items you need, it is a fast, convenient way to get everything you need, whilst saving money in the process.

3. Don't get drawn into buying designer baby clothes or items as your baby doesn't care about labels! They just want clean, comfortable and safe clothing, not the latest labels and trends. So don't be tempted to splash out on designer gear. They'll soon reach their teens and demand expensive goods, so save the cash for later (you'll need it!)

4. Though not high on your priority list when you are planning for a baby, it is nevertheless really important to sort out your will. If you're about to add to your family, make sure you've made a will so that any assets such as savings or a house are attributed to those you’d like to ensure are looked after. It's well worth tackling as soon as possible, both for your baby and for your peace of mind.

5. Ensure you're getting Child Tax Credit. Tax credits are payouts made regularly into your bank account from the state to support you if you have children, or if you work but have a low income. How much you get will vary widely depending on your circumstances, but any extra help you can get will help you enormously.

6. The best advice I can give is to focus on the love and attention you give to your baby, creating strong bonds, not worrying about all the material things. Babies spell love ‘T-I- M- E !’ so cuddle, hug and talk to your baby

7. Don’t be too proud to ask for help! Having a baby is exhausting, and often overwhelming, so let your partner do the cooking or let your Mother In Law do some ironing without feeling guilty - you are looking after a new baby so what could be more important than ensuring you have help when you need it.

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