Things that is a necessity and what is not

Before my arrival my mom started planning on the things that I may need.  As with many new parents, they bought into all the nice marketing campaigns of telling you that YOU DO NEED THIS!  So I'm going to de-myth what I really need.  


My mom chose breastfeeding, so obviously a breast pump is necessary.  This is usually an investment piece as it comes at a price.  Then there is obviously a monitor, which is also an investment piece.  The good news is of these two items is that most Medical Aids in South Africa will either cover the entire amount or partial.  It is recommended to all parents-to-be to check with your medical aid NOW!  They don't advertise this, thinking that all parents would go and read their fine print.


The nursery, this is usually my parents choice as it really does not make any difference to me on what the room looks like.  I have to say this though, is that it is really not necessary to pay an arm and a leg for a designer bedroom.  I will DESTROY it anyways...hahaha~
There are some tips I can give you though;
1. Changing table is nice but I will outgrow it in 3 months, so best is to get one of those small sized playmats to be a changing area.  So as I get older, it will be my distraction for parents to have that few minutes to clean my little cute bum bum.
2. Medium - Large playmats are good pieces to have as they are also portal.  Good place to keep me busy.
3. High Chair - this item is usually not needed until I can sit unsupported.  My mom got me a really cool one from Stokke.  I will be able to use it from birth to adulthood - amazing.  


A word on bottles, my mom first got me Dr. Browns bottle.  Yes they advertise that it helps with colic reduction, but it is a nightmare to wash, maintain and expensive.  So my mom decided to change to Pigeon, best thing ever.  Didn't cost as much, easy to maintain and also reduced colic (unlike Dr. Browns, Pigeon does not have that vent thing that comes with every bottle).  By the way, you really don't need to spend SO MUCH on an electric sterilizer.  All you need is a microwave version and it works just as well.  Plus with a microwave version, when I start solids, it can fit all kinds of things rather then just bottles.


There is one essential thing that is needed which no one will tell you is ALOE GEL.  Best thing ever, as it cools me in summer of my summer rash and takes care of various insect bites.  It also keeps my skin soft and smooth, since it is pure aloe there is no danger of allergy issues.  


So think before you buy, does your little angel need this or is it for YOU?  Very important question, as you wouldn't like your house to become a creche one day with all those fancy toys and things that is not needed.


I've attached a list just to help you get started on what you need in the beginning.  I need to remind you that it is just a guideline, you might not need everything for your little angel.

FOR THE HOSPITAL
Hospital - Infantasia Starter Pack Includes
Description	Product Options
Starter Pack	1x 500g Bennetts Hyper Allergenic Aqueous Cream
	1x 50g J&J Baby Powder
	1x Box J&J Earbuds
	1x Packet of Cotton Wool Balls
	1x 200 ml Pigeon Shampoo
	1x Packet of 28 Pampers Newborn Nappies
	1x Packet of Pigeon Travel Wet Wipes
	1x 100ml Petroleum Jelly
	1x 150g  Bennetts Bum Cream
	1x Box of Disposable Breast Pads
	1x Pkt of 12 Carefix Maternity Pads
	1x Surgical Spirit
	1x Infantasia Bag
Hospital - Maternity Essentials
Carefix	Maternity Stretch Panties(After Birth) Size:
Carefix	Maternity Feeding Bra Size - Size: 38
Carefix	Maternity Pads
Serenity	Linen Savers - Each
Nuk	Silicone Dummies No1  (0-6 Months) 2per pack
Purelan	Purelan TM 100 7g Nipple Cream
Pigeon	Breast Pads 36's Premium
Carefix	Feeding Sleep Shirt Size: L
Pampers	Newborn 44's Disposable Nappies
Nappy Sacks	25's Travel Pack
Nappy Sacks	150's Travel Pack
Hospital - Toiletry Essentials
Pigeon
Pigeon	Wet Wipes 82's in Pack
Pigeon	Wet Wipes 82's in Pack with Hard Dispenser
Neomedic	Cotton Ball 1000gms
Bennetts
Bennetts	Baby Bum Cream  150g
Bennetts	Baby Aqueous Cream 550ml - Hypo Allergenic
Bennetts	Baby Water Resistance Sunblock
Mattresses, Cushions, Cot Bumpers & Linen
Matress	Compactum PVC Mattress - Made to size in White
Sleep EZ	Breathe EZ Health Tex Cot Mattress
Sleep EZ	Sleep EZ Curved Back & Side Wedge
Sleep EZ	Breathe EZ Cot Lift Wedge
Sleep EZ	Pram Lift Wedge for Crib
Sleep EZ	Pillow
Sleep EZ	Cot Bumper Inner
Sleep EZ	health Tex Cot Sheets
Percale	Cot Bumper Cotton Embroided - Not required if ordering linen set
Percale	Cotton -  embroidered or plain and piped
	Nappy Stacker - Embroided
	Muslin Squares - Pack of 3
	Receiveing Blankets - 100% Brushed Cotton
	Duvet Inner - Pure Wool
	Wrappers Cotton Stretch - 100% Interlock Cotton
	Cuddle Wrap Baby Sense Shaped Wrapper for Swaddling
	Cellular Blankets Plain - 100% Cotton
	Cellular Blankets Plain - 100% Cotton - Embroidered
	Double Mink Blanket
Useful Bedroom Essentials
	Afterbath Towelling Nappies Incl. Towelling Cover
	Afterbath Cover Laminated Towelling
	Towelling Nappies Plain White - Pack of 4
AngelCare	AngelCare 3 in 1 Monitor (confirm medical aid coverage)
Tiny Love	Cot Toy Mobile
Tiny Love	Cot Toy Double Sided Book
Around The House - Travelling
Leya	Campcot, Incl Mosquito Net, Bassinette, Nightlight, Music
	Snugli
Breathe EZ	Campcot Matress - Standard Size
Breathe EZ	Health Tex Sheet for Standard Size Campcot
	Cot Lift Wedge
Sun Visors	Pram Visor Protect a bub
	Vehicle Sox - Provide Make and model of Car
Graco	Ultima Travel System
Around The House - Feeding
Dr Browns	Feeding Bottles 120ml Wideneck
Avent	Single Pack 260ml
Avent	Twin Pack 260ml
Milk Storage System	Via Milk Storage Cups 180ml
Milk Storage System	Via Lids
Pigeon	Bottle & Teat Brush
Pigeon	Bottle Warmer
Snookums	6 Bottle Microwave Steriliser
	Sterilising Liquid
Pigeon	Formula Dispenser
Useful Bathroom Essentials - Bath
	Shaped Bath on a Stand
Born Fabulous Towel	Cuddledry
Petit Chic	Plain White Hooded Towel
Useful Bathroom Essentials - Nice To Have
Safety First	Bath Thermometer
Medicine Cabinet
	Magphos
	Saline Nose Drops
	Calpol
	Gripe Water
	Traumeel
Braun	Thermometer
	Mercury Thermometer
	Digital Safety 1st Thermometer
	Medicine Dropper
Pigeon	Nasal Aspirator
Useful
Carmen	Hot Air 4 Litre Humidifier (can use Aeromatherapy)
Carmen	Hot/Cold humidifier (can use Aeromatherapy oils)
Safety 1st	Deluxe Grooming Set - New
Clothing
Baby Gros	100% InterlockCotton Newborn Baby Gros -  Green
Baby Gros	100% Interlock Cotton 0-3 Months Baby Gros -  Pink
Body Vest	New Born Short Sleeve - White
Body Vest	0-3 Months Short Sleeve - White
Long Sleeve Vest	New Born Long Sleeve - White
Long Sleeve Vest	0-3 months Long Sleeve - White
Beanies	100% interlock cotton
Socks	Towelling
Jersey	Pure Wool Jersey
Petit Chic	Bibs (2's)