My baby essentials 0-6 Months

When you're a first time mum you don't really know what products you're going to find really useful and which will sit collecting dust. Now Reuben is 7 months old and starting to get more mobile certain products have been retired to the loft. Below is my list of products I've found really useful in the first 6 months of his life.

Baby sleeping bags

I don't know what we would have done if these didn't exist! they have literally been the best purchase ever! We have mainly used Gro Bags for Reuben (which you can always pick up in TK MAXX for a cheaper price) If your child is anything like mine you will not be able to swaddle and if you use blankets they will constantly wake up cold. With a sleeping bag they have room to move around and stretch their legs out, yet you have peace of mind they are nice and warm all night long.

Baby play mat/gym

We have only recently stopped using this and up until this point it was a necessity. (i recommend something with stimulating bright colours) In the very early days it was something for him to look at/a nice safe place for tummy time. Then it moved to him batting the toys, then grabbing and then finally rolling all around the mat. We now just use the mat without the arches. Babies learn through play so need plenty of time as they grow to explore. A good quality play mat is perfect for this.

Muslins

Bit of a boring one but you will use muslins a lot. They're perfect for mopping up milk or spit up and we often have them dotted around the house even though hes never been a sicky Baby. (He now uses them as a comforter)

Bouncer chair

We had an all singing all dancing swing which he really couldn't care less about...but he likes the old fashioned style basic bouncer chair. its also really light and portable so easy to move from room to room when you need to get stuff done (or simply have a wee). I still use it now occasionally and he kicks his legs making himself bounce.

Cardigans

Perfect for in the car seat as they're only thin so mean the harness can be tightened properly whilst keeping baby warm. (you shouldn't use thick coats in the car) They also look super cute and are comfortable to wear.

Textured toys

Babies love to feel different textures so toys with different colours and materials are perfect for stimulating your baby. we have found the Lamaze toys brilliant with Rusty Robot and Freddie Firefly being a favourite. They're also perfect to attach to the pram/pushchair to entertain them whilst you're out and about.

Vests, lots of vests

You will be using these day and night most of the year (since we're not blessed with lovely warm weather) so its a good idea to have quite a few so you don't have to worry about getting them washed and dry every few days. You can pick these up cheap in most supermarkets.

Baby carrier

This one is personal taste but i couldn't live without my ergo 360 baby carrier. we have a dog so its perfect for dog walks and getting off the beaten track. When Reuben was tiny i also used to put him in it around the house if he was being particularly fussy (babies love being close to mums chest).

Pram

For me i used my pram top on a basic moses basket stand in the lounge for day time naps as well as out and about so we got a lot of use out of it. A nice roomy carrycot will last longer and you can get one to suit every budget.

Breathing monitor

Again this is personal choice but i loved my sensor pad breathing monitor in the early days, it gave me peace of mind and meant i was able to switch off and get a bit of sleep at night. (an alarm sounds if the baby doesn't breathe for 30 seconds) We've only just stopped using it as Reuben is to mobile now.

Hopefully my list of baby essentials may help another new/expectant mummy out :)