Preparing for baby and doing their bed room
Ben and I have been preparing for a baby for years really, ever since we decided to try and conceive. We were so excited that when we were out and saw nice stuff we brought bits here and there. Then when we got pregnant with Nico we obviously started to plan and buy things. We also had lots of friends or family who had just had kids so we got lots of stuff given to us that was pretty much brand new. We also did get some stuff in charity shops, or online second hand. This is the great thing about Facebook market, as although these things were second hand they were only used a few times and it means things are passed around when people do not have much money. Some people do not like second hand items and that is there choice however as long as they are well looked after and we clean them it does not matter to us. Like there are some things that need to be brand new with having a baby and that is dummies, bottles, mattress and bedding however clothes or toys do not matter when babies are not using or wearing them for long, sometimes just in them the once before they out grow things.
The most important thing was that we want neutral items, because at the time with Nico we were not going to find out the gender and although we do know with our rainbow we are still going to dress them in all different colours or clothing. Until they can chose for themselves and then giving them their own opsions of what they want. Thus letting them play with whatever toys and whatever interest/hobbies they enjoy. Our reasons behind this and how we will be raising our child are explained in a previous post - Sex vs Gender, go take a read.
To ensure a neutral theme we choose to have a safari jungle/rain forest design for the bedroom. which we had from the beginning with Nico. This is because we can then use neutral colours like green, orange, brown, yellow, red and grey rather then stereotypical blue or pink. I personally do not agree or like the typical blue or pink colours, nor does Ben so we would never dress them or get everything in one colour even if we were conforming to gender constructions for our child. Being trans ourselves we do not conform to stereotypes and know how much pressure a child is forced upon subconsciously growing up to act or like certain things based on there gender. We do not want this and will ensure our child is not surround by society ideologies based on gender, by exposing them to plenty of colours, toys, and patterns. This also helps their development, as well as being engaging, exciting, having more things to explore. Additionally introducing animals, like lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, tigers, monkeys and sloths, is educational and will set a child up to learn. Also have one colour which is boring.
To ensure a neutral theme we choose to have a safari jungle/rain forest design for the bedroom. which we had from the beginning with Nico. This is because we can then use neutral colours like green, orange, brown, yellow, red and grey rather then stereotypical blue or pink. I personally do not agree or like the typical blue or pink colours, nor does Ben so we would never dress them or get everything in one colour even if we were conforming to gender constructions for our child. Being trans ourselves we do not conform to stereotypes and know how much pressure a child is forced upon subconsciously growing up to act or like certain things based on there gender. We do not want this and will ensure our child is not surround by society ideologies based on gender, by exposing them to plenty of colours, toys, and patterns. This also helps their development, as well as being engaging, exciting, having more things to explore. Additionally introducing animals, like lions, zebras, giraffes, elephants, tigers, monkeys and sloths, is educational and will set a child up to learn. Also have one colour which is boring.
With this baby we also added in things like clouds, stars and rainbows because this baby is our rainbow of hope and their big brother is up in heaven with the clouds and stars. It gives a slight difference to the theme we were reusing after losing our son, to also have that connect with him to our rainbow at the same time. Our rainbow will know about their big brothers so the clouds and stars are that tribute to him. Creating that connection between them and something the baby can visually see in relation to Nico.
So having this theme made it easier to buy and plan for the baby. A lot of the fisher price items are safari themed and in all the colours we wanted therefore a lot of our stuff like bouncier chair, play mats and toys are from fisher price. Fisher price is a well known brand that does an array of items mostly gender neutral and also not too expensive. As I did state most of these items we did get where second hand so even cheaper but basically brand new. When we were planning for Nico, animal clothing like zebras and elephants along with monkey items seem to be the range that year which was amazing for us because we brought lots of lovely stuff that we are use with our rainbow now. Green seemed to also be the colour that year, which is a colour we are still using. However is very associated to Nico, as that is the colour we use for his stuff rather then blue for a boy. Then come this year it is more orange, mustard yellow and grey colours that are popular, with sloths and rainbow stuff being this years style so we got lots of new items or the things we still needed, all fitting to our theme.
Our babies room
The babies room is now all ready and set up for our baby. As I stated the theme is all safari/Rain forest, with green, yellow and orange jungle colours. I will post photos below. I am not using the term nursery because it is a very American term hence we do not refer to it as a nursery it is just their bedroom. Working in a schools as well means I associate the word nursery to education and school not to the home. I will talk about items we have got and how we set up the baby's bed bed room. I am going to include things I recommend that are essentials on top of the items that are not worth it because they are not necessary or just things made to get new parents to spend money. We got some more expensive brand new things as well as second hand stuff.
The bigger furniture we have is mainly white like the cot and baby changing unit as then that goes with any theme and can easily be re used. The cot we actually got is an IKEA one with green draws, we got this around 13 weeks pregnant with Nico. It was second hand only costing us £40. Despite this it was in excellent condition as the previous owner was fostering a young child so it was only used for a few months. We did however buy a brand new mattress for it which was from amazon. It was not too expensive but very decent air flow pocket sprung mattress with a water proof recoverable cover. Then the changing unit is the same IKEA style however, my dad paid for it because it was expensive yet worth it. It converts into a desk as the child grows, it large with draws and shelves for all the baby's stuff. (photos below) The room already had built in white wardrobes so we did not need to worry about this. Then we had furniture like wooden draws, bed side draws and a storage box that we had from either my old house or from Ben's room when we moved into together, I painted these all green, sanded them down and gave them a new lease of life to use for the babies room. Then we had a wickers draw unit and a IKEA rocking lounge chair that Ben's aunt was getting rid of, so we put them in the bedroom too. This meant we had lots of storage for all their stuff and a place to sit whilst feeding them.
Then the Moses basket will be in our room at night which can then be moved around the house during the day depending on where we are. This Moses basket was another more expensive item we did buy new. This is because it is a larger one that can be use up until the baby is 6 months. It also folds up as a travel cot, this is important because we have family and friends that live all around the uk. The main reason we did want this Moses basket is because it had a removable cat net that is breathable and zipped on so that the cats are not able to get their paws in or sit on the baby by accident. Our three cats, especially Hayes are all very affectionate. they could be curious of the baby and not intentionally cause harm however could accidentally hurt our rainbow. Therefore this was essential for us, while for others a more standard cheaper one would be better. The bedside draws we are firstly using in our room because they will be sleeping in there from 0-3 months at least. We have put muslin, bibs, dummies and comforters, in there with some spare nappies and wipes for the night.
Then the other draws are in the wardrobe with 3-6 clothes in, while the 0-3 are in the draws in the changing unit or hanging in the wardrobe. Additionally we have brought little material boxes for muslin, bibs, and blankets that are also in the changing unit along with nappy and wipes on the top shelve. sheets and bedding are in the draws under the cot. Their is also play mats and blankets in a plastic box in the wardrobe. the green storage ottoman box has spare nappies and wipes in that are bigger sizes that we were given when our friends children grow out of them. We have a ottoman box in the living room which has plays mats and toy in it along with the older toys for our nieces and nephews which can be easily accessed or put away. Other thing we have brought new are wash stuff, clothes and shoes, which we have too many of. I will post a photo of the inside the wardrobe and draws too along with our list of what we have.
Things that were given to us by our closest friends Ron and Scott are a prep-machine, microwave sterilizer, baby bath, lots of clothes, muslin, bibs ect... but the main thing is the travel system pram. The pram is a Cosatto wow travel system, with the carry cot, car seat and 6+ months seat. It came with the rain cover and bag. As well as a sun umbrella, foot muff and travel changing mat. They had only used the 6 months plus seat for their daughter and only for a few months so was basically brand new. It was also green jungle theme with foxes so it fit our theme and was neutral.
Some of the bottles and dummies or other bits like skip hop travel changing bag and mam bottles were from the baby show in London, some we got for free, other stuff we brought there at a cheaper sale price. The baby events and sales are the best for getting really great deals. We have lots of mittens, hats, bibs. socks, towels, and well clothes especially vest!! much more then recommend but more is better then running out and not having enough.
Items we have-
accessories
Things we still need or want.
Most of the items we still need are things like bedding, Moses basket sheets and cot sheets. Then a few random bits that we would like but are not in need of straight away, like thermometers, milk powder travel pots, glow in dark Dummies, teeters, medicines and a first aid kit. Stocking up on more nappies, Wipes and bath stuff however we do have some to get us though if baby is born early. My mum has been amazing and is getting a box of wash essentials likke shampoo, baby bath and moisturiser, long with some little bits like grape water, Sudacream, Dummies clips, cotton wool, blankets andd medicine. With still buying more so she has really helped us out.
I would recommend.
Some items we have which I would recommend is fisher price toys as they are bright, colourful and gender neutral but do also do stereotypical colours if you prefer that. They are good quality and generally have multiple purposes. Furniture that grows with your child is great because they will be used for years rather then months and therefore worth the price. Another thing we did make sure we had was gro- bags sometime called sleeping bags. These are safer then blankets because they are fitted by zipping the baby into them, with only there head and arms out. They have lots of room at the bottom for baby to move there legs around with out kicking it off when its cold. They come in different thickness for all year round even being about to get some with removable long sleeves. Unlike a blanket no matter how perfectly swaddled the baby is they can over heat, be restricted from natural movements, as will as come un-swaddled. Hence getting tangled in a blanket with risk of suffocation. Especially when a baby starts wiggling more or rolling themselves over. Other items are music sleep aids like having a cot mobiles or baby monitors with lullabies included. We have a elephant that shines stars on the ceiling and has multiply colours and songs along with a heart beat and white noise sounds. This helps baby to sleep better or to calm them when they are unsettles. However do not use these instead of singing and holding your baby, but in addition to your attention as well. I would also recommend the glowegg, which is a night light that changes colour depending of the temperature of the room there you can clearly see if it is too hot or cold in the room and make to adjustments need to ensure the room is thee right temperature. (betweeen 16-20 degree's). Then all the essionals, vest, sleeepsuit, muslins,, dummies, bottle if formula feeding. Wash things, Nappies wipes, nappy rash creams and medicine.
Baby items we did not get and think they are not worth it.
There are many baby items that are essential or really useful however there is also lots of stuff that is not worth the money or that you will just never use. This is because companies make people believe that everything is needed. As a new parent company take advantage to make money. I feel some things are also not worth the money because they are only needed for a while or used the once. Like I said before we got a lot of stuff second hand or from charity and I feel passing items on gets the best use and is reusing meaning things do not end up in land fields. There are some thing we did spend money on that i believe is worth it like our Moses basket with the cats net, our cot can be converted into a infant bed as the baby grows as well as the changing unit turning into a desk. This gives one item multiply purposes and will be used for years. There is also some things we have that if we had not been given them from friends for free we probably would not have brought. These included wrap slings which I am not sure we will even used because me and Ben do not like the idea of tiring the baby round with a piece of material. Other things included a electric bottle warmer and prep-machine. Prep machines are handy especially at night because they make a baby's bottle to the right temperature and oz in a few minutes. while they are expensive with needing filters replaced so we would not have brought one as they are not worth the money. When we have a kettles, but as we have one we will use it and really appreciate being given these items.
Other items we are not getting are baby bath tubes, whats wrong with using a cheaper baby seat and your own bath tube. Again it may be essential for others it people only have a shower. Then wipe warmers we think are not safe and useless. There has been lots of articles about these burning baby's by getting too hot or being unevenly heated. Baby wipes are not freezing and therefore do not need to be warmed, just keeping the packets closed and warming them up in your own hands a bit is enough. Baby bin's we feel are also not worth the money, these bins have to take specific nappy bags, that you pre -load into the bin which then wraps and tie each nappy inside when you throw them away. where as it does not take long to put a nappy in a nappy bag tie it and throw it away yourself. Then by regularly emptying your bins will stop them it from smelling.
Cot bumper are a big no to us, they are unsafe and really not needed. If you are going to get one I would suggest a breathable one. We have got a breathable cot bumper which is jungle because again someone gave it to us but we do not plan on using it. Cots are made to be safe for baby's the bar are far enough apart that baby's can not get limbs stuck in the gaps while not being big enough to get there head through. The bars are also rounded and painted with safe paints. The worst that can happen by not using a bumper is slight knocks that may cause a bruise however very unlikely as the baby would not hit the bars with stuck force to cause any injuries. Compared to the risk of suffocation when using a bumper as the baby could roll and press their face up against it or pull it off over their face. Resulting in death. I know I would rather the risk of a bump here and there with a little scrap or bruise.
But everyone is different so what you feel is essential to your baby and your life style is fine. Everyone has different view, ideas and dislike on what they feel is important. Different households or situations that would effect what you get. So whatever you buy orr noot get if fine there no right or wrong preparing for a baaby it's just what's right for you. I just wanted to get down what we felt if essentional or what we feel is not worth purchasing, be give ideas to others who many be unsure on what to buy. I would love to here other people opitions and baby setup. Please share and comments photos off your precious babies space.
Photos of our baby's room
(Written at 32 weeks)
Items we have-
- Newborn
- 2 preemie sleepsuits
- 2 rainbow leggings
- PJ set with top and bottoms with feet
- 2 bottoms with feet
- 2 PJ trousers
- 2 PJ tops
- 8 short sleeve vest
- 2 long sleeve vest
- 14 sleepsuits
- 3 short sleeve tops
- 2 long sleeve tops
- 2 dungarees
- 1 jacket with hoods
0-3
- 28 sleepsuits
- 2 Christmas outfits.
- 41 short sleeve vest
- 18 long sleeve vest
- 5 bottoms with feet
- 4 PJ tops
- 5 baggy bottoms
- 9 trousers
- super man PJ set
- 13 short sleeve tops
- 15 long sleeve tops
- 5 smart t-shirts
- 5 jogging bottoms
- 2 cargo trousers
- 2 jogger and jumper sets
- 2 dungarees
- 5 rompers
- 1 Christmas jumper
- 2 jumpers
- 5 jumpers with hoods
- 4 jackets
- 4 thick coats
- 1 denim coat
- 4 pram/ snow suits
- 2 knitted Carolingian.
- 4 grow bags 0-6
- 3 knitted blankets
- 4 fluffy blankets
- 1 thin hooded blanket
- 1 hooded sloth blankets
- 2 milestone floor Blankets
- 1 blue, rainbow hooded blanket
- 42 dribble bibs
- 16 feeding bibs
- 7 large muslin's blankets
- 11 muslin's squares
- 14 mittens
- 4 thicker gloves
- 13 small hats
- 14 bigger hats
We also have tights, headbands, and dresses along with some smart shirts and jeans from before we knew what we were having. Along with pink vest and blue vest, with orange, purple and green vests. We are not bothered what colour vests the baby wears underneath other clothes as they get messy and need to be changed anyways. Whether we are having a boy or girl they are vests. We would rather have loads then not enough. Although as you can see we have far too many because loads of people brought us some or gave us second hand stuff.
Things we still need or want.
Most of the items we still need are things like bedding, Moses basket sheets and cot sheets. Then a few random bits that we would like but are not in need of straight away, like thermometers, milk powder travel pots, glow in dark Dummies, teeters, medicines and a first aid kit. Stocking up on more nappies, Wipes and bath stuff however we do have some to get us though if baby is born early. My mum has been amazing and is getting a box of wash essentials likke shampoo, baby bath and moisturiser, long with some little bits like grape water, Sudacream, Dummies clips, cotton wool, blankets andd medicine. With still buying more so she has really helped us out.
I would recommend.
Some items we have which I would recommend is fisher price toys as they are bright, colourful and gender neutral but do also do stereotypical colours if you prefer that. They are good quality and generally have multiple purposes. Furniture that grows with your child is great because they will be used for years rather then months and therefore worth the price. Another thing we did make sure we had was gro- bags sometime called sleeping bags. These are safer then blankets because they are fitted by zipping the baby into them, with only there head and arms out. They have lots of room at the bottom for baby to move there legs around with out kicking it off when its cold. They come in different thickness for all year round even being about to get some with removable long sleeves. Unlike a blanket no matter how perfectly swaddled the baby is they can over heat, be restricted from natural movements, as will as come un-swaddled. Hence getting tangled in a blanket with risk of suffocation. Especially when a baby starts wiggling more or rolling themselves over. Other items are music sleep aids like having a cot mobiles or baby monitors with lullabies included. We have a elephant that shines stars on the ceiling and has multiply colours and songs along with a heart beat and white noise sounds. This helps baby to sleep better or to calm them when they are unsettles. However do not use these instead of singing and holding your baby, but in addition to your attention as well. I would also recommend the glowegg, which is a night light that changes colour depending of the temperature of the room there you can clearly see if it is too hot or cold in the room and make to adjustments need to ensure the room is thee right temperature. (betweeen 16-20 degree's). Then all the essionals, vest, sleeepsuit, muslins,, dummies, bottle if formula feeding. Wash things, Nappies wipes, nappy rash creams and medicine.
Baby items we did not get and think they are not worth it.
There are many baby items that are essential or really useful however there is also lots of stuff that is not worth the money or that you will just never use. This is because companies make people believe that everything is needed. As a new parent company take advantage to make money. I feel some things are also not worth the money because they are only needed for a while or used the once. Like I said before we got a lot of stuff second hand or from charity and I feel passing items on gets the best use and is reusing meaning things do not end up in land fields. There are some thing we did spend money on that i believe is worth it like our Moses basket with the cats net, our cot can be converted into a infant bed as the baby grows as well as the changing unit turning into a desk. This gives one item multiply purposes and will be used for years. There is also some things we have that if we had not been given them from friends for free we probably would not have brought. These included wrap slings which I am not sure we will even used because me and Ben do not like the idea of tiring the baby round with a piece of material. Other things included a electric bottle warmer and prep-machine. Prep machines are handy especially at night because they make a baby's bottle to the right temperature and oz in a few minutes. while they are expensive with needing filters replaced so we would not have brought one as they are not worth the money. When we have a kettles, but as we have one we will use it and really appreciate being given these items.
Other items we are not getting are baby bath tubes, whats wrong with using a cheaper baby seat and your own bath tube. Again it may be essential for others it people only have a shower. Then wipe warmers we think are not safe and useless. There has been lots of articles about these burning baby's by getting too hot or being unevenly heated. Baby wipes are not freezing and therefore do not need to be warmed, just keeping the packets closed and warming them up in your own hands a bit is enough. Baby bin's we feel are also not worth the money, these bins have to take specific nappy bags, that you pre -load into the bin which then wraps and tie each nappy inside when you throw them away. where as it does not take long to put a nappy in a nappy bag tie it and throw it away yourself. Then by regularly emptying your bins will stop them it from smelling.
Cot bumper are a big no to us, they are unsafe and really not needed. If you are going to get one I would suggest a breathable one. We have got a breathable cot bumper which is jungle because again someone gave it to us but we do not plan on using it. Cots are made to be safe for baby's the bar are far enough apart that baby's can not get limbs stuck in the gaps while not being big enough to get there head through. The bars are also rounded and painted with safe paints. The worst that can happen by not using a bumper is slight knocks that may cause a bruise however very unlikely as the baby would not hit the bars with stuck force to cause any injuries. Compared to the risk of suffocation when using a bumper as the baby could roll and press their face up against it or pull it off over their face. Resulting in death. I know I would rather the risk of a bump here and there with a little scrap or bruise.
But everyone is different so what you feel is essential to your baby and your life style is fine. Everyone has different view, ideas and dislike on what they feel is important. Different households or situations that would effect what you get. So whatever you buy orr noot get if fine there no right or wrong preparing for a baaby it's just what's right for you. I just wanted to get down what we felt if essentional or what we feel is not worth purchasing, be give ideas to others who many be unsure on what to buy. I would love to here other people opitions and baby setup. Please share and comments photos off your precious babies space.
Photos of our baby's room
(Written at 32 weeks)
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