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SHOPPING CHECKLIST

Far be it for us to dissuade people from spending their money any way they like in our stores, but we know just how exciting and enticing our product range can be - especially when you've just announced to the world that you're pregnant. If you've already bought your first pair of first-size baby shoes - so tiny, so cute - we're not in the least surprised.

But while everything we stock is ideal for someone, we want to make sure that what you buy is ideal for you. That's why you'll find the number of items on our checklist for mothers-to-be and baby's first weeks more limited than you might expect.

 

Shopping service
Remember, if you don't have time to shop, you can leave a clearly written list at the store and our staff will be happy to do your shopping for you at no extra cost. All you have to do is come in to pay and collect it.

 

 

 

Ideal starter pack for your baby's first few weeks
You will want most of these things in place by the time you arrive home from hospital, but some will depend on the individual choices you have made.

Baby clothes (including those on the mother-to-be list)

	Nappies
	Vests/bodysuits (4-6)
	Socks or bootees (2)
	Stretch/sleep suits with popper legs for easy nappy access (4-6)
	Bibs
	Cardigans (2)
	Shawl
	Hat and mittens
	Scratch mittens (2 pairs)

Sleeping

	Cot and well-fitting mattress
	Fitted cot sheets for the mattress (4)
	Cot sheets (4)
	Cot blankets (3)
	Moses basket and/or carrycot bedding: 2 sheets, 2 fitted sheets for the mattress, 2 blankets
	Baby monitor

NB do not use pillows or duvets for babies under one year old.

 
Breastfeeding

• Nursing bras (2-3)
• Breast pads

You may need the following products but take advice from your midwife or health visitor first

Breast pump

• Expressed milk storage bottles or bags
• Sterilising equipment
• Nipple shields, breast cream and breast shells
   

Bottle feeding
Take advice from your midwife or health visitor

• Sterilising equipment
• 250ml feeding bottles, teats and covers (6 of each)
• Infant milk formula

 

Baby equipment

• Changing mat
• Baby toiletries, cotton wool, baby wipes
• Baby bath
• Home safety equipment (bath mat, safety harness, safety gate and smoke detector etc -always fix them in place well in advance of when you think you'll need them)
   

 

Transport
Baby carrier, car seat, carrycot, pushchair and pram all have their role to play and, together, they make up the most substantial purchase you'll make for the early weeks. So think carefully about what you'll need. Our staff will be happy to help you decide which combination best suits your lifestyle and budget in the short and long term.

 

Mother-to-be checklist

By the last few weeks of your pregnancy, you should have the following ready for use.

Consult your midwife about hospital policy on what you need to take with you in your ready-packed hospital bag and what can follow on later.

In hospital For you

	Front opening nightshirts (3)
	Light dressing gown, socks and slippers
	Nursing or support bras (2 or 3)
	Maternity pads (2 packs)
	Breast pads (1 pack)
	Disposable briefs (2 packs)
	Dark bath towels (2)
	Toilet bag with essential toiletries and tissues
	Outdoor clothes for you

For your baby

	Vests/bodysuits (4)
	Scratch mittens (1 pack)
	Stretch/sleepsuits with popper legs for easy nappy access (4)
	Unisex disposable nappies, newborn size (pack of 24)
	Baby toiletries
	An outfit to come home in, taking weather into account
	Car seat for the journey home

 

Baby clothes

Check the neck in baby clothes
Seams are stitched down flat and there are no scatchy labels which could irritate the sensitive skin on your baby's neck

Plenty of headroom
We make sure garments have enough stretch in the neckline so they are easy to put on and take-off

Easy to undo
Baby clothes have ample openings for easier dressing and undressing. And we monitor every aspect - from the choice of poppers, zips and buttons right down to the way button holes are stitched.

Tiny toes can't get caught
Socks are knitted in such a way that toes can't get snagged and garments with feet are made without any thread ends on the inside for the same reason.

Soft enough for baby
All fabrics are rigorously tested to make sure they stand up to repeated wash and wear and denim is enzyme-washed - rather than stone-washed - so there's no danger of grit left behind from the process.