EmmaDoran

Hi Jenny I had similar problems (couldn't breastfeed my son but was losing a finger in the process of trying to calm him at night). We have used a dummy since he was about 1 month (he's now nearly 5 months) and just use it for sleep times. I wasn't keen initally but then one of my friends said to me - 'you can take away a dummy but not a thumb'...

Hi Jasmina Yes to: Lots of vests and sleepsuits. We bought quite a lot from Sainsburys and still do - they are inexpensive, have some nice designs and wash well. LOTS of muslins! Baby sleeping bags - we have them by Mothercare, Boots and M&S, all are fine and wash/dry well Ergonomic bath seat - don't bother with a baby bath as they are cumbersome. The seat means you can just lie them in it in your normal bath. Costs at ?15 in Mothercare. Your baby may hate the bath initally though - we had to bath our son in the kitchen sink until he was 2 months old as he'd go nuts if we tried the bath! Microwave bottle steriliser - we have Tommee Tippee and it's fine Medela Swing electric breast pump if you are thinking of expressing - a manual pump is a lot cheap but will give you RSI! Roomy baby bag with pockets, bottle holders and a changing mat Cot top changer/changing table Bouncer (our baby loves the Fisher Price Rainforest bouncer) Baby gym - I got a ?75 Mamas & Papas Lottie the Ladybird mat for ?15 on eBay. Initially our baby showed no interest but at about 3 months he fell in love with it! Ditto baby toys - babies don't really get interested in toys until about 3 months and you will get lots as presents anyway. Manduca baby carrier - one of the more expensive on the market but simple to put on and holds baby in a comfy postion Lots of baby wipes Two books I found useful: 'Baby Love' by Robin Barker. She's an Australian so some of the references are to Australian organisations, but we have obvious equivalents and her advices is very practical and down to earth. Also, 'Your Babycare Bible' by Dr Anne Deanes No to: Baby sling (tried my son in one when he was about 2 months and he looked at me as if to say 'I don't think so...' Sainsbury's nappies (subjective of course, we didn't get on with them but I'm sure others do) Baby shampoo, lotion, bubble bath - not recommended by midwives and baby skin is very delicate Swaddling blanket - our son is more of a fling-your-arms-and-legs around type of guy Lots of baby blankets - our son kicks them over his head Cot bumper - would recommend a Safe Dreams Cot Wrap instead

Thanks for the clarification. Annaloo, I have been to see 5 nurseries so far and would never consider sending my son to somewhere I hadn't visited on at least two different occasions. One of said nurseries was rated as 'Excellent' by OFSTED but when I visited had a dog basket as one of the beds in the babies room, so will probably give that one a miss..

Hi - confused...alibo are you referring to the Forest Hill nursery or the Peckham Rye one? The Peckham Rye one's OFSTED report is good! Just wondering as am currently sorting out childcare for my son.

Thanks to everyone for your advice! Emma x

Can anyone recommend a baby sling/carrier? My son is 3 months old and I've tried the Baby Bjorn, which he seems to feel a bit squished in, and a Premaxx which neither of us felt overly secure with. Would be interested in finding out if anyone has any recommendations. Cheers! Emma

I would highly recommend the Lanes midwives (did not have any personal experience of the Brierly but I hear they are good too although more geared towards home births). I had the same midwife all the way through my pregnancy which was very reassuring as she got to know me well. She stayed with me all the way through her shift (and came straight back when she was back on) when I was in labour and then another Lanes midwife came in when she'd gone. They run a 'Meet the midwives' session pre-birth date so I also knew her too. The majority of my appointments were done at home which saved me waddling up Crystal Palace Road at 40 weeks pregnant :) The after care was great as well, I was kept on for far longer than normal as I had difficulties breastfeeding. Really would recommend them without hesitation.