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Baby Shower Gift Ideas or simply really useful items for baby & you

Products Quantity Comments Shop
For Mom
Lansinoh Nipple cream 10g This small tube goes a long way! Lansinoh HPA® Lanolin is the only lanolin available that contains no preservatives or additives of any kind, so it does not have to be removed before breastfeeding. Buy
now
Sanitary pads
You'll use these for about 2 weeks after the birth of your baby (less if you have a c-section)

Breast pads 8 per day
Disposable and washable varieties are available. We preferred the convenience of disposables and found Tommee Tippee and Medela to be the most discreet and comfortable.

Breast-feeding bras 4
Use breastfeeding gym-style bras to start with as they are more roomy. Once milk supply regulates you can progress to the "sexier" range

Breast-feeding PJ's 2 Button front PJs are fine for summer. In winter, opt for shirts/tops or nighties that allow you to expose your breast(s) only.
Breast-feeding shirts 4+
Buttoned shirts also work but breastfeeding tops allow more privacy. See our range of long & short sleeve, cami or vests.
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now
Nipple protectors 2
For the early days until your nipples toughen up!
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now

Healthy snacks & small bottles of water
You'll need lots, especially if you are breastfeeding.
Nursery
Cot / cotbed
Some people like to use a moses basket or bassinet for the first +/-12 weeks as many babies like the sense of closeness this allows. You can place the moses basket or bassinet inside the cot
Compactum
Opt for one that has a large top surface; you'll need the space for your growing baby and for all the things you'll need close at hand e.g. nappies, creams, spare clothes
Baby Monitor
You'll need a monitor if you have a large house or if you expect to travel alot with your baby. Otherwise, this is not a necessity; you'll definitely hear your baby's cries and you may be grateful that you don't hear every snuffle as this may keep you awake unnecessarily
Blackout blinds / lining for curtains
These allow your baby to more easily differentiate between night and day. The darkness cues babies that it is time to rest.
Light dimer / Lamp/ night light
This will allow you to navigate night-time feeds and nappy changes without breaking the darkness too much. Your baby is likely to remain in a more restful state and will settle more easily to sleep as a result.
Feeding chair/ recliner Having somewhere comfortable and quiet to feed and settle your baby is invaluable, especially during those middle-of-the-night feeds. Choose a chair that supports your back and that has enough room for you, baby and a nursing pillow. A footrest also aids comfort.
Sleeping
Cot/ crib sheets 2 100% cotton is best as it's softest on baby's skin and is breathable. We can offer you a choice of fitted cot sheets
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now
Swaddle blankets 2 Choose swaddle blankets made with elastic fabric, which is easier to wrap around a baby. We love the Baby Sense Cuddlewrap; it's shaped to fit snugly around your baby with no lumps of excess fabric and it is so easy to use. Buy
now
Sleeping bag 2 Ideal for when your baby starts moving around at night; kicking off blankets will leave your baby cold and poses a risk of suffocation. Select different togs for winter and summer. See our Dream Bags here
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now
Blankets 2 100% cotton is best as it's softest on baby's skin and is breathable. Try to avoid blankets with small holes that babies can stick their fingers through or that have ribbons that may come loose. Why not purchase a matching crib set from us.
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now
Feeding - liquids
Steriliser 1 Electric, microwave and cold water options are available. Tommee Tippee electric and combination microwave/cold water sterlisers are available from the Peas in a Pod Shop. Buy
now
Small bottles (<200ml)
2 Your baby will only use these for feeding for +/- 3 months, however you may like to use them when offering your baby water or diluted juice throughout your babies first year.
Large bottles (>200ml) 4 Choose bottles based on safety (e.g. BPA free) and functionality (e.g. anti-colic), rather than what is "trendy". Tommee Tippee and HiSense bottles are also available from our Shop. Buy
now
Teats 4 Remember to check teats regularly for signs of wear and tear. It's a good idea to replace them every 3 months. Buy
now
Bottle brush 2 These wear quickly with repeated use, so it's a good idea to keep a spare. Assorted Tommee Tippee and HiSense bottle brushes are available from our Shop. Buy
now
Formula 1 Even if you intend to breastfeed, ask your doctor about the different types of formula milk on the market and keep a small tin in case of emergency.
Dummies 4 Silicone and latex varieties available. We like the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Soft Soothers, which are made only of silicone. Click here for more information about these dummies. Alternatively we can offer you a unique dummy with a 'stay clean' sheild!

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now

Feeding - solids
Weaning trays 2+ Storage containers for puree. Our Baby Cubes are in our minds the best available; they are non-toxic (BPA & Phthalate free), individual and they each have their own lids.
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Bowls 2+ Avoid bowls that are breakable and that have plastic films that an peel with time (e.g. many of those with Disney characters on). We stock the range of cutlery and crockery from Boon, which is funky and safe.
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Spoons 2+ Choose small spoons for your baby at first and progress to bigger sizes as your baby (and his mouth) grow. Buy
now
Highchair 1 Highchairs with wheels are the best buy. You also get highchairs that convert to tables. There are also a variety of mobile options available, including our Everywhere Chairs.
Buy
now
Toiletries & Bathing
Nappies
Cotton wool
Nappy rash cream Look for brands made from only the best quality natural and certified organic ingredients, such as Pure Beginnings Baby Bum Cream Buy
now
Wet wipes Look for brands that have limited of no parabens and perfumes e.g. Pure Beginnings Buy
now
Nail scissors / clippers
Muslin squares Many mums use towelling nappies but we prefer muslin squares, made from 100% cotton which is soft on baby's skin and that wash/wear really well, as well as being quick drying.
Gripe Water
Teething gel
Teethers
Bath slide Both mum and baby will be more relaxed with this extra support at bath time. Progress to a bathmat when your baby can sit unassisted but remeber to watch your baby at all times in the bath.
Shampoo & Body Wash Avoid heavily perfumed products. In fact, just water is enough for the first 6 weeks. We really like the Pure Beginnings Body Wash & Shampoo: locally made and safe! Buy
now
Face cloth Choose a facecloth that is soft and don't run too hard on baby's sensitive skin
Hooded towels Anyone who has handled a slippery baby at bath time will love the Snuggledry Baby Bath Apron. Buy
now
Clothing & Apparel
Babygros 5 You'll need at least 5 in every size: newborn, 0-3, 3-6, 6-12, 12-18
Socks 2 Socks are inclined to slip off newborn feet, so babygros with attached "booties" are best
Hat/ beanie 1 It's essential that you protect your baby's head from the elements, especially if he doesn't have much hair!
Shoes 1 Babies & toddlers don't need shoes unless it's cold. being barefoot is best for their development. If you really want your baby to wear shoes, opt for soft, leather styles like African Footprints (locally made). Buy
now
Swimsuit 1 Keep your baby out of the sun, with the added protection of a UV protected sunsuit from an early age.
Bibs 6+ You can never have enough bibs! Choose bibs with a velcro back as they are easiest to get on and off.
Out & About
Infant Car Seat 1 Invest in a good car seat; don't buy second-hand unless you are 100% sure that it has not been in an accident and is in perfect working order. You will need to invest in a front facing car seat once your baby outgrows his infant car seat, around 7 months of age.
Pram 1 When choosing your pram take time to test different models and coose one that you can lift easily, that is not complicated to fold and that fits in your boot.
Changing mat 1 With a baby, you need to be prepared for nappy changes ANYWHERE! Buy
now
Travel cot
Car mirror
Bottle warmer
Cooler bag
Nappy bag Choose a bag that is fairly rigid and that has lost of compartments. Visit our Shop for some practical, clever, trendy and affordable options. Buy
now
Car window shades e.g. Window Sox
Books
Baby Sense Baby Sense, Sleep Sense and Toddler Sense are all (in our humble opinion) "must-reads". They are all available in our Shop. Buy
now