First-time parenting comes with a lot of uncertainty and new responsibilities. As Rhys Gregory previously discussed, sometimes parenthood worries start even before the baby is born. Just thinking of what comes next can be overwhelming, especially on the financial side. While it’s understandable to want to go for the most economical choices, some baby essentials are simply worth the splurge — whether they provide your child with more safety, or more convenience for you.
That being said, here are some baby items you definitely shouldn’t skimp on:
Car seat
Don’t compromise your baby’s safety and spend on a cheaply made car seat — you never know when accidents will happen. Now, there are two kinds of car seats to choose from: an infant carrier style seat and a convertible car seat. Convertible car seats, like the Graco slimfit, tend to be more comfortable for the baby as they’re built like actual car seats — but with more support and comfort for the baby. Meanwhile, carrier style seats like the Ickle Bubba mercury works well for newborns up to 15 months. Plus, they’re lightweight and portable. As your baby grows, you’ll eventually need a convertible seat to ensure it’s secure enough for their size. While you can opt to buy a secondhand carrier to avoid steep costs, Healthline warns to check if the seat is past its expiration date.
Pushchair
You’ll be using a pushchair for at least a few years, so this is definitely an essential you should splurge on. The pushchairs on iCandy show the various kinds of models available depending on your needs and where you live — from ultra-compact pushchairs for urban living to all-terrain models designed for extensive outdoor use. All in all, it is important that you invest in a pushchair that is sturdy and will keep your baby safe and comfortable wherever you take them. You may also want to look out for added features such as baskets and rain covers so that the trips with your child will be fuss-free and convenient for both of you.
A cot
Of course, your baby will be spending a lot of time sleeping indoors, so it’s best to get a cot that’s both cosy and durable. The John Lewis & Partners Eric Cot has a simple and classic design, and it’s quite affordable. With its compact size, it’s great for homes with smaller spaces. Moreover, this model features a drop-side design, ensuring you don’t strain your own back while reaching for your little one. Other cots, such as the Boori Eton Convertible Plus Cotbed, are more versatile since they can be converted into a larger bed. While it’s more expensive, it may be worth the splurge considering you can use it from birth and beyond. On the safety side, be sure that whatever cot you choose passes UK furniture safety standards.
Breast pump
A good breast pump saves you time, allowing you to pump as much breast milk as possible in one session — while still keeping you comfortable. In that regard, it is best to go with double-pumping, since it can cut your pumping time in half, while collecting 18% more milk on average. For another versatile pick, the MAM Electric Double Breastfeeding Pump lets you choose between single, double, or even alternate pumping. If you want something a bit more hands-free, the Elvie double electric breast pump is wearable, silent, and relatively easy to wear.
Baby swing
Babies love movement, and swinging can be soothing for them — especially when you want to calm and help them wind down. For this reason, baby swings could be a great addition to your nursery, as it can entertain and also lull them to sleep. Some baby swings, like the Fisher-Price 3-in-1 Swing-N-Rocker, is multi-use and can act as a rocker, bouncer, and a car seat all in one. On top of this, it’s also portable and can handle babies up to 18kg. Since it features smart swing technology, you won’t even have to push it yourself all the time.
