One of the biggest moments in my life was having a baby. I am a planner and a worrier so planning and getting everything ready before the baby’s arrival with a must for me. I did the antenatal classes, I read all the pregnancy and baby books I could get my hands on, I spoke to parents I knew and I read A LOT online. Yes, I was one of those who googled every little twinge, every worry and yes I worried. With each baby I still worried, but I also had some more knowledge. Every pregnancy may be different though and I found I was less scared about giving birth the first time around than second time. But, that might have been to do with my birth stories for Lucas and Tyler if you want a read.

So…. How did you feel second time around (if you had more than one)?

There is nothing more special than holding your baby for the first time. Breathing in that scent and touching their delicate skin, or when they grip your finger in their teeny tiny hands. For those pregnant you have that sheer joy to come. Savour that moment. Cherish it and breath it all in. Live in that moment and everything else will fall into place. Trust your instincts and your baby.

Over the pregnancies and babies I’ve had, I have learnt a thing or two about what is needed and what is not. Here is what I feel is my new born baby check list (the post was actually inspired by Smart Insurance the life cover quote provider’s Smart baby check list). What would you add?

• Car Seat (make sure you get this fitted in your car)
• Moses Basket (I found out that babies like to be in something smaller when they first come home)
• Pushchair (try these out in the shop and find out that suits you)
• Sling (these are handy for keeping your little one close)
• Cot and Mattress (you don’t need this straight away if you have a Moses basket, but you will
• Changing Mat (you might need a little cover on it)
• Changing Bag (this will become your new handbag)
• Nappies (lots and lots of them)
• Cotton Wool
• Top and Tail bowl (these really only in the first few weeks, but you find other uses for them)
• Baby bath or tub (whatever you feel is right for you)
• Nail scissors or nail file (baby nails are sharp)
• Towel
• Long Sleeve Baby Gros with poppers (I just love these)
• Short Sleeve Vests
• Little hats
• Scratch Mits (I didn’t know how essential these were until I had a baby; I repeat what I said above –  their nails are sharp)
• Cardigans (a couple will do)
• Snow suit (well all mine have been December/January babies)
• Socks (keep those tootsies warm)
• Dummies (again, personal choice – I used them)
• Bibs
• Muslin Squares
• Nursing Bras
• Nightgown
• Breast pads (lots of them)
• Breast Pump (if you are able to)
• Breast support pillow (also handy if bottle feeding)
• Steriliser kit (I used a cold water one last, but also the steam one – it’s up to personal preference)
• Bottle feeding kit (if you chose)
• Baby monitors (I also loved the sensor mat which blinked as your baby moved & an alarm goes off if not)
• Room Thermometer (I became pretty obessed with this at the start, but it is handy)
• A light (one that isn’t too bright for nightfeeds and nappy changes, but bright enough)
• Bouncy Chair
• Baby swing ( I loved these, especially with a collicky baby. Gives your arms a break)
• Ewan the dream sheep or similar (with my third baby, did I learn about the joy of white noise and babies)

I think I’ll leave it here, but I may come back to it and add. I’m sure there are things I’ve missed. What would you add?

Disclaimer:- This post was written in collaboration with Smart Insurance