My Top 5 New Mummy Must Haves (Under £20)

Being a parent can be expensive! Isn't the cost of having a child something like the cost of a house now, over their first 18 years?

I know I have reviewed a few expensive items lately so I wanted to also review some of the cheaper items I have bought, and loved, over the first few months of being a Mum.

Here is my top 5 new mummy items under £20...

One: Muslin Squares
I know most new Mums go on and on about muslin squares but there is a reason. They are so versatile but also very needed. Babies posset (aka spit up) a lot! So having these muslin squares handy is a necessity. I can't count the number of times that a bib just hasn't been enough to wipe up projectile baby sick.
They can also be used to dry off a baby, as a light blanket during hot days, as a cover over a pram on sunny days and I have had to use them to mop up wee after my son peed on me during a nappy change... as I said, they are very handy to have around!
They can be as cheap as a pack of 5 for £5.00. I would advise getting a couple of packs as well, as they are useful to have all around the house and always keep some in your changing bag.


Two: Baby Healthcare Kit
I bought this healthcare kit online and it is really useful. It has all the essentials in it, including:

Baby Care Kit

• 1 x Scissors
• 1 x Nasal Aspirator
• 1 x Teether
• 1 x Thermometer Strips
• 1 x Nail Clippers
• 1 x Medicine Dropper
• 1 x Spoon
• 1 x Gum Massager
• 1 x Carry Case
• 1 x Pen Thermometer
• 1 x Emergency Card

I have already used most of the items. The scissors are perfect for cutting your babies fingernails, which is essential as they will scratch their faces. I used the thermometer strips after my son had his first injections and got a temperature. It is really handy as it says if it is just a light fever or full fever (when you would need to consult a doctor). I also used the pen thermometer during this time and found it very handy.

The nasal aspirator is also a necessity for when a baby has a cold. Babies aren't able to clear their noses and the aspirator helps them do this if they have a snotty nose.

Three: Dummies

My little cutie pie!

I appreciate this is a bit of a controversial item. Some people are very averse to the idea of using a dummy, and I understand why. However, I am happy to use one. My son started sucking his thumb, when he could find it, from very early on and I really wanted to avoid him doing this. I believe it is easier to take away a dummy at an appropriate age than to stop a child sucking their thumb. So, as I formula feed now and he has shown signs of sucking for comfort (sucking his thumb) I have been giving him a dummy. This has been very handy in helping sooth him and it does get him to sleep quickly.
Often babies will find an item to use for comfort, whether it is a teddy, dummy or blanket. Especially when they go off to nursery and may suffer from separation anxiety. In my mind, if the dummy will help him through this stage then I am happy for him to have one.
Of course, there are pros and cons to a dummy, as there is with most things for parenting and it is worth looking into these before deciding either way. Also, if you are breastfeeding it is advised you don't give your baby a dummy until he is at least a month old.

Four: My Buggy Buddy Clip
Love, love, love my Buggy Buddy Clip. I got it in one of the Sassy Bloom boxes I get delivered and it is very handy. I love being able to clip my handbag onto the handle of my pram. I have more hands free this way, it is secure, my bag isn't falling off my shoulder constantly and it is great for shopping!
I really recommend getting one!

Five: Nursing Pillow
Any nursing pillow is great, but I have linked to the one I got. Though the prices are showing at around £25.00, I got it free with a voucher I was given on my first (12 week) pregnancy scan. I think it was in the Bounty pack?! I can't remember completely, but I know it was given to be by the NHS on my first visit.

I am assuming this is something they give out to everyone, so keep an eye out when you go along to your first scan.
If you don't have this voucher you can get 40% off with this promo code: 51A3EF
It does cost you postage, which is around £13 to the UK.
I have found this nursing pillow very useful. It makes breast or formula feeding a lot more comfortable, and less strenuous on your arms. My baby loves lying in/on it in general and even I use it to give support to my lower back when sitting, or even use it for naps on the sofa (when the baby is sleeping). It is a very comfy pillow!