I'm just over 12 weeks and me and DH have started to think about what we want & need for baby. I was wondering if you can share your wisdom of what essential are items and what are a waste of time and money. Also does anyone use reusable nappies, we're very keen to use these but DH wants a cleaning service which I think may be a waste of money, any thoughts?

Hi Danger mouse. congrats on your preganancy!!! There was a list last week which i will try and mump up and also a reuasable nappy thread called bumgenius users. I would say definately dont shell out for the laundry service as they are so easy! www.clothnappytree.co.uk is a great site for lots of info. x

HI DM.

I'm another cloth nappy user and i love them. They are so so so easy that you really dont need a cleaning service.

I use Bambino Mio nappies which you have to fold and then use an outer waterproof nappy wrap. I also have some tots bots which are similar except you done have to fold these.

I use lovely soft flushable liners from tots bots. You put these as the top layer inside the nappy and it stops the poo (not newborn BF poo tho!!) from going through onto the nappy. So when it's a dirty one you just flush to liner with the poo down the toilet!

I have a bucket and just put all dirty nappies into a net inside the bucket then every 3rd day just chuck the whole net inside the washing machine and wash away!

I also use washable wipes (cheekywipes) and these are fab. I still have my disposable wipes from my bounty pack as i have never had to use them!

We started using cloth nappies at about 6 weeks as i am BF and the poo is a nightmare. I personally found it enough to be washing clothes everyday let alone nappies but by 6 weeks i was more than ready!

Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and if you have any other q's ask away!!! x

I'm 32 + 4 with my second, and my son is 8, so a bit of a gap but I will try to let you know what I feel is essential. However every child, and parents circumstance is different so you may or may not need additional items or take away some bits.

My husband is in the Army based in Germany, so we cannot use the re-usable wash service nappies, and to be honest I did look at the re-usable option this time but the thought of all the extra washing puts me off. Therefore I am being naughty and using disposables.

Right so list of essentials (these will be in no particular order as I have baby brain).

1. Car Seat from 0+ (Even if you don't have a car you'll need it to get home from the hospital)

2. Pushchair

3. 2 or 3 Blankets

4. 7 Body suits (ish) - It's amazing how much they vomit.

5. 7 Sleepsuits

6. 2/3 Outfits - depending on how much you want to spend.

7. Moses basket / Cot bedding

8. Dummies - you may want them

9. Bottles (If bottle feeding, although I'd have a couple in anyway)

10. Steriliser (If bottle feeding)

11. Cot and / or moses basket - My son wasn't in his long enough as he prefers the star shape sleeping!

12. Sleeping bags -apparently they are excellent

13. Changing bag and mat (most come with)

14. Nappies / wipes / cotton wool/ bum cream

15. Muslin cloths

16. Bouncer chair

17. Mobile for the cot

18. Baby socks

19. Baby hat

20. Monitor

21. Play Matt

They will need their own towels and such like, but I have not bothered with a bath or nything, and when the baby gets older you will need to get the next stage, such as bath chair, High Chair, etc.

Lots and lots of bibs we go through about 4 or 5 a day and samm is right sleeping bags are amazing saves on tons of blankets that they can wriggle out of and Dylan loves his!

Another sleeping bag fan!
One thing I would recommend is a cot book (about a fiver) in bold colours, god send!