Gift wish list when expecting your first baby

I saw a post on my local Ware and Hertford mums facebook group asking for suggestions of gifts she should add to the list for her baby shower. The mum-to-be wanted ideas for things she may not have considered, and little-known must haves. There were some really great suggestions on there, some I had, some I wish I’d had when my own children were young, and others that have been invented since.

I thought I would share some of the suggestions here - and a few of my own. This is in no way a comprehensive list of everything you need with a newborn baby, but hopefully will be a good start for a first-time parent. If you can think of anything else I should add to my list, please pop a note in the comments.

Car seat wrap

It’s not advised to have babies in coats in their car seats for safety and overheating. Wraps were advised by several mums in the group and they think they’re brilliant! You’ll get use from birth, and while there are many wraps available with slits for buckles and a variety of designs, the one that stood out to me was the Snugglebundl. This is a hammock styled baby wrap with strong handles made of soft natural cotton. The design gives secure head support for your baby which means you can move them still asleep when lifting and laying. This gives more precious sleep for your baby’s development and more rest for you! Great for those late nights when you need to settle your baby. Gentle rocking in the Snugglebundl relieves the pain of colic and gently lifting with the handles helps with reflux.

It’s the only product that allows you to remove a baby from a car seat without waking so it reduces all risks of over-using car seats from hypoxia to flat head syndrome. Reduced stooping also helps with pregnancy, back pain and recovery from any post birth symptoms, including c-sections. Recommended by midwives, doctors, sleep experts and car seat experts too!

Electric thermometer

Nothing fancy here, but an electric Thermometer can alert you to fevers that may need immediate medical care. We still us ours with our 3 and 7 year olds, so it’s worth investing in an accurate thermometer built to last. We had the Braun 5 in 1 in ear thermometer with probe covers so it can safely be shared between family members without spreading infections. If I were to buy now though, I think I would choose the Braun 3 in 1 No touch forehead Thermometer with Age Precision. This dual technology means that you get fast and precise temperature readings in two ways: In the Touch mode by placing the thermometer on the forehead and in No-Touch mode, by holding the thermometer in front of your child's forehead, reducing stress for your child, and allowing you to check their temperature while they sleep without waking them. The Food & liquid mode allows you to easily measure your baby food, drink or even bath temperature.

Baby Bath

We tried various baby baths and an in bath seat with my baby's, but we found just supporting our sons head in a shallow bath worked best. There were however some issues with this - mainly the strain on our own backs, and only having one hand to play and splash. The Shnuggle Baby Bath with Bum Bump Support and Cosy Foam Back Rest won Mother and baby awards best bath product 2017 and seems like a really great bath for newborn babies that combats both these issues. I thought this review from a real user described the pros and cons well.

“I looked at this for a few months before deciding to buy it as I thought it was a total gimmick but I have to say I'm really glad I got it. My boy was 6lbs 10oz at birth so pretty small but he can sit up in this by himself - I've been using this since he was 10 days old. I used a normal baby bath for his first bath & it didn't go well - he was slipping & sliding everywhere. I got this and the bum wedge really works well and helps hold him upright - he does fall to the side a bit if I'm not holding him but not enough to get his face in the water. I don't need to hold on to him the whole time he's in it which means I can play with him more rather than grip on to him for dear life. I use it in my kitchen sink - it's too tall for me to comfortably use on the counter top. I would definitely recommend this as it's helped take the stress out of bathing”.

Newborn baby photoshoot. Asleep in a yellow bed style blanket

White Noise

The Marcpac Hushh is a portable white noise projector perfect for helping your baby get off to sleep. Most Newborn Photographers use something very similar during their sessions and I can testify that white noise is very soothing for most babies. You can also ask Alexa to play white noise or find apps on your phone.

Newborn Photoshoot

Of course a newborn photoshoot may not be at the top of your list, but those first few weeks go so fast. Before you know it you've missed your chance to documentall those little wrinkles and dimples in your baby's new skin. If you're having a baby shower, I can provide a meternity or newborn photoshoot vouchers in smaller denominations, or receive payments from various parties to cover the entire shoot, or a package. Even better, if you've already booked, vouchers can be put towards packages and wall art. Don't forget to add your photoshoot to your wish list.

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Unbelievable Photography deals Black Friday 2020

by Joanne Lewis • 26 November 2020

I couldn't let Black Friday 2020 go by without some amazing deals for my wonderful and valued customers... I've missed you all so much this year, but have loved the few shoots I was able to squeeze in between lockdowns and Home Education. With all the optimism I can muster for next year (I am naturally a pretty positive person) I am offering some spectacular deals on vouchers for my Hertford Studio and outdoor or on-location sessions next year (packages may be given as gifts, but please confirm preferred locations around Hertfordshire and some parts of London, Cambridgeshire and Essex with me before booking).