NEW parents can easily find themselves splashing out more than a thousand pounds on equipment for their impending arrivals only to find they've wasted some of it on stuff they just don't need.
So we asked specialist nursery advisor Cathy Jones, who works at John Lewis in Solihull, for some tips. Cathy, who's spent 10 years helping parents navigate the maze of what to buy, says: "If you are preparing for the arrival of your first baby, making choices about what to buy can be overwhelming.
"Some pieces of equipment are essential purchases, while others are simply nice to have.
"Other things, like high chairs and stair gates, you don't necessarily need to buy straight away.
"My job is to help parents get all the essentials first so they can spend time choosing those little extras."
SO WHERE DO YOU START?
* PUSHCHAIR PANIC
FROM prams to travel systems, it can feel like you need a degree when it comes to choosing something to push your bundle of joy around in these days because there's so much on offer.
Parents shouldn't make the mistake of opting for the most eye-catching pram or pushchair though, warns Cathy.
Asking yourself a few simple questions about how you will use your pram, pushchair or buggy could save you a fortune.
Cathy explains: "Where you live and like to visit will determine whether you need an all terrain system or one suited mainly to the pavement. "It's also important to consider whether you have steps or stairs to negotiate or intend to travel by public transport. If so, the pram and pushchair weight and size will be of greater importance to you."
It's vital parents make sure prams and pushchairs fit the boot of their car before they buy them, advises Cathy, and make sure they're not too heavy to lift.
She adds: "Parents have bought travel systems, for instance, only to find they're too big for their car.
"Always get a full demonstration of any pram or pushchair and have a go yourself.
"Even the height of a couple can make a difference to what they choose."
* POPULAR PRODUCTS
IF YOU WALK A LOT: choose a sturdy model with lockable wheels.
TRY: The Quinny Buzz Pushchair £329 (suitable from 6 months), which can be unfolded with just one hand.
IF YOU USE A CAR: you'll still need to transport your baby around town on foot so consider a multi-functional travel system, a baby car seat which can be attached to a pushchair.
TRY: The Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix infant carrier £105 (suitable from birth to 13kg).
It can be used in a car with an EasyFix base (sold separately) or a 3-point seat belt. It's compatible with the Maxi-Cosi, Bugaboo, Micralite and the Quinny Buzz and Zapp chassis to create a travel system.
IF YOU GO BY BUS: or need to negotiate steps - a lightweight and compact folding pram or pushchair's best.
TRY: The Bugaboo Bee stroller £359 (suitable from birth).
* CAR SEATS
IF you plan to take your newborn home by car you won't be allowed to unless you've got a car seat in place. So be prepared!
For a young child, weight, not age, is the critical factor in deciding which car seat is suitable and safe.
Safety campaigners say a worrying number of parents fit car seats incorrectly. There's no substitute for expert advice.
Babies are much safer travelling in rear-facing car seats, known as infant carriers. But they can't be used in seats protected by an airbag.
All cars made since February 2006 have to be equipped with Isofix systems, which makes fitting car seats quick, simple and safe because the seats click directly to the car. Others are secured by belts.
* A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP
ANYTHING which encourages your little bundle of joy to sleep has got to be worth its weight in gold.
Experts recommend that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months. So rather than splash out on a full size cot, most parents opt for a crib or Moses basket to start off with.
Cathy says: "For parents who want their baby to sleep in their bedroom to begin with, the size of your bedroom will determine whether you purchase a Moses basket, crib, cot or cot bed.
"If you have stairs and want to take baby downstairs with you at times, then a Moses basket may be a good option as it is easier to transport.
"If you're borrowing a crib or Moses basket we always recommend buying a new mattress. We always tell parents to familiarise themselves with the correct sleeping position for a young baby, the ideal temperature for the room as well as how temperature influences bedding layers too."
TRY: Woodland Moses basket £70.
* HOT AND COLD
CATHY advises parents to buy a thermometer to check the temperature of their baby's room.
She explains: "The recommended temperature is 18C so it's important parents know how hot or cold it is.
"That way they can adjust the heating, the baby's clothes and bedding.
"You can pick up a basic thermometer for £3. Some of the baby monitors come with them built-in." TRY: Grobag Colour Changing Room Thermometer and Night Light £19.95.
* WHAT TO WEAR
CATHY says: "It's amazing just how much clothing people think a tiny person needs!
"We help parents to decide on the essentials. Most of the time that's easy care cotton clothing, in particular bodysuits and vests, babygrows and sleepsuits, cardigans, hats, outdoor wear, scratch mitts and bibs. We always suggest finding out if there are any knitters in the family too."
TRY: Pack of 7 white short-sleeved 100 per cent cotton bodysuits £8.
TRY: Baby's Knit a Blanket or Jacket Kit £9.95.
* SPLASHING OUT
CATHY says: "There are many questions to consider when bathing a baby. I ask parents to think about where they will do it.
"Will the bath suffice using a bath support or do they need to buy a baby bath or Tummy Tub?
"The Tummy Tub is a change of direction, looking rather like a large bowl, where the baby stays in a more upright fetal position.
"It's thought to be more comfortable and less stressful for the baby. Parents may wish to buy a few baby towels with hooded corners which are very cute and practical too."
A bath thermometer's essential, adds Cathy.
You can also pick up an easy clean changing mat for £12.
TRY: Tummy Tub Bath £18.95
AND: John Lewis Towelling Cuddle Robes (pack of 2) £16.
* NAPPY FAMILIES
CONCERN about the impact of disposable nappies on the environment means more parents are looking for an alternative.
Gone are the days when reusable nappies meant reaching for the terry towelling and nappy pins.
Cathy says: "It's not like years ago. The modern reusable nappies include all-in-one systems which are similar to disposables.
TRY: Bambino Mio Nappy Set, Newborn 3-5kg (6-11lb) £39.95.
* DON'T MISS A THING
FOR peace of mind when your baby's upstairs asleep out of earshot a baby monitor's a must.
Prices for a basic listening device, such as the Fisher-Price Sounds n Lights, start from £19.95.
* EXPERT ADVICE
TO book an appointment with a nursery advisor at John Lewis' Solihull store call Cathy Jones on 0121 709 6838 extension 4571 or visit www.johnlewis nurserylist.com.
Consultations are free and last up to two hours during which you can put together a wish list which you can view online.
from:http://www.birminghammail.net/lifestyle/birmingham-shopping/birmingham-shopping-news/2008/05/12/can-you-bring-up-a-baby-on-a-budget-97319-20895468/
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