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Welcoming a baby into the world can be a very happy and exciting time indeed! However, it can also often be fraught with some stress and worries, especially if this is your very first child. You might not really know what you are doing but don’t let that get you down – after all, every mama has been through those feelings before! No one really knows what they are doing when they have their first baby, and you just have to learn as you go on. But one of the best things you can do is to make sure you are completely prepared for your bundle of joy to arrive. Once you have everything you need for your baby, you will find that the first year goes pretty smoothly.
So, what exactly do all new mamas need in their first year with baby? Here are some necessities.
A Cot
This is probably the most important thing that you will need for your baby. There are loads of different types of cots and mattresses out there, and it can be very confusing trying to decide which to buy! First of all, though, you need to make sure that your choice of cot meets the required safety regulations. There are different shapes of cots, but the most popular ones are the traditional rectangular ones that can go in the corner of a room. You can also buy oval cots, which can often be easily converted into junior beds. Cots are often very expensive, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for a second-hand one. 
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Changing Mat
You will need a soft changing mat on which you can lie your baby on when while you change their nappy. There isn’t anything particular that you need to look out for when you buy a mat. Just make sure that it is soft and can easily be wiped clean – things get messy when you change nappies! Sometimes, changing mats and cots come together in a deal, so it’s a good idea to look out for them being sold together as this deal is usually excellent value for money.
Lots Of Clothes
If you have already got some baby clothes, you probably think that you are all sorted in this department. Sadly, that probably isn’t the case! Your baby will need a lot of clothes in different sizes as he or she will grow so fast. You might feel like you can’t keep up with their growth spurts! So, it’s a good idea to stock up on more clothes than you think you might need. You can always find clothes coupons on sites like DontPayFull.com, which can help you save money. If any of your other friends have babies, they might have hand-me-downs that they can pass on to you too.
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Bottles And Steriliser Kit
Even if you plan on breastfeeding your baby, you will still need some bottles and a steriliser kit. This is so that you can express milk for any friends or relatives who ever babysit for you. You might also want to buy some formula milk as well, just in case you can’t express or breastfeed one day. It’s not as easy as it looks and there might be days when it just doesn’t seem to be working! You will need to sterilise your bottles after every use to ensure that your baby’s developing immune system is protected. Here are some of the different sterilization methods: tesco-baby.com/baby/bottlefeeding/sterilising-bottles-and-equipment/.
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A Pram
If you want to take your baby out on peaceful walks in your local park, you will need to buy a pram. When it comes to buying a pushchair, there is an absolutely huge choice, and you could easily spend anywhere between £100 and £1,000. If you plan on walking a lot with your baby, or you live in a rural area, you might want to invest in one with good suspension in its wheel. This means that your baby won’t have to suffer a very bumpy ride! There are some other features you might want to look out for too, including adjustable handles, a removable seat, and the ability to fold it easily. It’s also necessary to think about how your new pushchair will fit into your car. If it will be a tight squeeze, even when folded, you might want to look for a different brand.
Your first year of motherhood will certainly be a lot easier than expected once you get all this necessary equipment!
