Talk me down from the ceiling re. baby stuff i need to purchase and don't realise it!

[Jenevieve]

As they others have said - you're doing fine with your list of stuff.

As for antenatal classes - I did the NCT ones and gained 6 new good friends with children the same age which was priceless for me. The classes did cover the mechanics of birth and pain relief but we also covered c-sections (we all acted out different roles and learnt what all the people in the operating room do), how to care for baby (change a nappy, bath baby, use a few different slings) and breastfeeding so lots that would be relevant to you.

[Mrs Moss]

As they others have said - you're doing fine with your list of stuff.

As for antenatal classes - I did the NCT ones and gained 6 new good friends with children the same age which was priceless for me.

Yep - me too. I made lifelong frriends at my antenatal classes for DS1. My closest friend now was someone from that group.

All the other stuff will fall into place. You sound as though you have plenty of 'stuff' and the rest can be bought as and when you need it.

[bubbasweet]

Actually some good points about meeting people. I did an NCT course and meeting all those people has been invaluable in the last few weeks.

[Dr Spouse]

I seem to have "joined" an NCT group... one of the ladies from the baby group was in an NCT class and I, and the mum round the corner who did the NHS class, have tagged along! But before that we were already getting to be good friends through the baby group, so it might not be essential. They do spend a lot of time talking about their birth experiences (but we may have moved on to weaning thank goodness). They are nice, but I think I would have ended up meeting similar people anyway.

I was going to recruit my friend from work who didn't make to any antenatal classes because her baby was really early, too (but they are moving).

[S-J]

I have a babycentre app on my phone and yesterdays was a list of essentials!

Everything else can be bought after birth
Here you go -

Several packets of newborn nappies
Baby wipes or cotton wool for nappy changing

Three or four babygros or all-in-one sleepsuits will be very handy. Small babies tend to live in these during their first few months and really don't need to wear anything else, apart from a vest underneath in winter and a cardigan over the top if it is very cold.

At least three or four vests, also known as body suits, are essential, with envelope necks and poppers underneath. These can be worn under babygros or on their own if it’s really hot.

A baby bath

Bottles, teats and sterilizer (dummys too if you think you might use)
Or breast pads and nursing bras if breastfeeding

Cot sheets and blanket or a bottom sheet and a baby sleeping bag.

A pram or pushchair which lies flat.

A newborn car seat.

Moses basket or cot with mattress

One or two baby cardigans
(Ive got some of those fleecy outer coats all in ones, as our babies are due in November!)

A couple of baby towels and a baby bath and baby bubble bath

[Enchanted Wonderfull]

Thanks everyone, ive been offline due to the house move and then hols, so apologies for not coming back to this sooner!

I'm going to have a good read and make a list, although i love the comment about the shops still being open after the baby arrives!!