getting started....what we did.

GETTING STARTED.

I found out we were having a boy so it was game on when it was time to hit the shops for his room.

Cotton on for Kids was my first point of call, black skinny leg jeans were purchased from the chix section was bought with no practical thought in sight.

Some notes on getting started. I did Dukes room for under $400.....half the price of some cots!

Ikea. THE best place on a budget. Here's the stuff to go for-

• We bought the white cot for $129 and its been my best buy beside the pram. Looks cool, doesn't take up space we live in a villa) and practical as its adjustable for 2 levels. Comes in a beautiful natural colour too. Mattress with springs also a good buy.


• a must have for the change table- a set of buckets that attach to the side of the change table to hold all the nappies, powder ect ($15)


• 4 packs of the ten pack of hand towels. These are all time for catching the wee sprays.


• the .99c white hand towels. Bought probably $40 worth as Ive chucked out the ones too hard to wash . Great for under baby while changing saving the change mat cover from being washed over and over.
• The bulk pack of white bibs, these are the best not too bulky and again saves you washing as you always have spares.


• The 2 pack mattress protector and bottom sheet pack- again buy a few packets ($16) you'll thank yourself when its 3am and there's a wet bed.


• Chair. This is the one I got for $179
• Shelves. Easy to attach to wall. $40
• Thanks too Amy for her suggestion- make sure you get the highchair, its the best one easy to clean and a BARGAIN!!!

BabyRoad Leach Hwy.
http://babyroad.com..au

Another must visit. Get there discount card when you buy the pram and buy all your big purchases and save up to 30% each buy.$$$$.
Bought pram, capsule, car seat and other misc items over a period of time and saved well over $500. Also has toilet handy for the pregnant customers in need. Staff are unreal.


THE PRAM. BUGABOO= love.

Ok I am now there biggest fan. Knew nothing of prams compared to my love for my wheels my Dodge Calibre.
I asked the very knowledgeable lady @ Babyroad to give the run down of EVER pram on the shop floor.....was a bit shifty as it was the most expensive one but being the lightest (7kg) and the easiest to manoeuvre (again small house) and the only pram to fit through every shopping isle (yes some don't fit through the narrow IGA checkouts). and its turning circle would put any car to shame. Sold.

Bought the black but got the tan coloured hood with vents for summer off ebay for $55.

Again its a slick looking pram and Duke made this his day bed in the early days. The cup holders and shopping bag hooks from ebay completed the added customised pimped version.
The footmuff was recently bought and Dukes now in the next bit and loves it. So great for those squeezed coffee shops and small car boots. Worth every cent spent (thanx mum and dad). test drive today.

http://bugaboo.com


WALL ART.
Didn't want to paint so found the most awesome site for wall decals. (they do take paint off be warned)
Check out http://www.stickee.com.au/shop/

EBAY.

Was really disappointed at the change tables on offer. Ikea's looked flimsy and the baby shops cost more than my cot $200++
Who to turn too?
Good old ebay. Bought my change table second hand for $100 and a fresh lick of non toxic white paint and we are all good. Very sturdy and has high sides so looks safe.

Cant sing the praises enough of Ebay especially for those expensive kids clothes you can snag for a deal. Bugaboo hols its resale value and check out how many people bidding for a second hand one.More on ebay to come.

Other bits and bobs bought early on.

• Mendela swing breast pump. stoked with this.
• Gro Egg .this cute egg light shows you temp of the room. solves the fight with your hubby if the room is too cold or hot. Look at the colour of the light and dress/wrap accordingly.
• Capsule vs car seat. Got one of each- one for my car the other for Cjs car. Definately loved having capsule for the early days of visiting doctors or running into shops to run and grab as they are still asleep. Again keep all boxes as resale value on ebay is good.
• Tommee Tippee monitor and breathing monitor. The breathing pad sensor underneath the mattress is debatable if needed as it gets a bit fiddly goes off if you don't remember to flick the switch off when you pick the baby up and scares everyone. We just use the monitor.
• Mobile for change table. Had it on cot but so much better to keep them occupied while changing. I love the Mamas and Papas.http://www.mamasandpapas.com/
• Mat for floor below change table. To catch and protect the carpet from flying wee (poo too) if you have a boy.
• Bonds Wondersuits. Bought a bag of all sizes and styles at the Bonds outlet store at Harbour town. Start stock piling now!
• Howards Storage. baby coathangers.
• Ergo Baby Carrier. A awesome baby carrier from newborn too toddler (front to back carrier) that is good for you back. (thanks jen)://www.ergobabycarriers.com

Will go into some more things that we purchased as as we go along but this is the start of your never ending search for goods that make your life eaiser.....

Soph + duke

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