by Katie from Olive’s World
I love this Marks & Spencer essentials pack which includes 2 bodysuits, 3 sleep suits, 2 bibs, 1 pair of mittens, 1 pair of booties and 1 hat in cute stripes, stars and pure white. It’s such a great, practical addition to your hospital bag and most importantly, great value! The soft, comfy cotton set is all you will need to keep baby stylish in those first few days. 10 piece starter set approximately $27 Marks & Spencer (free delivery to Australia for a limited time)
Baby needs to stay warm and snug. Its worth getting something that is good quality as you will use it constantly. Tucking babe into bed, in the pram, for floor play and just to wrap up warm in. These graphic prints are very on trend and here are 3 of our favourites.
I found as a new mum it was so much easier to dress Olive in tops or onesie’s that wrapped around rather than having to put things over her head while her neck was building strength and I was gaining confidence.
This adorable sleeping pouch makes swaddling a breeze. It has a super soft fleece lining, velcro fastners and comes in 3 gorgeous prints. I found as I was trying to train Olive to stay asleep for longer at night, a muslin wouldn’t hold my little wriggler in. Once I started using a pouch with velcro fastening she would sleep without as many night interruptions.
Make this outfit something really special. It is such a beautiful moment in your new family’s life, there will be lots of photos to mark the occasion so dress up.
Make it oversize, the bigger the better for all that spit up. These Nature Baby bibs are beautiful and wash and wear really well. They are also a perfect choice because they are made of towelling and are super absorbent. I still use one for Olive on those messy meal days.
In those early days when you are so exhausted and just want an easy way to dress your little one the onesie is your answer. Like the cross-over I opted for easy access onsies, my absolute favourite being the zip front. But as long as there is a good sized opening for babies head they are a great option.
Music is such a calming influence. This gorgeous little music box can be attached to the moses basket, cot or pram as a chic little friend for baby.
Stock up on hats and booties. Not only are they important for keeping baby warm and cosy but like accessories at any age they are a stylish way to accentuate or complete an outfit. Go classic with cream, add some colour for fun or knitted for a handmade feel.
A great muslin is worth its weight in gold as its can be used for many purposes. To swaddle, use as a spit up cloth, cover your pram as baby is sleeping and as a modesty cover when feeding. I am a huge fan of Aden and Anais. A friend gave me a set when Olive was born and I loved using them for all of the above. They have been washed and washed and are as soft and look as good as they were brand new.
The chic baby bag
I really like this bag from Project Ten and even though not a traditional baby bag I think it would still be a great choice. Its lightweight and easy to clean. When you are carting around a lot of gear that is a definite plus. It’s such a great price you can add extra bags like this beautiful nappy pouch by Rickshaw Design or add a b.box plastic nappy wallet which contains dual access wipes hatches, wipe clean change mat, storage for nappies and disposable bags, built-in refillable wipes container and a flexible arm to keep everything in place.
If you can afford it this Marc by Marc Jacobs baby bag is the one to get. It has all the compartments to keep your bag life organised and also includes a stylish baby mat. The on trend neon will mean you can use this beyond the baby years.
Nursing bra
Elle Macpherson Intimates has a fantastic range of maternity underwear. I used this nursing bra for 10 months and loved it. It is so comfortable and looks super stylish. You do feel a little like a milked cow at times so anything that can help you feel pretty is money well spent.
Post pregnancy style
After having the baby you are sure to have lots of visitors . I found that on those days it was far easier to have a go to outfit to put on and feel presentable and a little bit normal after days in my PJs or dressing gown. shirts are a good option if you are breast feeding, a comfy pant with an elastic waist is a must if you’ve had a c-section and an oversize knitted cardigan will keep you warm. The loafer trend couldn’t be a better accessory for this casual look.
Katie
I’m Katie, Olive’s Mum. In another life I was the Fashion and Shopping Editor of Red Magazine London and then came…Olive! She is my pride and joy and dare I admit it, now my world revolves around her. Olive’s World is my little escape to create, treasure hunt, share and day dream. Hopefully all those mum’s out there without the time to devote hours to the internet can grab a coffee, drop in for a visit and find a little style inspiration for their cool kids and maybe a treat for themselves too. To see all of Katie’s articles, click here.