The first week - the essentials

Nico is a week old today and although having looked after him for a week makes me qualified for precisely nothing I wanted to note down the items that have been absolutely essential for this week.  This is just a reminder in case I ever find myself in this situation again, or so that if any of my first time pregnant friends ask for advice I can give some as I'm not sure I'd remember without writing it down.

For me (Mum) - for hospital and home:

- 3 pairs of pyjamas with front openings - pyjamas are better than nightdresses as then when you feed you can at least preserve some bottom half modesty.
- Nappies and wipes/cotton wool - we were provided with nappies in hospital, but no wipes.  I was severely chastised when I called for help during my first night to explain that I needed some help to change the baby as I didn't have any baby wipes or cotton wool.  Nasty nurse.
- Snacks (dried fruit, jamon, nuts, seeds) and water - hospital food appears to be dreadful the world over.
- 10 pairs of paper knickers and a large stock of pads - I'll let anyone reading this use their imagination.
- A large tube of Lansinoh - your nipples will be most grateful.
- Slippers - they seem to be a national obsession here, but to keep your toes warm at night when padding to the bathroom they are very welcome.
- Toiletry bag - make up is a waste of time, you simply won't have time.  You'll be thankful for shampoo, facewash, moisturiser, scrunchies and a comb.
- An "outfit" to go home in.  I use the term "outfit" loosely, and loose is exactly what you want.  Prepare yourself to still look 6 months pregnant for a few weeks.  I came home in the same that I went in in - black yoga pants and a long sleeved black T shirt.  All very dull, but no thought required.  Besides there were no paparazzi.

For baby:

Besides the big stuff (pram, cot, car seat), the rest is REALLY essential, or at least it was for us.  Depending on the length of stay in hospital, take some of everything.

- Babygrows - I'd equipped us with a mountain of vests and not many babygrows (well ten may seem like a lot, but they soon run out).  I now realise I got this the wrong way round.  You'll only need the vest underneath if it's cold.  So far, front openers are much easier when it comes to changing.  And the first day the milk comes in we not only changed his nappy pretty frequently, but also the rest of him.
- Vests - to go under the babygrows if it's cold.
- Hats - to keep his little head warm.
- Mittens - I was surprised to see the baby arrive with long nails that he wasted no time in trying out on his face.
- Socks - only if the babygrow doesn't have feet, otherwise the nurses will put on the socks under the babygrows.
- Baby blankets.
- A dummy - I was against these from the start but if you have a howler then they might come in handy.
- Nappy rash ointment.
- Protection mats for the changing table (I don't know what they're called in English, but in Spanish they're "salvacamas").
- 70% alcohol - it's recommended here to clean the umbilical stump every day with this, so we have.

Quick note - try to buy as much in the UK as possible.  When it comes to babies Spain tugs on every emotional heartstring and pursestring - the mark ups are frankly disgusting.

For Dad:

- Plenty of sleep while Mum & baby are in hospital.
- A good book to take to the hospital.
- Snacks as the canteen is pretty rank and overpriced.
- I'm sure there's more...

Other:

A dollop of sense of humour.
A large helping of patience.
A real acceptance that unbroken sleep is a luxury from the past (for the time being).
Amazing parents in-law...their unending generosity and support has been invaluable and I'm not sure we'll ever be able to thank them enough for taking me to hospital, driving Ivan back and forth every day at least twice, entertaining my parents, providing us with enough food to feed the entire apartment block, and of course their advice.  The official advice on that way to do things as far as babies are concerned changes almost daily, but the voice of experience is priceless.