Splurge vs steal: Baby products for every budget

Whether it’s your first or your fifth, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything more exciting than preparing for a new baby! While there are a heap of products you need to have on hand for whatever motherhood throws your way, there’s also a variety of options for every budget. So whether you’re likely to splurge on the essentials or looking to snag a steal, we’ve got options at both ends of the scale.
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NAPPY RASH CREAM
Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Diaper Ointment, $19.95
bh says: This ointment is formulated specially to reduce the occurrence of nappy rash. It is made from 100 per cent natural ingredients including sweet almond oil, zinc oxide, beeswax, vitamins A and E, lavender oil, camomile oil, calendula extract and rosemary leaf extract. It’s good for your baby and for the earth!
Curash Medicated Nappy Rash Cream, $6.79
You say: “This is our go-to cream for nappy rash, it is a very thick long-lasting cream and clears up my baby's nappy rash within two days.” – Rebecca632
BREAST PUMP
Philips Avent Comfort Electric Breast Pump, $249.95
You say: “I used this to express with both my daughters. It is easy to use and quite sturdy. The cushions were very soft and gentle. The three settings are good as you can increase the flow. Mine came with bottles, lids and even bases to hold the bottles.” –nataliadimi
Closer To Nature Manual Breast Pump, $90
bh says: This manual breast pump is easy to use and clean, as it only has three pieces. It features a flexible silicone cup with special massage ripples to encourage fast and comfortable milk let-down. The pack contains:
- 1 x 150ml Baby Bottle
- 1 x Milk Storage Lid
- 6 x Disposable Breast Pads
- 1 x Microwave Steriliser Box
BABY SHAMPOO
ABC Arbonne Baby Care Hair & Body Wash, $37.50
You say: “I still use this for my 3-year-old. After using other kids shampoos I found that this one was the best. It doesn't sting eyes like other brands that have a lot of fragrance and I also found that it’s good at making my 3yo's unbelievably curly hair stay frizz-free.” – JessLeonard1990
Cetaphil Baby Shampoo, $7.50
bh says: Cetaphil Baby Shampoo is specifically formulated for infants with an extra-mild, soothing formula. It contains chamomile and aloe vera to gently cleanse sensitive scalps and hair.
COT ACCESSORIES
Lilysilk 19 Momme Silk Cot Pillow & Pillowcase, $147
bh says: This silk pillow and pillowcase set is naturally hypoallergenic, soft and breathable and is made from 19mm silk. It’s made specifically for babies!
Kmart Cot Sheet Set – Arrow Print, $14
bh says: This sheet set is printed with an arrow design and made from a cotton-polyester blend. The set consists of a fitted sheet, flat sheet and a pillowcase. It can also be machine washed, which is super handy for time-poor mums!
BABY BATH
Jurlique Baby Calming Bath Oil, $22
by says: This bath oil is formulated to nurture and soothe your baby’s senses before bedtime. It is a lightweight, gentle oil that contains calming lavender and protecting avocado oil. Just one capful is needed per bath.
Nutrimetics Baby Care Plus+ Baby Bath, $10
You say: “This is [a] great baby wash, I have used this a fair few times on my bubbas and love it. It doesn't irritate sensitive skin [and] smells divine. It may look like a little bottle for the price but honestly a little goes a long way. [It] makes my babies’ skin feel great and smelling nice and clean. Hands down [I] would recommend buying this and giving it a go.” –Babbekay<3
What do you consider as essential products for a new mum?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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57 Member Comments
Jurlique Baby Calming Bath Oil is a reasonable price considering that Jurlique products can be expensive.
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Great products. My friend who has a baby would appreciate this article.
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Curash was wonderful when I had bubs. I so cant wait to have grandchildren so I can hopefully impart some of my knowledge to my daughters.
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Gentle, soothing and non irritating is the most important
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interesting article .
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Awww so awesome, great products, love baby products.
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great article - although i'd never think about purchasing an expensive sheet set for a baby??
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I'm puzzled why you would buy a cot sheet and pillowcase for your bub, when they're not supposed to have pillows in their cot. Not to mention they puke, and you're having to wash sheets on a daily basis. Go with practical, folks!
It you get a good nappy, you probably won't need the nappy rash cream. I tried a few generic brands on my daughter and found they were horrible. Went back to my usual more expensive brand and haven't needed a nappy cream for a good 20 months.
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This is such a great go to article! Baby wipes are very essential
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Really want to try that Jurlique oil for myself lol, I will buy it for the bubs of course but obviously I will test it several times before just to "make sure it's ok" for them ;)
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Essentials for a new mum? Time for herself hehe ;)
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I'm not so concerned with the cost, I just try to find natural products for my baby which is very difficult at the supermarket or pharmacy so I like to find things at the health stores.
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I think the "steals" are all excellent buys.
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Some really great products!
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$147 for baby sheets! What! I haven't even spent that much on sheets for myselfZ
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hahah...I know! Me neither...and baby grows so fast , so it is a waste. Natural organic cotton if possible is the best.
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Interesting article....
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Well fitting nappies are essential, as is a good nappy rash product like curash.
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This article is giving me gift inspiration ideas!
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Calmoseptine Ointment is amazing for nappy rash...the best product I ever tried for bad nappy rash. Am-o-lin is also a good one to have on hand when the nappy rash is not as severe. Huggies nappies are definitely worth buying over cheaper brands, in my experience.
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Too old for babies.
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QV skincare, fragrance free is the way to go in our household. Whilst it sounds boring, it's worked wonders and a little goes a long way.
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I've just stocked up with Curash nappy rash cream from the Baby expo at a great price of $2 and now looking at getting a milk pump but have got my eyes on the medela one rather than the ones mentioned above.
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There seemed to be so many essential products for my babies. All the products in the article were included in my essential items. I loved getting the Bounty bag because I got many samples and products to try and see if I liked them.
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Huggies were always the one's we purchased too - they just seemed a bit more reliable somehow. ; )
I remember always wanting a gentle bath product for my bubs - the Lavendar Johnson's one seemed good at the time.
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