Essential Baby Items to Buy Before Moving to the UK

Question
My situation is a little odd, i live in America and my fiance' lives in the UK, before i have my baby i am planning on moving to the UK, but i know that babies are very expensive, and knowledge from him and other sources says England is very expensive already, i was hoping you could help me out and give me a list of things i can buy now, that i would be able to take with me on the plane, or things that he should be buying now to help us out in the end?  Also i do not know my gender yet?

Answer
Autumn,

Yes, you're correct that babies are expensive - in any country, but it's even more true in some.  By purchasing a little at a time, you can spread the cost over the course of your pregnancy to lessen the strain on your budget.  However, with security ever tighter in airports, the bigger items and those with batteries are best purchased in the UK.    

Much of what you will need to purchase will be based on the choices you make for raising your baby.  

Some of these decisions include:

Will you be bottle or breastfeeding?
Will you be cosleeping, have the baby in a crib/bassinet in your room, or will it have its own room?
Will you be cloth or disposable diapering?


Besides some essentials, many things are entirely optional.  There is a vast array of baby items for sale but most are luxuries, not necessities, especially in the beginning.


Here are two links to good newborn checklists that cover the basics of what you'll need:

http://www.todaysparent.com/pregnancybirth/youandnewborn/article.jsp?content=200...
http://www.surebaby.com/baby_checklist.php


If you are bottle feeding, try to purchase a few different brands and types of nipples until you know which one your baby prefers. Some babies can be very picky in what type of bottle or nipple they will accept. This way you don't end up with two dozen bottles you can't use.  The same goes for formula.  You don't know how your baby will react to formula so you may have to try several brands before finding the right one.  Since it's very expensive, try to get free samples from your doctor or the companies until you know which one works for your baby.

Also, don't be worried that you don't know the gender.  You can plan to purchase gender neutral colors (which saves money if you have more children) like green, white and yellow.  Well-wishers and family members are always happy to send you those little blue or pink outfits once the baby arrives.

Best,
Catherine