A baby needs constant attention during its infancy. The most vital aspect of baby care relates to feeding and changing a baby. Let's take a look at various baby changing accessories you must keep at hand for proper care of your bundle of joy.

Nappies
There are usually two types of nappies - disposable nappies and reusable nappies. There are benefits with both. While it can be argued that disposables are wasteful of energy in their manufacture and fill up land-fill sites, reusable nappies have to be washed and dried and will, eventually, need replacing too. Apart from the economics, then, most people will choose depending on their lifestyle and individual circumstances.

Reusable Nappies
The most popular reusable nappies are those square cotton cloths coming in convenient sizes of 70 cm X 70 cm. They are available in white, cream or pink colours and sometimes some parents prefer other brighter colours too. They are made of 100% cotton and are super-soft to ensure that the baby's tender skin does not get irritated or bruised in any way. They can also be used as burp cloths or for general mopping up. They are usually used together with a disposable liner which absorbs most of the mess.

The nappy nippers needed to hold them in place are usually available with the pack. Don't forget to wash them in warm water that has been pre-heated to at least 60 degrees centigrade. This will destroy any germs that are harmful for your baby.

The other very popular type of nappies are those made of two layers of soft bamboo terry with gentle elastication around the legs. They are reversible and dry quickly. They can be used in many different ways and fit very comfortably on every baby shape. They generally need no nappy liner except for those heavy wetting babies. Buyers can also order the optional hooks and loops needed to hold the nappies in place at a very nominal extra charge.

Disposable Nappies
Since these nappies are thrown away after single use, some parents prefer to go for bio-degradable nappies. Moreover, these nappies don't use any plastic which allows the baby's skin to breathe freely and stay dry. Though the surfaces look as if they are made of plastic, they are in fact made from natural maize. The absorption layer is made from natural tree pulp free from chlorine and due to the unique channel construction, can perform equally efficiently by having only 50% of absorbents in comparison to other varieties.

Almost all top end manufacturers supply nappy holders and nappy nippers along with nappies. So, check to see whether these are available as free accessories before you choose a particular brand of nappies.

Nappy Changing Tables
Nappy changing is an unavoidable part of bringing up a baby. The problem which many parents face is finding a suitable area where they can efficiently take care of the mess. There are many styles of nappy changing tables available, but you can always design one which suits your requirements.

Whether you buy or you design one yourself, the table must be sturdy and steady when the baby is placed on it. Ideally, it should also have enough storage space to hold the baby changing accessories in place. This is very important, because you should not leave the baby unattended on a table while you wander off in search of nappies, wipes, lotions, washcloths, extra clothing etc. It is also a useful place for other essentials like nail trimming scissors and a baby thermometer.

If your changing table does not have enough storage space, you should keep these absolute necessities in baskets placed near the table so that you can reach them without moving too much.

Some parents don't choose a table at all. Instead, they opt for waterproof changing mat which can be easily placed on any stable flat surface; a table or even the floor. With a basket placed alongside to hold nappies and wipes this can be a good working arrangement; not only does it save space, it is cheaper and easily portable.

Now let's look at the various items you need to buy for nursing and feeding your baby.

Feeding Bottle
Generally wide mouthed bottles with silicone teats are the best option. The wide mouth allows the bottle to be thoroughly sterilised (either with tablets or a steam steriliser) without much hassle, and the silicone teats are sturdy and safe. Latex teats are also available but are more inclined to break, tear or crumble causing a possible choking hazard for the baby. Silicone teats should last longer and not wear in this way.

While choosing a bottle, find out whether they are equipped with anti-vacuum skirt valves which prevent the baby from swallowing air while feeding. This swallowed air can lead to a painful build-up of gas in the baby's stomach.

Teats are available in slow, medium, fast and variable flow; choose the one which suits your baby best; this process may take some trial and error. If available, go for bottles which are shaped to mimic a mother's breasts. This might be a smart choice if you are planning to switch from breast to bottle at some stage.

Breast Pump
If you are planning to return to work or will be away from the baby for long periods you may want to use a breast pump to express milk and store it for later so that the infant feeds on your milk only even when you are not around. Any breast milk expressed should be refrigerated in sterile containers until its needed.

You have the option of choosing between a manual pump and an electric pump. Ask your friends or midwife if they may have one that you can borrow to practise with so that you can see which works best for you before you buy. Expressing breast milk comes easier to some women than others but the effort can be worthwhile if it means that your baby still has your milk in your absence.

Conclusion
Feeding and changing a baby seems to occupy most of the day, especially when the baby is very young, and requires lot of patience and concentration. Choosing proper changing and feeding accessories makes the whole job a good deal easier, less stressful and safer for your baby.
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22 July 2008
Steam steriliser 1 year old hardly used. clean from a pet and smoke free home £20 o n o.
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CV12
20 July 2008
Here i have a massive bundle of baby boys clothes 0,3mths,80+items,including jeans,trousers,tracksuit bottoms,dyngarees,tops,hooded cardys,jumpers,babygrows,vests,socks,slippers,hats,2 snowsuits, coats,this is a fab bundle all youll need for those first few months,next. .
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18 July 2008
Steam or cold water had it for a year but hardly used all clean and working well. from a smoke and pet free home. pick up only.
£20
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13 July 2008
Here i have a small bundle of baby girls clothes,20 items,jeans,trousers,dresses,shorts,hats,they vary from 0,3mths,3,6,6,9,12,18mths,this is a pretty little bundle. .
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CT17
09 June 2008
Baby girl clothes 3-6 months mothercare, next etc. 33 items and outfits. trousers, leggings, dresses, all in one coats, baby grows, vests, booties, and more.
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