Preggo-brain…  That is the first thing that comes to my mind, when I sit here feeling my little C practising her ninja moves in my womb! How do you describe the feeling of being pregnant? It is simply impossible, unless you have been there yourself! Furthermore… One pregnancy is not the same as another! I was very fortunate to have an easy first trimester – but now being 33 weeks pregnant, I am struggling a bit! I find it hard to walk, I am in pain – and crying has become a daily activity (thank you, hormones – and commercials with baby animals!)

Welcome to Hotel Louise! We offer 24 hours “womb service” for the little one! I am so lucky to have a French boyfriend, who spoils his girlfriend and daughter with homemade crepes! 

If you are – or have been pregnant, I am sure, you will agree, when I say this: “Everybody has an opinion about, what you should do! “Make sure to get a lot of exercise – no, make sure to get a lot of rest! Avoid certain food types, no it’s fine – eat whatever you like! A natural birth is best for baby – no, a c-section is much better! Don’t read that book, take mine instead, as it has all the answers!”

Yes, it can be pretty hard being a mum-to-be! We all want, what is best for our precious little new-comer – but what is the best? I am not the one sitting with the wise answers, but what I CAN DO, is preparing myself! We have enough to worry about, when the little one arrives, so lets get as much done as possible! Let’s make a list of baby necessities! 

So were do we start? For me it was quite difficult to decide, when it was “safe” to start buying baby things! I was over the moon, when I found out, that I was pregnant – and I couldn’t wait to fill up our apartment with everything (and much more), that baby needs! However, Frenchie and I decided to wait until the end of first trimester! Many things can happen during the firsts 12 weeks, and since our little one is the result of a few IVF treatments, we were obviously a bit nervous about the outcome of my pregnancy! But things went well – and we were told, that we were having a baby girl! Happy days!

When my mother heard, that she was going to be a grandmother, she immediately shipped the most adorable things to London from Denmark! This cradle is taken out of a fairytale, but remember, baby will probably only be able to sleep in it for a few months – especially if he/she is long! (bunny rattle from Miffy, pink super soft koochichoo blanket from Bizzigrowin)

Go for the best! It takes a lot of research to find out, which products to choose, when buying things for your little one. Everybody has different taste, but a tip is to let yourself be inspired by reviews and award-winning products!

This is the Moba basket in the pretty colour “blush”! It is a super strong and very safe Moses basket for a baby, who can not sit up by itself, roll over or push itself up onto hands and knees! What I like about the Moba basket is, that it is anti-microbial – and can be thoroughly cleaned! Furthermore is has fully ventilated sides and base. (It features more than 300 air holes, so no need to worry that your little one is getting enough air). I love the design, but even better – it is stable and sturdy, but also flexible and light

So much baby stuff – so little time! Stylish Moba Moses basket, the ultimate nursing bra from Bravado Design, adorable and super soft flamingo muslin swaddle from Bullabaloo – and a beautiful selection of Love Boo natural skincare products for both mother and baby (Bonus-info They are free from parabens, sulphates, petrochemicals and synthetic colours. More about this later!)

2 days later… Yes, it has been 2 days, since I began writing this blog post, as Frenchie and I had ourselves a little scare yesterday! The entire day I felt pain in my lower abdomen – and it got worse in the evening! Finally we decided to call the midwife, and she told us to come to the hospital for a check! Long story short, I was actually having pretty painful contractions, but luckily little C was not showing any signs of coming out! Her heartbeat was fine – and she was very active (a little too active for my sore womb) Anyway, baby activity is a good sign, and I am back home feeling a bit better! So yes, it is a good thing to be prepared for baby’s arrival 6-7 weeks before you are due, if you ask me! 

Back to beds! This is the classic Stokke Sleepi Bed . I am completely in love in the design – and being Danish it is without doubt a family-favourite!

The smart thing about Stokke Sleepi is, that is an evolving bed that grows with your child from 0 to about 3 years (and with the additional Junior Extension Kit up to 10 years) Everything can more or less be adjusted (both height and size). Furthermore it has lockable swivel wheels and maximum air circulation! In my opinion, this bed truly is a winner – and worth every penny!

The adorable bumper wraps and the bed blanket are from Bizzigrowin. The swaddle and baby sleep bags are from The Gro Company!

As a new mum, there are many things to learn! I actually thought that babies sleep with a duvet! But it seems that sleep-bags are what you should buy these days! The original Grobag is a winner of over 50 consumer awards and voted as the best sleeping bag by UK Mums! It helps babies sleep comfortably – and most important safely through the night!!!

You can choose between many designs and sizes, so there is something for everyone! I love the little guide (a portable thermometer), that comes with the product – a lifesaver for knowing how to dress your baby according to the temperature

This is the Grosnug 2 in 1! A swaddle – or a sleeping bag for newborns (you can choose to have baby’s arms in or out – depending on his/hers preference!) The Grosnug is available in two different weights – Light or Cosy, tailoring them to different room temperatures. I can’t wait to see little C in this one! 

You might think, that you have more than enough beds for your baby by now – but no! There is one thing, that I certainly wouldn’t do without – and that is a baby nest!

My favourite baby nest is this one from CamCam Copenhagen. It is beautiful, cozy and soft – and made in organic cotton for extra comfort! I have been told that it is perfect in the transition from sleeping in the mother’s womb to own crib, which is why I decided to get it! The baby nest can be used almost everywhere: On the sofa, in the crib, on your doublebed or when travelling! Perfect, when you want to have your baby as close to you as possible!

If your bed for the baby is a bit too big, the baby nest is also the perfect solution! Here featured with two of CamCamCopenhagen’s popular mobiles…

My favourite: This beautiful and very decorative Peacock music mobile, which plays the classic song “Lullaby”. 100% organic cotton!

How about this adorable handmade Rainbow mobile to hang from the ceiling, over the bed or over the changing station. Also 100% organic cotton (got to love Scandinavian design!

If you are looking for a multifunctional and convenient product, this is the one for you! The new and versatile Baby Hug 4 in 1 from Chicco is the perfect 24-hour indoor solution for new parents. 

What Frenchie and I love about Baby Hug is, that it is suitable from birth up to 36 months! It has adjustable heights and can be used in 4 different configurations: as a crib for overnight sleep, as a recliner thanks to the soft reducer inside, as a highchair and as a low chair! Super smart! 

When my little one wakes up, Baby Hug can be transformed into a recliner with an electronic toy bar to ensure she is kept entertained and stimulated from a secure spot. (We have already had a lot of fun with the music selection, that ranges from happy tunes to more quiet and relaxing ones!)

Baby Hug 4 in 1 is designed so the baby can sit safely! This product is providing the perfect spot for quiet sleep for my baby… and I can actually relax too – assured in the knowledge that my baby is safe and close by, no matter what, I am doing!

I was thrilled, when I received the new version of Baby Carrier One from Swedish family-owned company Babybjörn! Babybjörn is a VERY popular brand in Scandinavia! The design is impeccable, and I love how team Babybjörn constantly works to develop and improve their products! 

Would you look at the wonderful colours of this one! Love at first sight!

So what is new, you might ask? According to Babybjörn the head support is higher and designed with a fully adjustable buckle. The seat area has an even wider maximum position with fully adjustable settings. There is less fabric between you and your baby which enhances the important bonding experience.  The padding in the shoulder straps is brand new, to offer even more weight distribution across your shoulders and back, for hours of comfy carrying. Last but not least… the mesh used in the Baby Carrier One Air is made from a new patented fabric that’s been specifically developed to be even more breathable and feel extra soft against your baby’s delicate skin.

As baby C hasn’t arrived yet, I allowed Thumper to take her place for a while! Obviously it is not the same, but I got the clear impression that Baby Carrier One is an outstanding product!  What I really like is, that you can hold your baby close and at the same time keep your hands free for other things

Bonus-info: No matter which carrier you choose, be assured that they are made of toxin-free, child-friendly materials and are soft against your child’s skin. Babybjörn Baby Carriers comply with the strictest Öko-Tex Standard 100, Class I. This means that they are completely free from harmful substances and are safe for little babies to even chew on

As you might have noticed, the list of things, that I recommend for you to get, before your little one arrives, is long! I have many more products to introduce to you next week in “How to prepare for baby’s arrival part II” (I can already now reveal that, it will be a bunch of fun and colourful products from Lamaze and Boon, the most comfortable – yet smart maternity wear from Bravado Design and Seraphine Maternity, luxurious toiletries for mother and child from Love Boo, a lot of different feeding products developed by the experts behind MAM, and last but not least a few practical – yet necessary things!)

Some of the products featured in this post were given to me for a review. As always all opinions are my own!

X Louise