A Beautiful Realization
6 years ago
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Looking for Advice
We're probably going to be registering for the baby here in the next month or so. We've been out looking at various things at different stores and one thing is for certain: we have no idea what we're doing! It's kind of overwhelming, trying to figure out what things are a must, what things we can do without, what brands are good, what things you can skimp on and what things you have to go with top-of-the-line on. So, we're asking for help! If you have any advice about baby stuff, let us know. We'd really appreciate it!! :)
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8 comments:
I just typed up a whole list and blogger lost it on me! Argh...
Well, here are some of our most used items:
- pack n play: great for travel and as a playpen when the child gets older
- swing: great to calm a cranky child and give mom time to get things done
-mobile for crib: pick something colorful with good music. We had one with like five classical songs
- a floor mat: the baby will spend a lot of time on the floor on his back, so get something that has fun things to look at that he can reach for
- extra car seat base: infant car seats typically only come with one base, but it is worth it to buy a second one. It makes going from one can to another much easier
- if you are planning on nursing, a GOOD breastpump (I can give you a good list if you are interested, let me know).
One of the things to watch for when registering for the big stuff (cribs, packnplays, stollers, etc) is if there is a place where the baby's fingers (or even head) can get pinched or caught. We found that a lot of the bigger items weren't made all that well, so it is definitely worth it to check for these things. Imagine you are a child and think of where you would put your fingers- then examine those places. I hope that makes sense.
If I think of anything else, I'll let you know. But those are some of the things that we used the most.
I would have to say a sling is what helped us keep our sanity more than anything else, especially since Titus was SO fussy...I have a friend that sells the kind we have - which we loved compared to other kinds. I can email you more information if you want.
A huge "amen" to Michelle's suggestion if you are going to nurse...can't stress that one enough if you still want to be able to get out and do something, and especially if you want to work at all...they are a couple hundred dollars, though...
White cloth diapers are cheaper and work better than cutsie spit rags.
Jogging/running stroller - we can rollerblade, bike, walk, etc and it holds two kids. We used ours all the time with Titus - that way we could still have fun doing things we enjoyed that wouldn't have been able to otherwise.
A "Johnny Jump-up" was nice for the short time he was in it. They go in almost any door frame, and it allows more mobility for the baby...and you!
I would suggest getting a diaper bag that really fits you...we hate ours and wish we had picked something else. Even a good backpack with lots of pockets would work good, and might be cheaper than a diaper bag.
You will want a baby bath tub for when they are really little, and other necessities like towels, washclothes, baby soap, etc.
Diaper rash cream, infant gas drops, infant tylenol, etc.
4-5 receiving blankets - newborns love to be swaddled.
Hope these help! I will let you know if I think of any others...
Michelle
talk to my wife...... :)
Okay, here goes.
--As far as diapers are concerned, probably my favorite was Luvs (for about $20 at Wal-Mart you could get a box of like 108 in newborn sizes, $7.97 for regular size pack), I have used the Parent's Choice and White Cloud brand (also both at WM, $5.74 and $6.97/pack respectively), they're not bad for the price.
--Have PLENTY of pacifiers around. We couldn't seem to always find it when Brookelyn was screaming.
--Pack&Plays are excellent.
--Brooke would LIVE in her bouncer or swing if we let her, she still likes to sit in it at Mom's.
--DEFINITELY have an extra car seat base (or two), makes things much easier, and even better if your carseat/stroller are compatible so the seat clicks into the stroller.
--Extra crib sheets...undoubtedly they will wet through their diapers, clothes, and bedding
--It helps if the grandparents keep some stuff on hand at their houses (makes traveling to Grandma's less bulky)...who am I kidding?? Your mom is probably WAYYY ahead of me on that ;)
I'll keep thinking or looking through Brooke's room. I still have a lot of it in there.
~Karen
Jon, just wait until you see the breast pump dude... Some seriously twisted mind came up with that one... Some lady at church told me a story about her breast pump.. how she liked the cigarette lighter plug in feature, "double barrel" breast pump, where should could hold both of the suckers with one hand and still steer her car down the highway... I serioulsy threw up in my mouth a little bit when she told me... especially when she told me how she held them with her hands.... -Adam
I know you already got lots of advice so I will just add a few things that I have liked or not liked!
-I liked the "take along swing" by fisher price because it was smaller. Baby stuff takes up lots of room and it was portable so we could take it with us. It is also cheaper then the big swings and works just as well!(there is a new rain forest version that is super cute!)
-We also just recently got the spacesaver highchair by fisher price! Once again, it doesn't take up nearly as much room as a regular highchair but works just as good! It fits right into a regular table chair. It also becomes a booster seat so it will last a long time!
-You won't need it right away but we enjoyed having an exersaucer. We liked the ones that fold up and again are portable. (recurring theme with us)
-One thing I didn't like using is the diaper genie. It may just be me but I hated cleaning it out! (stinky job) I just throw them in a plastic bag and get rid of them at the end of the day in our trash in the garage! I hardly used it!
Hopefully, that is somewhat helpful! Have fun registering!!
Can't wait to find out what you're having...
I definitely agree with all the other suggestions and have a few others! Regan agrees with the diaper bag one, we got one that doesn't look babyish or like a giant purse - it's a sling and we really like it (it holds more than you would think!)
Diaper Champ - not a diaper genie and here's why - much easier to use with on hand and you can use regular trash bags, you don't have to buy the special insert (much cheaper!) and we think that is doesn't smell as much either (and you don't have to stick your hand down inside
Exersaucer - Carson got one for Christmas and loves it and it gives you a great break to get some things done around the house and teaches them that you don't always have to be playing with them(not something you need immediately, but great when your baby is around 5 or 6 months!)
Boppy (not sure if someone mentioned this or not) great for nursing and I use ours to sit behind Carson when he's playing on the floor to put behind him in case he falls backward (so he doesn't bump his head)
That's it for now. Gotta go feed Carson and get him to bed. I'll keep thinking and add more if I think of any!!
Love Katie
Amanda, i'm so excited for you going through this whole process! It is a blast!! as for baby advice... you have already gotten some good advice so i'll just comment on a few things...
- first, i highly recommend reading the book "Girlfriend's Guide to Pregnancy" it is very real and practical
- as for the bouncy seats...i got the one that turns into a toddler rocker and i love it because Aiden still sits in is while i get ready and he isn't too big for it yet. The other ones out there he would be way too big for right now.
- Last thing...never be ashamed to buy things at the second hand stores. Once Upon a Child even send their things away to be professionally cleaned. I got a travel swing for $65 and my sister bought one that was just as good at the second hand store for $20. So...anything you don't get, check there first (everythign except car seats that is).
I'll keep thinking :) Love you both lots and miss you bunches and bunches!
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