Here is the deal- Nicholas and I are starting to buy things for the baby. More than just cute clothes and such...real gear. And the more I look at things, the more confused I get. What is really necessary? Which of these items or features are just frivolous?
So I am following Nick's advice and asking people who would know- you! What are items or features about items that you wouldn't live without? What are things that you wouldn't waste money on if you could do it again? Any recommendations on things to make sure we have or things to stay away from? We want to hear your thoughts and opinions on all things baby!
Lets hear it!!!
7 comments:
so fresh in my mind--i'll try to keep it short!
i was surprised at how little a newborn needs. he'll need you, mostly, so make sure that you have what you need to be comfortable. i would have nursing pads (lansinoh are best, i think) and lanolin if you plan to breastfeed, and a stockpile of super pads with wings (i found them much less annoying than maternity pads) ready. tea tree oil/lavender oil/milk baths are amazing if you have stitches, so having that stuff on hand is nice.
we really liked kimono-style tiny baby clothes (search kimono on baby target to see what i'm talking about) because they are so much easier to get on and off. the first few weeks, we mostly used a bodysuit and leggings (and didn't do separate day clothes and pjs--just wear the same for 24 hours) because pjs were a pain and nora hated getting changed.
swaddle blankets were/are still essential. we like the plain flannel squares over the one we tried with velcro and pouches and all that.
i would definitely recommend a wrap sling, like the moby or something similar--that thing saved us! we put her in it from day 2 and she always fell asleep easily. we had a stroller but she always cried in it, so we sold it when we left london.
we also had a bouncer, which nora used a few times for about two minutes. i think they start getting into swings and bouncers at about 3 months, when they can handle being awake and on their own for longer.
we had a bassinet, but just put her in our bed after sleepless nights of trying to get her to sleep in it. most people don't want to do that, though (we certainly didn't, but it ended up being much better for us). she sleeps on her own now, and transitioned easily when we tried a few days ago (3 months).
other helpful things: baby nail clippers, changing mat for when you go out, cloths for spit up, and a nursing cover.
oh, and the 'baby whisperer' books helped me a lot.
i think that's all!
I love having a boppy but I don't know that it is necessary (I use the football hold to nurse so I use it but if you cradle then I don't think you need one as much). One thing that saved me was having a chair to put the baby in just so your arms can have a break and they have something to look at without being on the ground all the time. Lorelai slept great in the fisher price Newborn Rock and Play sleeper for the first month and still uses it. I think babies like it because of the incline.
A traveling changing mat I wouldn't go without...also keep a change of clothes and diaper in the car at all times :) Binkys are a couldn't do without for us. We love the Soothie kind (they are green for newborns...you can get them at Target).
Good luck!
don't go crazy on stocking up on size 1 diapers or cloth ones as they will grow out most likely within 2 months and then spend roughly 6 in size 2/3 depending on how quickly they grow. every kid is different and you will just have to find what works for you and them as you find out what they want most. good luck and congrats
Clark
Definetely don't need a diaper genie. We just use plastic grocery bags and wrap/knot them really well.
We have a basic umbrella stroller, but I wish we had purchased one of the Graco-style systems, with the convertable stroller/car seat, etc. It would be nice to be able to recline her while walking, so I wish we had one.
We don't actually have a crib...we use a pack'n'play. It's nice to be able to move her around in the same bed wherever we go.
A swing is really nice to have, especially when they just want to be rocked to sleep. It's great for nap time!
We swear by putting her to bed with music. That way, whenever she hears the particular song, she falls asleep instantly. I'm not kidding. Whenever she is so fussy, and refuses to sleep, we put on the song, and she passes out! It's magical! It's perfect for travelling also. Just make sure to start out using the same CD each night, and he will get used to going to sleep with it.
I have loved our baby trend jogging stroller/ travel system. It's one of the only joggers on the market that can hold a baby carrier or that has a tray to hold snacks and drinks when the kid gets older (this one has two!). I would HIGHLY recommend it, especially if you want to keep running!
Both kids have also loved our exersaucer.
Instead of a traditional high chair, we bought a booster seat with a tray on it (ours is Fisher Price) that we've taken with us to restaurants, parks, friends' houses. I've loved it.
I really recommend borrowing baby things from family and friends to try it out before you buy them. We did that with lots of types of baby carriers (most La Leche Leagues have a day where you can come and try LOTS of different slings and wraps and carriers to see which you and your baby like best), baby swings, and toys. We borrowed Amy's bumbo for a few months until Anna fit in her high chair and then decided to buy one for Levi. So be patient until the baby comes (if you can- I had to buy a few things of course :)) and go from there.
I think you already got your stroller, but we have the baby trend jogging stroller and carseat that goes with it (with the triangle handle) and we LOVE it as well. It was mentioned in the above post too. I don't have anything bad to say about it.
My first HATED the swing...cried every time. My second loved it and would sleep in it...just depends I guess but they are so nice when they love it. If you don't feel like buying one yet you could borrow ours for a month or two to see if he likes it. We also have a diaper genie you could borrow or possibly have...after they start eating solids or if they are on formula I think the diapers are just too dang stinky! I really like stretchy (knitted or crochet) blankets for swaddling...for me they were so much easier to use. Nordstrom has a good one but it is kinda expensive...$25. Recommended reading...Babywise and Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. All I can think of for now.
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