Hi People!
Here's your chance--we're looking for great thoughts on boy/baby items! What things can you NOT live without? What do you wish you would have bought before baby was born? What could you have waited on? What are the "cool" things to get? Any particular product you LOVE and can't live without? Items including but not limited to:
--Crib
--Pack n' Play
--Clothes
--Blankets
--Quilts
--Bedding
--Safety equipment
--Pacifiers
--Swings
--White Noise Machines
--Strollers
--Carseats (anyone know one that I'll actually be able to carry?)
--Graco Snap n' go
--Jumpers
--Organic Baby Gear
--Toys
--Nursing Pumps/etc...
--Anything that will ever help stretch marks? (sob...)
Can't wait to hear your thoughts! (Lurkers and people that probably are embarrassed that you read my blog and I don't know...and don't worry, I know...feel free to join in on this one!)
26 comments:
my huge comment--if you get a swing, which i think you should--I REALLLLLLY love my small folding swing. I don't know what it is called, but it is short to the ground, and can be folded up. I love it cause I can take it with me if I go to grandmas, or move it to the kitchen, or fold it up and put it away til the next child, etc. It is very handy and does the same thing as a big swing. Good luck. This is a good post--it is always nice to get advice from people who have gone through it beforer.
Well, here's my 2 cents.
We bought a nice crib that has lasted through 3 (almost 4 tots). So I think it has been well worth the few hundred we paid. Sometimes I wish it was the kind that would turn into a toddler bed, but it isn't. We also used the pack-n-play for abe when he was a babe. It's good for a play spot in the living room so the babe is contained too.
Don't buy fancy outfits for 6 months or younger. They are so uncomfortable and the babe seems so much happier in snuggly clothes.
And don't buy too many clothes. Hannah had so many clothes - either that I bought or gifts and I felt like she hardly got to wear them before she grew out of them.
Buy Baby Dreft Laundry detergent. :)
Buy lots of burp rags that can be bleached (with family history of spitting up - it is likely your babe might too)
Some friends bought us a swing/high chair in one machine. It was great but it did take up space. But I liked it because the babe used the swing part when it was young and by the time they grew out of the swing, it was perfect as a high chair. I'd definitely get a low-profile swing or high chair. I like those mini swings that are low to the ground. You just have to remember that you'll have to store everything somewhere when you're done.
I love our Peg Perego Double side-by-side Stroller. It is so lightweight. I'm sure the single strollers are even lighter. I'd imagine their carseats are light too. We bought a new one (previous year's model) on ebay.
Get a sling - I loved mine and that the baby was close and away from germs. You feel like a dorko sometimes, but that's okay! :)
I'm no pro on pumps. sorry! :)
Good luck! It is a fun time you guys are in with 1st baby! Enjoy. Oh - and don't buy a wipes warmer. :)
oh - and we like avent bottles.
oooh I love this game!
Don't forget to get:
Lansinoh (seriously magic stuff, I still use it on owies and chapped lips and whatnot)
Lansinoh breast pads where my absolute favorite
I liked our graco car seat
I say for the swing, we really liked the one that could switch directions (front to back, and side to side)
I loved my bjorn carrier.
Sometimes I think brand doesn't matter w/ stuff. But for sure the bjorn, and lansinoh I wouldn't get any other brands of those things (when you go double stroller, i wouldn't go anywhere but graco. unless you get the sit and stand and then it is Joovy)
I didn't like pumping but everyone said for a manual to get the avent one.
Oh and one last thing, that we couldn't live w/out w/ seth. WATERPROOF LAP PADS
seriously he peed all over everyone and everything. We had those lap pads in his carseat, crip, bouncy, swing, anybody who held him... It was a lifesaver!!
Oh I am so excited!!
I know it is different for everyone but here are my preferences:
Crib-we always have just used a pack n' play-we moved so much when Ali was a baby that we didn't want to move a crib, so the pack n' play worked just fine. We are also using it for the twins right now because our place is too small to add a crib into the mix.
Blankets-I don't know what they are really called, but we love the "waffle kind-they are stretchy and light. Perfect for swaddling.
Also, instead of blankets when they are sleeping, when we left the NICU they gave us Halo Sleep Sacks. We LOVED them. We didn't worry about SIDS or about them being cold. (halosleep.com)
Pacifiers-we love the gumdrop pacifiers (gumdroppacifier.com) They have the same nipple shape as the Soothie (big, round, green ones) but aren't ugly :)
Swings-it is so worth it to get one that goes both ways. Ali hated going back and forth but love the side-to-side motion. The twins prefer it also.
White Noise Machines-I just had a cousin post saying she downloaded white noise onto her ipod and played it from there. She said it worked for one night...but I have heard of other people who have loved it.
Strollers-we just got a Graco travel system when we had Ali and it worked great, for the twins we got a BOB stroller...AMAZING!
Carseats-I hate the ones that have funky handles (we have one for Logan and it drives me nuts)
Nursing pumps-I HATED the Avent hand pump-the Medela one is much better. We also have an electric double pump from Medela. It was awesome for pumping.
Get a changing table for sure.
Good luck!
If you plan on nursing- my #1 baby piece of advice is a boppy. I used mine every day (multiple times) for a year each on both of my girls- couldn't have lived without it! One thing I wouldn't bother with- the changing table. We always got our babies dressed on the floor or our bed.
Seeing as how I don't have a baby yet, my comment might be less helpful, but something that I've really liked is that after reading far too many baby books (Babywise, Baby Whisperer, etc.), Ben and I have been able to decide (subject to change of course) what our game plan is for the baby. I'm not saying any book is perfect or to stick to one exactly, but at least going into the newborn/no sleep phase, it's nice to be on the same page as him as to what we want to try to do or not do. We're hoping that it helps, at least in the sense that we'll be consistent with each other in what we're trying. Good luck!
We held out for a nice crib, figuring we'll use it for the next 10 years (depending on family size. We opted not to get a convertible crib (one that changes into a toddler bed) because we anticipated having the next kidlet 2 years later (lo and behold), so we knew we'd need a separate toddler bed anyhow. Something to consider.
We didn't buy any clothes before the baby was born, and we still had more than enough for her to wear for the first year. With gifts and hand-me-downs you'll be set. As we've had needs (socks, a special occasion dress, whatever) we've had the money set aside, but for the day to day we were glad we had used our money for other things. Resist the temptation to buy everything adorable -- let the grandmas give into those urges.
Don't buy blankets. You'll get a million as gifts. (You'll appreciate them all, but you won't use them all.)
Wait to buy the personal things like pacifiers and bottles. Our little girl would use anything, so we just bought what was cheapest. But a friend had a girl who was really picky. They tried all the different samples from the hospital and then bought the only brand their daughter would accept. Unfortunately, though, they'd already spent a fortune on another brand. They have baby shower gifts set for the next 10 years.
For a stroller, go for the lightest one you can find. For us that was a jogging stroller. Love it. If you're just zooming out the front door with the stroller it doesn't matter as much, but if you've got stairs as a consideration like we did and if you might have to drive to a park or path, you'll need something easy to lug around.
Man, talking about this stuff is fun.
Wow! So much advice already!
We used a white noise machine with Grace that I got off Ebay. It's called the Marpac Sleep Mate. Just search Marpac and a bunch will come up.
If you plan to breastfeed - I would suggest taking a class if they offer them there. Possibly through the hospital? I wish I would've with Grace -then maybe I wouldn't have given up. I'm taking one with baby #2.
Other than that - everyone else has pretty much covered it. :)
I'm surprised two people recommended the travel swings - they dont work as well and the baby grows out of it fast (as soon as they hit like 12 pounds, it doesn't move much). I wouldn't do that again if it were me. With my 3rd, I bought the papasan (the one that can go side to side or forward/backward and it's more of a cradle for younger babies - but hte babysitter has put my one year old in it when he wouldn't sleep and he fell asleep too)
I agree not to buy a bunch of bottles or pacifiers until you know what the baby will take.
I have never had a white noise machine, but i know people who swear by them.
The combo carseat/stroller is good for a fullsize stroller (we had Gracoand it's still good after 3 kids) and once they baby can hold his head up you'll want an umbrella stroller - it's lighter but its' also cheap so you don't have to like save up or anything.
Nursing - A GOOD lactation consultant is #1 priority. NOT the hospital staff-they're overworked and young and undertrained/underexperienced (YES IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE). Ask around for references, they're not all the same. I know it's hard to imagine, but it MAY not come naturally and when your baby is screaming and you're in tears, a close lactation consultant will teach you and your baby, encourage you, and help you stick with it. $75 fee is worth WAYmore than 1 year of formula!
On carseats, remember you're not going to be carrying it around once the baby can sit up in a stroller/cart seat. Plan on around 4 months and at some point you'll have to switch to a convertible (backwards or forwards) seat (the baby baby car seats only are good until like 24 inches I think), so after that, you'll have to use the sling, carrier, stroller, etc.
I HIGHLY recommend these exact onesies: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3157912 They change designs each season but they are stretchy, but not stretched out, they fit for a long time, and they are SO comfy. I have bought about 5 sets of these things (for all sizes and designs :D) and I will buy more to have on hand for my next baby (hopefully a girl ;)
Take someone experienced with you to register. Otherwise, you'll be staring at everything thinking...dang, I have no idea what to register for.
Diaper pails are good if you dont' want to have to tkae your diapers outside.
Agree you don't need changing table.
You might want something to be able to set your tiny baby in before he can sit up/swing (the papasan swing or if not...) then a bouncy chair or papasan bouncy seat (you have to set them down to do other things :D)
Diapers: baby boys you need Pampers Swaddlers until they're into about size 2, then you can go with the Costco brand. The Swaddlers really absorb and minimize leaks with boys (in my experience).
You don't need real shoes until they are fully walking. Before then, I use these (around 10-12 months)- search target.com for ministar baby shoes.
I'm all out of ideas for now...
(Sorry this is so long)
Ahh....baby stuff. You will find out that you really don't NEED everything people say you do. Don't buy anything major you can't return until after your baby shower or 60 days before so you can return things if you change your mind. Here is what I think is essential:
pacifiers (I like Gerber NUK)
recieving blankets (you will get a ton as gifts)
bouncer (I used this way more than a swing)
white noise machine (I still use mine, and I have 2 now)
boppy pillow (if you are nursing)
baby calendar
Here is the link to the sound machines I have:
http://www.hammacher.com/publish/60586.asp
They are worth every penny, and I still use them. They are perfect for naps...it covers up all the noise downstairs.
I'm a friend of Jades and I occasionally check your blog. I loved reading everyones comments as I am also expecting my first. So thanks everyone for the recommondations! We just bought a book, Baby Bargains, and I love it. It rates every brand of EVERYTHING baby, cribs, car seat, even the diaper bag. It tells you which ones they recommend and why. I think it was well worth the $12 I spent.
Congratulations!
Jane -- good idea for a blog post. :) Let me know what you find out! Also, if you could send me those websites you mentioned to me earlier (the ones with good baby deals), that would be awesome! I still haven't bought a single baby item yet.
Hi there, I came over to your blog from "Making Life Sweet".
I'm a mommy of twin boy/girl 4yr olds and If I had a little bit of the knowledge I do now...this is what I would do...
Not much! All the fuss and extra things you buy for your first is so special. It will be different the second time around anyway..enjoy this experience.
I did it up big on our frugal budget but still only used & focused on the things that mattered the most!....them.
Congratulations on your little bundle of joy! (BUT...take all the diapers & wipes you can get ahold of now, those are always great to have extra of)
~Daisy @ The Deal Fanatic
hey Jane- do you feel more confused now since everyone has a different opinion? Babies aren't complicated, and you'll find what works best for you. as for the stretch marks, I didn't use anything with Hallie and I got them (curses) but with Bryce I used Palmers cocoa butter lotion for stretch marks, and I didn't get ANY. It's only $6, so it's worth a try!! love you!
We found out that we liked the baby trend car seats. It has a triangle handle so you can hold it anyway you need to. Swings are great. I liked the Paspan ones with ours (the seat can be switched rock back and forth or side to side). Lots of recieving blankets are nice because you will end up using them as burp cloths too. I love our pack and play also. We take it everywhere with us for a bed. I didn't see the point in a snap and go because you cant use it once you are done with the car seat then you have to get another stroller so get a stroller that the car seat fits into. Don't know what else to say but that is what we found works
I'm no pro at the mom stuff, but something I couldn't live without was my nursing cover! www.bebeaulait.com
They are genius!
As you may remember, we didn't get any sleep until Finley had a swing, I think they are must haves.
If anyone shares a miracle stretch mark cream with you...let me know so I can stop crying myself to sleep every night!
my two cents:
avent bottles and pacifies
baby bjorn for when there are super small, ergo for when they gain a few lbs.
a vibrating chair
i might by crazy, but i swear pampers are better for boys than huggies
instead of wasting money on a white noise machine, just by a fan
Jack loved the swaddle blankets, Lila hated them
ummm...i will write again if i think of more.
yea for baby boys! i can't really speak from experience yet (27 days and counting until my little man could come...hopefully not too much more than 27), but this is what i have found in talking to friends, family etc. everyone has a different opinion (as evidenced by the earlier comments). so much depends on the baby and individual preference. so do some research, but in the end i think you have choose as best as you can and then see what works for your baby. i agree with an earlier commenter about the baby bargains book. it has been majorly helpful, just to have a reference book with everything in it. at least it helped us compare brands, safety etc. (since so many baby brand names didn't mean much to us). we took it with us when we shopped for furniture, registered, picked a mattress etc. good luck!!
Great post & comments. :)
*I'd say definitely a boppy, nursing cover (aka hootie hider), lansinoh ointment, baby bjorn....i'm sure these were all mentioned above.. hmmm what else?...one thing i've used now with all 4 kids is this teddy bear (white noise maker) that has a on/off switch that makes the sound of the mother's heartbeat/womb that is supposedly calming for the baby. I put it in my babies crib and turn it on when I put them to sleep. I just googled it & it's called a "womb sound bear." Here's the website.
http://www.dexproducts.com/products_sleeping_wsb.htm
Don't be overwhelmed because honestly the baby will come out and all he'll really need is diapers, clothes, milk & love. :)
two more cents:
maclaren strollers are the best. they are lightweight and not bulky, but not crappy like umbrella strollers...
if you go the bottle route, the avent bottle warmer is great. it's small, so it doesn't take over your counter space, and it's pretty speedy.
sorry, if i am repeating. i didn't read the other comments
Hi! You probably don't remember me, but we were at Ricks together. I'm a friend of Jade's.
Anyways, - congrats on the boy! I am having my second - a boy next month. My first was a girl so I am in for a new adventure on this one!
For stretch marks I love Mama Bee Belly Butter by Bert's Bees. I recently had a pregnancy massage and they used it and it felt so good! Plus it is more natural/organic.
Products I couldn't live without:
1. Ditto on the boppy if you are nursing.
2. Mittens for their little hands so they don't scratch themselves. Target has cute ones or you can even just use their socks :).
3. A good swing! Our first used way too many batteries. This time around we are going with the Fisher Price Rainforest Swing because it can be plugged in. We got ours new off of Ebay.
4. Nice swaddling blankets. Still looking for the perfect one!
5. Halo Sleep Sacks or anything like them. It is nice not have to mess with snaps during late night diaper changes!
6. Baby Bjorn or a sling. My first was a cuddler. With the Baby Bjorn we could still cuddle and get things done!
Hope that helps! Congrats on the baby boy!
Gotta comment! :)
Crib - Molly & Marina have used the same one. It's a nice sturdy one, but we got it used ... I think it was still $200-ish used. They're NOT cheap! BUT I wouldn't spend too much money on one cause kids do yucky things to them and they just get used & dirty.
We have 2 pack n plays ... you gotta get at least one. I recommend one with wheels. Nolan has always (& still does) slept in nicer pack n play ... better ones have a little more cushion on the pad. Overall, I think they're a must esp once they start moving and you need somewhere safe to put them while you shower, cook, scrub bathrooms :), etc.
Clothes ... we like Childrens Place, H&M kids has cute boy stuff, Target ... watch for sales and stock up.
You need blankets ... once baby boy gets older he might prefer certain fabrics, but while he's a baby get BIG ones ... or ones that are big enough for swaddling, feeding, etc. The ones that come in a 3 or 4 pack from target, wal-mart, etc are nice to have around, but too small for those things.
Don't know much about quilts, bedding (bumbers are cute, but after 6 months babies start destroying them) or safety equip ... you might want a few plug covers and we have a cheap baby moniter so if we want to go outside the house during nap time, we can hear the kids when they wake up. The latches that keep cupboards locked are pretty worthless for little boys. :)
Pacifiers ... Marina was addicted, Molly was too until she discovered her thumb, and we tried to force one on Nolan cause he just cried a lot, but he knew he was a fake substitute and wouldn't have anything to do with it. :)
Swings are nice, but don't spend a lot of $$ ... my kids are uninterested in them by the time they're 12 months or less.
Just play music ... baby einstien makes cd's as well as others that are very nice. it helps block out noise from around the house so you don't need white noise.
Strollers ... try them out & see what you like. A $10 umbrella is a must once he gets old enough to sit in it. After using a small umbrella one, I quit using the bigger, fancier ones.
We just buy the carseats that are reversible and stay in the car ... spend less money. Carry your baby in a sling
We have a jumper that hangs from the door frame ... fun, but hardly ever used.
Toys ... they'll come as time goes.
For nursing, get pads & ointment ... the ones that start with an L is what I used and I've seen at least one other person mention them here on your comments. Also, I HIGHLY recommend a Hooter Hider - I bought mine off of ebay. And I saw a girl with one at Sam's club the other day that wrapped all the way around her, so she was able to nurse her baby while walking around cause her back and everything was covered. I'd definitely look into getting one of those if I ever nurse again. Before you buy one, make sure it has enough fabric to cover you ... sizes vary a little.
The one other thing that I used TONS with all 3 kids is carriers. I used a baby bjorn with the girls ... nice, but killed my back after a while and you can't nurse with them. WIth nolan I got a Hotsling (they have a website or i've seen then in Target & Nordstrom) and I love that SO much better. But research carriers and see what's a good match for you and get one. Best thing EVER! Keep your baby close and they are happy cause they're being carried, but your arms are still free to do some housework, light cooking, shopping, I used them at church, etc.
Happy shopping!
I've only been a mom for 6 weeks but my baby boy can shoot the pee. The thing that I couldn't live without is something called a sheet saver. Changing the crib sheets are horrible. They are such a pain to change. It's not an easy job especially if you have a bumper on the crib. These sheet savers are much easier to change. He pees or spits up on the sheet saver and you just untie it and stick it in the wash!
Hey Janey, I'm one of those "stalkers"... :) I got to your blog through Alli's. Anyways, you have tons of advice here, so I won't say much except that most people say their babies like either a swing or a bouncer, but not usually both. We borrowed a swing, and were glad we didn't buy one, b/c he didn't like it. He did like the bouncer.
As for white noise, we use a small fan. It's loud enough to block out outside noise, is cheap, and they have come out with studies that say a fan in the room is linked to reducing SIDS.
One of my favorite baby sites is babycheapskate.com. It has some great posts and reviews on baby gear, etc. Check out the "BC Essentials" on the right hand side to get started.
jane, of course i realize that you did this post weeks ago, but i woke up in the night panicking that maybe you might not know about mylicon, and i couldn't feel right if i didn't tell you about it! i love it so much i would be on a commercial for it...it made addie a totally different baby! you might want to buy it in bulk! :)
Post a Comment