Black Friday Shopping
Every year I have participated in “Black Friday” shopping. Although I feel my list is small, there are a few things I’ll be needing.
Let’s start with my bent/warped/wobbly baking sheets. How’s a girl supposed to make some good looking cookies if they all slide to the middle? I either embrace it and open up a “Crooked Cookies” shop, or hit Target for some new baking sheets.
I don’t know why I don’t have this. I’ve been wanting it for a year or so, and keep borrowing one even though they aren’t that expensive. BUT, if it’s on sale, I’d like to get a Flip Camera.
SHEETS! We have one set of sheets. Partly out of laziness, partly cheapness. We need another set of sheets.
And here is where I need your help:
Baby stuff. If it’s on sale, I might look into getting ready for our little nameless baby.
- What stroller do you recommend? What features are the ‘must-haves’?
- What’s the difference between one bottle and another? How do you choose?
- Do I need a Diaper Genie?
- What about gowns? Do you use gowns quite a bit in the beginning?
- What were your ‘must-have’ products?
- Do I need a bassinet? How long are they in there anyway? I’ve seen the bassinets that self-rock… do I want that?
- Humidifier in the baby’s room?
- Baby Monitor?
Let me know you stopped by »
As a mom of two I have learned a lot about what you and cannot live without. Unfortunately most of this has been through trial and error (translation: wasted moo-lah!)
The stroller: Go with a “travel system” (the carrier and the stroller.) It is easy and convenient when the wee one falls asleep in the car. Just make sure to buy two bases, one for each car. Nothing is worse than being ready to go and realizing the base/carseat is in the wrong car. UGH! I have used the Graco system for each child. I love my new one. There are two cup holders. Very nice, one for you and hubby, or for a sippy cup when they get bigger (baby not hubby :)!) A few compartments come in handy too. Places to put your keys and cell phone when you take a walk or dash into the store. The Graco Snugride and the Chicco system scored the highest safety ratings in a Consumer Reports test.
Bottle: You will hear different things from different people. I used Avent the first time. They’re fine. But with the second I use the Playtex nursers with the disposable liners (I do feel guilty for not being green with this, but occassionally I have to forego the green and do what is best for me.) You can squeeze the air out of the bottles. Less stuff to wash too. This is huge for me. Bottle washing has got to be one of my least favorite chores and unfortunately babies require copious bottle washing. Just buy enough so you don’t have to wash them every day. Others swear by Dr. Brown’s. Some of our friends started with those and switched to the Playtex bottles afte they realized how many parts there were to wash with Dr. Brown’s.
No, you don’t need a Diaper Genie. I had it with the first and ditched it about two months after she was born. You have to buy refills and it smells awful when you are disposing of the dirty diapers. We throw pee diapers out in the kitchen trash and poop goes straight into the big garbage can in the garage.
Gowns: I am not a fan. They can’t wear them in the carseat. Sleepsacks are good for bedtime though. One-pieces or knit pants were my favorite the first four months.
Must Haves: Cloth diapers for burp clothes. They are by far the most absorbent. And you can sew fabric onto them to add a little sweetness. They also work to put under baby when you are changing the little darling’s diaper (obviously not the same one you use one their face:).) When you no longer need them, they can recycled into rags.
The binky! Ahhh…mt sanity saver! For all of the arguments against them, they help prevent SIDS and quiet them when fussy.
Kirkland wipes and formula at Costco. You will not find a better deal. The wipes are unscented so there is no reaction to fragrance on that cute little bottom of their’s. The formula is actually made by Enfamil but is a fraction of the cost. $20 for two cans vs. $25 for one. And you will be amazed at how fast that can disappears. Unless you plan on solely breast feeding.
Sheets made out of “minky” fabric. The Carter’s ones are $14 0r $15 at Babies R Us. My son (10 months) loooooves the softness of them. And since they can’t sleep with blankets this can be a nice alternative. Now if only they came in queen size….
Good luck and happy shopping! My only other “mom advice” is to do what is best/works for you and hubby. Some people feel they need to pass judgement on new moms or tell them how they “need” to do things. Ignore them! They don’t live with your baby, and they don’t know what he/she is like. Do it YOUR way and just seek advice when you need it.
@Yvette – Thanks so much for the thoughtful insight! This is exactly the stuff I need to know. I’m taking notes…
You’ll love the Flip! I wish I was better at actual video editing like John & Sherry over at YHL, but I like mine for casual home videos nonetheless. And by mine, I mean Brian’s that he got for free and I then stole!
Have a great Turkey Day!
Mama of one chiming in. (As a forewarning I am/was a “crunchy” mama) :)
1) We never used our stroller for anything but a walk around the block. In the mall/store it is such a hassle to bring it around. We used our Ergo and wore my son. He was happiest like that. As he got bigger he wanted to ride in the buggy anyway. For a car seat we bought a Britax and used only that from birth till, well, now still. If he fell sleep in the car we would just take him out slowly and put him in the Ergo (the same to put him back). Those buckets are heavy and clunky and while they are helpful for rain or snow the walk to the car is usually quite minimal.
2) We had a booby baby but we really, really loved the BreastFlow bottles from first year. They made switching from boob to bottle (and back again) /really/ easy.
3) We used gDiapers but I have mama friends that got quite annoyed with the Diaper Genie. The canisters of garbage bags are expensive. You can just as simply take the yucky diaper and tie it in a target plastic back and place it in the kitchen trash. Much cheaper. Does the same thing without the hassle. :)
4) I liked the gowns in the beginning (for the first month or two) because our son was born in September so we were in the house a bit more than a spring baby. The gowns make diaper changing a breeze and it was easy access to those knees that you find yourself needing to gobble up. For chilly legs with the gowns we used Huggalugs and Baby Legs.
5) Our must haves were our Boppy (made nursing easier, great for tummy time, kept baby safe on the bed/couch). Our bumbo, sooo helpful when they want to sit up but can’t yet. Our Moby Wrap and our Ergo. I was able to get right back to “normal” life by wearing the baby. And I really loved our Arm’s Reach Co-Sleeper in the beginning too. As for books, and I wasn’t big on books, Dr. Sears’ Attachment Parenting book was phenomenal and so was Elizabeth Pantley’s No Cry Sleep Solution.
But to echo above, you won’t know what works best for baby till you meet them. What works for you may not work for me and same way round. Listen to baby. Follow baby’s needs. If something you are doing makes your heart ache, stop. If it fills you with joy, continue. Baby will love you and think you are perfect no matter what. <3
@Amanda – I love that you don’t have to be a professional with the Flip. Can’t wait!
@Andrea – Great points. You made me think of another question {that I added to the post}… bassinets. Do I need one?
Depends on the bassinet. They aren’t in them for too long because of the weight limit. I found it was so much easier to have baby in our room to start and would fully recommend a bassinet for that if you choose to not use the co-sleeper systems. We had planned on co-sleeping for as long as he’d let us but around 4 months we tried his crib and found he sleep better/longer in his own quiet little space then with us (see how listening to baby comes in handy?) ;)
Swaddle blankets are big too. You have to think, for nearly 10 months baby has been/will be wrapped tightly and warm in your belly and coming out to a big cold crib in a big cold room can be a scary place. Swaddling and having a smaller area to sleep helps transition baby into the big world they find themselves in.
As for self-rocking bassinets/swings this is truly dependent on your baby’s preference. My mum bought us a great swing for our son, did this and that, he hated it. He wanted to sleep on something soft, warm and still (ie. my chest). With a passion. he rode in it twice before we sold it. If you can “borrow” one from a friend when baby is little, that is the best way to go. No use spending hundreds on something baby hates. :)
My advice: research and/or hear people’s opinions but make your own. Some mom’s “must haves” are another moms “don’t needs.” What works for one baby will not work for yours. What you deem as necessary another mom would never buy. Thats the greatest thing about having a baby these days… you can find and buy whatever works for you and your cute babe. As for clothes/gowns, dress your baby in what you like and what works for you. For example, I know you wouldn’t dress your babe in jeans but I dress Weston in jeans almost every day because I love babies in jeans. Buy one of something, try it out, and then buy more of what you love and what your baby seems to love. Babies are like weddings and decorating I have decided, everyone likes something different! Happy shopping, good luck, and KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS!!!
@Shannon – here here! Thanks for the tips. So, how did you pick your bottles? Are you happy with them?
I totally agree with almost everything Yvette said. She is right on with her stroller advice. Don’t waste money on one them fancy schmancy strollers. I have been using the Chicco Keyfit system and it has been awesome! The stroller is super easy to fold up (one hand), and I love that it’s a travel system.
I wasn’t crazy about gowns, they weren’t too easy to put on as I remember. Sleep sacks are AWESOME. After 2 weeks my son hated to be swaddled and the sleep sacks were perfect. And in my opinion, you can never have too many onesies. Onesies are so easy and very chic for cheap. A baby looks cute in just about anything so onesies make it easy to get the little one dressed and be stylish. One thing I couldn’t live without and I have tons of them…baby legs! I love them, and you can get them at Target. I live in SoCal near the beach so it’s pretty cold in the morning and it warms up in the afternoon. I love baby legs because I can just rip them off when he gets too warm.
I like the Diaper Genie, but our house is three stories and I am too lazy to run to the garage from the third floor 5 times a day.
Oh one thing that SAVED me were these little wee-wee pads (that’s what I call them). They were soft minky fabric on the outside with a waterproof layer in the middle. I would lay them in his crib, in his bouncer, in his car seat, almost everywhere. There will be accidents and this just keeps the wetness from leaking through and making you do another load of laundry.
Oh one more thing that saved me, a bouncer. We used the Fisher Price Rainforest Bouncer and Bronson LOVED it from day 3. I could carry it up and down the stairs and into different rooms, and Bronson loved the vibrating motion.
Oh and more thing (I promise this is it) we read the book Baby Wise and by 8 weeks everyone in the house was sleeping 8 hours a night. We had many friends who swore by that book and many who said it was bad for the baby. I did what made sense for all in the end I swear by that book too.
Enjoy this time it’s very exciting and beyond special!
@bink & boo – bouncer, check. sleep sacks, check. My dental hygienist told me about Baby Wise and loves it too… I’m going to look into it. Thanks for the great advice!
congrats on expecting!! here are my insights..
You don’t need the diaper genie until 6 months, when baby eats solids, (I’m sure you can use your imagination on this one)
Used the gowns only for baby #1, but they’re nice
Totally thought I didn’t need a bassinet but they’re great if you want the baby right by your bed. If you won’t be freaking out all night about whether you can hear them breathing or not, it’s nice to have the baby close.
The monitor is worth it, especially when you travel.
I love my boppy and a tiny pillow to prop up my baby’s head, which lets me type and nurse at once. Pathetic that I even do this, but hey, it helps.
I use the Born Free bottles. I picked them because they were one of the few that were BPA free. Now most, if not everything, are BPA free. I also like that it has this little trapping system thing within the bottle that blocks air bubbles. I rarely had problems with Weston having tummy problems. Was in the bottle or did Weston just have a good stomach… not sure? They are expensive, but I do love them and if I had to do it again I’d buy the same bottles.
I agree with Shannon. Every mother is different and so is every baby. What works for one mom may not work for you and what works with your first baby may not work for your second. Research and trial and error is how you’re going to know. Having said all that, here’s my “advice”
1. I loved being able to leave my babies in their carseat and setting the carseat in the stroller. I used a Kolcraft Snap and Go for this purpose. Once out of the “baby” carseat I have used and loved my MacLaren Quest. A little pricey but it was important to me to have it light and be able to open and close it with one hand (because the other hand will be occupied with a baby/toddler in it). It’s small and doesn’t take up a lot of room in your trunk. It’s major flaw is that it has a tiny basket underneath.
2. Didn’t use bottles that much and can’t recommend one
3. No Diaper Genie or Diaper Champ. When they are little, nothing really smells. When they do get smelly, even these lovely contraptions don’t completely keep the smell out. Take things to the outside trash when needed.
4. I’m a big believer in gowns when you’re sleep deprived and they have to be changed several times a night. No messing with snaps, buttons or zippers. Gowns don’t work well with carseats, it’s true, but if you only use them at night time then your baby probably won’t be in a carseat anyway.
5. Must haves for me are pacifiers, large swaddling blankets and white onesies. But that’s just me.
6. Bassinets…that’s a tough one. All 3 boys slept in my room for many months but none ever used a bassinet. Two slept in their carseats and one just slept with us or in a portacrib.
7. No, unless they are sick
8. In a small house or one story house (which you qualify for), the answer is NO. You’ll be able to hear the baby if he’s crying. You don’t need to hear every sound he makes, especially when you are trying to sleep yourself.
1. What stroller do you recommend? What features are the ‘must-haves’?
Definitely go with a ‘travel system’. We went with the Chicco Cortina and couldn’t have been happier. Has a cup holder and small compartment with ‘lid’ (great for keys or an extra pacifier). The basket underneath is a great size and fits most anything.
The car seat bases (we had two, one for each car) are the absolute EASIEST to install. And, the car seat was super easy to pop in and out with one-click.
2. What’s the difference between one bottle and another? How do you choose?
The main difference, I found, was the number of parts. The fewer number of parts the better. We went with Playtex VentAire and, luckily, our little one liked them just fine.
3. Do I need a Diaper Genie?
Don’t think you absolutely NEED one. I think they are more for convenience – think, how far is the outside trashcan? Is it a big deal for to dispose of them after each changing?
In the beginning they aren’t too stinky so you could probably put them all in a plastic bag and dispose of them at the end of the day. We had a Diaper Champ and loved it. Whether you get a Diaper Genie or Champ, they do eventually stop blocking the smell, just FYI.
4. What about gowns? Do you use gowns quite a bit in the beginning?
We LOVED gowns, especially in the beginning. We found them useful while waiting for the belly button to fall off; onesies and tighter outfits don’t allow enough air to get in there to dry things out. Our daughter was born December 20th, and despite the cooler temps, she was plenty warm enough. Gowns are especially easy for changing diapers, especially during the night with groggy mommy eyes.
5. What were your ‘must-have’ products?
http://bit.ly/7aW07Z
6. Do I need a bassinet? How long are they in there anyway? I’ve seen the bassinets that self-rock… do I want that?
Don’t think you absolutely NEED a bassinet either. We had a pack-n-play that we kept in our room for the first 3 days. We found that having our little one in the same room made us super aware of every single movement in the night so we ended up not sleeping so well. We moved her to her own room, in her crib right across the hall and she did just fine ☺
7. Humidifier in the baby’s room?
We didn’t have a humidifier in her room until she came down with bronchiolitis at 4 months. Once she was better, we tried removing it but found that she liked the white noise and slept better with it on. No big deal to keep one on so long as you clean it regularly and change the filter.
8. Baby Monitor?
Definitely! Especially if you have a house with multiple floors. We kept one (and still do) on our nightstand and one downstairs in the family room.
Hope this helps! I know it can be overwhelming – hang in there! Oh?! And, congrats!
If you want a stroller and you plan to walk outside with the baby I would suggest getting a jogging stroller with a swival wheel. (I think you can actually get them with the carseats now? You will have to check) I have just a regular stroller and I wish I had a more outdoors friendly stroller. Also the swival wheel because it makes turning corners soo much easier!
I would also buy those pee pads that they sell for dogs for your diaper bag.
My husband and I had a few of them in the bag instead of a big changing pad. They are easy to use and disposable so if they happen to get a little messy because of the diaper it is no big deal!
best of luck with your little bundle of joy!
I think I fall somewhere between “crunchy” and… everyone else!
I nursed for 17 months, but my son did take a bottle when I worked. I loved the Dr. Brown’s. They do have a lot of parts, but they worked great for us. They also come in glass with covers, if you are concerned about plastic. This is what I plan to use if/when #2 comes along.
I totally agree with both getting a stroller/car seat combo, and a good sling/baby carrier. I used both with great results. My baby loved being carried and it did it much more when he was smaller. He seemed to get too heavy for me pretty quickly (I am fairly petite), but this could have been alleviated by a better quality carrier and sling, so definitely do your research and invest.
The bumbo chair is a must have- and make sure you get the tray! This was by far the most used baby accessory in our house. We took it with us when we traveled and it did away with the need for a lot of other things.
As for a bassinet- I can’t answer. My son has always slept with us. He had a bassinet, but even as a newborn would not sleep in it, and I am not of the “let them cry it out” school of thought (but if it works for you- great!- we are all doing what works best for us). For me there has been nothing like having that night snuggle time with my son. Bedtime has never been something I dreaded, and I am looking forward to getting in bed with him tonight (he is close to 3 now).
Best of luck- you will never have so much fun! Love the blog!
1. My pet peeves with strollers are A) the height – I’m tall, so I had to push a few models around in the store before buying to make sure I could use it comfortably. B) Get a strap to attach the bottle/sippy to the stroller – the twins are always tossing them! I’d run and get one and the other would toss one the other way. It was crazy, until I discovered the straps. C) And oh, how I wish I had gotten a stroller with car seat, but those are REALLY expensive in the double variety. :)
2. You know, I used a LOT of bottles with the twins – they were so different and both hated bottles the other did okay with. I ended up with http://www.thinkbabybottles.com/ and the girls both loved them. In fact, we upgraded to their trainer bottle too when the time came.
3. Do I need a Diaper Genie? NO!!! It’s a waste of money really. You can imagine the crapload of diapers we have with the twins – we just put them in the kitchen trash until it gets full – or annoying, and then take it out.
4. Yes, get lots of gowns – I say lots because their diapers explode a lot the first few months and you will NOT have time or energy for daily laundry.
5. I have a list here I try to update every few months as I find I’m using something a lot. http://natpicks.tumblr.com/ I’d say a thin, comfortable, hand-washable (not fabric) bib is a definite must-have. I wash them off after every meal and hang to dry at the sink. In two years with the twins I’ve only ever used the two bibs. And I really use the bottle toppers a lot too – every day!
6. Oooh, self-rocking, I would have LOVED that when Olivia had colic. She spent many nights in the swing instead of the bassinet because I couldn’t get her to sleep otherwise. My girls stayed in a bassinet by my bed for a few months. As soon as they slept for 6-7 hours straight for one night, I moved them to the cribs and they were fine. In fact, they slept longer in the cribs – about 12 hours!
7. Humidifier in the baby’s room? We didn’t, but it depends on the climate, and the baby.
8. Baby Monitor? Depends on how close your room is to the baby’s and how light a sleeper you are. With AJ we had a SMALL house so I only used it if I was outside during naptime or something. The girls are two now and I still use theirs though. If I’m in the basement with the TV on, there’s no way I’d hear them without it.
In general, most everything you see out there, you don’t need. We chose to play it as it came and just get things when we needed them, if we really needed them. In the end, we’ve saved a ton of money and I’ve found out how much I can do on my own without all the fancy STUFF. :)
Oh yeah, and we still love the cat/dog bowls: http://nataliejost.com/ruff/
Lots of good advice!
Umm… the bassinet. I have people who thought I was nuts to have our baby in the bedroom. Others thought we were right on. But my hubby works graveyards and a co-sleeper just made sense. It was easier to have both kids right next to me for those early feedings. But both also didn’t like being in their beds initially. They each slept in their carseats/carriers. This is really helpful if/when they get a cold (keeps their head elevated). They were in carseat and I put the carseat in the co-sleeper next to me. The less I had to drag my sleep-deprived body at wee hours of morning the better. But word to the wise, newborns are NOT quiet sleepers. So if you are a light sleeper all of those little grunts might keep you awake and then you won’t need a bassinet/co-sleeper. If you can, borrow one. We did and it worked out great!
P.S. The Boppy is a lifesaver if you have a c-section. Helped a lot with both of mine!
I haven’t had time to read what anyone else said, so sorry if repeating :) The Flip is awesome by the way! I got one last year for Christmas and thought I wouldn’t use it much since my point-and-shoot had a video feature, but we love it! It is easy to hook up to the TV so Zach likes to watch movies of himself.
We got the Chicco travel system. Most people we hang out with have that system (seriously)- We got it because the stroller is SMOOTH. It also happens to be the safest carseat (just rated #1 yet again last week in consumer reports)
We don’t do the bassinet thing- With Zach he couldn’t lay flat or he would pee on the middle of his back. Didn’t have a trail…literally the middle of his back. So he spent the first 4 weeks of his life sleeping in his bouncer, on the floor of his room. So for 2 for 2 are loud sleepers! Then we moved him to his crib. Elizabeth is in a pack n play but since we are moving into our house this week I finally get to set up her crib! (which I would have done from the start). My friend puts the baby so they are straight on looking at you and then swaddles them and puts blankets on the sides so they feel a little more enclosed since the crib is so big.
Bottles…with Zach we did the Avent because we got some free ones from the hospital. They were good, but I don’t have anything to compare them to! We liked them.
With gowns- I used them for Zach because one time it was around 4 in the morning and I had been up 3 times already that night and was so tired and when I went to snap the snaps on his sleeper I was so confused. I couldn’t see straight much less figure out which snap went where!! So I stuck to gowns for a couple weeks. He pooped through EVERYTHING even though we changed up the diaper brands…so we changed his outfits a lot. Elizabeth has messed like two outfits total, so I guess each baby is really different!
In Utah we for sure did a humidifier cause Zach would get a stuffy nose. I don’t know if we will use it here…although she has been snoring a little so maybe using one would help her breathe better.
Our favorite thing: Costco brand wipes. WOW! I use them for everything from wiping faces and bums to messes on the floor. They come in individual packs which is AWESOME and they don’t smell weird like the Huggies ones. It is nice to have them in separate packs cause we have them all over the place.
O ya, we didn’t have a diaper genie. I didn’t get a lot of stuff- like a bumbo, a boppy, etc, but I did get a LOT of clothes (second hand so I could buy a ton, plus Grandma was dying to spoil) and a small travel swing (perfect for small areas- it doesn’t take up much space at all…add that to my must-haves) a good bouncer and eventually a hook-on chair instead of a high chair. Zach still uses it, cause it is good up to 36 pounds I think (he is 30). It hooks on to the table so it takes no floor space…but it will be a long time till you have to think about that!
Sorry this is a jumbled mess…I’ve been painting all day. I was thinking of sending you pictures to get your opinion…the desk area was to be a different color since it is a nook and I wanted it to look like a separate space. I wanted a soothing green, but instead it is mint. Everyone else likes it so I want to like it and not make a stink about it…but I don’t know what to do with it. Our furniture will be moved in on Wednesday and I have a black wood desk and black wood filing cabinet, then was going to do some sort of built-in shelves above the desk for books. Maybe you’ll just need to come over in a couple weeks :)
I just broke my right arm yesterday morning while out running – boo rats boo to that!!! I swear I am not clutzy! Hopefully I can manage moving my fingers enough. I fall somewhere between super crunchy and super smooth as far as all of this goes.
1. What stroller do you recommend? What features are the ‘must-haves’?
Get a Chicco system if you want a stroller. Seriously. The others are too ding dang big to fit into the car. Chicco’s the best – and best rated safety wise when it comes to the carseat, too. I would, however, caution that you might need to make some sort of cover for the material of the carseat, because I have found that it made my baby girl pretty sweaty (I also noticed that other reviewers noted this as well). And, like just about every other stinkin’ stroller, the shade won’t be enough in your motherly opinion. Otherwise, I loved it. Make sure it’s the kind with a cupholder – or order one of the attachments.
2. What’s the difference between one bottle and another? How do you choose?
I am not the person to ask about this. I have always been able to be home with them, have never had any crazy breast infection, etc, and only nursed my babies and haven’t ever had to use a bottle. I feel very blessed in this way, but I know that other families will have other needs.
3. Do I need a Diaper Genie?
NO!!! Back away from the DG. IF you must get something like this, definitely go with the diaper champ. Trust me. We used that for our first son, but ultimately, it’s best to dispose of diapers as soon as possible. And, if you’re looking for the best diapers (and you plan to use disposables), I’m a strong supporter of Pampers – swaddlers when they’re new, and baby dry when they are older. The cruisers are softer on the outside, but the inside stuff sticks to them when they’re wet, etc, and they leak a lot more. Otherwise, go with cloth diapers. I know it may sound insane, but they are cheaper in the long run, better for the environment, etc. Check out Stephanie’s blog (Adventures in Babywearing). She just did an awesome post about cloth diapers. And she’s definitely your source for the best slings, too. Don’t waste money on a bjorn, etc. They don’t last long enough if you plan to wear your baby past twenty pounds (and he may reach that at four months!). Also, they can be frustrating with all of their snaps and straps and clips.
4. What about gowns? Do you use gowns quite a bit in the beginning?
I used them because they were given to me, but, I wouldn’t say that they are necessary. They do make regular changes a lot easier being that they are snapless, etc. Living in California, I wouldn’t say you will need the zip up sleeper blankets. They are too hot! Invest in a couple of good swaddling blankets. You will find that your baby sleeps like a log when securely bundled into one of those.
5. What were your ‘must-have’ products?
Get a diapees and wipees bag. http://01ede4a.netsolhost.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=19&Itemid=38 I love them. Your diapers and wipes will stay securely in one place, your diapers won’t get all smooshed. Plus, they’re very stylish, and you can simply tell your hubby, get me that diapees & wipees thingy. Plus, you will find that it is a lot easier (and cleaner) NOT to take your entire baby bag in with you to some bathrooms. I wanted to include one in your gift because I consider ours a must have, but I was too broke. My last must have, patience and hope. You will likely experience a period of what seems like hopelessness. Your baby will be colicky or what have you. Don’t give up. Don’t feel like a terrible mommy because you don’t know how to help. Be of good courage. This too shall pass. Just continue to pet and cuddle and love him. P.S. Should you ever face a colicky baby, a nice warm shower with mommy always saves us! Just grab a hand towel and put it over your shoulder if you are afraid of dropping him due to slipperiness. Showers help everybody. It’s a scientifically proven fact. :O)
6. Do I need a bassinet? How long are they in there anyway?
I’ve seen the bassinets that self-rock… do I want that?
This is a very personal decision. You may find that you want your baby very near you, so this may work for you. You may find that you want to co-sleep. You and your husband may want the baby in his own room and bed. etc. I like to nurse lying down for the most part, so my babies lay in bed with me and if I fall asleep, they stay right where they are, too. However, we purchased a pack and play where you can have the bed raised up when they are tiny babies. Our kids slept in that when they were little and we needed the bed to ourselves. My daughter usually wanted to be in the bed by herself, so she used it quite well. Our second son wanted to be mostly in bed with us. Like I said, it’s a personal choice. But, there’s nothing in the whole world like sleeping and cuddling with your baby. It’s like living in a dream come true – at least for me. My husband enjoys it as well, but moving baby (and not waking him) can prove to be difficult when it’s mommy and daddy time, if you know what I mean.
7. Humidifier in the baby’s room?
I would say that where you are living, this isn’t necessary. But when I lived on the east coast up north, definitely necessary!!! If you notice that your baby’s skin (or yours) is starting to dry out a bit, invest in a good one.
8. Baby Monitor?
it depends on the size of your house. It is helpful to have one if you are busy out in the garage cleaning, or washing the car, or if you are trying to garden or something like that and aren’t in the house, but otherwise, trust me, babies cry pretty loudly when they really need you. If you are always immediately picking them up when they make the smallest sound, they’ve found their whip and they’ll learn to crack it sooner than you can say “baby”.
You’re such a lovely mommy already. I adore that you are so eager to learn and hear so much.
Blessings, Susan
P.S. I need new baking and bed sheets, too!!!
1. Buy your stroller from Craigslist or a resale store. It is especially good if getting a system — because you can get the stroller really cheap, and then get the car seat & extra bases from a retail store.
2. Flannel sheets are good for swaddling, and you can cut them up to make baby washclothes too. (Many babies are sensitive to wipes, wet baby washclothes are a good alternative)
3. A Boppy pillow is very helpful. Big box stores offer the best price (BJ’s, Costco, etc)
4. Most experts advise babies should not sleep with blankets — sleep sacks are excellent to keep baby warm.
5. Don’t get a drop down crib — they are currently being recalled & manufacturers are phasing them out of production due to safety issues. Get a crib with an adjustable level matress — and you won’t need a bassinett.
Brookie ~
okay I have a few things to add.
#2 bottles: if you were to ever listen to me this would be my advice. Liners period. Use bottle liners instead of the hard plastic bottles. Trust me even though those liners are $4 a box. (which holds 50 liners) they are cleaner, easier to use, less air to baby, and you can always risen and re-use.
And I know this sounds stupid but use a slow flow nipple. It doesnt really matter what color or brand, but do make sure its slow flow and not a “mini” one.
#6 Bassinet is a no. Big waste of money. They “live” in there only a few months (maybe 3 months knowing the genes that you are fighting) a playpen will be used over and over and it has a “bassinet” type feature.
#7 You need one that both cold and warm mist. But no no no vicks vabor rub when baby is sick. So dont buy the Vicks humidifer . . . .
gotta go bella is screaming and mali is well mali . . .
love you
Tori
1… I LOVE my Bumbleride. Its a tad big for quick stops, but for shopping trips, events or walks in the neighborhood it is fabulous! It holds almost any baby carrier in the beginning, has tons of accessories and lays down almost totally flat. Plus, with three big wheels I can spin it 180 with two fingers. Complimented on it all the time… its a showstopper for sure!
2. I’m a sucker for glass bottles. They are much easier to clean and if you are worried about them breaking get one with a silicone sleeve. For the first 6 months or so you have to hold the bottle for them anyways.
3. Nope. Most people say they are more hassle than they are worth. And I highly recommend you checking into cloth diapers… at least for at home. They’ve changed a lot over the years… check out my favorites, the Fuzzibunz!
4. I prefer PJs with feet and onsies… we never used a gown.
5. My BOPPY. Get one and take it to the hospital… your arms will thank you whether you plan on breastfeeding or not!!! Swaddlers are also a must. Our baby wouldn’t sleep without one. And tons of burpcloths and blankets. I thought we had too many… I was wrong.
6. We bought a wooden rocking cradle from JcPenney. Our son was able to sleep in it for 7 months because it was longer than bassinets (we only moved him to his crib because he is pulling up now). It took up less space in our room. I could rock him when I wanted to, or I could lock it in place. Plus, I could see him through the slats from a laying down position (invaluable when I was a nervous mom recovering from a Csection… sitting up to check on him was no fun).
7. We didnt think we would need a humidifier but bought one when our son got his first cold… it really does help.
8. We didn’t need a monitor for a long time because he was sleeping in our room. Since we just moved him to his room we went ahead and bought a video monitor. They are much cheaper on Ebay FYI (We got a brand new Summer Infant monitor for half the price). I am really enjoying the video feature… I can check on him when he is making noise without making him wake up more. I think an audio monitor would just make me worry about every sound…
Okay, I know you have a ton of responses here, but I can’t read it all to see what you’ve been told so here I am to add my 2 cents! :)
Moby Wrap – it’s a MUST for hands-free baby wearing. Got mine on eBay and I loved using it. Top of my list.
Hooter-Hiders/ Bebe Au Lait/Nursing covers are a life saver for when you have visitors or are visiting others. Cute ones one etsy.
Bottles – I managed perfectly fine with 2 sets (8 bottles) of 5 oz. Medela bottles. They fit the breast pump and that’s what I needed. I also had a set of breast milk storage bottles…and you can fit a nipple on them. That’s how I chose – so they worked with the breast pump.
When she got bigger and needed more, I used the “Green to Grow” brand. Look for BPA-free plastic. I never tried the ones with the liners, but softer plastic usually leaches into liquids. Now she uses straw sippy cups and loves them (at 16 months).
I used a Diaper Genie in the beginning, but don’t anymore. Now I just throw it in the trash.
Seventh Generation diapers rock…even better than Huggies, Pampers, etc. I think…plus they’re better for the environment. I also love my BumGenius and Monkey Snuggles (on etsy – ask me if you want the address) cloth diapers. Easy peasy to use…and you’re not always buying diapers.
Warm air humidifiers really do help when they have a cold.
Boppy’s do help. Especially when they’re teeny tiny. Then they can use it to help them sit up when they’re getting stronger. Now I use it as a pillow for me in the recliner when I am up with her at night (she’s sick right now).
Get a bouncer/vibrating chair…a small one. They love the ‘heartbeat’ sound. I brought it to every room with me…bathroom (to get a shower in), kitchen (to clean or cook). Harper has a swing but she really didn’t use it THAT much…but it’s nice to have around.
We have one big stroller (bigger tires, can hold lots of stuff!) and one little one…easier to pack up on short walks on flat surfaces.
Harper slept in her bassinet next to my side of the bed until she was maybe 6 or 7 months (can’t remember). Great to have, especially when they’re newborns so they’re close by and you don’t have to keep getting up. I don’t know if the rocking one is necessary, but that’s just because mine didn’t rock.
I didn’t use gowns, but I liked the one piece pj’s instead of onesies and pants when I could. Onesies are nice, though, when they’re little. Now I’d rather have separate shirts and pants.
Alright…that’s all I can think of for now. I’m so happy for you!!
xo, L.
Do not know where you are located, but RC Willey has the flip video camera 120 min Ultra on sale right now. I have been waiting for them to go on sale too. Not sure if they ship or not. Have a great Holiday Season.