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Moms....questions
Our last shower was yesterday so I'm trying to figure out what else we should absolutely get. I know everyone's lists of must haves are different but I'd still like to hear your thoughts.
Specifically:
Swing or Bouncer? Or both?
Stroller right away? Or is that something we can wait on? **I'm going to get a moby for the begining and then an Ergo eventually. While I'm on leave I plan to be out walking with her so either one of those would work well for at least the first few months.
Monitor? Nice/could live with out it/must have? **All of the rooms in our home are on one level. Olive would be right across the hall once she does end up in her room. Due in Sept. so needing it outside might not be a big deal.
Playmat thing? Should I have one for the begining or wait awhile? Did your kid use this thing?
If you had a pack n play, how often did you use it?
Anything else? TIA.
Re: Moms....questions
My little guy loved his swing. we never had a bouncer so I cant speak on it.
I loved my travel system. I had to get out of the house and it just made it easier.
I have one level and we used a safety first monitor. But his room was on the other side of the house. I usually can hear him but I has extra peace of mind. I really used it while I grabbed my five minute shower while he was napping
Hope my opinion helps.
Hi there my dear, I hope all is well!
So, I was insanely spoiled at my shower and recieved all of this right away.
Weston liked both the swing and bouncer from the beginning. He especially loved the bouncer. We used that often since with his reflux, he had to be slightly upright for 30 minutes after feeding, so we used that or the carseat.
I loved having a travel system. I used the stroller pretty early on. We also have an infant carrier, but I didn't like using it. Floyd would use that for walks in the beginning, but I preferred the stroller.
Yes, Weston's room is right next to ours, and yes I used a monitor. I did not need it right away because Weston was in our room for the first 6 weeks. I am a very light sleeper but it gave me piece of mind at night. I liked knowing that I would for sure hear if he was up or needed me.
Weston really loved his mat. It was also nice for tummy time. We used it pretty quickly. Tummy time can start once the umbilical cord falls off.
We used the pack n play very often. He took a lot of naps in the livingroom in it. Also, he got to the point that he didn't like the bassinet. We then had the pack n play in our bedroom. Also, when Weston was having a bad night when he wouldn't really sleep, we took 'shifts' and one would stay in the bedroom and the other would be in the living room with the pack n play.
HTH!
:Blog:
:Blog:
Yeah, chances are you probably will. I remember when I was pregnant, putting anything and everything on my registry because I thought they were "must-haves".... there are still some I haven't even touched yet, and others I could definitely do without... but I digress...
We have both a swing and a bouncer. We registered for the swing, and it was nice while she was little, but once she became more mobile it's been a lot harder to keep her in it. As for the bouncer, we bought once she was able to hold her head up on her own, and it's been one of the best purchases yet. I highly suggest one of Fisher Price's bouncers -- they're adjustable, fun, and portable.
We have a travel system, so we used a stroller right away. I had a Moby (two, in fact) nad only used it once. We bought a Ergo later on and still use it -- still love it -- but I would never replace it for a stroller. No matter how small they might be, after a long enough time, babies do get heavy.
Our house is only one floor, plus a finished basement, but we still have the Sony Baby Call monitor because you never know when a door might be shut, or a fan might be on and you can't hear over it.
I didn't buy a playmat until Sam could sit up on her own and really play, so I think you have time. Now we have it set up in the corner of the basement, which is awesome because the floor is tile, and it gives her a padded corner.
We registered for our pack n play, but I never opened it Sam was sitting up on her own and started becoming more active, and I needed somewhere to put her because I could carry her all the time. A little bummer because I missed out on the whole bassinet and changing table stage of the playpen, but ever since we've opened it up, we've been using it. It's currently upstairs so I have somewhere to put her while I make dinner, and we'll bring it outside with us if we're hanging out there, and it's where we put her to sleep whenever we travel overnight.
updated 10.03.12
Awesome! Thank you.
I'll hang on to the pnp; good point about bringing it to work with me. I forgot about that part. I'll keep the swing too. I wouldnt not get a stroller at all, I was just thinking mayb eit was something we could wait on. I'm planning to get the City Mini and the carseat adapter thing but really, (and I know I might change my mind) I cant see myself getting the stroller out to take her into a store. I'd use the stroller more for walks or longer trips to the mall, downtown, the zoo etc. But who knows what will actually happen.
Anyway, if you can think of anything else that would be helpful, please suggest it! And anyone who hasnt answered yet, please do!
We love our swing! We've used it since the beginning and are still going strong on it. We have it in our FR and he takes a lot of his naps in it.
We also love our bouncer. We keep it upstairs and I put him in it when I am getting ready in the bathroom, taking a shower, and I put him in it if Eddie is watching him while working.
I got a stroller right away. I had a Maclaren Techno and it had a full recline so I could use it from birth. Honestly, I don't use it a lot. I use it mostly for walks around the neighborhood (if I don't take the jogging stroller). When we go on trips to the grocery store or the mall we either put his car seat on a shopping cart (his fits right at the top), or we wear him. Because we are wearing him in the summer, we end up using the Bjorn more than the ergo or the Moby (we have all three). The Moby is very warm and the Ergo is certainly warmer than the Bjorn. We usually don't have an issue with putting him in when he is sleeping. If he wakes up, he just goes right back to sleep while being worn.
Monitor- We started using it when he moved into his crib at 7 weeks. His nursery is right next to our room and we even share a wall, but I can't really hear him well without the monitor. Between fans, the humidifier, etc. his sounds get muffled. He isn't a very loud cryer though.
We have used his activity mat from about week 3. Sometimes I feel like he would be just as happy on a blanket with toys.
We used the Pack n' Play only for diaper changes and for naps when he used to fit in the newborn bassinet attachment. He hates napping in the actual Pack n' Play so we use his swing or his boppy instead. We still use the Pack n' Play for diaper changes (it has the attachment) and for toy/blanket storage.I figure once he gets more mobile, it'll be useful.
For the first 7 weeks he slept in the FP Rock n' Play. We also used it to travel to our ILs. I love that thing!
Swing v. Bouncer - we had both, and we used both. The bouncer was great for when I wanted to take a shower, I would put her in it and put her in the bathroom so I could see her while I showered. The bouncer was better for entertaining her, while the swing was better for putting her to sleep.
Stroller - I used mine right away, but I didn't babywear. If you plan to babywear, you probably won't need it until she gets too heavy to carry all the time.
Monitor - We got one as a gift (thanks Angela!) but since we co-slept we didn't use it more than a few times.
Playmat - Ellie used hers at the babysitter, but not so much at home.
Pack 'N Play - we use ours more now than we did when she was little. We'll put her in it with some toys so she can be contained and entertain herself while we cook dinner or clean or whatever.
Did you get a diaper genie (even if you're CD I would think it would be good to have!)? If not, you need one. And did you get a seahorse? Everyone needs a seahorse.
Kelly bought me the sea horse as a shower gift! (Kelly, your TY note is coming I swear!)
I dont have a diaper geinie (sp?) or a champ.
Swing or Bouncer? Or both?
Every baby is different but glad I didn't spend a lot of money on his swingouncer (only used for the 1st 2 mo.) We purchased a combination swingouncer from Fisher Price. We got a ton of use from our RNP which he loved for naps and busy time while I showeredcooked for 5 months.
Stroller right away? Or is that something we can wait on? **I'm going to get a moby for the begining and then an Ergo eventually. While I'm on leave I plan to be out walking with her so either one of those would work well for at least the first few months. I would say get both. I used our Graco Metrolite and Baby Bjorn from the 1st week. I use the Baby Bjorn now with Nate facing the front (GREAT calorie burner!)
Monitor? Nice/could live with out it/must have? **All of the rooms in our home are on one level. Olive would be right across the hall once she does end up in her room. Due in Sept. so needing it outside might not be a big deal.
Nate was across from us too but it was great when he was sleeping and I was taking a shower with door closed or I had to step outside to let our dog out.
Playmat thing? Should I have one for the begining or wait awhile? Did your kid use this thing?
I would wait. I got ours when Nate was 3 mo. A blanket with baby toys works well in the 1st few months.
If you had a pack n play, how often did you use it?
NA plan on getting one soon so I've lived just fine without it all these months.
Anything else? TIA. I got a lot of things I needed but didn't receive at my shower including my Baby Bjorn (paid $14 instead of $69!) on Ebay.
Specifically:
Swing or Bouncer? Or both? I have both - Swing is something she loves and I made sure that I had one that plugged in. Ours has the battery option and the plug. We love it. Bouncer I got to take to teh shower with me and we have used it outside most of the time. She loves sitting in it and kicking her feet to make it bounce by herself.
Stroller right away? Or is that something we can wait on? **I'm going to get a moby for the begining and then an Ergo eventually. While I'm on leave I plan to be out walking with her so either one of those would work well for at least the first few months. I have a quinny stroller and her carseat fits right in. She loves it and I love how easy it is to get in and out. We go lots of places that putting her carseat into a cart wont work or places like the park. It has been a great thing to have in the car. Keeps us from carrying her so much.
Monitor? Nice/could live with out it/must have? **All of the rooms in our home are on one level. Olive would be right across the hall once she does end up in her room. Due in Sept. so needing it outside might not be a big deal. Monitor was a necessity for us. We have a large amount of space between our rooms so we are grateful that we have it so we know if she is waking up or if something is wrong.
Playmat thing? Should I have one for the begining or wait awhile? Did your kid use this thing? We used our playmat for tummy time and now that she is 12 weeks we use it all the time. She loves the music and lights and keeps kicking her feet and moving her arms. I dont think its a necessity but we like it to keep her entertained when we are eating dinner or when she needs a little chill time.
If you had a pack n play, how often did you use it? We have one at our house and one at my parents. Ours is the super fancy one and my parents is the basic one. Ours we have the changing table setup for downstairs and her naps. It makes it easier. The one at my parents house we use for naps there and for just chill time. Again not necessary but the changing table is nice both upstairs in her room
I never could figure out the genie so I went with the Champ - super easy to use and you can use any trash bag in it!
The sea horse is a must and we love the swaddle blankets (adin and anais) and the swaddle me blankets. The velcro is a must for Charlotte. I thought they were a waste until she flailed around so much in her crib we had to straight jacket her!
LOVE our Diaper Genie -- couldn't imagine having anything else.
And a note about the seahorse -- when Sam was littler it didn't help much, but as she grew older, it became a gods-send!
updated 10.03.12
Swing or Bouncer? Or both? Both are fine. Evie doesn't really use/like the swing though. It's hit or miss. She loves the bouncer. We got the frog one by Fisher Price. She loved it pretty much from day one and now she can sit in it for a good 20-30 mins playing/talking with the toys while I get some things done. I wish she liked the swing but it's not a huge loss because maybe the next baby will like it.
Stroller right away? Or is that something we can wait on? We got the city mini and used it right away. We didn't get the adaptor though. It lays flat, so it works out just fine. Evie doesn't like to lay down when she's awake so we always had it an incline. We just use one of those head supports and she's happy camper. I also use the carriers alot, esp. around the house when I need two hands and she doesn't want to be left alone.
Monitor? Nice/could live with out it/must have? We don't have one but our place is small and she sleeps in our room at night. And during the day she naps in the RNP, bouncer or sofa (or in my arms... oy!) in the living room. If we had a larger place or second floor, I think I would definitely get one for piece of mind.
Playmat thing? Should I have one for the begining or wait awhile? Did your kid use this thing? We used it as soon as her cord fell off. Evie uses it everyday. We also do tummy time with it.
If you had a pack n play, how often did you use it? We have one but don't use it home. It's currently at my mom's. As of now, she doesn't use it. But eventually when she starts sleeping in her crib (doesn't like to lay flat) she'll be using that.
Anything else? TIA. Rock N Play. My SIL offered her bassinet but we passed because the RNP is smaller and it's on an incline which helps Evie sleep better. I can't really think of anything else because Evie isn't difficult to soothe or put to sleep so there isn't a toy/device that's been a god-send to us.
I also concur with the diaper genie, or something like it since you are planning to CD. It really does the job at containing the smell and is change the bags and stuff.
A nightlight. Kind of obvious but this was something we didn't have right away when first came home with Evie.
My Acme Box last update 3/28/11
LOVE those blankets. They are awesome to swaddle with but they are also so versatile. I use them as nursing covers when we are out. They give great coverage plus they are light so Evie doesn't get hot.
My Acme Box last update 3/28/11
Ditto this!
We use the swaddle me's with velcro for actual swaddling since our kid doesn't like to have his hands swaddled and the others won't stay put as well with the arms out. I actually wish I had taken one of these with me to the hospital.
I also wish I had taken the boppy to the hospital. The boppy is our #1 baby item by far!
I have to echo pretty much everything Tonia said.
We have a Bright Starts portable swing that I put Kyler in when I shower (if he's awake, otherwise I just put him in his crib and use the monitor.) I want to get a bouncer though, it sounds like both have good uses.
I HIGHLY recommend the Snap n Go stroller. Get that first and then you have plenty of time to decide what kind of stroller to buy when your baby's a little older. Our SnG is a Baby Trend and it was about $75. SO useful, we use it all the time. Just take the car seat out, pop it in the stroller, and run errands, take short walks in the neighborhood, etc. The Snap N Go is easy to fold and super lightweight. Love it. It's not a heavy duty stroller though so it's probably not good for long walks -- I imagine the tires would wear out. For walks, like Tonia, we got a City Mini. Kyler's still too small for it but we are excited to use it. I haven't heard a single bad thing about City Minis.
We also have the Sony BabyCall monitor. It was inexpensive and it works well. I didn't see a need for a high-tech video monitor or anything like that. We only really need to use it when we're on a different level of the house than Kyler is on, or if we go outside for a bit while he's inside.
I'd recommend getting a playmat within the first month after birth. Kyler really started paying attention to the moving mobile and lights at about 4 weeks and it's great for entertaining him when we can't! We have the Fisher Price Luv U Zoo but there are a lot of great ones out there. I like that mine is washable too, since he spits up all over it.
We kept Ky in the Pack N Play bassinet in our bedroom for the first month then moved him to his crib. We haven't used it a ton since then but I know it'll be useful when we travel to CA next month. It'll probably also be helpful when he's older and mobile and I need to contain him for a little while.
I too absolutely LOVE the Aden and Anais muslin swaddle blankets. The ones from actual boutiques or Aden and Anais online are a better quality and slightly thicker fabric than the ones that are sold at Target, but I have some from Target too and they work just fine and wash up well.
Things you don't need:
-Bottle warmers (warming breastmilk in a cup of hot water has worked just fine for me)
-wipes warmers (your baby can survive a room temperature or slightly cold wipe)
-diaper pails (I know some of you beg to differ but I think a regular step trash can with a lid and a trash bag inside works just fine right now. When we switch to cloth diapers, we'll use the same but with a washable liner. )
I bought a monitor today, just an inexpensive one...lights and sounds something or other. That should be fine for the time being. I also bought a tummy time mat thing...this one http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3612691 which again, should be fine for awhile.
I'm totally sold on the city mini and kinda refuse to get anything else, much to my mother's dismay.
I do beg to differ on this one. Once your baby starts eating solids, you're going to want something to mask the odor. Solid-food-diapers are NOT pleasant.
*nodsnods*
I know what the inside of my Diaper Genie smells like, even with A&H air fresheners... I don't need the rest of my house smelling like that. PLUS, I'm not gonna be walking out to the trash barrel every time Sami takes a sh*t. Diaper Genie and convenience FTW!
updated 10.03.12