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Moms of the Caribbean
I probably won't catch most of you until tomorrow, but since I can't nest at work I thought I'd ask tonight.
We started looking at baby things this weekend. I started making the registry yesterday online. I spent about 10 minutes and then got overwhelmed and stopped. There is so much stuff that they offer for babies (obviously). My question is: what do I really need? I am taking the Winged approach of less-is-more; I do not want my house to be overrun with baby stuff.
Here is what I have figured out is essential:
- Stroller (we are doing a City Mini and then maybe getting a carseat attachment - no travel system)
- Car seat (Chicco Keyfit 30 with two bases)
- High chair (Fisherprice Spacesaver)
- Baby carrier (I think I'm leaning towards the Beco Gemini)
- Swing (I am looking at a travel-sized one that swings and vibrates, forget the name of it)
- Pump (borrowing a motor from a friend, just need to get the attachments)
Besides the obvious stuff (clothes, bottles, diapers, bath stuff, etc.) is there anything big I am missing?
Re: Moms of the Caribbean
do you live in a two story house? we did when i had e and a pack-n-play was a lifesaver for me. he had a place to sleep and be changed when he was little. it also allowed me to put him down somewhere safe when i needed a rest or to go to the bathroom or something.
i would also get a vibrating bouncy chair. i didnt get anything pricey (i think it was like, $25? or so at target) and evan liked it more than the swing. i also later used that to put him in when i was in the shower and needed to strap him somewhere i could see him.
you also didnt mention a monitor. i wish i had splurged and gotten the video kind. i still use the monitor and it would be a really nice feature that i could have used on several occasions.
sound machine. i think its called the sound sleeper? we still use it.
a couple of swaddle blankets. the kind that velcro. evan couldn't sleep when he was little is he wasnt wrapped tight and he'd often come undone mid-sleep and wake up. this thing often gave me another hour or two of nighttime sleep.
for you, lansinoh nipple stuff if you're going to breastfeed. that lotion saved my life.
i'll keep thinking.
Pack and Play
Bouncy seat or some other seat you can carry around the house
It takes up a lot of space, but the Exersaucer was a big hit and would keep him occupied for a long time
We have a one-story house. The nursery is right next to the living room. Is a pack and play still needed? My ILs already have one and my parents are planning on getting one for their house in GA.
Monitors - video necessary, or no? Any recommended brands?
I do have a sound machine picked out (it's a stuffed Giraffe that plays like 5 different noises - very cute). I plan on breast-feeding but wasn't sure if I should register for lanolin, nursing pads, etc. (it seems a little . . . personal, but I guess that's part of the game?).
Seems like a bouncy seat is necessary. Should I get a vibrating bouncy seat and just a normal swing (travel-sized)? Or vibrating bouncing seat AND vibrating swing?
My head hurts.
Caroline 5/15/11
don't bother with the bumbo. Just my opinion. or get one used.
I love my video monitor. And the Arm's Reach Mini Cosleeper was a godsend for the first 5 months with Owen.
Swaddle blankets?
Bouncy seat was a big one for us in the earlier days. Once he had more control, the Bumpo was where it was at.
Andy didn't really dig the swing, so I was glad that we had just borrowed one.
I would do a video monitor. There have been many times - even now - where I wished we had one.
We had borrowed a bassinet, plus we had a pack-n-play. The pack-n-play was way more useful. We can still use it for road trips. We used to take it with us when we would go hang out with friends. It was also just a different place that the baby could hang out before he/she is mobile - and acts like a good baby jail for when they are mobile.
Exersaucer really isn't necessary until later. You can wait to see if it is something you think would be useful (I found it very useful - the circle of neglect I believe is what Sam called it - the kid could spend 20-30 minutes in that thing).
And yeah. The worst fight my H and I got in (perhaps ever) was when we were registering at Babies-R-Us. This is not easy.
In your case, I'd say no Pack N Play, except it would come in handy if you visit friends, even just for a day, so the baby has a place to nap.
Our bouncy seat detached from the swing. Ian liked the vibrating seat, but lots of babies don't
Agree with Kristen on the Bumbo.
The biggest thing is not to forget that BRUS will still be there after you give birth. You don't have to buy things you aren't sure about because you can always go back for them if you need them. Are you the type of person who finds gadgets helpful and convenient or do you tend to forget about/lose all but a few you use daily? You probably won't change that much when it comes to baby stuff.
I narrowed things down by category. Just figure out the minimum you need in each category and work from there. Also you can combine things and use the bouncy seat for livingroom naps as well as entertainment:
Stuff to put the baby in:
-transport (carseat, wrap or stroller if you want to PUSH your baby away from you) One carseat per car, one mobility device per parent to start.
-sleeping (crib, bouncy seat or bassinet) You only need one, unless you want them in whatever room you're in
-containment/entertainment (playpen, bouncy seat, jumper, exersaucer, play gym, swing) Pick two unless your house occupies the footprint of a stadium.
Stuff to put on the baby:
-poop containment (diapers, wipes, changing area, diaper bag, ointment)
-clothes (get a small amount before you know how big your baby is/how fast she grows. Bug was rocking the 18 month size around 7 months, Dimi is just outgrowing them at 17 months. Bug grew so fast I didn't need more than a handful of outfits for her.)
Stuff to put in the baby:
-Booby-care (if breastfeeding): nursing bras (I recommend Target tanks), lansinoh cream, leak guards (like pads, for your boobs!), pump, bottles.
-or formula (bottles, um, formula?)
-solids! (bibs, spoons, unbreakable plates/bowls, highchair, mashers if you're a masher, jars if you're lazy [I found the mashing stage was short and would go with jars or a magic bullet]) You can always do this part later, you have 4-6 months before you need to worry about it.
"The meek shall inherit the earth" isn't about children. It's about deer. We're all going to get messed the fuckup by a bunch of cloned super-deer.- samfish2bcrab
Sometimes I wonder if scientists have never seen a sci-fi movie before. "Oh yes, let's create a super species of deer. NOTHING COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG." I wonder if State Farm offers a Zombie Deer Attack policy. -CaliopeSpidrman
This is kind of my mindset. I told my husband that we can always buy stuff we need afterwards. I want to register for things that we'll definitely need/want, because I know if we over-register, our house will turn into a mini-BRU, especially since I can see my ILs scooping up everything off the registry.
I'm thinking a travel swing and a bouncy chair now though. So that's helpful. And maybe no Bumbo? GAH.
The knot ate a category:
-Grooming the baby (tub w/head support, washcloths [get more than you think you need], soap, nail clippers, brush [don't bother with a "set" and I never used lotion or powder], burp rags, towels [I found IKEA had the best for the last two -- towels are super thick and cute, and burp cloths the size of kitchen towels])
Really, so you don't have a miniBrUS, take their registry list and cross off everything that seems stupid, then cross off everything you won't need right away, then cross off everything that's redundant. Then decide what you actually want.
"The meek shall inherit the earth" isn't about children. It's about deer. We're all going to get messed the fuckup by a bunch of cloned super-deer.- samfish2bcrab
Sometimes I wonder if scientists have never seen a sci-fi movie before. "Oh yes, let's create a super species of deer. NOTHING COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG." I wonder if State Farm offers a Zombie Deer Attack policy. -CaliopeSpidrman
We took the same approach. We didn't get a lot of the typical baby things. No activity mats, no pack n play, no jumper, no diaper bag (whaaaaaat?), no mobile, no bassinet. We got the following:
- Stroller (no travel system either)
- Car seat (2 bases)
- High chair
- Carrier
- Swing (bought at about 4w after borrowing my sisters to make sure he liked it. I liked the one that moved side to side and front to back)
- Pump (friend gave me hers)
- Bottle (yep...1 bottle. I BF but he took a bottle when I wasn't around, when Joe did feedings and at daycare)
- Exersaucer (got it as a gift - was great when he got a bit older)
- Bouncy chair (get for when I needed a shower. He would just sit in there and chill)
Can you borrow a swing after the baby arrives to see if your LO will like it?
We just did a regular Advent monitor. No need for video IMO...but that is just me.
The bumbo was a waste (got it as a gift). He sat in it like 3 times then hated it. Plus they are $65 up here!!
"The meek shall inherit the earth" isn't about children. It's about deer. We're all going to get messed the fuckup by a bunch of cloned super-deer.- samfish2bcrab
Sometimes I wonder if scientists have never seen a sci-fi movie before. "Oh yes, let's create a super species of deer. NOTHING COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG." I wonder if State Farm offers a Zombie Deer Attack policy. -CaliopeSpidrman
I would honestly want my own PnP for any traveling or even just going to a friends for the evening. It's nice to always have a place to put him. You don't need a top of the line one with all of the bells and whistles. A plain jane off brand is pretty cheap.
Ditto Kristen. Don't spend full price for a bumpo. You can find them consigned cheap.
Most of the equipment is going to be trial and error. What one baby loves, your baby may hate, so if you have friends with stuff you can try out before you buy it might be good.
Ethan hated the swing from day one, so our bouncy seat was a godsend. You're probably safe with one of those. They're cheap, and most babies seem to like them.
He also love love loved the cheapo playmat we had. That thing entertained him for hours upon hours. He'd just happily swat at all the toys hanging in his face, and it was easily folded up and put away when not in use. We had this one except we got it at target and it was most definitely NOT $70.
http://www.amazon.com/Bright-Starts-Along-Friends-Play/dp/B001C3NJ8O/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295930435&sr=8-1-fkmr2
Now that he's older, he's a HUGE fan of the jumper thing that hooks on the door frame too.
The bouncy seat was a must with us. We got the FP vibrating one (precious planet, I believe).
We used the hell out of our bumbo, so I found that sort of necessary. It was great pre-high chair.
Unless you live in a city and walk everywhere, you don't need a travel system. We have the city mini and are very happy with it. You may want to get (or borrow) a snap and go frame. I stole my sister's.
You only need one infant car seat but enough bases for each car.
Humidifier - I originally got one of those cute Crane animal ones, but they are a PITA to clean. I now have a very basic vicks humidifier and it works like a charm.
I know there's some debate about the safety of the bundleme, but I found that thing essential.
Some sort of playmat/gymini thing. That was great for tummy time.
ETA: I don't know that I would necessarily go for the carseat that can carry more weight. With Miles at least, he outgrew the height limit long before the weight limit. Also, you're not going to want to cart around a 30 pounder in a carseat. We did a very basic Graco snugride.
Everyone here is steering you in the right direction.
Exersaucer/jumper can wait. When they are really little all you need is a swing and/or bouncy seat, and a blanket on the ground with some toys. I think you are smart to get a small swing. We got a big one and that stayed in our living room. The bouncy seat roamed the house - she hung out in it in the bathroom while we were getting ready in the morning, in the kitchen while we were cooking, etc.
Honestly, looking back, stuff like the exersaucer I would totally buy used off Craigslist or something. I've been able to sell a lot of our stuff like that through a local moms Yahoo group, and for the next go round, I'll buy used. We simply don't have space to store that big stuff in a 2 bd apartment.
Monitors are interesting. We never needed the audio one we got. I had no problem hearing her, and the monitor was annoying because it would click on and off, pick up her white noise machine etc. However, now that she is older, I'm kinda wishing we had a video monitor so I would be able to check on her without going in there, for sleep training purposes, but totally not worth buying at this point.
Speaking of white noise, get some. For sure.
Mucho likes purple nails and purple cupcakes
I also got the space saver swing/vibrating seat. I have a small house so everything was considered with that in mind.
Here are the things that I can't live without:
swing
swaddle me blankets (velcro baby straight jacket)
pacifiers
moby
activity mat
baby sound spa (a.k.a baby crack machine)
I waited on the Moby, since some babies don't like carriers, so I waited to see. I also never registered for a baby bathtub but ended up getting one that fits in this weird little space in my bathroom. I used the pack and play a lot in the beginning, and now she takes some naps in there and I use it mostly for the changing table. It is good for a bassinet at first, although we ended up putting her in her crib around 2 weeks. I have a video monitor, but don't use the audio, she is loud enough.
I have no exersaucer/bouncer yet. She is still too small for them I think. I plan on waiting to see what she really likes at day care and then making a decision.For less then ten cents a day, you can feed a hungry child.
Oh, I agree with not needing a pumpkin seat that goes beyond 20 pounds. Owen's 18 and I can hardly lift the damn thing anymore.
Also, the video monitor isn't a necessity for a baby, but when they get bigger and more mobile, it's fantastic. Makes life with a 2 year old a lot easier.
Yeah, Ethan is 22 lbs now. I gave up on the infant seat somewhere around 6mos and 18lbs. It was just too heavy, and it's so much harder to get them in and out of the small seat than the big convertible. Plus, he's so much happier being higher and able to see out the windows.
"That chick wins at Penises, for sure." -- Fenton
The Arms Reach Cosleeper was great for us until J started refusing to sleep on his back. Then we got a FP Cradle 'n Swing. The swing stays parked next to our bed, and we have a FP vibrating chair that we carry around and place wherever we need it.
BRU allows you to return pumps within 45 days of purchase if the box is unopened.
We registered for and got a Swaddle Me, a Miracle Blanket, and a Halo Sleepsack so we could see what works best for us. Once we settled on the Miracle Blanket, we bought more of them.
The only other thing we were unexpectedly short on was shirts and pants. We had a ton of onesies, but the pedi didn't want J to wear them until his cord fell off.
good point about the tshirts, HT. I sent my mom out to Target to get a couple packs while we were in the hospital because we didn't have any and were also told to use them for the cord.
honestly, it looks like BRU has thrown up all over our home. : ) But stuff I couldn't live without:
swiiiiiiiing. For the first 2 months of his life, Jack wouldn't sleep more than 20 minutes anywhere else. I know some babies hate them though.
we use the halo swaddlers. never tried a miracle blanket though.
play mat. he loves that thing and it keeps him entertained so I can pee, eat, etc.
white noise machine(s). we have them all over the house. It's so nice because then I feel like I can make as much noise as I want (grinding coffee in the mornings, sneezing, etc.) and it won't wake him.
we used sooooo many burp cloths/blankets in the beginning. I thought we had gotten way too many and then it seemed like we were going through them like crazy. my kid's not a spitter-upper, but I had to use them to soak up the leak from the boob he wasn't using for the first couple months of BF, if he pulled off I'd have streams coming out, and just for general wiping.
OH. The battery operated nasal aspirator. WE LOVE IT SO MUCH. My kid seems kind of booger-y and it does a great job sucking it out.
we use the boppy now to prop him up for tummy time and sitting up, but I could never use it for BF. I went to Target and bought a few really firm but full regular pillows and those were what really helped. I still use them behind my back at home when I"m nursing him.
I agree with this. And hear it a lot.
For less then ten cents a day, you can feed a hungry child.
Mucho likes purple nails and purple cupcakes
We are big fans of the nosefrida as well.
I will ditto Tasty on buying more burp rags than you think you could ever possibly need. When first figuring out BFing, we went through something like 15-20 a day. I would soak through 2 just about every feeding trying to keep myself from being covered in milk and keep it from spraying clear across the room.