Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Mommas - need your baby gear recs.
Dh & I are starting to look at our options for the big ticket baby gear items. There are SOOO many options out there that we're completely overwhelmed.
We were set on getting the chicco cortina travel system, but now we're not sure if we are better off getting just the chicco car seat & snap n go frame then get a light weight stroller once our kiddo is out of the car seat. Opinions???? And if we go light weight stroller...recs on those?
For swings, I like the snugabunny by fisher price, but it's price. Do I really need a plug in one or won't I go through batteries on the battery operated ones as much as I think?
For pack n plays, we are looking at the Graco Elements - Morgan. Anyone knows anything about it or have suggestions in the same price range?? We do want the baby to be able to sleep in it for a month or so, but other than that...I don't NEED the changing table part, but wouldn't mind it.
I was looking at the Graco highchair in the Morgan pattern just to match the pack n play. But I'm open to suggestions.
And we haven't looked at monitors at all, so any help on that would be excellent!
We aren't finding out the gender, so everything needs to be neutral.
Thanks so much!!!
Re: Mommas - need your baby gear recs.
I wanted to welcome you and also say that there is a b-more babies board - http://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/4236724/ShowForum.aspx
I used a lot of recommendations from Lucie's List (http://www.lucieslist.com/) and also baby bargains book (http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Bargains-Secrets-furniture-maternity/dp/1889392405/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323654913&sr=8-1).
DE IVF #1= 04/11 - BFP
We have the chicco travel system and it works well for us. I like how it reclines all the way back so LO can take a nap while you are walking. My son is really little so when we use it and he wants a snack on the tray I can't put the arm straps over his shoulders or we wouldn't be able to reach. I just use the bottom straps and than he can sit up and get what he wants and not slip through. Now that he's older we don't use the stroller very often. When we go for walks we use the wagon because he loves that more, and when we are out and about we usually use the Ergo.
We had the fisherprice ocean wonders baby swing. I bought at a consignment store for $40. I like that you can choose either direction for the swing to go. My son had reflux as an infant and we used the swing a ton! He was in it daily and sometimes spent the night in it if we were having a bad night. I don't think we ever changed the batteries. We used the same batteries that came with it from the consignment store. It always surprises me when moms talk about going through batteries.
We have the chicco pack n' play. It has a higher level that you can use when they are 15 pounds or less which is great so you don't have to reach down really low. We used this a ton for naps when Kieran was younger. We did naps downstairs so he would get used to the noise of our house and so we wouldn't have to tip toe around when he was older. We don't use the pack n' play often now. Only when traveling and we don't have a sleeping option. I do like that it has a fabric covering that can drop on one side so if we are sharing a room while traveling he can't see us if he wakes in the night.
We have the chicco high chair which is fine. I think if I had done it over though I would have chosen one of the stokke wooden high chairs. Now that Kieran is older he wants to be at the table with us and although you can adjust the chicco you can't get it right at the table.
We have the Summer Infant Day and Night baby monitor. We LOVE it and are mildly obsessed with watching our son sleep, even to this day. I love how you can just peak in through the monitor and make sure he's ok. Especially now if he's fussing or making noises we know not to go in unless he's standing and ready to get out. Lots of times he'll just make noise, talk to himself etc but he's not really ready to get up.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
We got the Chicco Keyfit 30, but with the frame (verses the travel system). We were back and forth between the two, but ultimately decided that we liked the frame better because it seemed to weigh a lot less, and took up less space in the trunk. We were very happy with our decision. We had a base in each car too, which helped a lot. Once she outgrew her infant seat (she was in it for 11 months), we switched to a lightweight stroller. We have the Peg Perego Vela, which we like very much. It has a nice sized basket underneath, and is very easy to steer.
We were given a Fisher Price Little Lambs swing, which we liked very much. It did take batteries, but we didn't have to replace them often from what I can remember (the first few months are a bit of a blur
). I liked that it could swing in both directions (either front to back or side to side)
For a pack and play, we have (and still use when we got places overnight) a Chicco Lullaby. It's probably got more bells and whistles than we need, but DH picked it out and was very excited about it.
Good luck with your decisions!
I would recommend the book Baby Bargains. It has been really helpful to us as we try to figure out what we want.
We registered for the Graco Snugride 30 car seat. We tested out the Graco frame in the store but didn't like the way it handled. We registered for the Graco Mosaic stroller that had the same fabric as the car seat, so it looks like a travel system, but it's not. Th stroller handled well and collapsed easily. The car seat snaps into the stroller for when baby is too small for the stroller.
We may purchase a jogger type stroller in the spring or summer at a consignment sale if we find one we like to use for neighborhood walks.
Also, there is a Getting Pregnant Moms board on the nest. The ladies there are really helpful!
ETA: I don't know if you're "out" to friends and family, but we have already gotten 2 swings, and lots of clothes from people we know who are done having kids and want to give away their stuff. We will also be getting some bottles that go with the breast pump I've registered for as well as some unused breast pads from a CW. Our neighbors have basically said that once their 8 month old outgrows his bouncy chair, Baby Bjorn and other things that we can have them. Some of it isn't what I'd choose, but it's free! So, once people know, they might have things to give you!
5 cats. 1 baby.
I just ordered it! Thanks!
Yes, I am...I know one of DH's cousin's has been saving her stuff from her two kids for us..we plan on having that stuff go to Dh's parents house so we don't have to lug it there.