Right now I am trying to figure out strollers, car seats and diaper bags. Also, I already have a crib, but I don't know if I need something else for sleeping.
To try and become somewhat educated and get some ideas, I went to the LA baby expo a couple of weeks ago. My friend Brittany was so nice to go with me, even though she doesn't have any babies. (Andrew was very grateful!) I got a lot of great ideas, saw a lot of cute things, and realized that I know nothing about what babies need!
I saw these great diaper bags. http://www.babybeebags.com/ I love all the features that the bag has, but there isn't a print that I really love. So I'm not completely sold on it.
I also love these slings from http://www.modmum.com/ This print is adorable, and I definitely need a good baby carrier.
And how cute are these handmade shoes from http://www.lolamola.com/
There were also a lot of other items that I have on my list:I really liked these http://www.wagamamababy.com/ . I'm not sure what they are called, but they are really cute and seem like they would be pretty useful?
I also thought these car seat covers/blankets were really cute http://www.snugglemez.com/
Of course I was excited for the little peanut boutique.
So, I guess I should get back to figuring out what I need to buy. But if you have any great suggestions, please share!
14 comments:
Diane
Things I have discovered the 4th time that I wouldn't want to be without the 1st time :
http://www.ergobabycarrier.com/
http://www.combistrollers.com/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=540
(there are other similar models, but the combi folds up to about the size of an umbrella stroller)
So many cute things for the little ones, and of course all the REALLY cute things are the REALLY expensive things as well. Something else that I would recommend is a swing, June lived in hers and a bouncy chair that you can move around, ya know, put it in the bathroom when you take a shower or wherever. Sorry to add to the ever growing list, I just thought I would tell you what we couldn't live without.
I survived nursing with the co-sleeper (http://www.armsreach.com/) which can also double as a really heavy/bulky playpen.
We used a backpack with lots of pockets for a diaper bag for many years. You can save your back by strapping it on to both shoulders, Andrew can pick the design he'll be man enough to carry, and nothing falls out. However, if you want a more stylish one, there have been several companies on GiveAway Today that may still be running discounts. (http://giveawaytoday.blogspot.com/) You'll find all kinds of companies there! (And I've actually won something as well as ordered using a discount!)
You may remember Dan having a binky bib. I would definitely invest in those! I found mine on ebay and found that I needed about 3 to keep in rotation. Not only does the binky not get lost, but the drool ends up on the bib leaving them rash- and wet-free. Dan's had velcro, but I think the snap is a better idea. (http://cgi.ebay.com/Boutique-Binky-Pacifier-Bib-for-Baby-or-Toddler_W0QQitemZ120385320172QQcmdZViewItemQQptZFeeding?hash=item1c078634ec&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2|65%3A15|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50)
Ahh you need everything!!! But most things you don't need for a while. Stroller car seat combo is the first thing, I have a bassinet but would rather have just used a playpen since it folds away better. You won't need a high chair for a while. I love Bumbo's. You'll need a swing and/or bouncer. The list could go on forever:) Good Luck!!! Now that I have everything, I need 2 of everything. :). I'm just going to borrow almost everything though.
Don't get a travel system stroller--just get the snap-n-go sort of idea (whether that brand or not).
You NEED a Bumbo seat.
We put Jacob in the Pack-N-Play when he was tiny because the crib just seemed so big, and it's really great when we travel.
From my own experience, as cute as some of the tiny stuff is they grow out of it really fast, so I wouldn't get the most expensive brand.
And hey, remember Baby Bargains--the best book ever! It really helped us.
I hope you're getting residuals for product placement! :) I can't suggest anything. Except the Pee-Pee Teepee for the Sprinkling Wee Wee looks like a pretty fantastic product...
Oh, and for diaper bags, the Skip Hop brand is really good.
1st - don't buy a bumbo seat. I have one that you can take for free! My girls never really used it and it's like new!! Some babies like them and some don't so don't spend money on it like I did and then find out that you don't need it. Just take mine and if you don't want it you can give it back :)
2nd - I love Britax carseats. The travel system (baby carrier) works good while they're little, but after that I go Britax. They're a little more expensive but STURDY, SAFE, and COMFY for the kids!! We even bought a toddler size one for Charley.
3rd - If you want to go jogging stroller, I'm in love with mine. Let me know. It's a lot less expensive than the others and just as good. I got it from onestepahead.com.
4th - baby wipe warmers and diaper genies are a waste of money in my book . . . but that's my opinion. I think the genies get more stinky than just taking out the trash every day (or Andrew!).
5th - we love our pack n' play for travel and the beach.
I could go on, but I'll stop there! Good luck!
It's so hard to recommend baby stuff--every baby is different. Personally, I believe less is more (especially if you don't have a lot of storage space). We have so much baby stuff that JJ hardly used and now it just sits in a big, ugly corner of our apartment. Here are my recommendations:
Bumbo--Love that thing!
Stroller and Car Seat set--We have a Graco set, and it was great (though once the baby gets older and you don't want to snap in the car seat all the time, the stroller is just really big and bulky--try to find a nice, small, lightweight stroller)
Swing--Definitely a lifesaver when they're small
Pack N Play--JJ slept in a Pack N Play from the time he was born until he moved to his toddler bed. I love it because it's small and folds up really easily. (though I always kind of envied my friends with cribs because cribs are cuter)
And when you do have to get a high chair, get one that straps onto one of your normal chairs. Then you don't have a big high chair taking up a lot of space (like mine does!)
Depending on where we move (hopefully somewhere closer to you!) you are welcome to use ANY and ALL of our baby stuff! I hope we do move closer to you!
A friend who live near-by who can come over and watch your baby while you take a nap! I wonder who would be willing to volunteer for that...ME!
I've got a spreadsheet (of course) that I'll send you. I tend to agree with Kristi, but I just think more like her I guess. Oh, and I'm glad you have Brittany. Everyone needs a good friend without kids who is willing to watch yours. :)
For newborns:
MUST HAVE A ROCKING CHAIR! Seriously, I use mine every day, still do, it's the best place to nurse/doze/read/sing/snuggle. You'll fall asleep in it more than you can count, so get a comfy cushy one. Mine is from Best Chairs company, and it looks as good today as it did when I bought it seven years ago (get the ottoman too).
For nursing, get a boppy, they save your back!
For newborns, boys or girls, get baby gowns for sleeping. There's nothing worse than waking up five times a night and having to do up eight snaps around wiggling/kicking legs for the fifth time. Get sleeping gowns and it's easy up, easy down, back to bed!
Some kids LOVE swings, some don't. I'd suggest borrowing one, and if your little one loves it, then get one.
My kids did fine in a crib from day one, but you need to swaddle them tightly so they feel snug and safe. For that, you need some good, big cotton blankets.
BINKIES
I could go on, but I think maybe I'll just come vt and we can talk more!
Tend to agree with Kristi. But I'd add a breast pump (no one really tells you that your boobs will turn to boulders that are rock hard in your face), mylicon, bottles... will send you an email.
Get online to Target or BabiesRus. They have lists of things you need to help you get organized.
Oh, so much to say....Everything is nice, but having everything is expensive and excessive. What you really MUST HAVE: 1. carseat. 2. INFANT BABY TUB--don't try to bathe a slippery, limp baby without one! 3. small bouncer chair that can easily move to wherever you are (cheap ones for $25 are great!)
Don't bother on getting a high chair for a few months. You definitely won't use it until at LEAST 4 months, so don't take up the space and your budget until then. Same goes for the Bumbo seat.
I really liked my pack-n-play. I got one with a basinette and changing table and LOVE IT! I just barely moved Seth out of it (in our room). I would definitely recommend one (especially if you could fit it in your room.)
My kids have never been too big on the swing. I think someone's advice of borrowing one to try is a good idea because I know some parents swear by them, but I wish I had spent my money on other (less bulky) things...
Diaper bag: get one Andrew isn't embarrased to carry. :)
I could go on forever, but obviously you have lots of input! Let me know if you have specific questions. Just remember you don't need it all and that you still can go shopping after you have the baby and see what you need!
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