What have you bought/made for the baby so far?

[boscopup]

So what has everyone bought or made for the new baby?

I haven't started on the cloth diaper stash yet (will make that), as I'm waiting to find out the gender in 2 weeks. But I have been working on baby carriers. I think I'm "carrier complete" for the moment. I already had a DIY stretchy wrap ($1/yd cotton jersey from Walmart ). I got a Beco Butterfly 1.0 when Cottonbabies had them 50% off a while back (I think that was before I got pregnant, but it was technically for the new baby because I rarely wear DS#2 anymore... he's ridden in it a handful of times, and it is VERY comfy, although a bit more fiddly to put on than a regular SSC). For Christmas, my dad gave me money for a Vatanai wrap, and I got Tibet in 5m length. It's really nice! Then this week, I realized I didn't have a Mei Tai anymore! I'd donated mine to the local babywearing group's lending library after I made the SSC I had before (which has now also been donated). So I went looking at Mei Tais and decided on a Mei Favorite Baby Deluxe half buckle. Found one used on TBW, and the money my dad gave me for the wrap and something else for Christmas had about $50 leftover, so only $5 will come out of the baby budget for this carrier.

I'm not even bothering with a ring sling or pouch this time, as I hate one-shouldered carries (history of herniated disc in my lower back), and last time I found that I could put baby on my front in a Mei Tai just as quickly as I could put him in a ring sling, and he was much more secure in the Mei Tai - no butt popping. So I think with a stretchy wrap, woven wrap, half-buckle Mei Tai, and an SSC, I should be all set!

Now in 2 weeks, I'll start the cloth diaper stash. Last time, I used fitteds and covers, and really liked that for the newborn EBF poop stage. So I'll do that again. I sold all my newborn diapers, knowing I'd want to make more cute little teensy tiny diapers for the next baby. I still need to decide what patterns I'll use... will probably do a combo of things, since I have several patterns this time. Last time I just did all VB fitteds and VB Snugwraps. I LOVED the Snugwraps. They fit just like Bummis SWWs!

I think once I get the diapers made, the only other thing I'll need is clothes. I have winter newborn clothes, since both of my kids were supposed to be fall/winter newborns. I also have preemie boy clothes from DS#1, which I *hope* to not have to use.

[Jayray]

So far I haven't bought anything, but have already been given a lot. This is our first baby, first grandbaby on one side, and first great-grandbaby on one side. So I figure people will want to buy us a lot of stuff!

German friend has promised us their used wardrobe, changing table and stroller.

Cousin gave us a jog stroller.

SIL gave us a breast pump and a few newborn gender neutral clothes.

My aunt gave us a better breast pump!, a swing, a moses basket, and has basically offered me all that I could possibly need in clothes and "stuff." (She has a 4 year old.)

I also have a friend who is sending us a didymos wrap (they bought used in Germany and has since been used on another baby in the US and a third baby in New Zealand!), and I hope to make one out of a lighter weight fabric, and have been inspired by Bosco to consider also making a Mei Tai.

The one thing I'm not sure what to do about is diapers. I want to CD, but they will be a difficult thing to register for unless I just want Gerber prefolds. I've also been given advice not to buy too many of the same kind until the baby is here, so I can figure out which type fits him best. Any advice about this would be appreciated.

[sunflwrmoonbeam]

There are some serious benefits to having the 6th kid in the family right after one person's last kid (she's done) turns 2. I've already gotten, hand me down, a pack n play, some good toys, clothing, and I've been promised stuff like more clothes, a breast pump, and potentially some big ticket items like crib and changing table

I've made a blanket so far, and purchased a sling new. I'm going to be starting a mei tai very soon, and next week I'm buying my diapers. I don't trust myself enough yet to make them (as this is my first kiddo), but I'm buying from a local mom.

[sunflwrmoonbeam]

Jayray, I'm doing prefolds and covers because, to be honest, I'm cheap and I can't imagine spending $18 on one single diaper. I figured out my stash will be a total of about $250, for 24 small prefolds, 24 medium sized prefolds, and 4 or more covers. Seems like a lot, at first, but really that's not that bad.

[BananaBreadGirl]

stretchy pouch sling with this pattern
2 pairs of corduroy baby booties with this pattern
9+ (some are in progress) newborn fitted diapers from the mama bird pattern, made with mostly recycled fabrics (pants, tablecloths, leftover pajama fabric)

I've bought some used Thristies covers in size x-small and small.

My mother-in-law has bought for me, all secondhand good deals she couldn't resist: 2 strollers, several swaddling blankets, bouncy seat, tub, maternity clothes, baby towels, moses basket. Also some new diaper covers.

The moses basket has no "bedding" in it (mattress pad or side pads). Does anyone know how to go about making that?

[musiclady]

Originally Posted by sunflwrmoonbeam

There are some serious benefits to having the 6th kid in the family right after one person's last kid (she's done) turns 2. I've already gotten, hand me down, a pack n play, some good toys, clothing, and I've been promised stuff like more clothes, a breast pump, and potentially some big ticket items like crib and changing table

I've made a blanket so far, and purchased a sling new. I'm going to be starting a mei tai very soon, and next week I'm buying my diapers. I don't trust myself enough yet to make them (as this is my first kiddo), but I'm buying from a local mom.

Do you have a pattern for a Mei Tai?

I really would like a sling or comparable carrier. I dont' want to fool with toting a car seat everywhere! Those things are wicked heavy!

I am excited to find out that we have a "Once Upon a Child" store in our town! I thought we didn't have one, but saw a commercial last night on tv. We have one beside each mall. Hip hip hooray!! Now I don't have to pay full price!

Also- dumb question- I have seriously debated the CD/Pamper route.... do you use a diaper cover for disposables, or is that why they are plastic on the outside? And another dumb question- for those CD lovers.... are they hard to make, are they hard to use, and how do you make them? :

[groovynaturemama]

i've bought (all secondhand) a bunch of onesies and sleepers and a couple hats for the actual birth.

i'm making a really nice knitted baby blanket out of cashmerino wool, and some cloth wipes. i am also planning to make a few pairs of pants out of shirts dh doesn't wear anymore; they will be perfect for summertime.

i have a HUGE dipe stash from dd (who is at the very early stages of PL'ing right now) and 3 types of slings (babyhawk, a wrap i made, a hotsling and a homemade version of a hotsling) i had a ring sling, but i lent it to my SIL, and haven't seen it since i also have the swing (which dd hated) and all of her wooden infant toys/rattles, bouncy seat (also despised by dd), etc.

[rivkah]

I am amazed at how prepared y'all are! I am sticking to the Jewish tradition and not preparing anything--I'll just wing it when the baby gets here. I do have the sling I used for dd and ds.

I have to admit I'll cheat a little and pre-order the cloth diaper service and get a car seat. Baby needs to have one to ride home in from the birthing center--and you get "kicked out" after 5 hours, so no time to buy one then.

[christibale]

This is fun!

I've got a TON of diapers that I made. Seriously, it is not that hard to do. In fact, with a little bit of planning you can make the coolest diapers ever. If you are new to CD, I think putting the time in making your own diapers will make it a joy to do CD. I LOVE CD more than ever now that I have made my own diapers.

Buy the Very Baby fitted pattern, it seriously couldn't be any easier. I couldn't wind a bobbin before I started sewing diapers, and now I'm a pro.

I have
15 Newborn fitteds
24 Newborn prefolds (bamboo velour with snaps)
30 Small fitteds
40 small prefolds (velour with snaps)
30 small AIO
10 small AIO (embroidered)
40 large AIO
10 large AIO (embroidered)

I'm swimming in diapers.

I need to make a cover for our cradle mattress out of bamboo velour.

I need to make some slings and mei-tais. I am a little worried about this because I have never done anything like it before, but I think I can pull it off. I just need a good trip to the fabric store--the BIG one.

I have all clothes up to 1 year and all the wood toys we could want.

Isn't that all a baby NEEDS?

I'd like to get some glass bottles, but in truth, my dd only ever had about 1 or 2 bottles a month when I was off photographing weddings.

I am also longing for a big, beautiful rocking chair and a boppy.:

[Jayray]

Mei Tai making directions:
http://www.bradley-etheridge.com/MaeMeiTai.htm

[lexbeach]

Just yesterday I bought all of the fabric I'll use for making the baby a quilt and 2 babyhawk-style mei tais (one for dw and one for me, in fabrics of our choosing). We really don't *need* much for the baby since he/she will be our fourth baby in 6 years, but I am also planning on eventually buying an infant car seat, some newborn and small diapers (we used a diaper service for the first few months with ds1 and ds2, and then ds3 was just HUGE and practically was born fitting size medium) and *maybe* a baby hammock of some kind. I guess we might also end up needing a breastpump, but we'll probably wait on that until after the baby arrives since it's still so unclear about what the plan is going to be for nursing and who will be staying home (in some ways it's easier and some ways more complicated with two nursing moms!).

And I will for sure be making lots of tiny t-shirts and onesies after I'm done with the quilt and the mei tais (I also have to make a mei tai for a friend whose first baby is due in March, so that one takes priority).

But first I need to clean the house.

Lex

[myfairbabies]

Jayray- I registered online for cloth diapers, there are a lot of generic sites where you can add anything from anywhere to your registry (online or in stores). I used myregistry.com. Also, I plan on using prefolds (Don't use Gerber!!) and fitteds with covers for the newborn stage, and then buying one or 2 of various diapers before the baby comes (either onesize or smalls). Then I have time to decide what I want to use and can sell all of the ones I don't want on diaperswappers. DS is great for researching, buying and selling dipes (new or used).

So far, we've bought a crib (plan on using it side car and for naps), stroller (got an amazing deal on Shnoop.com), 24 newborn fitteds, 5 nb covers, 4 OS pockets (1 BG, 3 BB- 2 of which are minky), 2 BG AIO size small, 2 small wetbags, 2 large wetbags (awesome deal on the wetbags at swaddlebees outlet), 12 BG cotton wipes, 2 nightgowns, I won a wahm taggie blanket, a crib sheet, a stainless steal sippy, an adorable stuffed giraffe (I think that's more for me to look at, lol), a babyhawk mei tai for dh (it has flames on it), and a gmbbb wrap for me. Everything we've got so far was either used or a really awesome deal. I love one-a-day websites like babysteals, mamabargains, and shnoop. I just need a dozen orange edge prefolds from GMD and 2 xs thirsties and my newborn stash will be complete.

We already had a swing (dh got for free on craigslist years ago, L & E both used it), and since I'm a nanny I had my own bh mei tai, hotsling, beco ssc, and ring sling. We've inherited an infant car seat that my siblings used for their kids (it expires next september so I get enough use out of it before moving to a convertible), a boppy with cover, a cosleeper, and 2 miracle blankets. I will get tons of used baby clothes from my siblings (there are 3 boys and 3 girls in the last 7 years) but we'll get those closer to the birth. I have a sister due 3 weeks before me so we are hoping we get opposite genders!

[blumom2boyz]

wow..you all are so prepared! DH and I seriously thought we were done after ds3, so even though this was a planned pregnancy, I had already given away/donated much of the baby items! I am counting on having a girl this time around b/c my SIL still has all of my nieces clothes and she was a May baby, so the timing works perfect. My father made us a highchair for ds1, so I obviously still have that and I have a cradle my grandfather-in-law made for ds1. We need to get a carseat, but hoping that will be purchased through dh's work baby shower. What I really, really, really need is to start on the diaper stash. This is my first in cloth and I am trying to get everything together. A local mom is selling some covers (imse vimse, thirsties, and stacinator) for an awesome steal and then I think I am going to buy prefolds new. I was thinking about getting some fitteds for the newborn stage as well and then move up to pockets and AIO once the baby is older. It is all a little overwhelming though! I already have a wrap (storch....LOVE IT) and I probably will get a BH (sold my other one) and my good friend has loads of wraps she said I could borrow (she used them with her twins so they are oh so soft!). I love how I am getting most of the stuff used this time around!!!!

[happyhippimama]

I got rid of ALLLLL of my baby, infant, toddler things. I really thought we were done.

BUT, my good old SIL/best friend saves everything. : She sent me all of her newborn diaper stash and infant/small diaper stash. I am so set when it somes to dipes.

I did keep my carriers. I will use my wrap all the time, I know it. Besides that, I have no clothes or extra baby things around. I guess all I really need is clothes. I do not know why I have not bought any yet. I usually go to thrift stores and yard sales buying up all i can. I guess I should get on the ball here. Yard sale season should be starting up soon. I am pretty excited about that.

[Erinz]

Originally Posted by Jayray

The one thing I'm not sure what to do about is diapers. I want to CD, but they will be a difficult thing to register for unless I just want Gerber prefolds. I've also been given advice not to buy too many of the same kind until the baby is here, so I can figure out which type fits him best. Any advice about this would be appreciated.

Have you ever heard of/seen www.mygiftlist.com ? A friend of mine used this a while back and I thought it was so awesome! You can pick things from all different web sites and stores to put on your list, so you aren't stuck with just using one store (which I think would be really hard to do with diapers plus other baby stuff).

[ktmama]

The only things I need now are:
1. Rocking chair (sold mine)
2. Dresser for changing table (sold my changing table)
3. NB cloth diapers - can't WAIT to make these!
4. NB wool and fleece covers - sister making these as my gift. So sweet.
5. Boy clothes (if a boy) - can get tons from friends if/when I need
6. Co-sleeper (sold mine)
7. Birth kit

I haven't bought anything, but have gotten lots of give-away and free cycle stuff in addition to stuff left over from my dd2.

Some cloth diaper input - we used MotherEase one size with dd2 and LOVED them. She was in them from 12 pounds through age three (at night - she was an EC grad at 21 months), and then I loaned them to two other moms and they are in great shape. I loved that I only needed one size of dipe and they are so sturdy and soft.

Oh, and if you're using sposies, you don't need a cover. But give cloth a try. It's super easy and so much better for baby (and mother earth) and so cute too!

[kamane18]

Originally Posted by rivkah

I am amazed at how prepared y'all are! I am sticking to the Jewish tradition and not preparing anything--I'll just wing it when the baby gets here. I do have the sling I used for dd and ds.

I have to admit I'll cheat a little and pre-order the cloth diaper service and get a car seat. Baby needs to have one to ride home in from the birthing center--and you get "kicked out" after 5 hours, so no time to buy one then.

Same here! MIL/FIL and my parents brought over some of the baby stuff from DD that we'd been storing at their houses (including the car seat) but other than that we won't buy or make anything in advance. We'll pick out a layette for either gender (and then MIL/FIL will buy the right one as soon as babe pops out) and I know I want to buy a BabyHawk this time but other than that...

[DevaMajka]

The only thing I've bought so far is diapers. But...in my defense, there was a GOOD sale, and my friend needed some right now and we shared shipping costs. lol

I already have my car seat choice narrowed down to 2- SafeSeat or TrueFit. (though I do love ds's Radian)

[shhh]

I have a lot of clothes from my son, who was born in may, so I think we're pretty set in that department. I still have my pouch sling but want to get an ergo and maybe another something similar. I need to collect some stuff we've lent to other people: the co-sleeper, the infant carseat, the breastpump - hopefully all that stuff is still usable. Also my dh thinks I'm crazy but I'm going to hang a hammock on the porch to swing in during labor. For some reason swinging (in the playground, hehe) was heaven for me during labor the last time.

[maryjane]

Originally Posted by rivkah

I am amazed at how prepared y'all are! I am sticking to the Jewish tradition and not preparing anything--I'll just wing it when the baby gets here. I do have the sling I used for dd and ds.

I have to admit I'll cheat a little and pre-order the cloth diaper service and get a car seat. Baby needs to have one to ride home in from the birthing center--and you get "kicked out" after 5 hours, so no time to buy one then.

Us, too. We will also get the carseat ahead of time, although our plan right now is for a homebirth. I might also pick up some 2nd hand CD -- I've seen some great deals on CL. I'm trying to think of a way to work around the "ayin hara" (evil eye)... or at least hide it from my H who is really superstitious.