When to start hoarding er.. I mean preparing and getting essentials.. - Page 3 « Back to Group Discussions

[Jenny01]

The more things I get the more excited I am getting!  This week I found a gently used organic Ergo on Kijiji (like Craigslist) for $75 and an Ergo infant insert (brand new) for $15. I also got a very sturdy and pretty home made ring sling for $20.  Its a silky black fabric with small white flowers.

I just arranged a pool rental for our waterbirth and we are meeting with a Doula tonight.

Next things on my list are sleepers and diapers (I want to find some nice cloth ones).  We have a Once Upon A Child here too so I should check it out - didn't realize they might have cloth diapers!  I think the only other must get item is a bassinet for the bed.  I'm thinking I will give this one a try: http://www.toysrus.ca/product/index.jsp?productId=12003214  Has anyone used one of these or something similar?

[typebug]

Originally Posted by eminvc 

I'm in coastal CA, too! Just keep in mind, if you haven't lived here before, we don't really have "autumn"...autumn is our summer...then it rains a little.

So true :) We spent three years living in Marin County and Venice Beach before going to Singapore. "Autumn" was Nov-Jan. We're looking forward to being cooler than here though! Just owning socks will be a big change. 

[josie423]

Jenny, I've never used one of those, but I did see this when shopping for our bassinet. It doubles as a changing table. http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/babydepot/Baby/Nursery-Room-Decor/Furniture/Bassinets/5-in-1-Carry-Me-Near-Sleep-System-376985272.aspx

[eminvc]

Originally Posted by typebug 

Originally Posted by eminvc 

I'm in coastal CA, too! Just keep in mind, if you haven't lived here before, we don't really have "autumn"...autumn is our summer...then it rains a little.

So true :) We spent three years living in Marin County and Venice Beach before going to Singapore. "Autumn" was Nov-Jan. We're looking forward to being cooler than here though! Just owning socks will be a big change. 

Ah, socks, I think I have some of those, but I haven't worn them since February or so! I have been so dang warm while pregnant and all my shoes are snug already that I have forgotten all about socks.

[typebug]

Originally Posted by eminvc 

Ah, socks, I think I have some of those, but I haven't worn them since February or so! I have been so dang warm while pregnant and all my shoes are snug already that I have forgotten all about socks.

:) In New Zealand (which is amazingly cold even in early Summer) last week I decided to navigate putting socks on feet I could not see or reach. Hubby ended up dressing me. I guess if I did this every day i'd find a trick? 

[cierra159]

We really don't need much to begin with. I definitely need more nb cloth diapers, I'd love to trade my woven hemp wrap for a bamboo blend, still need carseat, I'd like a few more burp cloths, and a few more swaddle/soft blankets. Need a few warm clothing items as we're moving north after my birth. I'm thinking of getting a bouncer or small cradle swing, for times when I need to cook and don't want to leave newbie within reach of her 2yo sister

[kellybeth]

hey mamas,

this may sound silly, but i was looking over this babies r us registry essentials checklist and they have a ton of things on there. just. so. much. stuff.

there is a whole section for "play yards" what is a play yard, exactly? there is also another section on entertainers/swings, we have a jolly jumper, but i figure nothing else is necessary really. i loved swinging as a baby, but i cannot find those types of swings these days. they are all those weird things that aren't swings at all, but go side-to-side and are huge and bulky. whatever happened to a plain old baby swing?

i think i may be freaking out, now.

[Teles]

Originally Posted by kellybeth 

hey mamas,

this may sound silly, but i was looking over this babies r us registry essentials checklist and they have a ton of things on there. just. so. much. stuff.

there is a whole section for "play yards" what is a play yard, exactly? there is also another section on entertainers/swings, we have a jolly jumper, but i figure nothing else is necessary really. i loved swinging as a baby, but i cannot find those types of swings these days. they are all those weird things that aren't swings at all, but go side-to-side and are huge and bulky. whatever happened to a plain old baby swing?

i think i may be freaking out, now.

Don't freak out, those lists are made by stores who sell baby things so they want you to buy all sorts of crazy contraptions.

I think a play yard is what they're now calling a play pen (also called a pack n play), because it is apparently socially unacceptable to place a baby in something you call a "pen" so we have to call it something else *eye roll*. I bought a portable swing second hand that folds up to fit under the crib because I want somewhere to put her while I take a shower, but I wouldn't bother with huge side-to-side things unless that's something you really want.

Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed by choices when it comes to baby stuff, I always think of oldschool mothers with little more than some spare cloth for diapers and a candle for night feedings. We all came from them and we turned out okay, so I don't think the quality of your parenting lives or dies by the flashy toys or gadgets

[kellybeth]

Originally Posted by Teles 

Don't freak out, those lists are made by stores who sell baby things so they want you to buy all sorts of crazy contraptions.

I think a play yard is what they're now calling a play pen (also called a pack n play), because it is apparently socially unacceptable to place a baby in something you call a "pen" so we have to call it something else *eye roll*. I bought a portable swing second hand that folds up to fit under the crib because I want somewhere to put her while I take a shower, but I wouldn't bother with huge side-to-side things unless that's something you really want.

Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed by choices when it comes to baby stuff, I always think of oldschool mothers with little more than some spare cloth for diapers and a candle for night feedings. We all came from them and we turned out okay, so I don't think the quality of your parenting lives or dies by the flashy toys or gadgets

 thank you. i feel the same way, but these lists make me feel inadequate, or that i'm missing something. i have baby carriers, and a nice travel system stroller and a boppy lounger, and the jumper which my mom got for baby. i feel like everything else is just a way to distance ourselves from our babies, when i really want to be close to her.

[Jenny01]

Yeah the only two things I have that even come close to that are a pack n play and a little bouncy/vibrating chair.  I can't see needing much else since I am hoping to use a carrier for most things.  I think it's better to wait until after you have baby and get into a routine, then you know for sure what you need and can pick one up then if necessary.

[loveandgarbage]

We were gifted a "play yard" when DS1 was a baby but he kinda hated it in there. We never even set it up for DS2. We got a ton more use out of an exersaucer for both kids once they reached that stage of being mobile and being interested in toys. Besides that the things we had to put baby when not being worn was a bouncy seat (2-5 months about?) and a bassinet for newborn sleepy times.