What have you boughten for your little one? [Archive]

sarahlynn83

01-18-2006, 11:31 AM

Ok, so I want to make sure that I am not the only one that has boughten stuff for the baby...although I won't know what I am having until the end of Feburary because we moved and it is taking a long time to get in for an u/s app. So here is what I have so far...this is my first baby so I have absolutely nothing...I think that I am off to a good start thoguh:

1 onze
2 sleepers
1 set of booties
1 baby-view auto mirror
1 car seat protector pad
1 portable valet (the thing you put on the back of the seat to hold baby suff)
1 ultimate baby organizer
4 recieving blankets
1 fleece blanket
1 baby book
1 womb sounds bear
1 old old crib for my mom and dad's house
1 shop and play for the grocery cart
1 cradle from when I was a baby
3 soft raddles

On saturday we are going to burlington coat factory and putting this stuff on layaway. They have been the cheepest that we have found:
1 crib
1 swing
1 high chair
1 stroller with carrier
1 car seat ( the 5 lbs - 100lbs)
1 pack - n - play ( we travel ALOT)
1 bouncer
1 bedding set that is cute but nuterel ( frogs and dragon flies)

Am I over doing it or not getting enough. my dh and I just graduated college and are trying to get on our feet. SO we are buying stuff a little at a time with each pay check. We are staying with my mom and dad until the end of next month to try and save as much money as possible. I know that there is more stuff that is expensive that we need to get that might be a good idea to put on layaway so if there are any suggestions please help!!! I need all the help I can get!

Beansmom

01-18-2006, 01:33 PM

Honestly all you really need is a crib (not even if you will co-sleep) a good carseat, a sling, diapers (cloth or sposie depending on what you are using) and some clothes (onesies, sleepers, gowns, booties). Will you have a baby shower? You could just register for all the extra stuff. I'm sure you will also get gifts when the baby is born too (often clothes, blankets), so don't forget that. I think most people buy way more than they find they needed.

I already have 1 kid, so this time around all I have gotten are a few wooden baby toys and some newborn cloth diapers. If I find out I am having a boy I will get some boy clothes and cute boy diapers and that is about it.

Amys1st

01-18-2006, 04:29 PM

I think I would hold off the the baby stuff until later. I would invest mainly in a carseat- the best you can afford or register for it so you can get it. I would hold off on the stroller, pac n play, bouncy chair, toys, books, blankets, swing (ours used once, what a waste) high chair etc

What you should start to think about:

-baby carrier - baby bjorn or some sort of sling
-The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by LLL, in fact find a local chapter and start attending their once a month meetings this spring.
-cloth diapers, start now (I have a huge stash gotten mainly off the TP here)
-a good working sturdy breast pump
-start investigating nursing bras
-if you will use a crib, make sure the one your parents has is safety approved since a lot of the cribs we used are dangerous- even heard stories here before about using them
-clothing- some onesies, caps, little botties and socks for hands sometimes. Also those night sleepers with the bottom open are lifesavors for middle of the night changes (dh called them 2sies) Since we are having summer babes, they will not spend much time bundled up. DD1 lived in dipes and onesies until sept when she finally let me put on little pants or a little jacket over her.

Also, my mother has a few pack n plays she has collected over the years. If you're going to visit them, have your parents invest in one as well. Usually they are game since that means the baby is coming a lot. But don't be surprised if baby spends a lot of time between the two of you for a while and why not- they grow up real fast.

DH and I learned after getting all that stuff you mentioned was good for clutter and that was about it. Some of the strollers shown these days and what I see mamas pushing around are sooo cumbersome and they get in the way everywhere they go. We never used it and the $30 umbrella special we bought by babytrend worked better until its front wheel fell off. We bought it as a small stroller for travel etc and we used it to death. But I should add, it was used mainly if we were on a city stroll or whatnot- dd hated strollers from almost day 1.

The baby will be better in a carrier w you or dh. Also, if you feel after all this that you still need it, go get someone else's stuff since they would be happy to unload it since its clutter in their house too :wink

seekermage

01-18-2006, 05:14 PM

I havent gotten that much stuff yet, though I sure would love to!

So far I have gotten some accesories to decorate the room if its a girl (it was on clearance and what I want to add to the set we have)
one boy outfit and one girl (we will return the opposite when we find out what this critter is)
two gender nuetral sleepers
one pack of boy and girl sleepers, the opposite to be returned etc
several diapers (I just put a layaway down at diaperco YEAH!) and I already have two dozen yummy wipes, 9 colored prefolds, a cute wool cover with a frog on it, and a few gender nuetral fitteds in size small.

Thats about it!

I was also gifted a few really cute boy outfits (my friend is praying its a boy!)
some bibs
a cute pair of booties
and the yummiest velour pooh sleeper from disney world with matching pooh teddy bear :D

I would still like to get a sling and a nice diaper bag....but those are total splurges that Im gonna have to try and sell or trade for.
more diapers but will wait till we know what it is
gender appropriate outfits and bedding

In otherwords everything else is waiting on us finding out what we have~
i know you dont need that much and we do have a lot, but it is nice to get a few cute things for the new little ones.

MyLittleWonders

01-18-2006, 05:27 PM

We've actually been really paring down since ds#2 was born. By the time this one is born, we'll have:

-a good carseat (I start with the infant ones and move them into a big one when they hit about 4 months or so, and we still have ds#2's baby seat)
-a good, high-back booster for ds#1 (he finally will be big enough to move into one :) )
-our double stroller (does come in handy when out shopping or walking to the library)
-cloth diapers (I did buy 12 Kissaluv's size 0 and a couple new [used] covers)
-clothes (we never find out gender, so everything for the first couple months is already gender neutral)

We got rid of our crib (ds#2 almost never slept in it; this one won't need one at all). We do have a pack 'n' play, but we could actually sell that too or give it away - we only used it a handful of times with ds#1 and never since. I would love to get a nice Moses Basket though - not too big and bulky. We got rid of the swing (hit & miss with our kids), the bouncy, the activity seat thing, the bassinette, the baby monitor ... they all take up tons of room, cost bunches of money, and aren't essential at all.

I have a Rebozo wrap (ds#2 lived in it his first 3-4 months straight), one sling I've already made for ds#2; I plan on making a Korean Podegi and another sling or two. That's all for the baby carriers - they fold up to next to nothing, stuff easily in a bag, and are much more comfortable, imo, than a Bjorn.

Oh, and we already have a nice bag I use for diapers/clothes - though it's not an actual diaper bag (those were always horribly designed and never really held much at all). I use a big canvas bag from Gap - LOVE it, it's washable, one big opening ... it has been camping, to Ohio and back, to Disneyland, the Aquarium, the park, etc.

So, personally I would suggest not getting much "stuff" yet ... get a really good carseat, a good carrier (I vote sling/wrap/pouch instead of Bjorn), diapers (personally I would go cloth), and clothes. If you are breastfeeding, and think you might need to pump, the Avent Isis hand-pump is awesome!! I could pump as much with it as I could with my Medela Pump-in-Style, and it's only about $50. HTH :)

BundleFishMama

01-18-2006, 07:29 PM

Am I over doing it or not getting enough. my dh and I just graduated college and are trying to get on our feet. SO we are buying stuff a little at a time with each pay check. We are staying with my mom and dad until the end of next month to try and save as much money as possible. I know that there is more stuff that is expensive that we need to get that might be a good idea to put on layaway so if there are any suggestions please help!!! I need all the help I can get!

Well, if you really want honest opinions - these are just my personal thoughts, but I would say that much of the stuff you listed is unnecessary! Since you mentioned you're just starting out and trying to save money, if I were you I'd seriously reconsider buying a lot of this stuff.

I think it's very common as a first-time mom to fall prey to all the marketing and think you *must have* tons of stuff to be a good mother to your baby (I know I certainly did the first time around!) but in fact, it usually ends up being just the opposite. We had ALL these things and more the first time around, and ended up selling nearly all of them at consignment stores by the time our second came along. So of course, this is a personal thing and depends on your preferences - but here's my list!

:thumb MUST HAVES:

--carseat (of course)
--a sling - NOT a Baby Bjorn but a good sling - or more than one even (this is where I personally splurge - I wear my slings constantly so I like to have a bunch of nice ones since they're all people see of my outfit usually :lol )
--diapers - I would also recommend cloth, they are great for so many reasons and they'll really save you money in the long run if you use them for multiple children. Also cloth wipes are fantastic and make sense if you're using cloth dipes - you won't want to have to find a place to toss out the used wipes when could just toss everything together in your wet bag to take home and wash
--baby clothes (but not as much as you'd imagine, especially for summer - stay with the basics because you'll likely get lots of cute outfits as gifts, and remember they grow out of sizes SO fast!)
--nursing bras - I think having a few good nursing bras is very important, particularly if you're large on top. Having nursing bras that are properly fitted and supportive but preferably not underwire can make a big difference. Nursing will be easier and more comfortable and you'll be less likely to get plugged ducts. Even if you're not large on top, you might be surprised how big you get in late pregnancy/early lactation!
--nursing pads - I vote for the washable type, and I looooove the Lansinoh "milk diapers" brand (Target has them)
--Womanly Art of Breastfeeding book - someone else already mentioned this!
--childproofing supplies

:shrug MIGHT NEEDS

--a bouncy seat - I think it's useful to have ONE place to put baby down when you really can't be holding/slinging him or her (such as while at the stove cooking, showering, etc.)
--infant bathtub - some people can manage without this; I think it's a good idea since I find bathing an infant tricky enough as it is!
--stroller - many people manage without; I personally think it's a good idea to have, but you don't need it right away. I end up keeping my babies in the sling pretty much all the time for the first couple of months, so I wouldn't worry about a stroller until after that.
--nursing clothes - you don't need these unless you like to wear dresses. Normal tops can almost all work for nursing, but if you like dresses then you need ones with nursing openings.
--breast pump - only if you'll need it, such as if you're going to be working - this is a big expense if you'll be at home - you can learn to hand express for the occasional separation from baby.
--high chair - a good idea but again, not needed for a long time, 6 months or more so don't worry about that now

:eyesroll REALLY DON'T NEEDS:

--crib - it's much better for baby (physically and emotionally) to cosleep - and it's better for you and your husband, too (you'll get SO MUCH more sleep!!) This is one big expense to cut out! If you do decide to use a crib though, and it's the old one from your parents, someone already mentioned this but PLEASE PLEASE check the current safety standards on cribs. They have totally changed in recent years and the wrong size slats between the bars or the wrong size gap between the frame and the mattress can cause injury or death to babies!!
--bedding - no crib = no bedding needed, so even more savings!
--pack 'n play - same reason as above - if you cosleep, your baby will be comfortable and happy right next to you wherever you're sleeping when you travel. As a playpen - well, I am just personally against playpens ;) Better to childproof your home and let your baby play freely and explore!
--swings, activity seats, other plastic contraptions, etc. - unnecessary and IMHO, just leads to the temptation to put baby in various "holders" rather than getting enough nursing and slinging time.
--womb sounds bear - trust me, your baby would vastly prefer the real thing next to him or her at night - your familiar heartbeat, warmth, and scent - as opposed to a furry imitation! ;)

mamachandi

01-18-2006, 07:37 PM

we never used a swing or the pack n play(we travel alot too),instead get a good sling and wait to buy the high chair because they wont need it until they are able to sit up -6 months? we also bought a 20.00 gate that easily attaches to a bed from target (best 20 bucks we spent) and then you don't need the packnplay or a crib! co-sleep! its easier on you and better for the baby. more convenient for bf too! my mil bought us a crib and 3 babies later never used it once!!
good luck-( I'd wait on most items except cloth dipes,some clthes and blankets and car seat because alot of that stuff will just become clutter-"don't believe the hype!!" don't get caught up in the consumerism of babies, just my humble opinion.

mamachandi

01-18-2006, 07:38 PM

Well, if you really want honest opinions - these are just my personal thoughts, but I would say that much of the stuff you listed is unnecessary! Since you mentioned you're just starting out and trying to save money, if I were you I'd seriously reconsider buying a lot of this stuff.

I think it's very common as a first-time mom to fall prey to all the marketing and think you *must have* tons of stuff to be a good mother to your baby (I know I certainly did the first time around!) but in fact, it usually ends up being just the opposite. We had ALL these things and more the first time around, and ended up selling nearly all of them at consignment stores by the time our second came along. So of course, this is a personal thing and depends on your preferences - but here's my list!

:thumb MUST HAVES:

--carseat (of course)
--a sling - NOT a Baby Bjorn but a good sling - or more than one even (this is where I personally splurge - I wear my slings constantly so I like to have a bunch of nice ones since they're all people see of my outfit usually :lol )
--diapers - I would also recommend cloth, they are great for so many reasons and they'll really save you money in the long run if you use them for multiple children. Also cloth wipes are fantastic and make sense if you're using cloth dipes - you won't want to have to find a place to toss out the used wipes when could just toss everything together in your wet bag to take home and wash
--baby clothes (but not as much as you'd imagine, especially for summer - stay with the basics because you'll likely get lots of cute outfits as gifts, and remember they grow out of sizes SO fast!)
--nursing bras - I think having a few good nursing bras is very important, particularly if you're large on top. Having nursing bras that are properly fitted and supportive but preferably not underwire can make a big difference. Nursing will be easier and more comfortable and you'll be less likely to get plugged ducts. Even if you're not large on top, you might be surprised how big you get in late pregnancy/early lactation!
--nursing pads - I vote for the washable type, and I looooove the Lansinoh "milk diapers" brand (Target has them)
--Womanly Art of Breastfeeding book - someone else already mentioned this!
--childproofing supplies

:shrug MIGHT NEEDS

--a bouncy seat - I think it's useful to have ONE place to put baby down when you really can't be holding/slinging him or her (such as while at the stove cooking, showering, etc.)
--stroller - many people manage without; I personally think it's a good idea to have, but you don't need it right away. I end up keeping my babies in the sling pretty much all the time for the first couple of months, so I wouldn't worry about a stroller until after that.
--nursing clothes - you don't need these unless you like to wear dresses. Normal tops can almost all work for nursing, but if you like dresses then you need ones with nursing openings.
--breast pump - only if you'll need it, such as if you're going to be working - this is a big expense if you'll be at home - you can learn to hand express for the occasional separation from baby.
--high chair - a good idea but again, not needed for a long time, 6 months or more so don't worry about that now

:eyesroll REALLY DON'T NEEDS:

--crib - it's much better for baby (physically and emotionally) to cosleep - and it's better for you and your husband, too (you'll get SO MUCH more sleep!!) This is one big expense to cut out! If you do decide to use a crib though, and it's the old one from your parents, someone already mentioned this but PLEASE PLEASE check the current safety standards on cribs. They have totally changed in recent years and the wrong size slats between the bars or the wrong size gap between the frame and the mattress can cause injury or death to babies!!
--bedding - no crib = no bedding needed, so even more savings!
--pack 'n play - same reason as above - if you cosleep, your baby will be comfortable and happy right next to you wherever you're sleeping when you travel. As a playpen - well, I am just personally against playpens ;) Better to childproof your home and let your baby play freely and explore!
--swings, activity seats, other plastic contraptions, etc. - unnecessary and IMHO, just leads to the temptation to put baby in various "holders" rather than getting enough nursing and slinging time.
--womb sounds bear - trust me, your baby would vastly prefer the real thing next to him or her at night - your familiar heartbeat, warmth, and scent - as opposed to a furry imitation! ;)

:thumb

KBinSATX

01-18-2006, 07:49 PM

Why is the BabyBjorn a bad sling? I registered for one for my baby shower. It looked like it would support the head well. Can someone explain what's bad about them?

Things I got:
1 nice hardwood crib that is convertible to Toddler Bed and later regular bed
I would like to try co-sleeping but my DH sleeps like a log and I don't know if I can trust myself. I am looking into those half-way co-sleeping options to make it a bit safer (the 'Snuggle Nest' and the Co-Sleeper thingy that goes beside the bed, etc.)
1 Graco Car seat
1 fitted crib sheet and a mattress (no fluff, etc.)
some socks
some side snap shirts in size 0-3, onesies in sizes 3-6
some sleepers and shortalls
I ordered 24 Kissaluvs fitted diapers size 0, 6 Bummis Whisper Wrap covers (3 of them with really cute prints) size small, 1 Bumkins AOI, 1 Fuzzi Bunz AIO
Can't wait to see what all this CD stuff looks like. It seems really cute online. I know we could have saved tons if we went with CPFs but it's our first and we figured might as well make it easy on us.
We are planning to have another so hopefully the CDs hold up and we can use them again for the next one...

Now I need a dresser to store all of Duncan's stuff...
I am due 05/25.
I didn't grow up in the US so it was kind of a surprise/shock how things were done here. That babies should get their own rooms with all kinds of snazzy furniture and a 'theme' when they probably would much rather be close to other humans and not have a 'theme'...

BundleFishMama

01-18-2006, 09:12 PM

Why is the BabyBjorn a bad sling? I registered for one for my baby shower. It looked like it would support the head well. Can someone explain what's bad about them?

Actually it's not a sling at all, it's a front carrier, and some people do like them, but most people I know do not. I had one with my first dd, before I discovered the world of slings and wraps, so I'll just tell you what I dislike from my experience and what I've read:

First of all, they really are not good for newborns - and this is when you want to babywear the most - to get them used to it and to get the attachment benefits that are so crucial in the early days as they transition from your womb! Baby Bjorn claims they are safe from 8 pounds up, but they do not properly support a newborn - even facing in, the baby is not in a comfortable position; there's too much strain on his back and crotch area, in fact most of the baby's weight is supported by his crotch and lower spine in an unnatural position as he sort of "hangs there" vertically (this is what I've read from doctors, chiropractors, etc.) It doesn't support the head at all - remember, baby's heads are so much heavier in proportion to their bodies, so in the Bjorn they tend to just hang forward and smush against you. Slings are MUCH better and healthier for a newborn - they allow the baby to be cradled gently in a natural position (lying almost horizontally, curled up, with weight equally distributed along the spine and supported by the sling itself)

As the baby gets older and can support his or her head, the Baby Bjorn may be OK in terms of safety - but I can tell you from experience, the thing is uncomfortable!! It killed my back and shoulders. And I honestly don't believe that babies are as comfortable in it either - it's harder for them to sleep in and stay in for longer periods of time.

Versatility - with a front-carrier, you have only two options, facing in or facing out. With a sling, you have so many positions - cradle or kangaroo for a newborn, sitting up cross-legged for a slightly older baby, front or back or hip carry for an older baby or toddler. And you can move the baby in it - she can be sitting up for a while and if she starts to fall asleep, you can just adjust the sling and let her fall into a more lying-down position. I forget the weight limit on the Bjorn, but for most slings it's around 35 pounds, so you can use it into the toddler years.

Breastfeeding - if you can do it in a Baby Bjorn, I'd be impressed. I have never seen anyone comfortably nurse in one, but with a sling, it's very easy and comfy.

Getting baby in and out - much easier in a sling, kind of a pain in a Bjorn. Esp. if baby is asleep - you can slip the sling off (or undo the tail) and lay him down. Again, more of a pain in the Bjorn.

Fashion - OK so looks are not as important as safety and comfort, fine - but still, the Bjorn I think only comes in blue or black, right? Slings have so much variety in terms of fabric and color/pattern, I just think they're much prettier to look at! I treated myself to a green silk Zolowear at an LLL conference last summer, and I loooooove it - I get so many comments on it, it's not even funny - it's prettier than most people's silk scarves and other accessories! :lol

So this is just opinionated me offering my 2 cents again - but I think most people around here would agree, a sling is a much better investment than a front carrier, for your comfort and your baby's! You could also ask over in the babywearing forum - I'm sure they know more than me and can add some info if you're interested! HTH

MyLittleWonders

01-18-2006, 09:18 PM

Yep, I too have been told (by a pediatric physical therapist) that Baby Bjorn's aren't good for spinal/hip development - puts undue amount of stress on the tailbone area, whereas the sling evenly distributes weight along the spine. It also forces the newborns legs out, potentially harming their hips. It's hard to find anything concrete and everyone has their own opinions/experiences. Basically, imo, BundleFishMama covered it all. With a sling, I can still carry my 25 month old, 25 pound toddler at 5 months pregnant! I wouldn't trade either my sling or my Rebozo (wonderful short wrap) for anything! :thumb

KBinSATX

01-18-2006, 09:19 PM

Ohhh! I didn't know we had a baby wearing forum! ;) :)

Will go straight over there to investigate.

Amys1st

01-18-2006, 10:40 PM

Why is the BabyBjorn a bad sling? I registered for one for my baby shower. It looked like it would support the head well. Can someone explain what's bad about them?

...
Welcome btw- and congrats on the upcoming babe!
Nothing is wrong with the baby bjorn, the pp said it was her opinion!

That said, we had one from dd1 and it died a very nasty death from a flooding in our crawl. So instead of spending $110 (thats what they are now???) we bought one off the trader post for $16. DH loves the bbjorn since he feels more comfortable with this giant bra looking thing than the sling- go figure! I want the sling and I have the new native. There are many choices though.

I understand the drive to buy all that great stuff- been there done that and its true these marketers have it down real well to hook new parents. Dont even get me started w the formula cos!! But coming from us mamas who have done this at least once, we know that this ends up being clutter. So if possible, borrow from someone or get secondhand before handing over your money.

jentilla

01-19-2006, 09:52 AM

As first time parents, you should rake in lots of stuff. You will be surprised at how many people give you gifts. We hardly bought anything and when we did it was used. Look into consignment shops.

BUY a really nice carseat, like Britax and will not regret it. We have three (for one dd and they were all bought new) and will be selling off all of them at my yard sale in May to help pay for the Britax we are buying.

Sling-BUY USED

Stroller-umbrella or even a nicer McClaren-type one at Target is like $30-40

Bed- bassinet or co-sleeper if you don't cosleep-used

Pack & Play- useful if you travel and the slepping arrangements can sometimes be kooky-BUY USED-we found one for my SIL/BIL who had twins last year for $20 and it was BRAND NEW.

Bouncer- nice, but defintely ask for as a gift

Clothes-USED they grow way too fast and you can find awesome new stuff at consignment or a yard sale or eBay.

Swing-don't need it if you have a bouncer and a sling.

For our new Babe:
I've only placed a custom with Rumpknits for three NB/SM soakers. I have on wrap and one MM soaker and then I will make a few wool covers for babe and we should be set. I'm sewing all the Nb dipes (we started dd at sm/med size) and a new sling. I have a new native and a mei tai already, but I need a gauze pouch since dd got very hot in the new native an she was born at the end of Sept. SC stays warm until DEC and we rarely need a winter coat.

Things I'm saving for:

-New Britax Boulevard seat for both kids since they will be closer to the doors now.

-Amby bed :heartbeat I'm crazy for this bed. DD needed to be elevated as an infant and I think this will be great for babe if he/she is the same. Also dd and I are going to have a garden and I want the babe to be outside if we are working in the yard and it's hard to sling and be on your knees. The Amby has an aewsome bug netting and I can put the babe to sleep in the shade a few feet away from us.

Caroline248

01-19-2006, 10:34 AM

--pack 'n play - same reason as above - if you cosleep, your baby will be comfortable and happy right next to you wherever you're sleeping when you travel. As a playpen - well, I am just personally against playpens ;) Better to childproof your home and let your baby play freely and explore!
;)

Just want to reccomend..if you have a dog and this is a first baby..the playpen actually is useful. My last baby was the first since we got the dog, and it was great to get them used to each other with a boundery...even if I was holding him (the baby) the dog could still nip a little. Also, you can't put the baby on the floor (on a blanket or in the bouncy) and make dinner or go to the bathroom with a jealous dog around...

Of course, my dog was trained to the baby in about 4 months, but when the baby started getting mobile, we had to start all over again...fun fun!!

Keeta

01-19-2006, 12:24 PM

Another First-timer here, so I don't have any real mama experience yet, but I did want to second or third or fourth the idea of buying USED! It is so awesome! It can become kind of an addiction, so watch out.

Here's what I've got so far from secondhand baby shops or places like Goodwill:

-My Brest Friend for $12 (retails for $35)
-Cloud print Boppy for $9 (retails for $35)
-Vibrating bouncer for $10 (retails for b/w $32-150)
- 3 onsies for $0.50 each!
-2 longer outfits for between $3-4 each

And that's just two excursions. You can really score great stuff at these places, strollers, pack n' plays, door jumpers, slings, diapers, etc. I'm one of those people that has a mini-block from buying stuff used online, because I really want to touch and see up close what kind of shape the thing is in. DH and I have a secondhand shop excursion planned for tomorrow around town, can't wait! And depending where you are, you might be able to find a comprehensive list of all the shops in your area. For instance, the one for SE Michigan is http://www.mom2momlist.com/shop.shtml

Happy thrifting! :D

mommy2girlies

01-20-2006, 10:47 AM

its funny how much stuff you THINK you need w/ a first baby and how much you don't end up using it. so w/ our second, we didn't buy anything. and w/ this one, we'll have to buy a little, cuz i gave away all my newborn stuff (we thought we were done) :o and im cloth diapering this one so i need to buy the dipes. but for all the gadgets, swings, bouncy's, etc. we're not buying any of that. we cosleep and i already have my sling (hotsling pouch, LOVE IT) so the only thing we need to get is newborn clothing and im waiting till monday to see what this little bean is...

*guest

01-20-2006, 12:33 PM

So far, I've only bought some newborn size cloth diapers for my first babe. My "must" list is small because I've seen so many friends convinced they must buy every product on earth (or at least at Babies R' Us ;), and then they end up not using a lot of it or find the baby doesn't like the swing/bouncer and wants to be held more, etc. I absolutely require a carseat (we're going with a Britax model from birth and skipping the whole infant seat/travel system bit). I want at least two styles of slings (probably inheriting a friend's Hotsling and Mei Tai), a better cloth diaper stash, and a bedside co-sleeper. I know I'll get a lot of clothing and blankets as gifts, so I'm trying to restrain myself in that department. We'll want a basic safety kit, one of those soft bath cushions, and eventually an umbrella-style stroller. I may want a manual breast pump on hand in case of engorgement (plus nursing bras, pads, and lanisoh!). And of course there are extras that I think are cool/useful, like the Bumbo seat and the Svan high chair, but we'll save those until they are age-appropriate. We'll need extra storage and some sort of changing area (which tends to end up on the floor or the bed anyway, from what I've seen).

Definitely see what you can borrow from friends and family, and see if someone will throw you a shower if you can! I'm also finding that I can buy well-made items with better resale value by keeping my total number of purchases down, which is nice.

I don't think you need to worry. Just don't try to get everything on those "must have" lists that the baby stores put out, really consider what will work in your lifestyle. Good luck!

SoCaliMommy

01-21-2006, 12:07 PM

i think you have a great list

I already have a child so we only have to buy a new crib, i want a changing table since we have the room, i also want a rocker/glider, we are cloth diapering thsi one from the start and my mom is gona buy all the diapers we need to start with :thumb . we also have to buy our daughter a twin bed and comforter set right now shes in a toddler bed, and we need that crib matress for the new baby.

we have a basinett stored at fils house that we will bring home and wash up to have in our room for the 1st few months, but i already told dh i want the crib bought and set up in our daughers room she will share with her brother before he is born so i can have him nap there sometimes durrin the day.

SoCalGirl

01-22-2006, 12:39 AM

This thread is great! I have not bought a single thing yet for our kid, or even really done much research yet. However, I am the kind of person who has trouble packing for a trip if the weather where I'm going is any different than where I am. (Which is, of course, almost every trip!) I just have such a hard time imagining what clothes I will actually want to wear until I get there and am actually experiencing the weather.

I feel the same way about having the baby. I have read enough to tell that what works for some babies doesn't work for others, and since I don't want to just buy one of everything (as if I could afford it even if I wanted to!), our plan is to be very minimalist about the whole thing until we meet our baby and start to understand what his/her wants are and what OURS are.

So we'll buy a couple of the basics before the birth--like a carseat, slings, diapers, and a recliner (not exactly a baby purchase, but we need another chair for the living room anyway, so I think we're going to get a recliner so I can bf in it and easily sleep in it when I am trapped under a sleeping baby). I'm kind of assuming people are going to give us clothes (and if not, we'll buy a bunch of onesies and maybe a couple other basic things).

Then once we've had a week or two (or more) of living with the baby, we'll see if there are other things that would be useful. I'm so afraid of ending up with a bunch of clutter.

It's helpful to read what you other experienced moms suggest. It sounds like a lot of you think like I do and it worked out fine, which I am glad to hear.

ds2003

01-22-2006, 08:27 AM

What I have so far:

-plenty of cloth diapers
-some clothes from 0-18 months
-Slings (Kozy Carrier, Moby Wrap, Hotsling)
-Crib and dresser from my sister
-Baby Room decor stuff
-Boppy
-books on natural childbirth, breastfeeding, etc

I want and need (will register for these)
-Graco Safeseat infant carseat
-Convertible carseat
-Infant carseat frame
-Combi stroller (we will sling most of the time, but this will be useful for us at times)
-PacknPlay (for next to bed and traveling, I don't plan to cosleep on a regular basis)
-DH wants a Bjorn
-I also want a ring sling
-breast pump
-bouncer
-infant tub
-booster seat or high chair that sits in a regular chair

What you need is really a personal preference. I don't want to use a swing or a walker but they work for many people.

L'lee

01-22-2006, 11:29 AM

You might want to take a look at the book "Baby Bargains". I started reading it recently, and although they haven't given me as much advice on how to save money as I thought (guess I'm farly thrifty already!) they do have good information on quality and satisfaction with different brands, safety features to look for (or avoid), info from their experience and that of people who have contacted them about what is useful and what is a waste of money, and general tips on where to buy things. They also include little tips like the fact that many clothing stores have good sales in January (so shop for clothes right now if you need to). They are pretty mainstream, so you have to decide if you agree with them or not, but I'm finding it useful.

I also second the idea of having a shower, people are often very generous and happy to give you gifts when you're having a baby! Also, if you have any friends or family members with children, they may be willing to give you things. I got lots of things that way: a boppy, a baby bjorn carrier, toys, blankets, books, videotapes, lots of misc items, and most useful - information about what was USEFUL and what was a waste of money and space.

I would definitely try to look at your list and try to split things into necessities, really helpful, don't need for at least 6 mos after baby is born, and splurge items and try to hold off on the splurge items and the don't need until 6 mos until later items! If you are living in an apartment and low on extra space (like I am), you will be glad that you did!

littlemama06

01-23-2006, 07:13 AM

I think we already have everything except this sling I want.
We have tons of newborn clothes all given to me or bought at thrift stores.I have newborn and small cloth diapers-AIOs, pockets, cpf, covers(i :heartbeat wool) doublers,ten or so blankets,sling with rings. My friend is letting me borrow her cosleeper. A chicco bouncy seat,not sure if Iwill need it but my grandma found it on sale.
We are not buying a baby bed, would like an Amby bed if we do buy any bed.
We are not getting a changing table,we just using a little dresser witha pad on top of it.
I am sure we'll get more as the time for baby gets coser.But we are trying to keep it real simple.

augustmom

01-23-2006, 08:23 AM

I have bought some clothes on sale on Landsend and Hanna Andersson. I don't think that we need to buy too much--we've already had offers for hand-me-down boy clothes.

B

chrismom

01-26-2006, 07:02 AM

We are trying to go the minimal route as well. For the most part, we have just started looking at stuff but I have picked up a few things and we decided on a few others.

I already have:
10 white bodysuits in 3 month size (my family tends to have big babies so they may be slightly over sized at first)
1 red bodysuit NB size, I prefer bright colors to pastels
1 sweatshirt 3 month size, just in case we have a cool day
2 moose print rompers 6 and 18 month, just couldn't resist
Red crib bumper, we were being pressured to "pick a theme" so we bought this. It is now making the rounds of all the aunts and uncles for them to put their handprints on it in yellow fabric paint. Our "theme" will be family.
12 Kissaluv diapers 4 print bummi covers and 3 doublers, we will be getting more diapers but are spreading this purchase out and I know none of my family will support us in our "cloth diaper choice".
Thermometer, I'm picky about this so I wanted to pick this out myself.
Nail clippers.

Things we want but don't have yet:
Mini Co Sleeper: We are both excited about this. My dh has a habit of violently rolling over and "adjusting" his pillow at the same time. I often wake up suddenly when his pillow suddenly covers my face. We've been told that this would stop if the baby slept with us but I'm still too nervous to take the chance. The cosleeper seems to be the best option. It will hold the baby up until 28 pounds in the bassinet and is one that travels well so no pack and play should be needed. Once the baby is past 28 pounds, we will decide whether to use the "play pen" part for sleeping, sleeping in bed with us or moving to a crib in another room.
Slings. I plan to get one cloth for everyday use and one mesh for swimming/showering with me or dh.
Jogging stroller, both dh and I are runners so this is pretty important to us. We just haven't found the right one for us.
5 in 1 Boppy, This works as a nursing support, baby lounging and sitting support, tummy time play area and overhead gym. Plus it is red.
Breast Pump, I will be going back part time to work so I want to go with a high quality one.
Mobile, I found a simple, brightly colored one.
Car seat, we haven't decided which one will be the best for us.
Diaper Champ, it looked like the best diaper pail for us and should be easy to use, especially at night.
Sheets, blankets, socks, mittens, more diapers, bathtub

We are not going to purchase a changing table or other "nursery furniture". We will adapt things we have already that have a better chance of growing with our child. We will get a crib for later use but it is not a priority for us. I made a cradle for use downstairs, I love to woodwork and it was easy to get dh to stain it for me so I could avoid the fumes. We haven't decided on a swing yet, if I get one as a gift we will use it but I don't think I will be buying one myself.

Our mw suggested waiting until just before birth to purchase my first few nursing bras as breast size often changes in the last few weeks of pregnancy. It was also suggested that I only purchase 2 at that point to get me through the first few weeks and then purchase others when I am sure the fit is correct.

We are trying to put money away each month rather than make too many purchases now. I know I will have a shower so we are waiting to see what we get first and then use the saved money to purchase the rest of the stuff.

My problem right now is getting all my family to stop trying to give me all these hand me downs that I don't want. When we said we were excited about he co sleeper, everyone insisted that I take their old bassinet. Most were junk and none would serve the purpose. They also want to give me their maternity clothes even though they are different sizes and had their babies in the winter, not June. My sister in law is totally into the Baby Einstein stuff. I hate it. I was forced to put my infant nephew in front of the TV with a video on when I was helping her out when she was recoveing from post partum depression. It was total mind control. I don't want any of them but my mother in law and Julie are so insistent. I have been saying no to all this clutter stuff but it doesn't seem to be working. Goodwill sees me on a weekly basis.

Chrismom

Caroline248

01-26-2006, 07:09 AM

The cosleeper seems to be the best option. It will hold the baby up until 28 pounds in the bassinet and is one that travels well so no pack and play should be needed. Once the baby is past 28 pounds, we will decide whether to use the "play pen" part for sleeping, sleeping in bed with us or moving to a crib in another room.

Chrismom

Just wanted to let you know...my 17 month old isn't even 28 pounds yet, so you may have plenty of time!! How deep is the mini? I would think the only issue would be if he/she can go over the one edge.

~C~

mimid

01-26-2006, 07:52 PM

I don't have much, but I have a lot coming.

Have:
Diapers and wipes
Boppy
Breast Pump
A few assorted pieces of clothing
1st aid kit
carbon monoxide/smoke detector for 2nd bedroom

Getting:
Changing Table from SIL
triple stroller from SIL
Car seats from Mom
1 used bassinet from SIL
1 new bassinet from MIL
A bundle of clothes from my SIL and sis (3 girls between them)
Assorted pack and play, swing, bouncy seats, etc. from sis
a double stroller from friend

Need:
Car
twin bed to be made into a crib and attached to bed for co-sleeping
another bassinet
asst. slings

Then there is the shower and whatever stuff my mom has already bought and will buy. (She's as bad as me!)

StacyL

01-26-2006, 10:29 PM

I already have:
10 white bodysuits in 3 month size (my family tends to have big babies so they may be slightly over sized at first)
1 red bodysuit NB size, I prefer bright colors to pastels
1 sweatshirt 3 month size, just in case we have a cool day
2 moose print rompers 6 and 18 month, just couldn't resist
Red crib bumper, we were being pressured to "pick a theme" so we bought this. It is now making the rounds of all the aunts and uncles for them to put their handprints on it in yellow fabric paint. Our "theme" will be family.
12 Kissaluv diapers 4 print bummi covers and 3 doublers, we will be getting more diapers but are spreading this purchase out and I know none of my family will support us in our "cloth diaper choice".
Thermometer, I'm picky about this so I wanted to pick this out myself.
Nail clippers.

Things we want but don't have yet:
Mini Co Sleeper: We are both excited about this.
Slings. I plan to get one cloth for everyday use and one mesh for swimming/showering with me or dh.
Jogging stroller, both dh and I are runners so this is pretty important to us. We just haven't found the right one for us.
5 in 1 Boppy, This works as a nursing support, baby lounging and sitting support, tummy time play area and overhead gym. Plus it is red.
Breast Pump, I will be going back part time to work so I want to go with a high quality one.
Mobile, I found a simple, brightly colored one.
Car seat, we haven't decided which one will be the best for us.
Diaper Champ, it looked like the best diaper pail for us and should be easy to use, especially at night.
Sheets, blankets, socks, mittens, more diapers, bathtub

We are not going to purchase a changing table or other "nursery furniture". We will adapt things we have already that have a better chance of growing with our child. We will get a crib for later use but it is not a priority for us. I made a cradle for use downstairs, I love to woodwork and it was easy to get dh to stain it for me so I could avoid the fumes. We haven't decided on a swing yet, if I get one as a gift we will use it but I don't think I will be buying one myself.

Our mw suggested waiting until just before birth to purchase my first few nursing bras as breast size often changes in the last few weeks of pregnancy. It was also suggested that I only purchase 2 at that point to get me through the first few weeks and then purchase others when I am sure the fit is correct.

Here's my 2 cents from my recent first babe:

1. Get a Miracle Blanket. I learned about this on the boards here when ds was 8 weeks old, and wish I had it from the very beginning. A lifesaver - the best $30 you will ever spend - no joke.

2. Hotslings brand slings - best I've tried.

3. Get TWO Boppy pillows - one to nurse with, and one to SIT ON. I was glad I had gotten two as a gift beforehand, because if you deliver vaginally you will be sore like you cannot imagine. I sat on that sucker for 3 weeks! Much more comfortable than the blow-up ortho donut pillows - and larger!

4. Medela Pump InStyle Breast Pump - for home and is also portable. Expensive, but the best you can get next to the hospital version. Retail for about $289, but you can get them on Ebay for around $100.

5. Diaper Pail - totally unnecessary expense when a tall kitchen trash can with a step-lid does the trick just as well and has no odor and costs about $12.

6. Bathstuff - The Leachco Safer Bather Pillow. Toatlly awesome - goes in your tub, and can be used even until they can sit up on their own. Also, only about $15. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005JIVI/ref=br_fq_ba_glbl_2/102-6132917-7990529?v=glance&s=baby&n=541582

7. We had no changing table or nursery furniture either. We just bought a changing pad at Toys R Us and put it on the dresser - worked great.

8. I highly recommend a swing. It can be a great way to get a SHOWER while baby naps! This one was the best we found and had the largest seat. And it swung side-to-side, as well as back-and-forth. Ds loved it! http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=2001&e=detail&site=us&pid=30548&selcat=bgsw

9. Your MW is right - wait till your milk comes in to buy nursing bras. you won't believe how big those suckers can get!

babydoll

01-26-2006, 10:37 PM

StacyL

01-26-2006, 10:39 PM

-Amby bed :heartbeat I'm crazy for this bed. DD needed to be elevated as an infant and I think this will be great for babe if he/she is the same. Also dd and I are going to have a garden and I want the babe to be outside if we are working in the yard and it's hard to sling and be on your knees. The Amby has an aewsome bug netting and I can put the babe to sleep in the shade a few feet away from us.

I have an Amby Bed that I used with ds. They are awesome, no doubt, but they are a LUXURY. They are outrageously expensive, and can only be used until your baby is about 6-7 months old. Once the baby can turn over, you can no longer use the Amby, because they can flip themselves right out of it. (This is in their instruction manual, and when you have one and you see your child do this for the first time your heart stops and you go, "Whoa! I guess that's the end of that!")

So, if you are on a budget, a co-sleeper or pack n play are a lot cheaper and can be used for a longer period of time.

But, hey, if you can get someone to give you an Amby as a gift - then awesome!

StacyL

01-26-2006, 10:41 PM

boughten? :lol
I think you mean bought! Are you from the North? It is funny to "hear" other people's vernacular. I did not realize until I was on a trip to Canada that when I said "roof" to them I sounded like a dog's bark. :flipped

Hey - don't be hatin' on our OP's spelling! :blush

earthmama369

01-27-2006, 06:25 AM

I was superstitiously paranoid last time and didn't buy anything until month 8. Then she came early and we were caught flat-footed! This time I haven't been able to resist picking up a few things, in addition to what we already have from Q.

I got some more Kushies AIOs on sale ($5 each! woohoo!) in small and medium, and I set aside a handful of organic cotton outfits at the baby store where I work because they were absolutely adorable and are from lines that were one-time specials and won't be made anymore. (Not a need, but a big want.) ;) I'm also thinking about picking up another Maya wrap so Q won't feel displaced by the new baby using hers, and a swimming sling from Hotslings with SPF protection for our summer boy. We're going to borrow an infant carseat from close friends (the same seat we borrowed for Q), and save for either a Britax or another Evenflo Triumph 5. (I'm leaning toward the Triumph, unless this baby looks to be big and growing fast. Q is going to fit her Triumph for a loooong time at this rate, and it has slightly higher safety ratings.)

We still have everything else we need from Q, even after I sorted through the off-season clothes -- plenty of gender-neutral onesies and outfits, cloth diapers and covers, blankets for ground playtime and burp cloths, thermometer and nose bulb, bathtub, potty (we're SO going to EC from the start this time!), a few neat wooden rattles and cloth toys, changing tray (why use a table when baby's safer on the floor?), towels, washcloths, etc.

Whee~

BundleFishMama

01-27-2006, 01:45 PM

mommy2girlies

01-27-2006, 05:11 PM

i just bought 6 diapers off the tp and im sooooo excited!! they are our first cloth diaper purchase! im so very ready to get 'em in the mail :D

we already have a crib, but neither girls ever really used it. nice to know its here though. i've borrowed a co-sleeper from a girlfriend whose little boy will be one when this one is born, so im also borrowing a swing from her too. and i know she's said she's going to unload a bunch of boy clothes on me, as she's not having anymore kiddos. we have a pack n play, but never use it. i'll probably also borrow my girlfriends bouncer. totally necessary for being able to put baby in so you can shower! i've already bought my sling! a hotsling and i absolutely adore it!

i still need to buy:

~more cloth diapers
~a cute coming home outfit
~whatever clothes i don't get as hand me downs or the shower (yes, my girlfriends want to throw me a shower, for my third?!)
~diaper pail or trash can
nursing bras, but im waiting till that milk comes in!! i just wear a regular bra now and just pull my boob out to nurse my 19mos old. unfortunately its that floppy! :lol
~a boppy

i've always changed the girls on the bed or floor, so a changing table won't be necessary, but since we're using cloth, an organizer might not be a bad idea. still brainstorming....

babydoll

01-28-2006, 12:37 AM

...

RiverSky

01-28-2006, 01:16 AM

1 old old crib for my mom and dad's house

1 cradle from when I was a baby

First, I just want to say, "PLEASE NO!!!" Chances are HUGE that that crib and cradle are completely unsafe. The distance between slats needs to be under a certain amount, so measure (I believe it's 2 3/8" but you need to check on what the current suggestions are...since my youngest is 4). Also, if the crib or cradle are painted, chances are they have lead paint, which could be horrible for your baby.

1 pack - n - play ( we travel ALOT)

I think a pack 'n play is not a bad idea if you travel a lot. We travelled much, too, and our pack 'n play was a lifesaver. Even if you are co-sleeping, if you are in a hotel bed or at a relative or friend's house, leaving the baby to sleep on the bed for naps (without you there to monitor) could be dangerous. In a hotel, there could be bed bugs (bed bugs are a huge issue in the U.S. right now and very difficult to combat) not to mention the fact that when you are somewhere else, you don't know how old the mattress is and what kinds of fumes might be coming up from it, which might possibly cause SIDS (or crib death).

With a new pack 'n play (no old or used ones, as pack 'n plays of all brands have had so many recalls, you really want a new, safe one), you can be in charge of how clean the sheets are that you use, what your child has in its reach, keeping out other people's pets, etc.

I don't think you need half of the stuff you mentioned, either, and I would buy WAY more clothing, onesies and such. Just focus more on the 3-6 month sizes (or larger) with just a couple of newborn items (chances are your baby will outgrow them long before he/she is 3 months old!). My DS was wearing 12 month sizes at 3 months of age, and he is such a skinny 7 year old now.

In the first few months of my children's lives, especially with cloth diapers, I found that we would go through 3 or 4 outfits a day, due to leakage. Perhaps others don't have that experience but we did, so it was great to have plenty of clothing on hand, even though we were doing daily laundry.

Sheets, too, if you do have a crib, buy a few extra sheets and perhaps some flannel or cotton waterproof pads to ease the clean-ups.

Congratulations. :)