Hello to my handful of readers out there. If you're a mom, can you provide some baby product advice? Peter and I will begin acquiring baby stuff next month when we're in our new place. What was/is a must have for you? What is superfluous/ unnecessary? What do you swear by - best product ever? What did you never use and took up too much space? Recommendations, please!
5 comments:
Hmm. We love our Exersaucer. Strollers where you can transfer the car seat are great, but after a while take up space in cars. So an umbrella stroller when baby can support their own head is really nice because of the space it saves. I don't see a need for a bassinet. Yes you might want the baby in your room for the first few weeks, but you could use a Port-a-Crib instead. Those are far more versatile than a bassinet. Changing tables are great for storage and to bring a room together. You may or may not use it for diaper changes past the first six months, but again, great for storage, etc.
You might taper it out. She won't need an Exersaucer or high chair for a while, so if you want the space, you know?
Ack! Allison I am so happy for you!
Oh, I don't own one. But I bet you'll hear from people who swear by their jogging stroller. :D
Allison,
I am so excited for you and I'm expecting number 6 at the beginning of Sept (that is adding on for always being late).
So my suggestions from a mom who has had almost 6 kids, moved a lot, and been in NYC.
* I see the advantage of the baby carrier car seat, but unless you will be driving a lot with the baby and getting in and out, I would go straight for the convertible car seat and a comfortable carrier. Both will last longer as well.
* don't get a baby tub. I used one once and found it a pain to use. There are these things that are like a wedge you put on the tub/sink to support the baby. I also used mine after the baby could sit up to keep them from slipping.
* I love bouncy seats and swings. There are some that do both. Babies only stay in them for about 6 months or until they sit up, which makes them good canidates for borrowing. Bouncy seats also are great for a beginning feeding seat. Just cover it with a towel. It is easier to wash.
* Strollers. This is tricky. You definitely want one. I always thought it was silly to have two strollers, but I did find it useful in NYC to have more than one. Having a nicer one for longer days out is really nice. Having a lighter one for quick, short trips is nice because they are less cumbersome. Just figure out what you will needing it for. Just some shopping tips:
- Make sure that what ever stroller you get fits in your car with room to spare.
- Make sure it is a good height for you to push. It will kill your back to push a stroller too short for you. That was a big problem for me with umbrella strollers.
- A stroller with a more adjustable seat will last you longer. You might also want to consider how easy it is to put the seat back up and down. I love my Phil & Ted, but the back is tricky to go up and down. My Maclaren is really easy.
- I would definitely look into a Maclaren. There is a reason they are very popular in the city.
* I argee with the prievous post about a high chair. You don't need it right away. I have had three different kinds through all the kids. While they all did their job, I probably not get any of them again. Just consider your space issue as the biggest consideration.
* Pack'n'plays are great. Highly recommend. I have one with a changing station. I would of preferred one with the bassinet insert.
* I used a dresser as a changing table for number 1, but have since kept a box with diapers, wipes, cream, powder, a change of clothes, changing pad, etc. under a chair or in my end tables and changed the baby on the floor or couch. This way you can have more than one changing station.
Thanks for letting me share my opinion. As you can tell, I have a lot to say on the matter. Good luck!
Sam Rayburn
Oh this is fun! I'll put in my two cents...
Strollers:
1) Yes, swear by the jogger. You can walk or jog and it's such a smooth ride the babies love it. Plus, you can push it with one hand easily.
2) I also had to have an umbrella stroller. We never splurged for the Maclaren but it would have been my first choice had we lived in a more populated area. They travel well, are durable, and fit through doors in the city!
I never had a car seat that fit into a stroller but I have a lot of friends who like them - but they only seem to last the first few months while the baby likes to be on her back in the car seat - this is a hard one.
I loved having a bouncy and a swing...more stuff in a little apt. but both let me put baby down for a few minutes to do something.
A Baby Bjorn thingy was a must have for me so I could vacuum or do dishes while the baby was snuggled up against me. I thought it would be cool to have one of those wraps that wrap the baby onto me but I never did have one.
Brynne and Paige both slept in pack 'n plays b/c we ran out of room for a crib. I kindof felt bad about that but they're not worse for wear! On the other hand, this is a step up from the drawer :)
We had a dresser that had a mat on the top for a changing table. That way you can use the dresser forever and just take the mat off when you're done. The top drawer held the wipes, powder, diapers, etc.
Don't need a high chair until baby is about 6 months.
Clothing storage? I have bins with ages on them - this will be tricky in NY too with so little storage! You can store things here if you need :)
Breast feeding saves a ton of money and sure was convenient for Gregor :)
Hmmm...I guess that's all for now. Excited!
Good grief, where to start? Test drive, test drive, test drive everything before you buy, and for stuff during the first year, borrow the non-essentials (swing, bouncer) if you can, to see if Sydnie likes any of it. Don't skimp on major safety items like car seat, but don't feel like you have to get the most expensive. try them out in your car or check websites that tell you whether certain models fit in various cars. We have found rear-facing car seats, even the smaller infant seats, do NOT fit in the backseat of most cars without compromising the passenger seat.
For you in the city, a good, sturdy stroller will be necessary. Get something with good wheels, easy maneuvering, light (if you have stairs), and comfortable for both of you to use. Test drive these to make sure they work for you. I loved carrying the baby around, and have opinions on every type of carrier from Baby Bjorn to slings to wraps. Try them all on, or call me and I'm happy to let you know of my opinions. Don't go for high-tech baby gear like sleep supporters. You don't need a bassinet, but I had one and I used mine for 5 months. Then I moved her to a pack-n-play until she moved to her crib. Don't get a changing table. Use a dresser with a changing pad/bed on top. We did not get a high chair because I did not want a big item taking up space. There are adjustable high chairs that attach to a regular chair (called Spacesavers) that store easily, can adjust to multiple positions, and don't take up space. I'm sure I'm missing something, but that's most of the important items.
I'm so happy for you! Paco has no idea how much he is going to love that little girl. There's nothing like a Daddy's little girl. And you a going to have SO much fun playing girl. I miss you terribly, and love you to pieces.....
First off I would love to make you a hooter hider. Just let me know what colors you are looking for.
I use a tall standup dresser as my changing table for Barrett, but usually just change him on the floor or couch.
I love slings and front packs. Wesson was never in a stroller until 6 months and Barrett has never been in one. I can make you a sling if you want. I love mine and they are so easy to make. The maya wraps you can make yourself just buy 4 yards of knit material and cut it in fourths (it makes 4) and look up how to use in on line. If you do get a front pack get one with lots of back support. I have a chicco and love it.
I do love my jogger. That way I can exercise and only use one stroller. I also just use the high chairs that strap on regular chairs. It saves lots of space and they are cheaper. A bouncy seat works for the first couple of months and then also a bumbo works until they can get out of it.
Don't get a bathtub, you don't need one and they take up too much space to store.
I think a boppy is essential if you are going to breastfeed. In fact take it to the hospital with you as well and your nursing cover. Which is also good for pumping. I only pump, so if you are looking for a pump I can tell you what I like.
Borrow as much as you can and buy later if you like it or you have room to store it.
So excited for you!!!
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