Now I did restrain myself (or more truthfully, Dave did) but one of the first things I wanted to do after learning the gender was to go out and buy her a new dress! I’m sooooo excited to have a little girl! Yeah! After calming down I was able to think a little more rationally. So instead of thinking about baby clothes shopping I want to think about baby essential shopping – and for that I’m going to need advice. I mean, have you LOOKED at what is available for new mothers and their babies? It’s ridiculous!So here are my initial undeveloped thoughts regarding what I will want for the baby. This is the starting off point and I have every intention of continually editing and updating it.
WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE: A crib, a really ugly stroller/infant car seat combo (so we may be looking into getting a new one), and a car seat to use after the baby is one year or older. So that’s it. Now remember, we’re in a tiny apartment with little room, so we have to be choosy about what takes up the space. We won’t be able to house anything that is not essential, so here goes:
Crib bedding: this is an obvious necessity. I’m not going to worry yet about designs or colors of bedding (though I think I’ll lean toward sage green), but I am planning on finding a “breathable” bumper so she doesn’t suffocate. Oh, and I do think this crib shield is pretty neat. It prevents chewing on the crib as well as (supposedly) keeping them from climbing out. For the mattress I need to look into it more, but I don’t think we’ll skimp on this, though I initially planned on it. We’ll get the nicer mattress, even though it is pricier.Stroller/carseat: If we do get a new one, I’m thinking we’ll do the combo. Any suggestions? Also, I’ve noticed a lot of women in our ward, only a couple of years after the birth of the first baby, have sent out emails regarding their new search for “double strollers.” And my thoughts are, “Why not start out with the double stroller? If you know you’ll have more kids?”
Bouncer or mini swing: At the moment I’ve decided on making this a staple. When she’s awake and I want her with me but I don’t want to be constantly holding her or laying her on the floor, I’ll keep her in this so she can sit up and we can be together: when I’m showering/bathing (then when I’m done I can just reach out and get her and give her her bath with me); while I’m cooking; cleaning; etc. We don’t have room for a larger swing, but this Boppy brand has some great reviews and I think might be the best of both the bouncer and swing…?
Highchair/booster seat: For the first few months she won’t even need this, so I figure we’ll get a booster seat/ highchair that straps onto one of our kitchen table chairs. We don’t really have the room for a full highchair.Diaper bag: I’m not a huge fan of the traditional diaper bags. I want to shop around for large purses, etc and see if I can’t find something I like better. Any suggestions?
Boppy pillow: Um…I don’t know about this one. Couldn’t I just try using my body pillow or a couple of regular pillows?
Breast pump: I think my insurance covers an electric pump, but I don’t know which is the best to get.
Bath: I’m thinking I only want the mesh recliner part of the tub. The baby lays on it and the
water runs off and down or through the mesh; she doesn’t have to sit in the water, but can, and I don’t have to deal with a big bulky tub. I’ve seen them at Wal-mart for under $8.Shoe Rack: This is a must in our apartment. It is where we will keep all the baby nick-knacks. We already use one in our bathroom (which has NO cupboards, shelves, or drawers), and another one for all of our random things: school supplies, tools, etc. For all of her larger things I’ll just use clear tubs on a bookshelf (the same way I store my craftS.)
What do you think of diaper stackers? Golly they sell a variety of patterns.
THINGS I'M THINKING WE'LL DO WITHOUT:
Diaper Genii: nah. Good old fashion plastic bags will work.
Wipe warmer: I’ll take Natalie’s advice and warm it in my hands.
Jogger: I probably wouldn’t really use it, and we don’t have room for both a stroller and a jogger.
Baby bath: the sink will work at first, as well as my arms/lap in the tub. Remember, I also want to use the mesh recliner.
Monitor: Hmm…probably unnecessary in a small apartment, but perhaps I’m not being creative enough.
There are lots of things that help “entertain” kids, but I don’t think I’ll worry about them for a
while: mobiles, exersaucers, play gyms, etc. Though, I imagine a Johnny-jumper could be very funny!
while: mobiles, exersaucers, play gyms, etc. Though, I imagine a Johnny-jumper could be very funny!I haven’t even touched the “little” things: diapers, nursing pads, nipple creams, baby cleansers, diaper-rash cream, etc. But, I think this is good for now. PLEASE let me know what you think. Let me know if I’m forgetting something or if I’m over or underestimating the value of something. I plan on updating this list as I gather more information.
9 comments:
Boppy. Yes. Not even a question. Pillows would be a nightmare.
I used a regular purse for the first year. Major mistake. I would never go back now. All of those bottle/sippy cup holders keep everything from being distroyed. I have several bags that I use as diaper bags that aren't actually diaper bags, but I never choose to use them because the diaper bag is way more conveinent.
But Baby Bargins. It will answer all of these questions. Best baby investment I made.
That should say "Buy Baby Bargins" It is a book by the way.
Wow, I think you are way ahead of the game! When I was expecting Isaac I had no idea what half these things were, let alone what I would be needing. All I can think to say is wait until after your baby shower. Then you will be able to see what you need. If their are things you know you absolutely want then buy them. Dont let other peoples opinions stop you from buying what you want.
Yes Jamie, but don't I want an idea of what to register for before the shower?
You seem very thorough and ready for this little girl. I agree that a Boppy is very nice to have. Not only is it good for nursing, but you can also position your little one in it to give your hands a break. Of course, a swing or bouncer is the most helpful for these situations, but you might find that you enjoy having different options.
Another necessity would be a Baby Bjorn or something similar to that. Ours was a lifesaver.
As far as waiting to buy things until you have the shower, my experience tells me that you'll probably receive mostly clothes and blankets anyway--especially since you're having a little girl. So if there is something that you want to buy ahead of time, then just get it and keep the receipt just in case.
It was so good to see you yesterday by the way. I wish I could have talked with you longer before getting pulled in the other direction. You're an adorable pregnant woman!
Oh one more thing--don't forget about starting a good book collection for your little one. From a very young age, Thomas loved a book called Charlie Monkey. It's still his absolute favorite.
I agree with the Baby Bjorn. I got one free off of Craigslist and it's been awesome for both kids. I wouldn't pay full retail for it - but check Craigslist and garage sales and your bound to find one. That's another thing, you can get some GREAT deals on baby things on Craigslist and garage sales. We got a bouncer for $1, Pack-n-play for $4, baby tub for $2, high chair seat for a chair $4, and bassinet for $20. And the great thing is when you buy it on Craigslist you can usually use it and then relist it and get your money back. For example, we bought a bassinet for Kate for $60, used it for 4 months and then resold it for $65. Good deal! And don't wait for your baby shower. People will most likely get you clothes (which is great) and if they are going to get you a bigger item they will usually ask you what you need and you can tell them. Hop on the deals while they are hot!
Oh and the best pump is the Medela Pump in Style. I got it after I had Ethan and my insurance paid for it. For Kate I just had the Single Medela electric pump (around $60) and it worked fine for occasional pumping, and even pumping at work, but the Pump in Style ($360) is definitely the cadillac of pumps and if you can get your insurance to pay for it - that's what I would go for!
Also - look for a Bumbo. It's great for when the baby is 3-6 months old and can't sit up yet. Buy it for $20 on Craigslist, use it for 3 months and then resell it.
Boppy pillow. No question! It will save your back. The diaper stacker seems a more decorative thing than practical. For a small space (like we have), I recommend a smaller box (we have a decorative red cloth one that stores under our coffee table and one in our bedroom) with diapers, wipes, changing pads, desitin, etc. I usually change Jacoby on the couch or our bed. Also, a baby monitor is not a necessity in a smaller place. We have one and don't use it. A diaper champ (not a genie) has been a wonderful convenience that we couldn't do without. You don't have to buy specific bags for it and it keeps down the diaper smells. I recommend taking a close mommy friend with you when you register. It was so helpful!
Oh, and I echo the Bumbo chair comment. I have a friend that used hers as a "high chair" until her baby was too big for it. It is a great place to sit a baby for a feeding. As far as little things, try your samples out. I have a box of nursing pads that I didn't really need. I got more samples than I ever used at a breastfeeding class. You should wait before all those types of purchases until you need them. A few dollars here and there really add up.
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