My friend Shannon is expecting her first baby on my son’s birthday! She recently emailed me and asked my opinion of some baby gear. I got so excited to be asked for my opinion that I nearly wet myself from the excitement.
Here’s what I told her about my opinion of travel systems…
“As far as the stroller system, here’s what I recommend…(feel free to do with this info whatever you please!) Graco MetroLite stroller!!!!! Only 17 lbs! It’s a travel system, which I DO think is good. Why, you ask? Well lemme tell ya…if you plan to ever go anywhere then you’ll want a really good stroller. Unless you get a really expensive umbrella stroller, then it’s a pain in the arse to push around. Once Baby is strong enough to hold up her head, then you won’t necessarily need to use the carseat in the stroller. However when Baby gets tired, he might want to be reclined in the stroller for a nap. Umbrella strollers don’t have that feature. Also if you go shopping at the mall, the MetroLite has a basket on the bottom to stow away purchases and purses and whatever else you’re carting along. The umbrella stroller doesn’t. When Baby gets hungry while you’re out and about, you’ll want a tray on the stroller for the cheerios and sweet potato puffs. The umbrella stroller doesn’t have a tray. If it’s bright and sunny out and you want a cover over Baby’s little head, you won’t have one large enough on an umbrella stroller.
Some people really like umbrella strollers. I think they are very useful if you plan on traveling long distances or by plane a lot, as they take up less space. That doesn’t mean you won’t need a better stroller for everyday use, though.”
Whew!
I feel really strongly in favor of the Graco MetroLite! GO Graaaaaaaaacccccccccoooooooooooo! Go!
I feel equally as strong about my disdain for the Diaper Genie. BOOO! Two thumbs down! If I had more thumbs, I’d put them down, too. The insert refills are expensive and once Baby makes stinky poops, I don’t think it actually masks any odors.
BOOOOO!
Now, I have plenty more opinions, but this post doesn’t need to be 40,000 words. I’d like to know some of your opinions about your favorite and detested baby gear.
Here’s what you do…Tell Shannon about one MUST HAVE baby gear item and WHY! The WHY is most important. Then tell Shannon one eye-roll worthy baby product and WHY! Again, the WHY is very important.
I’m certain Shannon appreciates all of our assvice, er, I mean ADvice.
I completely agree with you about Travel systems and the Diaper Genie. I’ll go out on a limb here-and I have not read other comments, so I wouldn’t be swayed. I thought the Boppie was next to worthless. I am short, and it just never was comfortable for me to use it to lay the baby on to nurse. We never really used ours. One thing that I thought was awesome was the exersaucer. My kids loved theirs. You can’t stick them in it all day, but it was good for 20 minutes–i.e. a shower–priceless!
Mom24′s last blog post..Roadmap to Holland
The best place to get exersaucers is consignment sales! They are often in like-new condition and FAR cheaper.
Actually MANY things are fine to buy used, in my opinion. I wouldn’t buy a crib or a carseat used.
I used our Baby Bjorn a lot. Get one of the new ones with the back support. I used a sling as well (pain in the arse to get on and I was always hot wearing it) but really loved the ease of the Bjorn, and the cost seems outlandish but totally. worth. it.
Mama DB’s last blog post..This is what having a homeopathic pediatrician looks like.
I am going to throw a little controversy into the mix. I would get the really expensive umbrella stroller. I bought a maclaren 5 years ago and it is the only thing I used (except for a sit and stroller that could accomodate all three of my boys when the youngest couldn’t raise his head). I love it! I love that it has the basket underneath for purses and purchases. It folds up to nothing and can be slung over the shoulder if you get on a bus or subway. It is tall enough to comfortably push (which MANY umbrella strollers are made for shorter moms). It is small enough to always be in the trunk. I rarely used the travel systems when the boys were babies because if I was going to need something to hook the car seat into it was usually at the grocery store, target, babies r us…they all had shopping carts that I could use. If I was going into the mall it was easier to just use the Bjorn carrier if the baby was tired and wanted to sleep he could sleep in that. I often would stick the carrier into the basket of the umbrella stroller. I just like to pack light. I didn’t even carry a purse prior to kids so that might have something to do with my umbrella stroller passion. Oh, and one of the major advantages of the expensive umbrella stroller is that it is strong enough for an older child to stand on the bracing for the basket in the back. So I can easily transport two kids that don’t want to walk…
HRH’s last blog post..Monster toddler…
The single best thing I bought for the kiddo? Hands down The Baby Whisperer by Tracey Hogg. I got three extra hours of sleep the first day I put it into effect…and that was heaven. It also helped me “learn” my child. I give it to every new mom I know. Also, Gripe Water. My kiddo was lactose intolerant and had terrible gas. Gripe Water is not cheap, but it’s worth it’s weight in gold compared to the other versions of tummy relief. We still use it (he’s 3) when his tummy is upset & he loves it.
Okay Bad? I would say the Baby Bjorn. I never felt like it fit right. It was hot. It was heavy. I ended up returning it.
Anglophile Football Fanatic’s last blog post..Oh, Twit!
Loved:
Boppy
(Great for nursing)
Sling
(look! No hands!)
Swing
Bouncy Seat
Jumperoo
(all great for putting baby down for a few minutes!! WOO!)
Hated:
Diaper Genie
($$ and stinky!)
various floor mat toy type things
(my kids never used these…)
Devan’s last blog post..Last one, I hope.
I loved my Baby Bjorn sling. When mine were newborn it was the only way I got any laundry or dishes done.
And a bouncy seat is VERY crucial.
You must have a pack n play. Ours has traveled all over the country now with two kids and hosted nephews napping at our house. It’s 6 years old and looks great.
amy’s last blog post..Can Mommy and Daddy Rest Now?
Hands down best item is a tie between a Boppy and a Moby Wrap. I couldn’t nurse without my boppy unless I was laying down in the bed. It was a total lifesaver for both of my kiddos. I only had the Moby for my second, but it’s the most versatile wrap I’ve ever seen and can be worn many ways. It’s definitely got a learning curve, but once I figured it out I was able to put the little one in it and do dishes, laundry, and clean all while she slept soundly away. I couldn’t grocery shop with both kids without it, and best of all, weird people are much less likely to try to touch your baby if s/he is strapped to your chest!
The worst item was one of those new style baby tubs with the built in shower. It tore up almost immediately, and I found it was much easier to bathe her in a plain baby tub til she could sit up and then put her in the regular bathtub. I’ll second the uselessness of the diaper genie. That’s a thing I learned with my first.
If someone is insisting that they need a place to put the poop, I say the Diaper Champ isn’t all bad. It uses regular trash bags and is basically a glorified trash can. It sort of locks the odor in. I say “sort of” because there is nothing on Earth that can contain some of the things that come out of those small creatures. You still have to empty it at least twice per week.
Also , a Jumperoo was my personal hero for about three months. LOVED IT.
Burgh Baby’s last blog post..As Lucky as You Can Get
Here’s my opinion on baby carriers…I have a Baby Bjorn and I think it’s horribly uncomfortable. I borrowed a Beco from a friend once who had a 20 lb 6 month old. I couldn’t believe how comfortable it was!
Very expensive, though. Still kicking myself for not getting one and still curse the Baby Bjorn every time I use it.
Here’s the link for the Beco…
http://www.becobabycarrier.com/
Jumperoo…another GREAT thing to get used!
I have to say I had a “Cadillac” stroller that I hardly ever used once I got my maclaren stroller. To each their own, really! Actually I’ve found there is no ONE stroller. You need a big plush ride for outside/all day type trips and you need a little one to keep in the car for errands and such.
The mac is light and folds small (doesn’t take up the whole trunk, has a shoulder strap) I never let them eat off the stroller tray anyway so I didn’t miss that, at least my Volo has a decent sunshade. And I’m not one to carry much – my diaper bag is not very full (most of the “you might need it” stuff is in the car) so it was perfect. The small wheels made for great maneuverability and turns on a dime. And my kids fell asleep just fine sitting up and would wake up indignant if I ever reclined them anyway. I do have a 3 wheeled outdoor stroller, with a swivel wheel and 2nd seat (phil and ted) that is awesome, and I’ve taken it to the mall too, it’s not really bigger than the huge gracos I see. Only I can maneuver better *evil cackle*)
I don’t do diaper genies. We use cloth, but even before that, we just put the diapers in the trash and the stinky ones right out in the garage.
If I could do it again I’d buy one of the expensive LIGHTWEIGHT pack and plays, and the FOLDABLE bouncy chairs. Worth it the few times you need those things to be small and portable. I will never forget a trip to the beach made annoying by the fact a bouncy chair just wouldn’t fit in the car with all our luggage, baby gear and husband’s music gear. (I ended up having to take the cover off and stack stuff “inside” it)
I also feel strongly that despite the bjorn is a great way for “mainstream” people to get into baby wearing – buy a “real” sling. Hell, buy an Ergo. They aren’t that much more expensive than the expensive Bjorns, but they are a lot more comfy. The baby is not going to lose IQ points facing you. And the Ergo doesn’t feel as heavy on you, and better for the baby’s hips. Also recommended: a pouch sling for the newborn stage, and a babyhawk (or any other mei tai type carrier.) I wish I knew about these things with my first child. All I had was the bjorn and I hated it once she was like, 10 lbs.
jen’s last blog post..ding dong
Grrr I HATE Diaper Genie too! I specifically said I did NOT want one (we lived in a tiny tiny apartment at the time and didn’t really have room for something like that) and the ILs got us one ANYWAY, then got offended when I wanted to take it back (along with some other items) to get an INFANT CAR SEAT that we still did not have. And you are right…the inserts are expensive and they don’t work well…
Anyway,
I didn’t read all the replies (too early for me) but my favorite piece of gear was my Snugli. It doesn’t have to be a Snugli per se, but some other baby wearing contraption. I could clean house, even PEE with it on and he would blissfully snooze or just be content being next to me…it is a must have for those early newborn days when they tend to cry…a lot.
So..there it is. A Snugli.
Sandy’s last blog post..*whew* Glad that is over…
these might help her:
most necessary baby products: http://www.alimartell.com/index.php/2006/09/21/13-of-the-most-necessary-baby-products/
most unnecessary baby products: http://www.alimartell.com/index.php/2006/09/14/13-of-the-most-unnecessary-baby-products/
Suggested:
Diaper Champ – can use any bags, works well for about 9 months and then the odor started to leak no matter how clean it was — I put it right outside the backdoor for poopy diapers.
Boppy – I wish I would have brought mine to the hospital with me.
Swing – my son slept in it for the firs three months. He had reflux and wouldn’t sleep on his back.
Jumperoo/exersaucer – I agree with you – hit the yard sales and consignment shops.
Travel system – we got an Evenflo system and use the stroller all the time. The infant seat also fit well in both our cars.
Book: The Happiest Baby on the Block – if it wasn’t for white noise my son would not have ever slept or stopped crying.
Small diaper bag – I got a $5 purse-sized bag at Baby Depot. It is nice looking, holds 3-5 diapers, travel wipes, a bottle (or now baby food jars with snacks and sippy), one or two baby toys, my wallet and phone, and a few odds and ends. You don’t need an overnight bag like thing to go out for 5 hours. Plus, I found that the large diaper bag I did get is so compartmentalized that it doesn’t fit much in it. When I travel I use a large canvas tote – it fits more.
5 packs of gerber or carter long-sleeve onsies with the the sleeves that fold over the hands. This is great for the first few months when they scratch their faces in their sleep. When they are awake, just fold them back.
Clothes with zippers – They zip-front pjs were so much easier to use then the snap front. Especially in the middle of the night.
Didn’t use:
Bottle warmer – I nursed, but I did use formula a lot to supplement and just used warm tap water.
Play mats
Sling – He would just cry, but I’d like to note that he was very tempermental.
anne’s last blog post..Birthday twins
Must haves: I agree with the Pack n Play and something to wear the baby. Didn’t have a sling with #1, got it with #2, and kicked myself for not having it the first time. My first was a 20lb 4 month old. A little support would have been nice. This is less a purchase issue, but set up small diaper changing baskets or drawers throughout the rooms in your house you use the most. This SAVED me in the early blow-out days. I do love my Metrolite, but it was the Metro-heavy back when I got it– today’s versions are much lighter and easier to use. Buy this gender neutral– it’s a tank and it will last FOREVER.
Waste of My Money: Changing table (use the floor or a bed, just keep changing pads stashed around,) baby swing (I know some people swear by them, but I used mine maybe four times with both kids COMBINED,) and a baby tub. Just bathe the baby in the kitchen sink. It saves your back and baby is at eye level in a basin that’s about the right size. Throw a bath towel in the bottom if it really bothers you that she’s in the sink.
The Other Dawn’s last blog post..Pay It Forward
My can’t live without? Exersaucer and bouncer. They were lifesavers, baby feeders, baby sitters, baby calmers, cribs, bassinettes and just in general give mom a break items! I LOVED them! We had two exersaucers…one upstairs and one down so that our son could entertain himself wherever we were. My daughter was not as in love with it but she lived in her soothing motions glider for a good portion of her early months because she was a sleeper. Loved to sleep and wasn’t always keen on being held while sleeping!
I never went the route of diaper disposals. We take our garbage out at least once a day to a dumpster so I saw no reason why I couldn’t just throw my diapers in that garbage and remove them from my house.
I had a very hard time steering my travel system with one hand, which was often necessary for me…not sure why. We ended up buying a Peg Pliko 3 that mimics an umbrella stroller but can accommodate a car seat and has two separate handles and a tray in the front. The only thing I HATE about it is that the basket is difficult to use.
I really never used my bumbo all that often. My daughter did not like it and she very quickly learned how to propel herself out of it.
My boppy has only come into use recently because my daughter likes to use it as if it were a hemorrhoid pillow and sit right in the middle and play.
I used my Bjorn when my daughter was born because wielding the double stroller was difficult so using the peg for my son and Bjorn for my daughter was great.
Finally, I am anti wipes warmers. I think they allow bacteria to grow and are somewhat pointless. That’s just my opinion, I know a lot of people who swear by them!
Good luck!!
Alison’s last blog post..Guesting
Thing I couldn’t live without – Boppy! I loved mine, I used it for nursing for a long time, but also H took naps on it. I put a blanket on the floor put the boppy on top and that’s where he napped.
Useless piece of junk – Bouncy seat. H didn’t like being in it. He prefered being in arms or on the floor until he got big enough to hold his head up on his own.
I never used my stroller. Well okay, I used it about 10 times in 3 years. I prefered my sling and my mei tai carrier. The best advice I have about baby carriers is to try a whole lot of different types out with your baby. Each person is different in terms of what is comfortable for them. Actually this is true with a lot of baby equipment, if you can borrow some from other people to try it out because what is nirvana for one is a big cluttery dust trap for another.
K’s last blog post..Spray Art @ the park
i have to re-iterate the sling idea. LOVE MY SLING. especially with second baby / toddler. so easy to throw on in a store – then older child can be cart-ed (verb?). but i also really liked it when my oldest was bigger and i had to truck her around on my hip. (i have a maya wrap). it came with a video – scared me initially watching the woman slide a (3-4??) year old up and into the sling and start nursing…but whatever…
i must say i love it…very easy to use once you get used to it.
i am also the queen of strollers – i carry 3, yes 3, in the back of my van at all times. i use them all…for different reasons…but i use them all. yes, my husband thinks i’m crazy too. i have a sit n-stand for both kids, a cheap umbrella for quick runs (i could care less if it gets ruined on a plane or at the park), and my favorite – the ingelsina zippy. LOVE THAT STROLLER.
totally unnecessary baby items: i really never used my boppy pillow – it just didn’t fit me right and i think i used it a total of 3 times for nursing (and i nursed my first for 2 years and my second for one year thus far)…but i did use it more often to prop up baby (s).
it’s so hard to be opinionated on this one…it’s different for every mommy and every baby! there were things i like for one but not the other…
i agree with buying second hand! there are so many hardly used items out there…easy to clean up if you are worried! and it gives you a chance to trial it or buy extras for grandparents!
jen’s last blog post..mommy (s).
LOVED:
-Noah’s Arc (or similar type) mat for floor: (my kids loved this and I could easily pick it up and carry it all over the house so I could be next to them. Also, my oldest rolled over at 12 days old since he wasn’t really confined in some sort of contraption. Good or bad, depending on how you look at it.)
-Baby Whisperer book
-Phil & Ted’s Stroller (for two kids)
-Video Monitor
JUST OKAY:
-Diaper Champ (okay for newborns- but worthless on smell once solid foods make poop more grotesque)
-Boppy (but at least get a soft, comfy cover if you get this, like PBK’s)
-Swings
HATED:
-Bouncy seats
-Pack n Plays
Oh! All the assvice! Inevitably, you’ll get stuff that you are psyched about that just will not work for you. Once you figure out what your routine is like and what your baby is like, it will come together…. everyone is so different!
Have fun!!!!
Danielle’s last blog post..Grant’s Art Debut
Oh! Oh! I know! I know!
Must have: Boppy Newborn Lounger…it’s the perfect size to nest a little newborn in, it’s soft, it keeps their tiny little heads elevated. Zach slept in it for the first 3 months of his life. I buy it for EVERYONE I know who is having a baby. Even my step-sister who had triplets. She loved it too.
Eye-roller item: Those little mitten-y thingies. Just cut their damn finger nails and they’ll be fine. Sheesh.
AMomTwoBoys’s last blog post..Gah! A BABY!
Loved my own boobs! (OK, ya, I’m a nursing activist, sorry, but I had to say it once, I’ll be shutting up now) and loved my sling.
Agree on your disdain for Diaper Champs and all other things of that ilk. I also never understood wipe warmers. Strangely enough, I’m also probably the only mom in the world that had little use for my baby monitor. (recommendation? A portable bassinet for naps right there in the living room in front of the TV and plenty of noise for naps. Bedtime can be quiet in his own crib, but get those naps plenty noisy, he’ll then sleep through ANYTHING.)
There, solicited assvice has been disseminated.
Brianne’s last blog post..Cavity cry
I used my stroller (the plush reclining one
) for naps when they were tiny.. I could wheel it around wherever I was. But these things get harder with #3… siblings giving wild rides and all that.
jen’s last blog post..ding dong
Stock up on Tylenol… Trust me.
If she is going to breastfeed, put down the boppy which is OK and get a my brest friend pillow. AMAZING for breastfeeding!
Check out this web site too for great finds:
http://www.reviewingbabygear.com
Tuesday’s last blog post..Moms
Must have! A routine, a baby sling and a nightly glass of wine. My kids both also loved the exersaucer that has a seat that walks around a table. Oh and if you are going to breastfeed…those gel pads for your nipples!
Things you don’t need: Boppy, know it all MIL, wiper warmer.
Trust your instincts!
Connie’s last blog post..Ka Ching!
What we couldn’t live without with both kids….the swing….and not just any swing…the one that swings side to side or back and forth. My kids napped in it, played in it, and basically gave me time to shower while in it. HAVE to have.
What I could live without….the stupid bouncy seat! Unless they make one that bounces by itself, because other than that, it’s useless. I want something that I don’t need to sit there and bounce up and down or I would just do it my damn self.
Huh…now I got that out…..good luck Shannon…and believe me…the assvice won’t stop when they are born….someone always has an opinion when it comes to kids!
Val’s last blog post..“What do you want for your Birthday?”
I have to say first that all babies are different and may not take to the products you think you will use. We loved the bouncer. Wouldn’t know what to do without it. Helped me take my first post baby shower and I put my son in it when I needed to cook or use the bathroom. I also loved my Snugli baby carrier. It’s less than $30 but works as well as the Bjorn. I also have a Graco Travel System that I used mostly for long outings like trips to the mall. Now I use the umbrella stroller when he needs to be restrained and not running around stores like the comic book store. Oh yeah, and I had a boppy for home and one for travel
The diaper Genie could be a great idea if it actually worked. Mine didn’t. I also wasted money on the bottle warmer. He only used the play yard/bassinette combo for 4 months, then he wouldn’t use it.
Good luck!
Best:
Bouncy seats, Exersaucer, portable stroller, Swing for infants, Boppy, a good comfortable high chair with a crotch bar. I would not have survived without my glider to rock her. I love my Kelty backpack…she LOVES to ride around in it and will stay in there all day long. Burp cloths and A LOT of them. A BundleMe for both the infant carseat and now for the stroller. Comfie and warm (we live in MN) and she sleeps a lot better in both with them.
Worst: Baby Bjorn, Jumperoo (she never liked it), Sling (I never had the patience to figure out how to use it), Diaper Genie. Portable swing (not comfortable for little babies and not great for older kids either).
The swing that goes from side to side as well as front and back. Some babies have digestive problems and the side to side helps them NOT CRY ALL THE FREAKIN’ TIME.
Find or request a sling. It might work for you or it might not, but if it works for you? IT IS AWESOME! Don’t shell out the money until you know it works for you, though.
Um… for newborns those little Sweet Pea gowns that don’t have feet – makes changing them while they sleep much easier. And you’ll be changing him/her a lot while he/she sleeps.
I second the Graco-lite stroller. Loved ours. Also, the an umbrella stroller with a big basket underneath – mine was light blue with baby animals on it. It reclined enough that my kid could nap almost comfortably. It was pretty much the best umbrella stroller ever – but, it’s best for older babies who can already sit up – so put it on your list but know you’ll use it later.
Also, a live in grandmotherly nanny who calls you dear and then “takes the wee darling one” when you need a break. I think you can get them at Costco.
Rosie’s last blog post..Mother’s Day
I LOVED my hotsling!
never thought I would —-but I wore that thing OUT.
MizFit’s last blog post..How nice is this?
LOVE:
diaper wipe warmer
(babies love this too)
mirror on changing table
(so baby has something to do)
Avent bottle warmer
(quick, easy to use)
Avent sterilizer
Bumpo baby seat
(or a knock-off of that brand)
Some kind of bouncer that baby lays on while strapped in
Quick Result rectal thermometer
(key word “quick”)
DO NOT LOVE:
Diaper Genie
Boppy
(not all it’s cut out to be)
crib bed skirts and bumpers
(cute but not necessary)
Kristin’s last blog post..Mother’s Day re-cap
Bjorn’s are awesome and my hubby would even wear it (not so much a sling!).
The Snap and Go stroller is really nice to have to for that carseat time…I hated the big gargantuan sets, too bulky.
Jen’s last blog post..Learn to Speak K-lish, Lesson 3
Pro: I liked our Snugli and Little Elvis adored (maybe it should be a-door-ed?) our doorway jumper.
Con: We made most of our baby food and bought the little baby food freezer/storage cups. They always popped open in the freezer, even if I only filled them 1/3rd of the way up. It was frustrating. I went back to freezing the food in ice cube trays and then transferring to freezer proof bags.
Thanks for such a timely and useful post!
tulipmom’s last blog post..I Should Be Sleeping
I haven’t read all the comments so I’m sure I’m repeating but I thought I’d throw my 2 cents in anyhow.
First thing I couldn’t live without was the Boppy. I actually wrote a post about this last week: http://tinyurl.com/5uydmy
A highchair that is easy to clean was also a necessity. Oh, and those Playtex bottles with the liners. I realize there are newer and niftier bottles these days but these were the ONLY bottles that seemed to cure two of my children’s gas issues and the lovely bonus was that if a bottle was found misplaced somewhere (which is inevitable, isn’t it?) after a day or two it was so much nicer to just throw out the liner than scrub the nuk out of the bottle.
I also loved the infant tub that folded up so it was easy to store under the sink.
Domestic Spaz’s last blog post..5 Things You Want Your Kids To Know
The best baby gear EVER is… my boobs! ROFLOL Keeps baby well-fed, healthy, and happy! No bottles or pacis here!
Second best baby gear is a mei tai baby carrier. Easy to use from infant to toddler; can get in any color/style. (including daddy friendly colors.) Comfortable. Beats a Baby Bjorn hands down!!!
The worst was a crib, playpen, and swing. All waste of money. All of my babies (3 to date) co-slept with me, hated the swing, and the playpen.
The only baby gear I actually use is the baby carrier, bouncy seat, and car seat. I spend my money on cute baby clothes and soft soled shoes! LOL
Christine’s last blog post..Was it Father’s Day?
I’m SO with you on the Diaper Genie. Back in the day (don’t I feel old) when DC was a babe and DG’s were new…well, they were the bees knees and WORKED! The “redesign” sucks monkey balls.
My favorite every product isn’t carried anymore…sooo…
I have to say the swaddlers float my boat. Both girls were in them for as long as I could keep them trapped inside!!
Sadie’s last blog post..My clever kid…and other news…
I returned our diaper contraption and bought a Simple Human brand stainless steel garbage can at BBB. It totally contains diaper odor when shut, you can use regular kitchen bags or their brand bags, it looks nice, you can move it around the house when you are out of diapers, and it didn’t get “stained” with diaper odor. I set the inner can outside in the sun every once in a while and it’s fresh.
I also loved the diaper changing pad with the curve up sides. I moved it all around the house and even let the baby sleep on it when he was really really small.
Rayne of Terror’s last blog post..Odd sensation
All this Maclaren talk makes me think I missed out…although I still TOTALLY adore my stroller.
My kids would NEVER sleep if not reclined, so my stroller is still better for us!
As far as high chairs, they MUST have plastic and NOT fabric covers. Otherwise, you’ll be doing laundry after each feeding.
Boppies appear to be quite a source of controversy here! I really liked mine, but have heard that there are better pillows out there. Whether you decide to breast or bottle feed, a pillow is a nice thing to have. Your arms won’t get so tired.
Swings! Wow, another source of controversy…another reason to buy used! If it doesn’t float Baby’s boat then you’re not out much money! Carson wouldn’t have survived (nor would’ve I) without the swing. Ella didn’t care either way.
And the grandmotherly nanny whom you trust IS a fabulous thing…too bad Costco is always sold out.
As far as clothing…I agree with infant gowns…so nice not to have to snap or zip!
For newborns I really like clothes that you don’t have to put over Baby’s head. I like the shirts with side snaps…like the ones in this link:
http://www.goores.com/goores/product.asp?dept_id=3025&pf_id=PAOHIDOGMNOPFANG&ad_id=froogle&key_id=GERBERSHIRTWCUFF
Mittens ARE DUMB. They don’t stay on. Totally worthless.
Also the baby nail clippers with a magnifying glass…SO STUPID. Don’t make the same mistake as me! Just buy regular baby nail clippers.
The thing that ALL my kids loved was the swing. Oh, they would sleep for hours on end in that thing!
My 4 YO loved to be in the stroller – we have a Maclaren umbrella stroller and I love that thing because it’s so easy to fold and light enough to carry on my shoulder. We even cashed out the 401K to buy a DOUBLE Maclaren stroller but guess what? The 11 MO boy HATES strollers. How many times have we used it? I can count on one hand. When we do use it, the 4 YO sits on one side and our bags are on the other seat (ERRR)
On the other hand, the baby LOVED being in a carrier. I bought the Baby Bjorn Carrier Air because it “provides up to 138% better heat reduction and 30% better moisture reduction compared to other baby carriers.” Or at least that’s what the ad said. I don’t have anything to compare it to because my 4 YO HATED being in a carrier when she was a baby.
It’s tough because all babies are so different and what one likes is not necessarily what the other will like. Too bad you can’t rent to own so you can have a little testing period before committing to the purchase. =) I know there are always gift receipts but once I’ve opened a box and spent the time putting pieces together, it takes a lot to motivate me to take it all apart and return it if the baby doesn’t like it. I usually just chalk it up as a loss.
SherE1′s last blog post..Wanted: Parent
Fisher Price Space Saver High Chair. This thing is heaven. It’s small, it has different positions for feeding ages and stages. Laying all the way back, partially reclined, sitting straight up. It straps easily onto every chair we’ve tried so far, the tray is big (but not too big) it has two cup spots.. the whole thing is washable and light. It travels easily and goes everywhere!!! It is inexpensive and it really is a space saver. No need for a huge bulky highchair, this blends right in and your baby is at the table with you, as part of the family! I LOVE IT! and recommend it to everybody!!
I roll my eyes at diaper genies. Give me a break. What a waste of money and an eco killer!
rachel’s last blog post..I fought the yard, and I won
i believe a must have is a snap n go – i didn’t want a travel system. the snap and go is 50 bucks. and you just plop the darn car seat in it and the thing is so lightweight and takes up zero space in a car. a must have i tell you. even if you get a system i still feel that the snap and go is a must go. eye roll, a wipe warmer – i didn’t get one, no one needs their wipes warmed.
feener’s last blog post..Mother’s Day, Carvel and my honeymoon was open bar
Oooh, something I have an opinion on!
Definitely gotta have a Boppy, even if you aren’t nursing. My two youngest (didn’t have a Boppy when my oldest was born) have often taken naps on the Boppy. Ties me down to the chair, yes, but whatever works, right? Believe me, in the early weeks, it’s all about whatever works.
Vibrating bouncer seat is invaluable as a place to set the baby in the early months when you need to get up, go to the bathroom, take a shower, do some dishes, get some food to eat, etc. They MIGHT even sleep in there!
If your baby is a hold-me baby like mine, a travel system isn’t going to do much good because the carseat is SATAN. We got an Infantino Slingrider at Walmart and I put Evie in there whenever we’re out shopping. She loves it, falls asleep every time. And it looks like I’m just carrying a really big purse. Heh.
I don’t like baby baths. We have never used them, for any of the three kids. They either get baths in the sink or my husband takes them into the shower with him. By the time we put them in the tub, they’re old enough to sit up in their on their own. Waste of money and storage space!
Marilyn’s last blog post..Is it time to stress out yet?
It’s been too long that I’ve forgotten.
How about this…
A nursing bra that doesn’t look like a bra your grandma would wear!
That’s all my brain can do for now.
Queen of Shake Shake’s last blog post..Love Thy Wrinkles
I loved our swing. The kid would sleep in that thing for hours!
And the playmat thingie with overhead toys to kick and grab.
A friend to call when everything falls apart.
Joline’s last blog post..New Knits for Monday – T’s Version
My original Baby Bjorn lasted thru all 3 of my boyz and then got handed down to a friend!
It rocks.
In the Trenches of Mommyhood’s last blog post..A Peek Inside the Trenches
Some people LOVE their highchairs, but I’ve given them a lot of thought and realized with #’s 2 & 3 that one of those seats that you strap onto the regular table chair is really all you need. Takes up way less space, is easier to clean, and costs less.
Rosie’s last blog post..Mother’s Day
MUST HAVES:
-Boppy for breastfeeding or for baby sitting support
-Moby wrap for carting newborn around hands free
-Miracle wrap swaddle blanket!
-Jumperoo
-pac-n-play for travel and so Mama can shower
Amanda – VintageDutchGirl’s last blog post..Just An Ordinary Day…