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 Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 7:33 pm
My pregnant brain and I need your help [lol] and I can't seem to find an actual list on-line so I'm turning to everyone here since many already have children: I'm supposed to be having a baby shower early next year and I want to get an early start on a registry but...I'm not sure what exactly we'll need.
I'm looking more for help along the lines of things that might not be obvious, or else some rough estimates on diapers. We really want diapers as we know those can be expensive and newborns average 10 of them a day. -sweat- But as we have no RL experience in how long babies can actually wear different sizes, we're not sure how many packages to even request. [And we're aware it varies based on size of individual babies...but we have no idea for a ball-park figure on them.]
lol Please help us.
Oh and opinions on things totally not worth having are appreciated as well.
[You know, this might not be a half bad idea for a sticky in here someday as well...a rough list of what you'll need the first year you have a baby. I may take recommendations here or from sites and make one up.]
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Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 8:11 pm
Something the kid can lie down in randomly about the house when they are still an infant, swing, bouncy seat, moses basket. Just something that is in the living room and safe that you can plop them down in and just leave them there if you need. Consider getting a swing/bouncy seat combo. You'll spend less money and some kids hate one or the other but generally like one. Whichever you find out they like will be a GODSEND. When Lissa used to rouse from her nap, and if I needed another 30 minutes or what have you I would pop her in the swing and it'd send her back to sleep. wink
I was a person who USED my diaper Genie. I loved it. People will argue that you can just use your regular trash can or a bin if you empty it enough, but I'm not the one who takes out the trash in this house and the one who does tends to put it off a day or two. Plus you'd need to take that trash out ALL THE TIME with the amount of diapers kids go through. Don't buy the pop top pail from Safety First, it sucks, horrifically. Go for the Champ or Genie, something where it seals off each diaper individually. If you go diaper pail route.
I ALSO used my changing table, until Lissa was out of diapers. You may look into getting one second hand and painting it and decorating it yourself (that's what I did). It's nice to have something that is the RIGHT height for a standing adult, and has all the things you need on it. People talk about not getting any use out of them later, but for the last four or so months Lissa has been potty trained we used it as shelving for her stuffed animals and the top as a place to keep her hair stuff, and extra pull-ups and her candoo wipes..etc. And if you get it second hand even if you do trash it, it's not a huge loss.
Lissa LOVED her Gymini playmat. She'd sit there for a good hour and STARE at the damn thing. I recommend the one in Black white and red, she didn't seem so keen on our friend's multicolored one. But that's because black and white are the best for them to focus on when littler.
We also used our excersaucer, it was a hand-me-down and it was missing toys and whatnot and was not as nice as the ones you can buy now...omg they have lots of stuff on them, BUT we piled Lissa's toys and stuffed animals and stuff up on it. When they wake up at like 4:00 and won't go back to bed, you can put them in there and give them their toys and position them right at your head and doze on the couch. whee
About Clothing and Diapers: Everyone told us not to buy NB diapers or clothing, but then Lissa had NOTHING THAT FIT. People were giving us 12 month clothing claiming she'd grow into them in no time...yeah...uh...A YEAR! Lissa wore her 0 to 3 clothes until about 4 months. I'd suggest maybe registering for half and half of NB and stage 1 diapers. That way if someone goes to buy you diapers and all the stage 1's have been bought they can buy you the NB ones.
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Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 9:04 pm
Good idea for a topic, Dirge. I have to agree with Nopen about a couple of things. I have a Diaper Champ and like it pretty well. You can use regular trashbags which is nice. Also, I absolutely love having a changing table. My mom and grandpa found it at a secondhand shop. My grandpa fixed it up for me. it's so nice to have a place that's the right height and where you can store diapers, wipes, and lots of other odds and ends. We also needed newborn clothes and diapers. We didn't need too many of them. I think Zoe was in NB diapers for about 2 weeks. I don't remember about the clothing. (I know it's only been a few weeks, but with the lack of sleep it becomes a blur.) Everyone seemed to buy me 3-6 month clothing so she'll be very well dressed then. However she didn't have very many 0-3 things and we definitely needed those. Oh, and with clothing, make sure you get plenty of onesies and sleepers. Alot of people will buy you cute little outfits that you never put them in unless you go out or are taking pictures. Around the house Zoe lives in her onesies and sleepers. Zoe loves her swing and bouncy seat. I know some babies don't like them, but Zoe actually has asked for her swing. (She was really fussy and we tried a whole bunch of things until we finally gave up and just stuck her in her swing. She immediately started grinning and cooing.) She just got her bouncy seat this weekend and really likes the vibrations. She gets excited and starts kicking her feet. Some other things that you'll need are burp rags (plain cloth diapers work really well) and receiving blankets. I use receiving blankets for all kinds of things. I put them around me when I'm breastfeeding so milk doesn't get everywhere. I cover her Boppy with it. I use them to change her on when we're out and about. I swaddle her with them. You may like having a larger blanket to swaddle with though. Speaking of the Boppy, those are great. I didn't use mine for very long with breastfeeding, but Zoe likes being propped up in hers. I sometimes turn her on her tummy in it, too. I don't know if you're going to breastfeed or not, but if you are having nursing bras on hand is a good idea. Breastpads, if you don't already have them, are a necessity, too. Even if you don't breastfeed you'll probably need them at first. Medical grade lanolin like Lansinoh is helpful to have, too. You may not want to register for that stuff, but you'll need it. You might also register for stuff like Mylicon, infant Tylenol, and some kind of diaper cream. One thing that was nice for me was that I got different brands of diapers and wipes. It gave me the opportunity to try different ones and figure out what I liked before I had to go out and buy them myself. Every baby is different so you never know what will work best for them. Don't forget that you'll need a carseat. I like having an infant carseat that has the detachable carrier with the base that stays in the car. She actually sleeps in the carrier at nights right now. (You do what you have to do to get them to sleep.) One thing that I got before Zoe was born that really helped with deciding what to get is the Baby Bargains book. There is also a Baby Bargains website which is most helpful for its message boards where a bunch of parents post. You can find out practical info about different products from people who have actually used them. Okay, I'll stop now. That's probably more than you ever wanted to know.
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Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 9:14 pm
Hehe, no, keep it coming, it's all good to know. First-hand experience is so much more useful then what books tell you.
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Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2005 9:53 pm
I'm the opposite, I found using the plastic bags you get from doing groceries (I always save them) tied tightly in a good trashcan to work super well. It was a cheap way for me and very effective since I like to use scented trashbags either. If you do choose the diaper pail things, I would recommend the ones that use regular trashbags versus buying the specific brand special bags.
The must have things we used was his bouncy seat. It was nice to set him down since he wasn't a snuggly kid and really didn't like to be held by me. I would also highly recommend clothes past 6 months old cause I got a BUTTLOAD of 0-6 months and Logan grew so fast I would have to just change his clothes for no reason cause I would feel bad if I didn't have him wear given clothes at least once.
Changing tables are nice, but I never used mine. If you do have back problems, by all means I recommend one. I just did it on the floor though, lol. A lot of times the crib sets come with a nice changing table as well.
I also would recommend for like a babycare set. It usually has nail clippers, the sucker bulb, stuff to measure medicine. I think some things depend on the baby (Logan was a pukey baby so I had receiving blankets I never used) but better prepared than not at all!
I also got a little fish aquarium toy for his crib tha tmade ocean and other soothing sounds like the womb once he moved to his crib. It would also help to keep him entertained for a few minutes in his crib while I managed to get to him.
I would register for film or something related to your camera too, never can get too many pictures.
I will edit when I think of more, I'm still packing and going through it, lol.
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Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 12:06 pm
Luna saying something about the bulb syringe (nose sucker thingie) reminded me that you should take home stuff they provide at the hospital if you're having your baby at the hospital. The bulb syringe we got from there is so much better than the ones we got in any of the kits from the store.
I guess what sizes of stuff you get depends on the philosphies and experiences of your family and friends. I was a big baby (10 lbs. 5 oz.) as were most of the babies on my side of the family so my family tended to stay away from getting me too many newborn or 0-3 things.
Okay, Zoe's screaming so I'd better go.
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Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 6:35 pm
Come on Ritz, nose sucker thing sounds so much cooler. xd Heh Although I admit I didn't really know what they were called except suckers.
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Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 7:21 pm
This Is a VERY good idea for a thread...I have about 6 weeks left, and this is my first baby...so I'm running around trying to make sure I get all the important stuff. sweatdrop
I know I probably am forgetting so much in my rush of things.
I feel so unprepared.
Anyhow here's my list of must haves:
Carseat
Bassinet
diapers
diaper cream
wipes
alcohol or alcohol wipes for the umbilical cord (my friends hospital gave her none to go home with so just in case)
Bottles (I'm going to breast feed but I'm going to have to start pumping early on..there always good to have some just in case anyhow)
formula(If your planning on not breast feeding, Or just in case have a little around still)
Clothes (newborn sleepers and such, onsies, hats)
Vaseline(someone told me if it's a boy you need to put it on his diaper at first? if he gets circumsized I think)
thermometer
baby monitor
bouncer seat
Swing
Well those are the things I feel are essential. Hopefully I'm not forgetting much, This is just more so a list of things I think I HAVE to have.
If I'm forgetting any other essentials please speak up, When ever I ask a friend or something there just like "oh you don't need anything really" Maybe I'm just on of those people who would prefer to be over prepared...then running out to buy something right after I've had the baby. 3nodding
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Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 7:21 pm
Nose sucker thingie does sound cooler. I'm just proud of myself when I can remember the name for anything anymore. Half the time I'm just motioning for something and hoping that someone can read my mind for what I need since I can't remember the name for what it is. xp
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Posted: Sun Dec 04, 2005 9:34 pm
I work in a grocery store, so ive gotten a few ideas for diapers in the past couple years that I would of never dreamed up for baby gifts when Ayla came into the world. But I have used them now for some friends who are having their first children.
Instead of buying diapers for a baby gift, buy grocery certificates. 1 pack of 0-3 month diapers, and some certificates for diapers later on, so its not one size that your buying someone for the new baby, it might just give that extra boost too, even if the certificates arnt just used for diapers, could be some groceries down the way aswell, for one of those weeks where your just behind on everything, and you need an easy dinner you pick up from the grocery store. LOL.
I also know a lady who comes in frequently, she gave birth to twins, and she told me one of her friends made a "coupon book" for her. For some days where shes just overwhelmed, there are things like "Ill pick up laundry and do it for you fold and return" or "Meal week" Which she says she used the first week she was home, it was nice to have someone drop over dinner while she was still overwhelmed.
Another thing that is nice to get on the list is things for later in life, like story books, 3 or 4 franklin or beirnstein bears books, with a rattle and bib pack, is a great gift to get, (I was forever running out of clean bibs lol)
Good luck with the registry.
Heres a grouping of baby stuff, from toy-r-us that might be of help aswell
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/171301/ref=t_th_ln_a_1/002-3635623-3661634
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Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 8:00 am
A nifty thing out there these days if you can afford it. They have these beds that look like pack and plays, but it folds out and attaches to your bed. So, while your infant is nursing or needing to be close by, or if you happen to become a mother who wants to keep her infant close as much as possible. This is a really neat item. I couldn't afford one for naaman. I wish I could have. He wouldn't sleep more than a foot away from me until he was 2.
Um, let's see. I manage the baby registries at work. Let's see what's big on them. If you go with bottle feeding, avent is a popular bottle system, and dr. browns are so famed for helping with colic. But, you can't really know if your baby will have colic or not till it's born.
diapers of course. I think it's ok to ask people to brign them in value size boxes of all sizes. If they bring largers sizes, you'll eventually use them.
Some newer items can do multithings. Pack and plays come now with changing stations and bassinets.
Also, there are cradle swings out now. They have one called a papasan cradle swing. If I were to have a baby while it's out, I would so want that.
Cloth diapers are wonderful doubles as burp cloths. I used to use them all the time. There is a prince lionhart wipe warmer. Lots of parents have told me they prefer that over other brands cuz every other brand browns teh wipes on the bottom. Also prince lionhart is guaranteed to be antibacterial.
A good first aid kit.
Lots of stuff with lavendar and chamoile. very nice to help a cranky baby get some rest.
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Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 8:11 am
Oh yeah. and socks. lots of socks!! you lose them everywhere. I did mention burp cloths, but you lose them all the time. One minute your baby's feet are warm and covered. The next, you're like.. eek where is your sock?? and you never find it. I have had to throw out lots of socks that lost hteir pairs.
One lady at my old church though told me she always buys her grandkids all the same kind of socks in all white. That way if they lose one; they can easily match the stranded one up with another later on should another sock lose their mate.
Also, don't be afraid to ask for a few things for yourself. I mean things like... a few comfort items. Some you wouldn't be able to use before birth, but say.. a massage pad that you sit on your chair. A foot spa. If someone were to get you certificates to a local spa or somewhere. When you are sleep deprived and after a couple of months of nothing but baby, it's nice to get some time to yourself.
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Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 11:03 am
OH with the socks get yourself one of those mesh laundry bags you can toss INTO the washer, hang it off the edge of the changing table and deposit socks into it then wash them in the bag. Otherwise those newborn socks will wiggle out of the laundry basket if just tossed in with other clothing.
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Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 12:58 pm
Nopenname OH with the socks get yourself one of those mesh laundry bags you can toss INTO the washer, hang it off the edge of the changing table and deposit socks into it then wash them in the bag. Otherwise those newborn socks will wiggle out of the laundry basket if just tossed in with other clothing. It also helps to keep from losing socks by having them stick to the sides of your washer. I don't stick the socks in there when they come off of Zoe's feet, but I do wash them in there. I stick the dirty socks in an empty wipes container until it's time to wash them. Graceangel A nifty thing out there these days if you can afford it. They have these beds that look like pack and plays, but it folds out and attaches to your bed. So, while your infant is nursing or needing to be close by, or if you happen to become a mother who wants to keep her infant close as much as possible. This is a really neat item. I couldn't afford one for naaman. I wish I could have. He wouldn't sleep more than a foot away from me until he was 2. We have one of these. Ours is an "Arm's Reach Mini Co-sleeper." I thought I would love it, but Zoe would never really sleep in it. If she was that close to me she wanted to be even closer-like right next to me. xd We've ended up having her sleep in the car seat carrier instead.
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Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2005 1:15 pm
That was me posting as SantaMule. I forgot I was in that account.
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