I have about 4 months to go and I have not yet bought the "major stuff". I want ya'lls opionions on cribs, car seats, diapers, all of it.
On car seats, I want one with the base that stays in the car.
So, what did you guys use that you would recommend??

I know I would not recommend a baby bathtub! They are such a pain I used the little bear shaped piece of foam, and just used my own bathtub! I got rid of the baby bathtub after the first use, and never even attempted to use one for the next kiddo!

__________________
Kristie
mom to Tyler (11/94) & Joycie (3/99)
www.thegrandskofour.shutterfly.com

Must haves for us were:


-A GOOD monitor (good reception and distance)
-Swing borrowed from a friend some kids hate them (DS loved his, and DD screamed)
-Diapers, but don't stockpile too many, DD was allergic to some kinds, so they were all donated
-Extra wipes
-a couple of diaper bags, one emergency one for each car (no need to ba something fancy)
-stockpile of frozen dinners (I made some every Sunday and froze them in batches, they have a thread about something like this on the cooking board, this was a life saver)
-the book The Baby Whisperer and What to Expect the First Year
- Might Tite car seat tightener



I prepared like I was going to be out of commission for 4 months, got everything done and prepared so I could take it easy.


Things that were a waste of money:
Boppy
carriers that you wear




There are lots of great moms here with more current experience, the things I used even 3 years ago are out dated now.

__________________
"A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked." ~ Bernard Meltzer

Keep it simple... It gets to be too much and then you have to figure out what to do with it. Besides, newborns mostly just need someone to hold them. They grow up so fast!

I do know that we would have never had a meal if we had not had the baby swing in the early days.

I think that I'd subscribe to www.consumerreports.org for a month ($5). You can do a lot of researching there for things that have safety factors involved (ie carseat, crib, stroller, swing, etc).

Also, I was deciding if I should be a SAHM so we put aside my income for the last 6 months of my first pregnancy and after the baby was born. It was a test to see if we could make it on DH's income (we did!) and we had a nice little amount of money set aside too.

Yes, lots of really great mommies on here... It's been awhile for me as my youngest is 9. I know you'll get lots of great advice tho.

Monitor (if she were a baby now I would get the video)
Those full shirts that look like a potato sack. These were wonderful to change a diaper in during the night.
A crib with matching dresser that could easily be used for many years to come.
(My daughter is 12 and still has her dresser. It is natural and great quality)
Baby washclothes with the hooded towels.
A good baby bathtub. (This was my favorite baby shower gift)
A battery powered swing.
I did not get a highchair, since I did not want this huge thing taking up room in my house. When she started eatting I got the grow with me highchair that starpped to our dining room chair.
Glider chair for yourself.
The What To Expect series of books.
Small terry cloth bibs!!
Dreft laundry detergant.
Good Vibes holder for them to sit in.
Diaper Genie.

Have fun and enjoy every moment with your bundle of joy!!!

__________________
John 14:1
GO GATORS!!
GO BEARS!!
Check out my pictures!! Just click below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gotjenks/

When my kids were born I used the following brands

Jenny Lin Crib
Bassett-I believe it was a jenny lin
Graco car seat & Stoller
We used Huggies Diaper with dd but when ds was born he was premature so we had to use Pampers Diapers..I think Pampers absorb more and kept him pretty well dried but that was 17 years ago..I'm sure alot has changed in diapers since then

The things I started buying early was

Diapers--I had a good supply when they were born
Baby Wipes
Baby shampoo & lotion
Baby Powder
Sleepers-Neutral colors
Sheets & blankets
Car seat
Dresser
Baby room decor
Baby Bathtub--I loved using it

I was lucky my parents bought me the crib,bassett, changing table, playpen , stroller, rocking chair, & a child swing(i wouldn't recommend it thay can tip over easily but mine never did) Can you tell i was spoiled rotten?

__________________
Angels may not come when you call them, but they'll always be there when you need them.

Really shop around for a good stroller. Look for one with big wheels with some tread on them. Pratice in the store the "one handed" operation of it. Make sure you can colapse it easliy...one handed. Lift out and put back in the car seat attachment, again look for ease..your hands will be full and you'll have a diaper bag slung over your shoulder so you don't want to wrestle this thing...trust me! Also the little tray that holds your drink is a must...look for ample, secure storage underneth for your gear, babies and new mommies have lots of gear.
Also, dressing rooms in dept. store are a great place to breast feed. My niece told me once that as she breastfed her hungry baby in a dressing room she really had to pee..BAD, but her son was latched on so well she didn't dare leave to find the potty... so she stayed put, she said, "guess what, I found I can pee in a diaper too"!! I thought that was so smart..I would have never though of that!!

__________________
"Cougars for Cook"

I have a 2 yr old and 7 mo old and this it what I learned from both...

• Carseat Carrier w/out base. (most come with the base but they are a pain if you have seats that have the slightest angle to them. The baby's head falls forward.) Convertible carseats are also good for infants and toddlers.
• lots of batteries for the swing, play gym, bouncer ect.
• swing (the fold up travel ones are great)
• play gym
• bouncer with activity bar
• pack n play (play pen) w/ bassinet
• sheets and blankets
• highchair
• Baby magic calming milk bath
• 4 n 1 babybed with dresser
• stroller

__________________

The one thing I ALWAYS forgot..... come the 2nd day home dh was driving me to TRU or BRU to buy one of those little sling bouncer seats. I always forgot that #1 my dr ... the SAME one all 3 times (you'd think I'd remember!) FORBID me to drive for FOUR WEEKS after my babies were born. Something about a higher risk of spontanous hemmorage...yea okay.
AND
If the baby isn't asleep and your not holding him/her where the heck do you put him?? It's not like you can just put him down on the couch and walk away.... those slanted bouncy seats are PERFECT...the car seat works in a pinch...esp if your baby decides they dont LIKE the carseat....they get used to it by hanging out in it while inside the house.

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Long Lost ejm99 !

SHEEEE'SSS BAAAAACK!

Oh yes, bouncer seats are wonderful!!! They make them with built in music, mobiles, and other things these days... They entertain the baby really well. It was the only way I could get a shower in those early days.

Must haves
-the potato sack t shirt thingies were great. Made diaper changes easy and didn’t outgrown them as fast as sleepers
-vibrating bouncy seat- take it in the bathroom when you take a shower, between the vibrations and sound of the water both my kids were asleep after a few minutes. Worked great when I needed a break, put them in the bathroom and turned on the shower till they went to sleep
-hand towels -used then instead of burp cloths, they were cheaper and worked just as good (can find some weird colors for bathrooms that work great for babies cheap on clearance)
-big terry bibs with plastic backing. If they don't have a plastic backing everything just soaks right through
-several extra sets of sheets and mattress pads
-basket for nipples and rings in the dishwasher
-good diaper bag that is easy to organize everything. Don't forget an extra shirt for yourself, and an extra large changing pad (ever look at the changing tables at stores?)
-All Free -Dr suggested it and cheaper then Dreft

Also make sure you have infant Tylenol, saline nose drops, thermometer, humidifier. Don't want to have to run to the store when the baby gets sick. Make sure you also have stuff on hand incase you get sick.

Waste/never used/didn't like
-baby tub -I laid them on a towel on the counter for sponge baths, then used the kitchen sink (no bending over). After that, I took my shower then brought them in with me until they could sit on their own.
-changing table- I put everything I needed in a basket (changing pad, diapers, cream, wipes) and could take it where ever I needed it, no running to the babies room every time I needed to change a diaper
-diaper can thingy -expensive, and pain to use. I put small trash cans with several grocery bags (instead of trash bags) in the rooms I changed diapers in the most. Could just grab out the top bag and take it out (or just tie it up) when needed.
-baby washcloths and hooded towels. Small and expensive. Regular ones worked better. Just bought different colors to keep ours and the babies separate.
-Bottle warmer -maybe mine just sucked but it was just as fast to run it under hot water or set in in a bowl of hot water. Tossed mine after a couple uses, one less thing to clean or deal with.

Be careful stocking up on diapers and wipes. Don't get to many or make sure you can exchange them. Had to use different brands with each of my kids (either leaked, gave them a rash, or both). Pampers and Luvs didn’t work for either. I also only used one pack of newborn before having to go up a size, and only a few size 1.

I hated the Diaper Genie!!! I threw pee diapers in the kitchen garbage and walked out to the dumpster for the poo ones (set outside the door in a tied plastic grocery sack if inconvenient; DH would dump when he got home). I tried to walk as much as possible from one end of the house to the other and wore baby in a Snugli while I did housework and other chores...

There are so many *gadgets* and so many of them are unnecessary and just extra *stuff*... Keep it simple.

stay away from eddie bauer carseats! I hate mine!! it has one piece that interlocks into another piece then locks in.. it sticks, and is hard to open, and whenever my son goes with anyone else they have trouble with it!

I had a jenny lind crib from kmart and it was fine (not a convertible type)

I'm trying to think of what moniter system I had.. 2 moniters and the main piece had stars on it and would light up pictures on the ceiling and play music..JUNK!!! I got it at bru.. i'm thinking fisher price made it. 39.99 something like that. static at all times , if i turned it up the static would wake up the baby .

__________________
Too many people spend money they haven't earned to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like. - Will Rogers

This is the crib we have for our daughter and we love it. It is very quiet when you drop the side down and when you put the side up it will not make any noises. Also a nice feature is that you can put the side down easy holding a baby in your hand. You pull the side up and use your foot on the bottom push in slightly and side drops right down.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...entPage=search

bouncers all my kids loved them.
Swings can be a lifesaver, but my last hated hers so it was useless.
stock on diapers and wipes
washclothes
burp cloths
lots and lots of bibs you will go through them like crazy.
plenty of one piece sleepwear


my recommendation is never ever ever get baby oil. On the news few years ago a child found a bottle of baby oil and drank some of it. The child died because once baby oil gets in the lungs it suffocates the child and the child can't breathe. There is nothing anyone can do once a child drinks baby oil. I refuse to ever ever have baby oil in my house.

Also we have a graco travel system which we used a lot when she was younger with the car seat pops in and out of the stroller. Had a base as well. We use the carriage a lot still when we go out. I think the travel systems are the best way to go as you get the car seat and carriage for easy transporting baby to carriage.

__________________
SAHM of Bailey 12, Tyler 10 , Emily Ann 6, and Ryan Matthew 4 yrs old.

Cloth diapers are great for burp rags and don't toss them... My oldest is 12 and I still have around 6 cloth diapers around that I use for cleaning house. They really work GREAT for washing windows. Lint free and they just get better and better with age.

I loved my baby bath tub that could be used up to 2 years of age. My kids loved bath time. I would fill the tube and give them a bath in another room of the house, (my sun room)- also I filled it up in my tub for them till 2 years (1- did'nt use too much water, 2- if I didn't feel like cleaning my tub each time.

also
my kids always took off socks so I would get all sleepers with feet

Congratulations!!!! What an exciting time.

Be sure to buy only very few outfits that are 0-3 months old - almost NO babies that we knew of stayed in this size beyond six weeks old. It was a shame that so many of our outfits were only used once, twice, or not at all!

If there is a shower for you, or if you receive a great deal of gifts, you'll see that the number one item people love to buy is baby clothes!! We figured out (the hard way) that you should NOT take the tags off and have them all prewashed weeks in advance. Once we knew our little one was getting to the next size, we snipped off the tags and washed them only directly before they'd be used. Before we learned this lesson, we washed entire wardrobes of kids clothes that: A) Didn't fit during the right season or B) Weren't comfortable, practical, or whatever. What we WISHED we did (and what we did for the rest of our babies) was to keep all tags ON, and return anything that couldn't/wouldn't be worn if it had come with a gift receipt. Sometimes it was just a matter of going to the store and exchanging for the right size. Items that didn't come with a gift receipt were often regifted to someone else who could use them.

I LOVED the Baby B'Jorn, and we got miles of use out of our exercauser. One thing that we also used was a "sound screen" - a small machine that can play soothing sounds, such as rain, crickets, or even a heartbeat. It helped our children to anticipate nap time when they heard it, which I think helped them to put themselves to sleep! Also, you could go about your own duties without worrying about tiptoe-ing too much, since the sound kept your noises from being too noticeable.

Good luck to you!!!

Buy or borrow Consumers Guide to Baby Products, tells you what you really need. I agree with keep it simple. I never had a swing , baby bathtub or a changing table, you can change to the baby anywhere and you will. I used the bathroom counter with several towels for a changing table. I kept everything in a basket for changing, wipes, diapers and cream. Made it easy.

Bouncer seat was a lifesaver for me.
Moniters but I found my children screamed loud enough that I didn't use mine, or need it.
Diapers!! Cut out the coupons now, and carry them with you. Never buy them without a coupon, they cost too much!( I still cut them out and give them away and my youngest hasn't been in diapers for 4 years)
Get on mailing list for free baby stuff.
I still have my rocker, never used it and want to give it away!!

My sister told me to hang all the baby clothes in size order so you will use them before they grow out of them.

Take out menus!!!

You've gotten some wonderful ideas...looking back now, almost six years since we had a baby of our own. (I babysit for a 16mth old and have had him since he was 4 weeks) As a first time Mom you feel as though you just HAVE to have all this stuff. The little critter only stays little a very, very short period of time. Honestly you use the stuff such a short time period...

My suggestions:
An infant car seat...it is really nice to be able to carry them into stores or church or wherever in their seat.
All my babies loved to swing.
An exersaucer
Our baby bathtub fit over the kitchen sink...I can't imagine bathing a baby without one.
A bassinet to pull up beside the bed and later a crib.
A bouncy/vibrating seat or highchair that tips back.
A GOOD stroller...basket underneath, cupholders for Mom.

That is really about it...I got rid of the changing table after we had two in diapers. It was easier to change them on a pad on the floor.
We take out our garbage daily anyway so the trash works fine for diapers, no need for a genie!

I really am a diehard Pampers user...one of my babysitting kids uses pampers, one a store brand. I tried them all, but always went back to Pampers. To me there is no comparison...

Good luck!! and enjoy!!

Congratulations!

One item that was the biggest lifesaver for me was a bouncer especailly a bouncer that vibrates...you will especially love this if your baby has colic and it will also free you up to take a shower in those early months and still keep an eye on baby. Get one with an activity bar to entertain baby.

Something to keep in mind if your baby developes colic (even if he/she doesn't), get a crib rocker...it gently soothes and rocks the baby. It attaches to the crib.

I used a changing table/dresser until my kids were out of diapers.

I also got a device that played womb sounds. I put it on when my kids would get fussy or when they laid down to sleep.

You might also want to get a little cd player for your baby's room to play soft music (lullabies)when you put the baby to sleep.

Also, if your baby uses a pacifier, get some of those pacifier holders (a clip attaches to baby's shirt and a small ribbon gets attached to the pacifier). This keep the baby from loosing the pacifier. Do not use this while the baby is in his/her crib. It think if the baby turned over on it, it would be uncomfortable and I was always a safety bug, I never liked anything with strings while the baby was asleep...fearing it would be a strangling hazard.

Also get one of those rearview mirrors to monitor baby in the car.

Get a good diaper rash cream before you give birth to always have on hand (no doubt the baby will have a rash in the middle of the night and you are stuck with a screaming, uncomfortable baby). I used
Dr. Smith's diaper rash cream/paste...it was a lifesaver!

As far as sheets go, make sure you have at least 5 or more. If you have a baby that spits up, drools alot or should leak through their diaper, this gives you enough so you are not doing the laundry 5 times a day. I found the crib sheets that were made with shirt material to be the easiest to change and are so soft. I believe it is made by Carters.

Congratulations! It is so fun getting ready for baby!

Bibs - I liked the velcro and not the tie
Baby wash and lotion
Bathtub
Blankets
Bottle and/or baggies if you plan to bottle feed
Bouncy seat - they are great, we had one that vibrated
Breast pump - if you need it
Crib sheets
Desitin
Diapers (First I liked Huggies, then changed to Luvs)
Diaper bag
Exersaucer - all my kids loved this!
Fingernail clipper
Highchair
Infant Ibuprofen
Mobile
Orajel
Pacifiers
Pack N' Play
Receiving blankets
Sleepers (get a few in bigger sizes too 3-6 months, 6-9 months)
Snot sucker (those jobbies that suck the snot out of their nose)
Socks
Stroller
Swing
Toys they can "gum", rattles
Window shade for car
Wipes

We also had a musical aquarium to put on the side of the crib. I don't know if they make it anymore? I didn't go for the diaper genie either. I agree with the above poster regarding the All Free & Clear. I loved the smell of Dreft, but it was so expensive. All Free & Clear works just as well - I still use it and my children are 6, 4, & 4. My SIL swears by her Boppy pillow.

Good luck and enjoy!

__________________
Jami
*Mommy to three beautiful children and a Pug. Lovehammers Fan!*

My DD will be 6 months this Thursday, so I can tell you the things that we really like and what we don't.


Likes

Infant Carrier/Base/Stroller - Travel System - we have the Graco Passage and like it - FYI, we bought another base from a baby consignment shop to put in DH's car
Swing - we have the Fisher Price Ocean Wonders Cradle Swing and DD loved it - it was a lifesaver for us at times too
Crib - we bought a 3-in-1 crib that transitions from crib to toddler daybed to headboard/footboard for a big bed (have a friend who did the same thing and spent a lot, about $400-$500, on a really nice crib, and they never got to use it for anything other than a crib because her DS was a very big baby and shook the crib so bad that it loosened everything up to the point that it couldn't be tightened up enough)
Sheets - we have 6 sheets and that's too many since I'm always doing DD's laundry - I did buy her one flannel sheet though and it's been great during the winter
Dresser & Changing Pad - no need to buy a separate changing table that you will no longer need/use in 2 years
Extra Changing Pad Cover - baby will probably spit up/pee all over it more than once
Waterproof Changing Pads - these are great to lay on the changing pad, over the changing pad cover - also great to stick in the diaper bag
Baby Bathtub or Big Baby Sponge that you lay in the tub - DD outgrew the baby bathtub by the time she was 4 months old (or you can simply fold up a towel and lay in the bottom of your bathtub)
Wipe Warmer - we use the Prince Lionheart Wipe Warmer - it uses micropore pillows that are anti-microbial and fit between the heat source and wipes, keeping wipes moist (I know a lot of people don't like these, but we have never had a problem with ours - I rinse the pad out once a week and replace it every 3 months - and ALWAYS wash my hands thoroughly before I open it up to remove the pillow/wipes) we bought ours at Wal-Mart http://www.princelionheart.com/site/n_bc_0231.html
Cloth Diapers to use as Burp Cloths - we like the Gerber thin and gauzy diapers
Diapers - you can start stocking up on these now - we really like Luv's and hate Pampers (at least the Baby Dry) - used to like Huggies, but it seems that even if one drop of urine gets on the diaper that DD smells like her diaper is soaked and I'm always shocked that there's hardly anything in there - I also like White Cloud, Target brand, CVS brand, my grocery store brand - whatever works out to be the cheapest price per diaper (don't buy a whole lot of the 1's or 2's, but you should be okay stocking up on 3's)
Wipes - we really prefered the Pampers wipes, but then found out that Target makes some identical to Pampers and they are cheaper too
Bibs with Vinyl/Plastic Backing - you cannot have too many of these, especially if your baby spits up a lot, like mine - also great for drooling
Towels - we didn't buy any of the hooded towels, but a 1 or 2 would have been nice - we did, however, buy some new towels just for DD
Baby Wash Cloths (thin ones) - these are great for giving baby a bath, and later when they start solids, they are great to wipe baby's messy face and hands with
Infant's Tylenol - keep this in your diaper bag and you can give some to your baby right before immunizations at the Dr's office
Diaper Rash Ointment - we have Badger Baby Balm, but there's also Desetin, Balmex & A&D, etc.
Q-Tips - good for cleaning around umbilical cord (I also wet them a little and use them to clean DD's nose out - I just stick the tip into the tip of her nose to get the boogies out - nasal aspirator did not work for me)
Thermometer w/Probe Covers & KY Jelly - probe covers keep the thermometer clean and I just like KY Jelly (actually, we use the Target brand) instead of vaseline to lubricate the thermometer
Baby Monitor - take it out of the box and test it as soon as you get it home - the first one I bought, I got nothing but static on both channels even when I plugged into different outlets
Bottles & Bottle Brush - even if you plan on breastfeeding, go ahead and buy a just a few bottles and sterilize them and seal them in a ziploc bag - it's nice to not have to worry about doing this when you get home from the hospital - and sometimes you can have complications with breastfeeding
Formula/Snack Containers - we have some made by Munchkin and absolutely love them
Diaper Bag - thought I didn't need one since we got two from the hospital, but within a few months, they were falling apart - love my Eddie Bauer diaper bag - it's very strong and sturdy
Toys to hang on handle of infant carrier - DD loved to look at these, and at about 4 -5 months she started grabbing for them
Toy Box - we had to go out and buy one right after Christmas
Wearable Blanket - we have 2 for DD and ours are made by Halo - great to put on over their PJ's when it's cold since you can't actually cover them with a blanket for the first year
Books - you can start reading to newborn babies - they just love to hear your voice
Laundry Detergent - we used Cheer Free & Gentle (no need for special baby laundry detergent, just use something without the perfumes and dyes - I always do a double rinse too)
Bebe Pod - it's made by Prince Lionheart and it's similar to a Bumbo - great to have when your baby gets to be about 4 months old and wants to start sitting up more - also great to take along to restaurants (when they are really small, just stick a towel or blanket around them to make it more snug) we bought ours at Wal-Mart http://www.princelionheart.com/site/whatsnew.html
Boppy - the best use for this, so far, has been to wrap it around my daughter when she is sitting on the floor (around 5-6 months) - it really helps support her
Bottle Drying Rack - we use this every single day
Breast Pads - these were a necessity - you can get disposable or washable ones to stick inside your bra, but you will definitely need them



Could Live Without

Waterproof Mattress Pad - baby mattresses already have a vinyl covering, and it's really more of a hassle if your having to change sheets a lot
Pretty Burp Cloths - the cloth diapers just work better
Mylicon/Little Tummies - tried both and neither did anything to help with DD's gas pains
Aspirator - it was worthless for us
Small Bottles - if you are using bottles, don't even bother with the little 4 oz. bottles - it's a waste of money and you won't use them for long
Shoes - babies just don't need shoes
Car Shades - received two at my baby shower and haven't opened either one (maybe they will be more handy this summer?)
Bottle Sterilizer - my daughter's doctor said that as long as our tap water was chlorinated, that it would be fine to wash her bottles with hot, soapy water

Obviously, you will need things like onesies, pajamas, baby wash and baby lotion too. You clearly need blankets and other clothing too, but we ended up with way, way to many.

If you are going to breastfeed, find a GOOD breast pump. I had the Avent breast pump and loved it. I would highly recommend it again. It's manual and I think I spend $40. Once the baby is 4 months old, you can put him/her in the exersaucer. It looks like a walker, but more fun and doesn't move around. We got a good one for about $80. Used it on 3 of my own, so far and friends have borrowed it too. Would recommend a Graco stroller, and carseat. The evenflo strollers have crappy reviews. Get lots of sleepers in 0-3 months, and just a few outfits like maybe 3-4. Then get more 3-6 month outfits. Watch for the sales on kids clothes and try to buy ahead. Also, we usually only get white cloud diapers (Walmart brand) they are really inexpensive and work fine on the kids. Good luck!

FYI, my hospital gave me a Medela Harmony manual breastpump (reatails for about $35). They didn't automatically offer it, but the lactation consultant worked with me a lot since DD couldn't latch on correctly and she wasn't getting enough to eat. I was pumping with the hospital grade pump while in the hospital, but she gave me the manual pump to take home. If you're planning on breastfeeding, it wouldn't hurt to call and ask ahead of time if they give out manual breastpumps for you to take home.

The Fisher Price Cradle Rocker Seat was by far my favorite baby item for both kids. Its a little seat you can carry from room to room, mine napped in it and basically stayed in there during times when I could not hold them.

I also HATED the stinky Diaper Genie

LOVED Britax Car Seats

And as others have said, you must love your stroller, cup holders and easily accessible storage are a must. Try to find something lightweight too if you can.

Good Luck!

__________________
Jill
jatalamo@aol.com
Mom to Joey (8) and Gianna (6)

my shopping cart cover!!!! ( I know this is for when they are a little older but I couldn't live without it. I give it to all my husbands guys who are having babies(well their wives).

I just ordered one on eBay last week from a stay at home mom. Can't wait to get it and it makes me feel good to know that I contributed to helping a stay at home mom make some money. My DD is 6 months old, so it is just about the perfect time to start using it too. DH didn't want me getting one because he says they look silly, but I'm a germaphobe and there's no way I'm not going to have one. The handles of shopping carts have been tested and they are one of the dirtiest surfaces there are, and the shopping cart seats have also been found to have fecal matter on them - ick (I don't even like putting my purse there)! I know DD needs to be exposed to germs in order to build her immune system, but just not germs from a shopping cart. At least, not yet.

Congrats! Well lets see. I have 4 kids ages 13, 10, 9 and 6 months!
For my swing, I have a Smart Stages 3 in 1 rocker swing. Love it! The chair comes out and turns into a stable chair for feeding or a rocker and goes back in the swing. Definalty get a portable playyard or playpen. I also got a Boppy pillow and Megan loves it! As for diapers, you just have to try and find one you like. I used Luvs with my older 3 and found now that I don't like them. I love the Pamper swaddlers. And when money is tight, Walmart brand is great! Different babies may have skin reactions to one so that's why I say go with what you like. I have a diaper Genie and hate it. Smells! Prefer to walk to throw away. I have a travel system that the carseat fits in the stroller. I like it. Got mine at Target. The base stays in the car. Have a wipe warmer, but never used it lol

You guys are so darn AMAZING! I have making lists of all the recommendations you gals have. Let me say, it is one long list! I was wondering about brestfeeding - this is a definate for me but was lost on what pump to use.
So far, I say heck no on the stink diaper genies, cute outfits are to be limited, start stockpiling a few pkgs of the first few sizes of diapers. Im going to give Targets brand a go and Luvs. I did get some lotion and diaper cream and the safety q-tips the other night. I also have been going to our local thrift stores and on Wed. there is one that all the clothes are half off! I have scored some blankets and onesies and nightgowns for about $1 each! I liked the crib that someone posted the link to. Also, someone today is giving me a walker!
I dunno what I would do without everyones advice! I rely so much on you gals, you dont even know!
Thanks a million, million times!
Lisa

Seeing as you are going to breast feed let me add one more item to your list. Make sure you get some good breast cream. I would recommend the lansinoh brand. You will be glad you have it if you should get sore or cracked nipples. It works wonders in helping heal faster, and soothing them.

My son is 14 months...
I loved:
*bobby pillow when Andy was a newborn.
*swing
*lots of burp cloths and bibs (I only registered for 3..what was I thinking??)
*Pampers swaddlers for newborns and cruisers (size 3 and up)
*Sleeper gowns
*Children's Place Stretchies -sleepwear after we stopped using the gowns.
*fisher price highchair the straps to our dining room chair and becomes a booster seat eventually
*We used All free and clear for Andy's clothes and now his clothes gets washed with ours.
*Shout stain fighter for all the spit up stains!!!
*Clorox bleach pen for the spit up stains!
*Square flannel blankets (my mom made them) for swaddling. Andy still uses these and he's 14 months.
*Avent microwave sterilizer...loved this product..used it daily.
*bottle drying rack..still use it to dry sippy cups
*Dr. Brown's bottles
*pack and play
*Super play yard (6 panels connected to forn a safe area when they start moving)
*gerber puffs for when they start eating 'snacks'
*plastic grocery store bags..use them for stinky diapers!
*BRITAX car seats
*Jeep umbrella stroller (we use it more now as he has gotten older) Very lightweight.
*cool mist humidifier (we use it every night.)

I am sure there are lots more!

Things we didn't need:
bumbo seat
tons of blankets
all the clothes we got
car shades...we never used them
the baby gates we got are pressure mounted..we hate them!
changing table..never used it

__________________
Shelley
blue5203@aol.com

~Mom to Andy-11/3/05 and Ryan-7/31/08~

For breast pumps, I tried several but loved my Medela Pump in Style Advance. I exculively pumped fpr my preemie and this was the best! If you are going to pump alot, Medela makes a bra that you can use for hands free pumping.

All I can recommed is don't use anything with talc in it. I have been out of the baby world for a while now.
this is my best purchasing advice. Skip the baby bath tub, DH would hand me the baby while I was in the shower, I would do the wash cycle and hand him back out to DH for dry cycle. My eldest is 18 and I can't ever remember using a baby bath tub for any of them.
I burned out several breast pumps, spend the money buy an excellent one and keep it until menopause. :-)

Recommendation and funny story.

With mine, I used the MagMag breast pump (don't even know if they still make this???) I paid about $40 for it, and then like $15 for the adapter to plug it into the wall. It was a LIFE SAVER.

Ok, funny story.....after I had my first baby, I had the post partum blues SO BAD.....everything had me crying, the baby wasn't sleeping, wasn't eating, and WOW, what a change to our routine. I was a complete mess. Well, one day, I was trying to use my pump, so DH could feed the baby. The darn thing had NO Suction. We tried everything. WEll, DH finally called the Customer Service number. A woman answered the phone and DH says "Can you help me please....my breast pump isn't working??!!" I was on the floor laughing so hard....it was the best medicine I'd had in a long time. We STILL laugh over this one. DH said the woman on the other end said "I'm sorry, are YOU trying to use the pump sir???" hahahaha. WEll, come to find out, there is a rubber ring/gasket that goes in the top of the pump, and you screw the top on to the bottom piece. If you screw it on too tight, it pinches the gasket, and you won't get any suction.

Good Luck.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

I am having number 4 tomorrow plus I was a foster mom for several years. I think different people can't live without different things. :lol
I know we never ever used the baby bath tub. It took up too much room all the way around (using and storing). One of us would get in the tub and lay the baby on our legs (above the water when they still had their umbilical cord). The other one would get them out and do the drying. Worked very well for us from day one.
We use a ton of receiving blankets. Seems like when they are so tiny the diapers leak a LOT. I swaddle at first so that meant a lot of blankets and sheets.

I hated off brand diapers. The extra wash from all the leaks made them way more expensive than buying pampers or huggies.

I loved my avent isis pump until my sister in law lost it. I only used it right at first when my milk came in and I was so engorged. I only used it a few times but it was nice.

I agree with the breast cream. Lansinoh and medela are both good. The hospital gave me a little tube though and a little dab will do you so I never used even all of that.

I use regular towels but I do use the baby wash clothes right at first. It is hard to get in those little neck folds with the regular sized ones.

My swing has been a lifesaver. I love the fisher price cradle swing. I am on my second one. It leans back farther so they don't flop forward. Between it and my sling (love love love that) I could actually cook and do other things without a problem.

Burb rags (cloth diapers) are a huge must. I actually liked the waterproof pad for the crib because it put a barrier between the baby and the plastic mattress. They make one you can just lay on top rather than a fitted one. That is the one I loved.

We never use the crib until they are several months old and sleeping most of the night. It is just a lot easier for me to have them in the room with me where I can just flop them in the bed with me and feed them. I have a cradle beside my bed.

I guess that is about it. It is all I can think of right now lol. I am on overload right now with getting the house ready (my mom the neat freak is coming today) and making sure I am ready for tomorrow. Can you ever be ready?????ACK!!!!!! I look forward to tomorrow but man I dread the painful parts lol.

If you are breastfeeding, then a Boppy is a MUST IMHO! We use ours constantly! I recommend purchasing several covers. And now that he's old enough to sit up we use it as a support . . .

Buy nursing bras BEFORE you go into the hospital! I didn't (because I wasn't sure if I was going to be breastfeeding) and I really regreted it! I did NOT like the ones with the underwire in them. My favorite is actually from Walmart of all places! I tried everywhere else first and hated them all . . . Kohl's seems to carry particularly cheap ones

Do not buy baby overalls! Even though they are very cute, they are totally useless. They are uncomfortable for baby and a pain in the neck overall!

Find a good breast pump! I have the Medela Pump-in-Style and our insurance covered the full cost (even though they said they wouldn't). The Lactation Specialist gave it to us in the hospital and it is a lifesaver! Especially if you plan on going back to work. I pump frequently and have had no problems with it so far! If you are going to pump frequently DO NOT get a manual. Electronic double pump is the way to go . . .

Definitely buy a swing and/or a bouncer seat. My son didn't like the Bouncer seat. He LOVED his swing. The Fisher Price swing that plugs in is a pretty good deal (I've seen it at Shopko for $59 on sale). We couldn't have lived without it. Batteries are pretty expensive to use all the time!

Oh, yeah. A Pack-n-Play is a must as well. We used it for the first two months as a bassinet (splurge for that feature). We've also used it on vacation and on the rare occassion he's had to stay at Grandma's house. When he was younger he could have tummy time with toys, and now he can sit and play for a short while if I have to be out of the room.

Almost forgot- a lamp with a night light setting for the nursery for night feedings- breast or bottle. You want to go in quietly, change the baby, feed the baby, and settle him/her back down without a lot of fanfare. During the day hours, then the feeding times are upbeat, smiley, let me count your toes experiences. If the night feed is quiet and soothing, you will have a better chance of getting that little critter back to sleep.

__________________
Lyn Clarke

My youngest baby lived in her sling for the first few months. I got one from Hot Slings and just loved it!

Other than that I can't think of much. She slept with me so we didn't use a crib or bassinet.

Don't stock up on too much of one thing, some people love those baby gowns I hate them (my babies always kick their feet out of them, some diapers don't work right for your baby, and some babies only want to be held not put in a baby holder(swing, bouncy seat)

For diapers I love Cuddlebuns and Kissaluvs, for covers my favorites were Nikkys.

My babies were all around 7 lbs (except my tiny twins) and even at 7 lbs they still fit in preeemie stuff for a month. I like having at least a few outfits that fit them good that they don't swin in.

Congratulations!

Don't forget a good car seat!

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Insanity laughs under pressure we're cracking

Oh boy--the cheapskate in me is going to be out for all to see now lol!

We didn't use a baby tub--I folded a towel on the bottom of a laundry basket and put that in the regular tub once they were too big for the sink

I never used baby powder--I used cornstarch in a shaker

I used cloth diapers(they make covers with velcro that's just like using a disposable)--I kept them in a covered bucket with water and baking soda until wash day)

I got one of those vibrating things that could attach to the carrier, the crib, whatever. Both kids would be out like a light

I liked the gowns, too. But my kids weren't wigglers except to get their socks off. You may be better off with the jammies with feet! Though I did have a few heavier ones that zipped up--looked more like a bag than a gown.

My extra diaper bag also had a change of clothes for me--just in case. The bag itself was a canvas freebie from a previous hospital stay.


Everything else is pretty much the same as others have mentioned--pay attention to the stroller. Make sure it's easy to use. BTW--my sil got a double stroller--one section for the kid, one for her stuff as she was shopping. I htought that was brilliant lol!

I have a baby gear dillema..
lots of great advice above, but for the stroller/carseat issue, I was wondering if I could get some specific input.

Option 1: Britax convertible type car seat, that goes up to 55lbs (so never need another one until a booster I guess down the road).. and a maclaren stroller (seem to be a favorite of some people) that is lightweight and folds easy but only for either 3months or 6 months plus... so I would be carrying/slinging the baby at first.....

Option 2: one of the systems with carrier, car seat base and stroller, the use seems limited in the long run, the strollers seem cumbersome and huge
but I see tons of people have them out and about.....so people must like them. Then I would have to buy a new car seat and stoller later (light weight/bigger baby)....

Thanks for any input you can provide.

When my DD was a newborn, we got the Graco car seat (I am pretty sure it was Graco), the kind you snap into the base. We also got a stroller that let you clip the car seat into the stroller, and it was NOT the stroller system set up. There was a bar or something you put in the stroller to use it this way. Then, when the baby got too big for the infant car seat, and moved up to the bigger car seat, you could still use the stroller. We really liked it. HTH.

__________________
Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

First post from January! Did leeleegirl have that baby? Hope so since she had 4 months to go. So, if you see this... CONGRATS LEELEE.

Keep an eye on target. someone told me that in January and July all the big baby stuff goes on clearence. Im going to be a grandmother for the first time so this is what im waiting for.

__________________

When you don`t know what to do-Walk fast and look worried.

The only other thing I can think - aside from all the great ideas above - is unfortunately the only thing I cannot remember the name of!!!!!

They may be called Sheet Savers. I know I bought mine at BRU. They are terry towel mini sheets that tie onto the crib. Thats the best way I can describe them. Both my boys went into a full size crib at 6 weeks and it was so much easier changing out the sheet saver than the entire crib sheet in the middle of the night if they had spit up a little. I think I had 5 or 6 of them, and they come is all different colours which is nice too.

The other thing I found with my boys is the only diapers that worked were Huggies. I stupidly stockpiled Pampers and ended up donating them. I did however stock up on wipes and I still use wipes today - my boys are 3 1/2 and 5.

I had a Graco travel system that is still in use today - I gave it to a friend. It's been through my two kids and it's on her second. The car seat and stroller look in tip top shape even after all these years!

I had a cradle that I put next to the bed for the first 6 weeks, but after that I invested in a good monitor and moved them into their own room. I did buy the little Fisher Price Aquarium that my oldest hated and my youngest loved. Neither of my kids like the same thing though. Chris loved the swing, Conner hated it. Chris hated the vibrating bouncy seat, Conner loved it. Both of them tolerated the exercauser but neither one was nuts over it.

Good luck - your own personal tastes will play in to what you buy - mostly just enjoy it!!!!!!

M

For what it's worth......baby oil has come in child proof containers for several years.

My standard baby shower gift now is the Boppy. I adored mine and used it long after the kids didn't need it. I even bought a second one for me to use when I was pregnant with my second. I loved it, and everyone I've given one to has as well.

My daughter absolutely loved her Jumperoo (she still wanted to use it when she was to big).

A swing (we had 2, one that stayed at the house and one that was a travel swing--smaller and portable) we travel alot.

Recommendation: No bassinet. Once you start having your baby in your room, they never want to leave. We had a play pen that was a bassinet too, we used that for the first week or two and then put her in her crib without any issues. Graco® Pack 'n Play® Portable Playard - Cherry Blossom™

Diapers, Diapers and more Diapers (I agree about not buying without coupons, they are so costly and you use so many. Keep your eyes on the board, they always post really good deals, make sure to get them, but remember babies grow quick, honestly I don't think my daughter was ever in a size 2 diaper, she skipped it and she was in newborn diapers for like 2 weeks)

I absolutely hated the Diaper Genie, But thats just me.

Balmex for rashes is the best (Also, Butt paste--bad name--but works really good)

We have an infant car seat/stroller combo and we love it. Car seat base stayed in the car, and stroller was wonderful to have with you all the time. Graco® Alano™ Travel System - Glenmore™

I so agree with music in the babies room, my daughter loved it so much. She 2 years old now, so I can't do that, she'd just be up dancing, lol.

She also had a little walker she loved

Little trash bags for diaper bag (Dollar store has them, like 100 in a box for $1.)

Baby nail clippers

I'd say definately the swing, and the bouncy seat.
Cloth Diapers..used them for burp cloths for months and they are inexpensive
extra sheets..(washed these often..spit up..)
Gerber Onesie undershirts.
a Pack and Play. I valued mine. took it everywhere.
little bibs.
Vaseline (We, as in Mom, DS and I, put this religiously on the little bottoms at every diaper change, and our kids never had a rash)
Diapers and wipes.
Monitor

__________________
Eileen

**Some people are like Slinky's, not really good for anything, but you can't help laugh when you see one tumble down the stairs**

1. Avent breast pump if you plan to nurse.

2. Small thermos for warm water to mix w/ formula. Keep it by the bed (pre-measured in the thermos) or take it on the road. At some point, you'll need it and you won't have to search for a place to warm up baby's bottle.

3. A small backpack to be carried in your vehicle at all times with the following items in it:

Change of clothes for baby
An old sheet or towel
(2) Ziploc gallon size bags
Small pkg of wipes

This is my children's "sick" bag for on the road & trust me, there will be times when you need it. The old sheet/towel is great so you have a place to either set your child when they puke or use it for cleanup. Case in point: My daughter, who was four at the time, got sick while on a road trip. I pulled her sick bag from the van, took her to the ladies room & spread the sheet on the floor in the handicapped stall. I had a clean place to put her down and was able to clean her w/ wipes & redress in clean clothes. Everything was picked up, stuffed into the large plastic bags and we were on our way.

I truly agree with the All Free and Clear being a better choice than Dreft. Cleaned better at half the price, didn't compete with the other baby smelly stuff ( lotion, soap etc..), and is great for the whole family!!