My "Must Haves" for Baby List
Jenny_Rose77
Posts: 418 Member
I just made a "must haves" for baby list and wanted to share it with y'all. I'd also love to hear what you would add.
http://www.jennyrosenthal.com/2012/11/must-haves-for-baby.html
http://www.jennyrosenthal.com/2012/11/must-haves-for-baby.html
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This is great! We are doing cloth diapers and what I did was pick out a few different covers along with some prefolds and inserts to try. Even if one particular cover doesn't work great at first, baby can grow into it or we can use it as a night-time cover, etc. I like cloth diapers because they are very customizable for your needs, more economical, more absorbent and better for baby.
I ended up with an Ergobaby Options carrier but registered for a Moby Wrap too, hehe. I also got a breast pump and some supplies, and a couple different bottles. We want the Motorola video monitor with the 2.5" screen - some friends have it and love it, and it seems to have the best reviews on Amazon. I registered for the Leachco Bath Pad as well as some nursing supplies, etc. Shoot, you're more than welcome to check out my baby registry! If you're interested I'll PM you since you need my full name.
I bet you're getting SO excited!0 -
heya! i also wanted to share this list a friend just sent to me after i blogged my initial one. so many useful looking things on here (from an experienced mom, with a 1 and 5 year old):
My husband and I put this together for a friend who just did an emergency direct placement adoption overnight. We swear by this list.
Let me know if you have nay other questions. I've researched a lot of stuff!
A bouncer seat
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Coco-Sorbet-Comfy-Bouncer/dp/B004C43JIK/ref=sr_1_1?s=toys-and-games&ie=UTF8&qid=1345317034&sr=1-1&keywords=baby+bouncer+seat
A Bouncer seat
A bouncer seat (yes, it's that important)
The very best, but most annoyingly named, MyBreastFreind. It's the best nursing pillow by far for several reasons, but mostly because of the strap that fastens around your waist:
http://www.amazon.com/My-Brest-Friend-Original-Fireworks/dp/B003TSDMH8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1351538578&sr=8-3&keywords=my+breast+friend+pillow
A zillion D batteries from costco (for the swing and bouncers)
At least 12 Zipper, not snappy, footie sleeper jammies in each size
(no other clothes other than these and church clothes are really
necessary for the first three months in my opinion)
A freaking white noise machine that does not stop on a timer (runs all
night) this model has been our favorite:
http://www.amazon.com/DEX-Products-Sound-Sleeper-SS-01/dp/B00008439C/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1345317951&sr=1-4&keywords=white+noise+machine
A nosefrida--I am livid that I did not know aobut this for Lynlee, but I am so glad I found it for Dax. http://www.amazon.com/Nosefrida-The-Snotsucker-Nasal-Aspirator/dp/B00171WXII/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345317146&sr=8-1&keywords=nosefrida
A windi: amazing for gassy and colicy babies. It also works for babies with simple occasional gas. http://www.amazon.com/FridaBaby-The-Windi/dp/B005IGTTIA/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1345317146&sr=8-5&keywords=nosefrida
We like the diaper champ WAY more than the diaper genie or any other
brand (a diaper pail that uses regular, not specialized, garbage bags
will keep you from going crazy)
http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Trend-Diaper-Champ-Deluxe/dp/B002IWYXH4/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1345318784&sr=1-1&keywords=diaper+champ
This one was our favorite for odor control, but it becomes too small
after the kids gets past 4 months and the specialized bags are a
killer http://www.amazon.com/Munchkin-Hammer-Diaper-Pail-White/dp/B002V92XAS/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1345318784&sr=1-2&keywords=diaper+champ
A baby swing (not as important as the bouncer, but still helpful)
A changing table (back saver)
A baby gym. Our kids LIVED in these. We think the gyms had a hand in their advanced motor skill development. http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Love-Deluxe-Lights-Activity/dp/B000067K0L/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345316977&sr=8-1&keywords=baby+gym
Sleeping swaddlers (light cotton for summer, especially the ones that
are compatible with a car seat or bouncer)
http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Cotton-Swaddleme-Medium/dp/B003JHYDIQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1345317506&sr=1-1&keywords=swaddler
Crib bibs http://www.amazon.com/Crib-Bib-Sheet-Saver-Made/dp/B002BZS8KG/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1345317419&sr=1-1&keywords=crib+bibs
a bottle warmer (a bottle sterilizer is not nessisary if you have a
dishwasher, but the warmer was a life-saver)
http://www.amazon.com/Philips-AVENT-Express-Bottle-Warmer/dp/B001C3I1AA/ref=sr_1_3?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1345317391&sr=1-3&keywords=bottle+warmer
A really great breast pump if you are breastfeeding...this is one thing not to go cheap on. We love Medela brands.
If you are doing formula, they make awesome water heaters that keep water at the perfect temperature at all times. It's amazingly helpful (says my friend who just adopted).
A baby bjorn---can't live without it http://www.amazon.com/BABYBJÖRN-Baby-Carrier-Original-Classic/dp/B0009JOSNM/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1345317243&sr=1-1&keywords=baby+bjorn
silicone bibs (for 4+ month feeding)
http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-76230-Bibbity-Green/dp/B0032D494U/ref=sr_1_4?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1345317446&sr=1-4&keywords=silicone+bibs
A high chair with NO upholstery or cloth on it. We liked this one
because it's super detachable and portable and you can wipe it down
easily: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S99823975/
Everything Aveeno makes for baby skin and hair care
Convertible baby bathtub
http://www.amazon.com/The-First-Years-Infant-Toddler/dp/B000067EH7/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1345317734&sr=1-1&keywords=baby+bathtub
A bumbo-type seat
http://www.amazon.com/Mamas-Papas-Baby-Snug-Teal/dp/B005TMLVLG/ref=sr_1_22?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1345318075&sr=1-22&keywords=bumbo+seat
A really good running stroller0 -
Anyone know if there is a way to actually link things here so you don't have to cut and paste manually but just click on the link?0
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I'm making my own wrap instead of buying the Moby. I've read about some of the other carriers causing hip issues, but with a wrap you wrap your babies legs in the frog position which is more natural on their hips. My little girl is breech and has been for a while, so we will really need to support her hips. I got directions for a no sew wrap from the link below. I bought 5 yards of a jersey fabric for $30. At 60 inches wide it will make 3 wraps, so $10 per wrap. Much cheaper then a Moby!
http://www.wearyourbaby.com/0 -
I'm making my own wrap instead of buying the Moby. I've read about some of the other carriers causing hip issues, but with a wrap you wrap your babies legs in the frog position which is more natural on their hips. My little girl is breech and has been for a while, so we will really need to support her hips. I got directions for a no sew wrap from the link below. I bought 5 yards of a jersey fabric for $30. At 60 inches wide it will make 3 wraps, so $10 per wrap. Much cheaper then a Moby!
http://www.wearyourbaby.com/
I really wish I was crafty like this. These do-it-yourself wraps look awesome!0 -
I know that this was mentioned above, but I completely second the MyBreastFriend - I had a really hard time breast feeding and for the most part exclusively pumped, but the my breast friend is the only way I was able to breast feed at all. It kept him in the right place and made it to wear I could feed him one handed. What a lifesaver!0
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Just a few things - I think you are really smart to use a dresser as a changing table - those changing tables take up a fair amount of space, and the ones that are combo dressers/changing tables don't convert well (in my opinion) into post-diaper dressers. I see a lot of them for sale on craigslist. We bought a used Ethan Allen dresser of similar height/style to the Ikea one you listed, and what we did is bought some of that grip liner (like this - random site found on Google, sorry - http://housewares.hardwarestore.com/37-188-shelf-and-drawer-liners/contact-grip-liner-629429.aspx) and put it under the changing pad so that it doesn't slide on top of the dresser. Anyway, we don't have tiny rooms in our house, but the dresser thing just seemed much more practical to us.
As for the Fisher-Price bassinet, I had a traditional bassinet, a bouncy seat, and a swing. That takes up a LOT of space. Our receptionist's daughter just had a baby, and she (our receptionist) is helping out a lot. She told me one day that the same Fisher-Price thingie you listed was what she really, really wanted, and it was on sale at Target for $60 at the time. We ended up buying it for her as a gift, but when I was looking it up online, I realized that after my son was born I had seen it in an ad and wished I had it. I liked it because (1) it acts as a bassinet, eliminating the space-sucking bassinet that we had, and (2) you can have a bouncy-seat-type thing at normal height as opposed to on the floor. I know you're not supposed to do this, but I used to put my son's bouncy seat on our quite large ottoman, at least until he was big enough to wiggle around enough to make me nervous. This bassinet eliminates that issue. I also have other Fisher-Price baby products and have been more than satisfied with them, plus they aren't that expensive.
I have the Moby wrap, which I bought brand-new (and not inexpensively), and NEVER used. I guess I was just not that into baby-wearing, but now that #2 is on the way, the idea sounds much more appealing. The only thing was that it was really long and hard to figure out. Someone I know said she used to pretty much just wear it all the time, then slip her son in it whenever they got anywhere or she needed to wear him around. Honestly I'm considering buying a Baby Bjorn so that we have our hands free for our toddler.
I also used the Graco Snugride 35 infant carrier/carseat and loved it. Zero complaints! I only wish my son hadn't gotten so heavy, so quickly so that we could have used it for a longer period of time.
My Brest Friend is awesome. I had that and a Boppy and much preferred it. The only thing is that I never velcro-ed it around myself because if the baby fell asleep during/after nursing, I didn't want to wake him up with the velcro noise (which suddenly becomes deafeningly loud when the room is quiet).0 -
Sorry, a few other things based on your friend's list.
Yes, bouncers are very important, but I wonder if your Fisher-Price bassinet thingie isn't a good replacement (I think it would be, but I could be wrong).
Zipper PJs vs. snaps - YES, YES, YES! I also had someone give us a sleep gown (even though we had a boy), and I adored it! I ended up buying more on Amazon. SO much easier than footie pajamas for those frequent nighttime diaper changes.
We bought the Nosefrida but literally never used it. My son was not that boogery when he was really little, I guess, and then as he got older, he got used to our using tissues.
We had a Bumbo (I bought it used on Craigslist) and tried using it once when my son was about 5 months old, but his legs were so chunky that it looked uncomfortable. As such, it never got used. Some people put really, really young babies in them, and from what I understand, that is not healthy for their spines to be put in a seated position like that. I know it's cute, but their bodies may not be ready for sitting up yet, even with support.
DEFINITELY get the Diaper Champ over the Diaper Genie. The refills get way too expensive. We bought Diaper Champs off Craigslist really cheap (like $10 apiece instead of $40 new), and we got the older ones, which are taller than the ones they currently sell. However, you can use regular tall kitchen bags, and I put scent thingies in there to help. The only time I have a problem with the smell is if it's getting full, in which case I just empty it
The baby gyms are great. We had a popular one (I can't remember which one right this second), and it played music and such. Our son loved it. You can find these very cheap on Craigslist, too.
I don't think bottle warmers are worth it. What I used to do is take a mug of water, nuke it (using the pre-setting for beverages on my microwave), which takes all of a minute or a minute and a half, and then set the bottle in it for a minute or two. Works like a charm, and it's a good trick for when you're away from home.
Yes, a good breast pump is a must. I made the mistake of thinking that if I succeeded at breastfeeding, I wouldn't need a pump. Little did I know that when I wasn't succeeding at breastfeeding, the pump could have saved me, but alas, I ended up nursing and pumping tiny little amounts for three months (and taking all sorts of herbs and whatnot), only to end up going 100% to formula. It was a very expensive mistake. I used my SIL's Medela PumpInStyle, the hospital grade Medela Symphony, and the Avent Twin Electric Breast Pump (former the Isis Duo or something like that). I wrote a review on Amazon, which is the 6th one down, titled "Great pump! As good as hospital-grade Medela Symphony!, March 27, 2011":
http://www.amazon.com/Philips-AVENT-Free-Electric-Breast/dp/B004HFQOLS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352128819&sr=8-1&keywords=avent+double+electric+breastpump
As far as a high chair, I will agree that if you can get one without any fabric, go for it. There have definitely been some moments that I wish I'd had one like that. They tend to be very pricey, though. For more "traditional" high chairs, I ended up with a Fisher Price one. I also wrote an Amazon review (and put the same review on Babies 'R Us) for that, which is the 5th one down, titled "Great high chair, value, and SAFETY!, December 11, 2011":
http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Luv-Clean-High-Chair/dp/B0042D69YM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352128963&sr=8-1&keywords=fisher+price+luv+u+zoo+high+chair
You should also check out Albeebaby.com for other supplies, especially more expensive stuff like car seats. I've gotten some good deals there before, they have free shipping over $100, and since they are in NY, you'd probably get your stuff super fast. Their customer service is really good, too.0 -
I have two kids already and can only tell you what we have re-purchased vs. left out this time around.
Forget it:
diaper genie. Go for a step on lidded regular garbage can. Lots more use and you don't need anything special for it.
Changing table. The top of the dresser is fine.
Wipe warmer. Really.
Bottle warmer. If you are going to formula feed it is better to get them used to room temp water. They will still drink it.
Newborn clothes, other than some onesies. You can always buy some after birth but my kids didn't fit into themafter a few weeks.
Too many of any one kind of clothes. Get a couple snap, a couple zipper, a couple long sleeves, a couple.....whatever. My kids both hated anything covering their legs.
noise machine. You can use a clock radio for the same thing.
A special fancy diaper bag. Messenger bags ftw.
Have:
Snap in stroller instead of a travel system.
Comfy glider
Boppy
crib
Several crib sheets and matress covers
One of those lights that give out a low light for nighttime diaper changes.
Swaddle blanket
Cloth diapers. We didn't cloth diaper, but those things are great for spit up, emergency clean up, toss into the diaper bag and use for a changing pad.....0 -
I have two kids already and can only tell you what we have re-purchased vs. left out this time around.
Forget it:
diaper genie. Go for a step on lidded regular garbage can. Lots more use and you don't need anything special for it.
Changing table. The top of the dresser is fine.
Wipe warmer. Really.
Bottle warmer. If you are going to formula feed it is better to get them used to room temp water. They will still drink it.
Newborn clothes, other than some onesies. You can always buy some after birth but my kids didn't fit into themafter a few weeks.
Too many of any one kind of clothes. Get a couple snap, a couple zipper, a couple long sleeves, a couple.....whatever. My kids both hated anything covering their legs.
noise machine. You can use a clock radio for the same thing.
A special fancy diaper bag. Messenger bags ftw.
Have:
Snap in stroller instead of a travel system.
Comfy glider
Boppy
crib
Several crib sheets and matress covers
One of those lights that give out a low light for nighttime diaper changes.
Swaddle blanket
Cloth diapers. We didn't cloth diaper, but those things are great for spit up, emergency clean up, toss into the diaper bag and use for a changing pad.....
I think I agree with this pretty much 100% - I do like My Brest Friend better than the Boppy, but after it was too late for me, I discovered that the Boppy can be used for the baby as well (not just for breastfeeding). My Brest Friend doesn't do that, so now I know I'll appreciate having both.
Those Snap 'N Go strollers are a LIFESAVER. Best. Thing. Ever. I know people who bought travel systems and later bought a Snap 'N Go.
I admittedly used the wipes warmer for nighttime diaper changes (when I wanted the baby to remain pretty sleepy), but only for the first couple of months. I found that they dried up the wipes quickly, even at the rate I was using them. This time I think I am going to leave it packed away and then probably donate it or sell it to a consignment store. If you do buy one, buy one off Craigslist. People sell them all the time for five or ten bucks.
I never thought about cloth diapers for changing pads on the go. Brilliant!!! They are very useful for other things, too, even if you do use disposable diapers (which we did).0 -
bumping for when we start to buy things....I def think we will be doing the dresser for the changing table thing OMG I'm having a baby!!!!!!! 0
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On thing I didn't see on the list is Gowns. I absolutely loved the Gowns for my DD in her newborn phase. This made diaper changes at night so much easier than any snap / zipper contraption. She wore them regularly for the first 3 months. I plan on getting them for DS as well... they just don't have as many cute patterns for boys. I LOVE them though!0
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On thing I didn't see on the list is Gowns. I absolutely loved the Gowns for my DD in her newborn phase. This made diaper changes at night so much easier than any snap / zipper contraption. She wore them regularly for the first 3 months. I plan on getting them for DS as well... they just don't have as many cute patterns for boys. I LOVE them though!
Gowns are definitely awesome! I got one as a shower gift and LOVED it - I bought some more off of Amazon in a basic pattern (white and off-white) so that they weren't so girly for my little boy. He's almost 2 now and has no idea I used to put him in them. SO much easier than regular PJs!0 -
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Ditto.0
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Don't forget baby wash! I'm sure you'll all get at least one big bottle as a shower gift, but keep in mind that if you have sensitive skin (like I do - I have eczema), your baby may very well have it, too. I ended up using plain Dove bar soap and then switched to Eucerin/Aquaphor baby wash.
Also, on the same topic, scent- and dye-free laundry detergent is good to have, which no one is likely to buy for you. All Free Clear is good, and Costco makes a good one, too (Kirkland brand).0 -
Just looking through here adding things to my registry!
Good call RBX about the sensitive skin, my skin is allergic to lavender and hubs has sensitive skin, I should start considering what type of lotion/wash we may want.0 -
Just looking through here adding things to my registry!
Good call RBX about the sensitive skin, my skin is allergic to lavender and hubs has sensitive skin, I should start considering what type of lotion/wash we may want.
We were given tons of Johnson & Johnson baby washes, which dried out our son's skin and made his eczema worse. Our pediatrician and my dad (who's been a pediatrician for almost 40 years) suggested switching to Dove bar soap (which was cheap but not good for hair) or the Eucerin/Aquaphor stuff (which was for good hair and body but expensive). They made a world of difference, plus we used Eucerin Calming Creme and Eucerin Original Moisturizing Creme (for localized areas) on him, which also helped. (It also helped that I have those around for my own eczema flare-ups, which are rare.)
Thankfully his eczema cleared up by the time he was about 10 months old, which happens a lot, and so now I am using up all that Johnson's stuff I got before he was born!
Edited to add that even if neither parent has sensitive skin, a lot of babies have eczema for their first year (or close to it). Eczema is also linked to a family history of allergies (seasonal, pet, food, etc.) and/or asthma. Babies' skin is sensitive anyway, though, even without eczema.0 -
I also think most mom go way overboard and buy a bunch of useless stuff. We only get these, and it was plenty:
- sleep: crib+ matress+ 3 sheets, no fancy bedding set. 1 sleepsack , 3 normal receiving blanket for swaddling. No need for special pricey swaddling blanket. I think bassinets are waste of $$$. Plus they usually wery low, so you have to bend over to pick up.put down your baby, and your back is going to hurt big time. Travel playpen is good to have for the living room , but mainly for later use. The best place for the baby is the crib.
-changing: dresser+ changing pad on top of it. It takes care of storing clothes+ toiletries and changing thing. I think a good diaper pail is a good to have, regular trash can stinks
We got the Dekor one, because he reviews said that stinks the least. It was true. 1 pack of NB diaper , with umbilical cord hole in it! Even if you plan to cloth diaper, I suggest you to go with this until the cord fells off. Wipes with case and a travel wipe case. wipe warmer do not needed.
-Toilleteries: 1 baby wash 1 cream/oil, I suggest you to stay away from Johnsons, because it has many chemicals that is associated with cancer and some other nasty stuff. Baby use very little, invest into 1 bottle of organic baby wash and cream. We used simple vaselin on the baby bump, never had a rash. Also get a baby grooming package, with thermometer nose aspirator, and nail clippers the rest is not needed. The $10 kit do just fine.
-clothing: onesies + sleepers 2-3 each in NB size, and 6-8 in 3 months size, cotton hat 1 in NB size 2 in 3months size , 1 sweater in each size, and 1 bounting bag for walking a winter baby 3 months size, 1 outside hat . A good to have is 1 pretty outfit en each size for special occasions, pictures etc.
- I didn't buy glider , but put one of cheap old arm chair into my baby room
- stroller+ infant car seat that snaps into it. If you have 2 cars , and you use both regularly, it is good to get a 2nd base for the infant car seat. Winter baby may need an infant car seat cover . Make sure you buy the one that do not go under the baby not to compromise the safety of the carseat.
- I breastfeed, and the biggest help was my BF-ig cover , which I made myself from $3 material. Otherwise keep on minimal, fancy expensive breastpump is a not needed. I bought an AVENt hand pump off ebay for $20 new unopened in wrap. It had the small handpump, 2 infant bottles, and 4 storage cup, it was more then enough for occasional pumping if I needed to go out and left the baby for DH. I got 2 nursing bra, breast fiend BF-ing pillow, and maybe 1 tube of lanolin cream. However the best advice on cracked nipple is to put breastmilk on it and let it dry , it heals it up nicely. Also most diswasher has sanitizes program, do not need to dsanitizer mashine, bottlewarmer is BS. Also do not buy breastshield, breast pad and other gadgets, there is good chance you won;t use any of them, if you end up needing it, your DH can run out for the store.
-Toy/entertainment: good mobile , and a playmat for tummy time and a $20 fisher price bouncy chair . These 3 more than enough for the first 3 months. Swing and what not is fancy luxury entertainment that is totally not needed.
-Buy a good reliable battery charger and at least 2 packs of 4 AAA, and AA rechargable batteries. Believe me that anything related to kids eats batteries like there is no tomorrow. You do not want to keep buying bucketful off batteries, not to mention is is way more environmental friendly to use rechargables.
-small nigh light, and depending on house moisture level, if it is dry get a water vaporizser for your kids room. If the air is not that dry kids sleep better. Having a baby that sleeps through the night at 6 weeks old worth everything!
- sling or carrier. It is a tough call, because it is depends on personal preference and depends on your baby and on your body size/shape. I bought the expensive Ergo and I couldn't use it until the baby was big like 9 months and could use the back carry position. I had 36J cup BF-ing boobs and my boobs squeezed my baby in the front. Because of this, none of the carriers could have worked, but the $20 poach sling did.
-baby monitor if you have a 2 story house. We bought one, but barely used it as we live in a bungalow. If the door open, which always is , I can hear the baby breathing anywhere in the house. It is actually useful later at the summer, when you may let your bigger( 6+ month) baby nap outside in a travel playpen.0 -
redheadmommy makes a great list!
I agree for the most part on the swing, but there was an age where my son wouldn't nap in his crib or in the bouncy seat, and the swing was the only thing he'd nap in. They're too little to sit in it until they are sitting up on their own anyway, so you don't need it early on, but between 6 months and a year he used his all the time. We bought ours used off of craigslist, so we didn't pay much, and we'll probably sell it for close to what we paid for it :happy:
Baby oil is a great suggestion, too! I prefer baby oil gel (Johnson's makes it, but a lot of companies like CVS have generics now, too) because it's easier to work with/localize, but it was pretty much necessary when my son had cradle cap. Lots of babies get that, and putting some baby oil on their heads, rubbing it in, then leaving on for a few minutes before washing off makes a world of difference!
In general, I can't stress enough how craigslist can be your best friend for so many things (just not car seats and breast pumps unless, as redheadmommy said, you get it sealed in box). You just need to make sure (1) the items aren't too old, (2) there have been no recalls of said item, and (3) what you buy comes from a non-smoking home.0
