Hello! I'm a first time mom and have been taking a lot of advice from my sister and others as to what all I'll need. Can anyone give me any input on what all we NEED for Tyler once he's born?
Here's our list so far:
crib
stroller/car seat/carrier combo
crib comforter set
crib sheets
waterproof mattress pad
clothing ranging from 3-6 months up to 6-9 months
blankets
head support for car seat
diaper bag
small bottles (so far only 6 or 9?) (not even sure how many we'll need)
warm sleepers with legs and also the sack type
I can't remember what else. If I had it all in front of me it'd be easier!
If anyone could post other things that are needed and how many we'll need (probably) I would appreciate any and all advice and suggestions.
Thanks!
__________________
Jennifer
1st child - Tyler
c-section 1/12/04
hi pumpkinpatch i would highly recomend a swing and some of those cloth burping cloths my swing saved my life other than that sounds like you pretty much got things covered.good luck to you.
EDD 2-11-04(HOPING FOR A GIRL)
A friend recommended cloth diapers for burping cloths. They are cheaper, and since they are white you are able to bleach them. I thought that was a very practical suggestion, so that is what we did.
A few people have also told me that a bouncy seats is a must. I'm a first timer - but I can see where it will be a life saver.
My friends gave me one of those bouncey seats - mine is manual, but they have the auctomatic. They've all said that they're a lifesaver when the little tike is newborn. also, I want one of those bears that mimic the heartbeat from inside the womb. I've heard that they help them sleep. A friend of mine came up with another idea for that: she sprays her perfume on the main blanket that her baby uses. It may be a coincedence, but it seems to work. Her theory is that it helps her son sleep because it's warm and smells like mom. Of course, I wouldn't reccommend this unless you're absolutely sure your child doesn't have sensitive skin. I think she uses natrual body spray.
__________________
'When Nature made her chief work, Stella's eyes,
In colour black why wrapped she beams so bright?'
Hi here is a list of things that you will need or might just like to have...doppler,thermometer,finger nail clippers, safety covers for outlets , stove, door knobs, and toilet seat, and safety latches for cabinets and drawers, mobile for crib, diaper bag, take along changing pad, wipes warmer, high chair, teething ring and toys, wash rags, towels, Dove instead of soap to wash baby, shampoo, lotion, powder and all that good stuff to wash baby, also cotton swabs and alcohol to clean umbiblical cord with, diaper ointment for rashes, baby oragel, baby sleeping positioner, rocking chair, potty seat,a boppy pillow is good to have, humidifier, bassinett, socks, and plenty of sleepers, bibs, baby book/keepsake box, pacifiers, diaper genie , hamper, night light for crib, infant baby carrier, and if you plan on breastfeeding ... milk storage containers/bags, nursing bras and pads, and maybe a good pump. Also a mild baby detergent. baby monitor, I can think of tons of things, I hope this helps. Good luck with your pregnancy.
"The Girlfriend's Guide to Baby Gear" was a huge help when I was registering. And I still refer to it as I get ready for the baby's arrival. It goes over everything you need and don't need. All recommendations from experienced moms.
------------------
EDD 10/1/03
Our first baby
IT'S A BOY!
__________________
EDD 10/1/03
Our first baby
IT'S A BOY!
I'll have to look for that book. I've always been one to refer to books, but at the same time it's good to hear people's personal inputs.
My sister said that a baby tub isn't necessarily needed. (???) She said that he can take a shower with us or that we could put him in the kitchen sink! (NEVER heard of that. LOL)
__________________
Jennifer
1st child - Tyler
c-section 1/12/04
I'd ditch the mattress pad, especially if it's the kind that totally covers the mattress. All the crib mattresses I've seen have been waterproof, crib sheets are very tight, this will make them tighter and the sheet will be even tougher to get on.
I used the small mattress protectors that go on top of the sheet until I figured my baby had spit up everywhere else but on them. What are the odds?
You could use a rolled up cloth diaper for the head support, if you baby is large it won't be needed long.
Gold Bond Triple Action Baby Powder. Kind of a yellow container, with red and gold trim. Great stuff.
Zip lock breast milk bags instead of the Medula ones with the twist ties.
Wow, this helps! See, I'm one of those that wants to know what all of the options are - whether or not it's a general type of item to purchase and use (AND save money!!!) or if it's just better to buy the baby items. (Any of that make sense?)
So if I take the mattress pad back, do I just buy a standard one? Or are you suggesting putting the sheet directly on the mattress? That part I didn't follow.
Thanks for the suggestions!
As for a swing.....we're still looking. We know we want one that has batteries. The batteries that I can recharge would be great too - since I already have a charger!
Any other suggestions?
Thanks again!
__________________
Jennifer
1st child - Tyler
c-section 1/12/04
We discovered what was most valuable to us as we went, but hey, you only get shower gifts the first time around, so sign up for all you think you will want! The boppy pillow was enormously helpful for us-- from breatfeeding to tummytime. A few other we felt we needed after she was born include a rearview mirror thing for the car, shade for the car window, more PHOTO ALBUMS and FILM! Why not register for those too!! We thought the diaper genie was a waste, as well as the baby tub. I bathed with my daughter until she was old enough to be supervised. When your baby is a little older, you will find the exosaucer EXREMELY helpful!!!!!
This will be our 2nd baby, but what I found valuable was the portable playpen. It is great for when they sleep in your room for the 1st couple of weeks or if you go travelling or to relatives if they happen to not have a crib. Make sure that you have lots of diapers when the baby gets home. Eveytime I went to the grocery store I bought a pack of diapers. By the time baby came home I had about 25 packs and did not have to buy any for the 1st few months. I hope this helps.
We did get a portable playpen - we were told that it was a MUST HAVE for as much traveling as we have always done. Our car has tinted windows, so that would eliminate the need for car shades, right?
How soon do I need the exosaucer and high chair?
I was also told that besides the stroller that we have that we should get an umbrella stroller because they're easier. We haven't yet, but will.
I love these helpful hints/ideas from the experienced moms!
__________________
Jennifer
1st child - Tyler
c-section 1/12/04
I'm putting the sheet right on the mattress - which is waterproof. The mattress cover was just one more thing to wash, when I can just wipe off the mattress when I change the sheet. If you only have one mattress cover, it will be in the wash every time you change the sheet anyway.
Also - I'm finding the 2 piece outfits - pants and top are more forgiving than the one piece body suit kind. The pants can be rolled up or pulled down at the waist to accomodate length.
One more thing - get a Snuggly sling. They have a padded seat thing built in that goes between their legs and secures around their waist. I'm a clutz so the standard baby slings worry me. My daughter would really have to work to fall out of one of these. She is asleep 10 minutes after going in it. It's great for times when you need your hands free or don't want to put her car seat on a shopping cart when you are in a store.
What to buy??? 
