Hi Ladies,
As most of you know we're expecting a boy at the beginning of May :) I've been looking at the baby registry sites recently and I have to say it's a bit overwhelming. It's become clear already that there's a huge marketing machine telling me I "need" all of this stuff, and I don't "buy" it. So I thought I would poll you wonderful mommies for wisdom and advice. What are the top 5 things you would deem life-savers/time-savers for new life with baby? Or even if you can think of a few, I'd really appreciate it. If there are any other words of wisdom you have time to share, feel free ("reply all" if you wish so we can all glean).
With all the new families starting in the Congress, seems like we need a blog for something like this, hmmm, now that's an idea :) FYI - for those who want to keep up with us and baby updates, we started a blog that we attempt to keep semi-updated: www.xanga.com/Ramnanan looking forward to hearing from you!
Angela
4 comments:
great idea to make this blog...to answer your request Ang, these are a few of our favorite things for baby...1. a Pack n Play-it made life easy as we had several evenings a week when we were out and about after bedtime so we could just put Clara down to sleep in a quiet place wherever we happened to be 2. a car seat carrier/stroller combo--it was wonderful to be able to run errands and just transfer Clara in her seat into a shopping cart, or into the stroller for a walk, etc. She was always falling asleep in the car and we could transfer her right into the house and let her continue to sleep right in the carrier, sometimes for more than an hour after we got home! 3. a small thing that Zach specifically mentioned wanting for the next baby is those sleep gowns, the ones that are open on the bottom, for middle of the night diaper changes...they are very convenient but you have to have good socks that stay on too since they don't have feet, its nice not to have to deal with snaps in the middle of the night 4. If you are going back to work even part time i highly recommend the Medela Pump n Style breast pump...it is pricey, but worth every penny for consistent, frequent pumping 5. another small item that bought me extra time for a shower or to fix lunch, etc was a safety crib mirror...i don't know if it works for all babies, but once Clara reached about 4 weeks she could be entertained for about 30-45 minutes watching herself in a mirror, we got one that had a little velcro strap so it could be moved around and attached to the car seat, crib, pack n play, or wherever...and we loved watching her make faces at 'the other baby' :) Well, besides the obvious items, those were our life-savers with Clara. Soon we'll find out if the next baby will follow suit. Oh yea, the Bumbo was mentioned and we have one. It is truly wonderful during the stage between about 3 months old and when they start sitting unassisted because they get to be all up in the action, sitting up and looking around. If you try to find one though you may have trouble because they were recalled a few months ago, but pretty much the same item called the BeBe Pod is available now. OK then, happy shopping :)
Here are what I've found invaluable:
1. Bouncy seat (this was INVALUABLE with both Zhaun and Zakyla)
2. Diaper Genie - to keep all those (and there will be more than you can imagine) dirty diapers
3. Bottles - the best brand I've found is Dr. Browns - they help with the amount of air the baby takes in
4. Bottle warmer
5. Play pen with bassinet - preferrably one that vibrates (this is where Z &Zk spent quite a few months in our room)
Also, you will have to get a car seat - we have the travel system which has a stroller and car seat all in one.
You'll also need baby nail clippers and file. Oh yes, and a diaper bag is important.
Can't wait to have another little one in the embassy. :)
Heidi
From Cherese Fraser:
Hay hi Angela and others.
This is a nice idea.
Well, to be honest, in the first couple months you don't need much gadgets as you will pretty much be home with baby. The types of clothes you buy for him/her vary depending on the climate of course - so for me, I stocked up on vests and onesies...though she is bareback most of the time (it's so hot!)
For the next couple months of life, I found that the snugli (the gadget you attach to your body to carry baby) was pretty helpful when I was moving around....the mall, grocery etc. The stroller is another option for this kind of thing but so far my kids have clearly expressed their dislike for it :-)
Of course, I cannot forget to mention the things that got me through the breast feeding period: Avent soothing nipple cream...I know some people just tough it out (the initial soreness) but this worked for me. A breast pump - helps particularly when baby is sleeping longer hours and not feeding as much or just when you need to run away for some reason and leave baby with dad.
Be sure to get a couple, supportive maternity bras and of course breast pads (I prefer the disposable ones but the material ones work just as well)
Come to think of it...you do not need much of what they try to sell you for the baby at this early stage...its more about helping you get through/manage the initial stages of life with baby.
OK, I think that settles my list of essentials.
Wishing you and everyone on this list the very best with the new stage of life.
Cherese
Thanks for all your helpful tips ladies! Here is the complied list:
1. Practical Prep Pre-Baby
- Support, support, support!!! Allow and request help from the community around you. Even if you think you might not want people around you in the early days, they are a huge help. Don't think that you can do it all on your own because you can't. Don't be afraid to ask your friends to bring a meal when they visit during the first week.
- Clean out freezer, have frozen meals ready, and stock up on essentials. Time to prepare food or go to the store will be scarce at first.
2. Baby carrier - to take the baby out or to have your hands free while you're doing things around the house
- Snugli or sling (Warning: be careful not to use a carrier too much or the baby will get attached to being carried around)
- Moses basket – perfect for taking the baby from room to room
3. Bouncy Seat (Portable) and Baby Seat
- Bumbo or BeBe Pod were recommended
4. Activity Center or Saucer
- Great for keeping them busy and they enjoy playing with hanging items.
5. Play Pen with Bassinet (Pack n' Play)
- One that vibrates is a plus
6. Car Sear Carrier/Stroller Combo
- Tip: Check with insurance company if they will sell them to you at cheaper prices
- Good to get one that goes in and out of the car easily and can snap directly in to the stroller so you don't have to wake the baby when getting them out.
7. Baby swing - this works well at soothing the baby and hopefully sending him off to sleep so that your hands are free. Note: not all babies are swing babies.
8. Bottles and Bottle Warmer
- Dr. Brown's brand was recommended
9. Breast Care
- High quality breast pump - Medela Pump n Style was recommended (not cheap, but worth it)
- Nipple Cream - Avent Soothing Nipple Cream
- Supportive Maternity Bras and breast pads
10. Baby Care
- Lots of diapers
- Diaper Genie
- Washcloths
- Receiving Blankets
- Baby bath with slanted back – good for baths and also to set the baby in during the day
- Humidifier
- Saline nasal spray
- Eucalyptus oil for crib sheets
- Baby Vicks rub (safe for 2 months and older)
- Baby nail clippers and file
- Diaper bag
- Wet wipes
- Butt cream
- Good changing mat
- Crib mirror with Velcro attachment – can keep baby entertained for periods of time
11. Baby Clothes
- Onesies
- Footie sleepers
- Baby sleep gowns – makes changing diapers at night easier, but make sure to have good socks to cover baby's feet
- Swaddling cloths or learn to wrap the baby – especially for younger babies it helps them get to sleep and stay asleep longer
- Baby vests/body suits
12. Crib
- One that is convertible to a toddler bed
- Crib sheet savers or zip off sheets – for quick and easy clean-up, you don't have to take off the entire sheet set.
13. Rocking chair
General Advice
- Remember when you're losing sleep and feel frustrated, things do get better
- The first couple months you don't need many gadgets, you'll pretty much be home with baby – stock up on essentials.
- Don't overstock on toys, babies really only need a few cute items to keep them occupied.
- It's not worth it to overspend on the "look" of the nursery, the baby will hardly notice.
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