Poll/Questions on Baby Gear from a FTM

[lauren170]

Each time we go to Babies R Us we walk around aimless and clueless. What's the "best" and why? What else should we have on our registry? (We're good with a crib and glider).

Infant Bath:

Shampoo & other bath stuff:

Bottles:

Pack and Play:

1st high chair:

Infant carrier/stroller/car seat:

Jogging Stroller:

Swing:

Baby-wearing/front carrier:

[snickers]

Off of the top of my mind:
toys, bath toys, diapers, wipes, face cloths, hooded towels, white noise machine, baby monitor, play mat, bedding set, Sophie the Giraffe, breast pump (not sure if you get one for free from insurance or not), gate, bibs, and a nursing pillow.
Oh and a Bumbo

[rex]

I found Lucie's List to be really helpful. I knew most of what I wanted just from experience with babies, but for stuff I didn't know or care about, her recommendations and spreadsheet made the process so much easier. BabiesRUs is crazy overwhelming.

[Cheesecake]

My hospital gave me a list of necessities and then I checked a number of lists online (Lucie's and others) to add the essentials that weren't mandated by the hospital.
Most stores here have little checklists available as well so you know what you're forgetting

Sent from my Xperia Z, please don't mind typos!

[allibee8]

Infant Bath: I don't think it matters much

Shampoo & other bath stuff: I like Burt's Bees

Bottles: depends on the baby. Don't buy too many of any one type until you see what baby likes.

Pack and Play: doesn't matter

1st high chair: Fisher Price Space Saver

Infant carrier/stroller/car seat: depends on your priorities and lifestyle. We love our BabyJogger CityMini

Jogging Stroller: ??

Swing: I would just make sure to buy one that swings both side-to- side and back-to-front like the snugabunny

Baby-wearing/front carrier: I like Moby when they're tiny, Ergo later, but there are lots of opinions here

[runblondie26]

I used Baby Bargains to make pretty much all my buying decisions. We've held onto just about everything to reuse for DC #2, so I'd say we were pretty pleased with our purchases.

Listing what we bought back in 2008/2009 won't be real useful to you now, but I do recommend picking up a copy of Baby Bargains to see the latest recommendations. It is an overwhelming process!

[runblondie26]

I'll note when it came to the high chair, we skipped the traditional kind. We bought one that straps to a regular kitchen chair, and it worked fine. Took up less space and was more versatile. Once they're older, you can remove the tray and just use it as a booster at the table.

[Jalapeñomel]

I found registering such a frustrating and overwhelming process. I basically asked here and some of my FTM friends what their "must-haves" were, and I registered for those.  I have the Baby Bargains book, but again, I think it's crammed full of a lot of information to wade through, and it was overwhelming for me. 

[2curlydogs]

Sept 7, 2013 12:25:00 GMT -5 lauren170 said:

Bottles: I liked Breastflow by The First Years, but BRU doesn't sell these anymore.

1st high chair: Personally, I'm a big fan of the infant-to-toddler space savers instead of a conventional high chair. We have one from The First Years and looooooooooooooove it. 

Infant carrier/stroller/car seat: Eh. Personal choice. We have a Graco SnugRide 35, which lasted my tall-ass monkey until well over 1 year.  We got a Britax Roundabout 75 for my car when he outgrew that and were able to keep him RF in that until he was over 2 years (I think we turned him this spring).

Swing: B hated all swings. Frankly, unless someone's getting it for you, go second-hand on this and a bouncy seat. Kids tend to prefer one or the other but not both (B lived in his bouncy. it was my guaranteed way to get a shower and eat a meal).

Baby-wearing/front carrier: B didn't care for anything but the Ergo.

[daisy24342]

Sept 7, 2013 12:25:00 GMT -5 lauren170 said:

Infant Bath: like others, prob doesn't matter
Shampoo & other bath stuff: I got old school Johnson and Johnson

Bottles: Advent

Pack and Play: Graco with a napper and changing station

1st high chair: fisher price space saver

Infant carrier/stroller/car seat: Chicco Key Fit, with Chicco snap and go 

Jogging Stroller: we splurged on a Bugaboo, not really a jogging stroller

Swing: borrowing a friends in case he doesn't like it....didnt want to spend money on something he may hate

Baby-wearing/front carrier: Ergo and a Moby

[natablue]

I haven't registered yet, I'll be doing that this week, but I've found Lucie's List to be quite helpful, and taken recommendations from friends. I've pinned a few items used by some bloggers I read, to check out as well.

[Jalapeñomel]

I forgot to answer these!

Infant Bath: Sure Comfort Deluxe for Newborns and toddlers (we also got the kneeler for next to the tub, and I might use it tomorrow when I wash the dog, lol)

Shampoo & other bath stuff: we got J&J from my shower, but I don't know if we will use it or not

Bottles: Doc Brown and so far we have three in each size also a shower gift

Pack and Play: not using one, it's too big

1st high chair: Chicco clip on one

Infant carrier/stroller/car seat: City micro stroller, no carseat yet

Jogging Stroller: see above

Swing: none

Baby-wearing/front carrier: Zolowear pocket sling and a Moby wrap (we are also getting an Ergo)

[Velar Fricative]

I'm a FTM so take it for it's worth.

Infant Bath: Foldable Prince Lionheart tub, but we will probably use the Summer Infant Comfy Bath Sponge in the beginning. It's big enough for baby to lie on.

Shampoo & other bath stuff: I was gifted Burt's Bees and Aveeno stuff. I'll use both.

Bottles: Hoping baby likes either the Medela or Tommee Tippee bottles so I don't have to buy any more!

Pack and Play: We have a basic Graco one - we don't need one with the extras like a changing top or bassinet.

1st high chair: Graco Contempo because it folds compactly.

stroller/car seat: Uppababy Cruz stroller and Chicco KeyFit car seat. Everyone I know has the latter and the Cruz has an easy fold and is lighter than other all-around strollers (we live on the second floor so a relatively light stroller is a necessity).

Jogging Stroller: I really don't want to run with the kid but if I have to, I will likely buy a BOB off of Craigslist

Swing: We got a foldable Ingenuity swing that fits under the crib when we need to store it. It was a gift, or else we would have borrowed from friends to see what baby likes.

Baby-wearing/front carrier: I am intimidated by the Moby so I will use the K'Tan in the beginning and then we got a Beco Gemini for when baby is bigger (even though it does work for newborns without an insert).

Read more: pandce.proboards.com/thread/224103/poll-on-baby-gear-ftm#ixzz2eFmhFOG0

[snickers]

Haha- obviously I misinterpreted the question, sorry!

[sonrisa]

For an infant bath, you want one that comes with a sling for early on.

Shampoo and bath stuff depends on whether your kid has hair and how much or if they have cradle cap or eczema. I'd start with no more than a small bottle of something very gentle. 

high chair: Ours is from Ikea.

Car seat: we went with the graco snugride. I skipped the bigger size version because it was so heavy. It defeated the purpose of having one you could carry.

Jogging stroller: We have a BOB and like it. DH jogs with her regularly. We also had the infant seat attachment for the car seat when she was little. Or course you can't jog with it at that point, but it works as our standard stroller. 

[redpenmama]

Infant Bath: We have a cheap FP one w/the sling, and it worked fine. For the short time you use it, I don't think you need something fancy/pricey IMO.

Shampoo & other bath stuff: I like California Baby and the Yes to baby line. I avoid Johnson's and Johnson's/Aveeno, but I know others like them.

Bottles: You'll probably have to try some out before you find one that works.

1st high chair: We like the FP Space Saver -- just attach it to a chair.

Infant carrier/stroller/car seat: We got the Chicco Keyfit 30 + stroller for the travel system. Totally regret it. I like the carseat but would prefer a Snap-n-Go frame and then invest in a nicer jogging stroller/everyday stroller when baby is ready for it.

Jogging Stroller: I got the Baby Trend one and really like it especially for the price.

Swing: Get one that plugs in. We have the FP Snug-a-Bunny.

Baby-wearing/front carrier: Ergo. Avoid Baby Bjorn -- not a good position for baby to hang out in (my DD hated that one anyway). I liked the Moby too once I figured out how to put it on, which took a few too many YouTube videos.

[BaliHai]

Also a FTM, but I asked some ladies I'm in a FB group with, including a NICU nurse, for their recommendations, and this is what we've registered for:

Infant Bath: Puj tub. Fisher Price Precious Planet whale tub for when she's older.

Shampoo & other bath stuff: Burt's Bees to start, but I may switch to homemade organic products (most likely from Etsy) depending on her skin.

Bottles: Born Free and Avent Naturals.

Pack and Play: n/a

1st high chair: Mamas and Papas Pixi.

Infant carrier/stroller/car seat: Britax Chaperone, Snap 'n Go frame. We're getting a used Chicco umbrella stroller as well from my sister.

Jogging Stroller: Phil and Ted's (also getting from my sister).

Swing: Graco Lovin' Hug Plug-In (got from my Aunt and Uncle - their daughter only used it for three months).

Baby-wearing/front carrier: Getting an unopened Ergo from my sister, a Kelty frame carrier from my other sister, and we registered for a Becco Gemini just in case we don't get the Ergo.

[SKP82]

A lot of these depend on your personal preference. I read Baby Bargains and got a lot of good info from there.

Here are my recommendations:

Infant Bath: Summer Infant Baby Bather - We got this one because my SIL tried a few with her daughter and this was her favorite. 

www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Mothers-Deluxe-Bather/dp/B003BTXSCE/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1378665284&sr=1-1&keywords=summer+infant+bath


Shampoo & other bath stuff:  Totally your personal preference.  I am trying Babo Botanicals Lavender Meadowsweet because I smelled it at BBB and really like the smell.    I've heard great things about the Mustela line and will probably try that at some point.

Bottles: We registered for Doctor Browns because they were recommended to me by a few of my friends.  But, like a PP mentioned, we only got a few in case she hates them and we need to try something else.

Pack and Play:  We got the Graco Pack n Play Playard with Newborn Napper Elite Station.  I wanted one with a napper and changing station so we can use it downstairs.  It also has an adapter that you can plug your iPhone in to play music. 

1st high chair: Haven't gotten there yet.

Infant carrier/stroller/car seat: After MUCH research and testing, we decided on the Britax B-Agile Travel System.  It is very light and portable and comes with excellent reviews:
www.amazon.com/Britax-B-Agile-B-Safe-Travel-System/dp/B00DHINGK8/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1378665679&sr=1-1&keywords=britax+b+agile+travel+system

Jogging Stroller: We are not purchasing this.

Swing: We haven't gotten one of these.  I've heard some babies hate them, so if we DO get one, we will wait until she's here in case we need to return it.

Baby-wearing/front carrier:  I've heard a lot of great things about the Ergo.  We didn't register for one, but a friend sent us one as a gift and I am glad to have it.    We registered and received the Stokke My Carrier.  We wanted this one because it was comfortable (H tried every one at BBB on!).  It can be used from newborn to toddler.  I also registered for the Boba wrap because I want something snuggly to wrap her in if she's fussy.

I don't have a baby yet, so I haven't used any of these things just yet, but I did a lot of research before I made my decision(s).

[osulori]

Sept 7, 2013 12:25:00 GMT -5 lauren170 said:

Each time we go to Babies R Us we walk around aimless and clueless. What's the "best" and why? What else should we have on our registry? (We're good with a crib and glider).

Infant Bath: Due to space limitations we use this www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12268558 in the bathtub and so far it works out pretty well.

Shampoo & other bath stuff: Someone gave us a big bottle of BRU brand baby wash that we're working on going through right now.  Once that's done I may try Burts Bees or something similar.

Bottles:  We only registered for a couple of brands to see what AJ would like, and if he didn't take to them we'd try others.  Lucky for us, he does great with either brand.  We have a 3 pack of Born Free 5oz bottles and the starter set of Tommee Tippee bottles (has 2 5oz and 2 9oz bottles).

Pack and Play:  We've got this one www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=15262786  and keep it downstairs in our family room.  The changing table and bassinet attachments have been absolute lifesavers-if there's a room you hang out in a lot that isn't super close to the baby's room it's a big help (otherwise we'd be going upstairs every time AJ needs a diaper change).

1st high chair:  Fisher Price Space Saver

Infant carrier/stroller/car seat: Chicco Keyfit 30 carseat with Cortina stroller (travel system).  I also have a Baby Trend snap n go that a friend gave me-it fits various carseats.  AJ's doesn't snap in, but has straps that buckle to fasten it in there.  The Snap N Go has been awesome for quick trips since the Cortina is fairly heavy and can be hard to maneuver in and out of my sedan's trunk.

Jogging Stroller:  My coworkers got me a Baby Trend jogger as a shower gift.  I haven't gotten it out of the box yet but the coworker that planned the shower has had one for years and loves it.

Swing:  We don't have a swing, but rather this www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=13070098&prodFindSrc=search and AJ loves it.  Not enough to sleep in but enough to hang out in

Baby-wearing/front carrier:  So far AJ likes the Moby and Infantino Mei Tai carriers.  Eventually we're going to try an Ergo too.


Lucie's List has been a huge help for me.

[runblondie26]

Re: infant tub

Looking back, that's something we received and never used. Our kitchen sink is deep, so we just bathed her in her until she was close to a year (?). I can't remember exactly, but we did it for a LONG time. So much easier than bending over our bath tub.

At first we put the foam mat thing that came with the tub on the bottom of the sink. Later we put one of those non-skid mats under her once she could sit up on her own.