Must have baby gear?

[narockshard]

What are you getting that you consider must have? 2nd+ time moms, what have you found essential to have, and not so essential?

I don't like clutter, but I also don't want to NOT get stuff that could be really useful. So far I'm on the fence about a diaper pail (I plan on throwing poopy diapers in the outdoor trash can, but want a solution for wet diapers since the only other trash upstairs is a small bathroom trashcan).

I'm also on the fence about a monitor. Our house isn't that huge, plus the nursery is right next to our bedroom, and the baby will be sleeping in our room for the first few months. If the baby is sleeping upstairs for naps while I'm downstairs, I'm sure I'll hear it. I also don't spend a ton of time outside doing yard work by myself or anything, so I know I'd be close whenever baby is sleeping. But maybe I'm missing something and this is a pretty essential item?

Another random one: What about a crib mobile?

Baby carriers: I'm fairly certain I'll want an Ergobaby type deal for an older child, but do I also need something more newborn specific? We have a Britax travel system so I picture using the stroller more because it can also hold more things.

Some things I think will be essential for me are a PNP, swing, and bouncy seat/exersaucer for when baby is older.

[linz]

I've watched a lot of my friends over the past year with these items and make mental notes about what they do and don't like.

Most seem to like a diaper pail. 

Monitor - I'm on the fence about these too. Especially for the reasons you listed. It seems like some people need one and some don't. Almost personal choice. I more want a video monitor for when they are older and can jack around in bed. So I'm planning to wait to buy one.

Crib mobile I read that once they can reach for one you have to take it out anyway. I think they seem like a waste. I plan to get more of a noise machine to put in the nursery because that seems more popular with my friends. Whether it's white noise, music, etc.

Swing and bouncer seem like some babies love them and some don't. I plan to get these 2nd hand because it seems like a waste to spend a ton or get them as a gift if we end up not even using them. But that could be personal choice on if you prefer new or not. Swing I would recommend getting one that goes side to side and front to back. Some babies prefer one direction over the other.

[pinotgrig]

We have gone way overboard, I think. But we're ok with that.

We got everything you listed except for the mobile. I personally like the cleaner look of no mobile, though you do have to take them down as Linz mentioned once they can reach it.

We are waiting a baby carrier for now, though h wants one once our guy will have more head/neck control. I'm still toying around with the idea of some sort of skin to skin shirt for me, but am almost thinking of just doing it at home and using a big short or blanket while lounging around.

Other things we have that I didn't see you mention having hand already are a swing/bouncer (we got the mamaroo) and a rnp. Those were two things I heard over and over from new moms as being really helpful in the early days.

[robyn]

We live in a very small (about 1100 sq feet) 2 bedroom, one bath house, so necessities only is high on my priority list too. I am planning to get a monitor, because DH and I like to spend time outside on the deck in the evenings. We also are in the process of finishing our basement into a living space and plan to spend time down there at night when she is in bed.

We will either get a small trash can for her room for diapers, or just use the big kitchen trash can. But again, our main living area (bedrooms, bathroom, kitchen, living room) is all on one level and very small.

There is a crib mobile that I"m dying to make, but I doubt that I'll have to the time to do so. If I don't I'm not going to stress about it. I kind of like the cleaner look of no mobile anyway.

For carriers we registered for a k'tan and an ergo. I hope we get one or the other to try out and see if we and baby like them.

As far as the big things that seem like necessities to me, I bought a bouncer at a consignment sale several months ago for $25, we also purchased a pack n play with the infant attachment and changer thing for $40 at a consignment sale, and that will be in the basement. I found an awesome deal on a mamaroo for $90.00 on a Facebook swap n shop so we have that instead of a huge swing that we don't have room for. If LO doesn't like any of these things I can sell them and probably make most of my money back. We also bought a rock n play yesterday at an awesome price on Amazon for next to our bed for the first couple of months until we transition to her crib before I go back to work.

So now it's just a ton of small stuff that we need. My first shower is tomorrow so I'm hoping we get some of those small necessities along with the cute stuff

[statlerwaldorf]

I would get a monitor even if it's just a simple audio only one. Newborn cries are not very loud.

I liked our diaper pail. It did a good job containing the smell. I didn't use the refills and just used cheap trash bags.

I think the carrier really depends on the baby. I didn't use a carrier much until she was older, but other babies need to be walked around all of the time. Some babies hate the stroller. I bought an Ergo and a cheap Mei Tai, but I haven't tried them yet.

I plan on using a RNP instead of a PNP this time. I don't think mobiles are necessary. Dd had low muscle tone in her legs around 4 months and her pediatrician recommended using a Jumperoo which she loved. She also loved her swing, but hated the bouncer seat.

[linz]

Oh and I heard RNP is must have. We plan to get two and use that for sleeping at first and then like a bouncer or naps.

[mrssandro]

I am eyeing a few things that I think will make it easier the second time around.

We are getting a Audio Only Monitor because the bedroom does not share a wall with ours. I worry I won't here the baby as well. smile.amazon.com/Philips-Avent-Monitor-Temperature-Sensor/dp/B00E1CIGAE/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=18ZCZBSPGOSNK&coliid=I2RR6JTN1QBP64

I am trying to decide on a cosleeping device to be used for the first couple of months. Probably a arms reach or a in bed bassinet.

I am looking at a fancier bottle warmer and new humidifier since we did not save DD's.

[bowies]

We registered for everything you listed, but I've divided most of the list into "yes, buy before he arrives" and "hey, maybe wait and see on this". If we're gifted something that we consider a wait-and-see item, that's still cool with us, we'll just focus on must-haves when we do our big BRU trip. The diaper pail and the K'Tan are on the yes list, the monitor is a wait (since he'll be in our room for a little while anyways), the Ergo is a wait until he's got head/neck control, and the mobile is a nice-but-not-necessary. If I end up purchasing a mobile in a moment of weakness, I'll move it to above the changing pad when he's able to reach for it in the crib.

ETA: The diaper pail is essential for us because we've got a dog that's waaaaay too interested in poop for her own good.  We need something that's tall and will at least attempt to cut the smell.

[kaybee85]

Rnp= rock'n'play, right?

[jeaniebueller]

I never used or needed a diaper pail. I just used a garbage can with a lid and changed the bag every night.
I never used or needed a bumbo seat.
Never used a crib mobile.
Or a wipe warmer or a bottle warmer.
I liked having a swing but am waiting to see if its necessary this time around.
I liked having a monitor.

I bought a RNP based on the recs here, so we shall see if its used.

[aqualuv]

We live in a small two bedroom condo, so we definitely do not want a lot of "stuff" just to have.

We did register for a video monitor, I feel like it will come in handy to see if we really need to get up and see if the baby needs something or if they will just go back to sleep.

I'm sure we will want a baby carrier, since we have a dog, it will come in handy when its time to take him out for his walks. We registered for a Moby wrap, but I have no experience in this area that it will actually work.

We don't plan on buying a crib mobile.

We did register for a diaper pail since our trash is only picked up 3 times a week. We can walk the trash out on the days trash isn't picked up, but we registered for it for convenience. We shall see if it comes in handy.

[pinotgrig]

May 16, 2014 12:18:45 GMT -5 kaybee85 said:

Rnp= rock'n'play, right?

Yep!

[anaps28]

I still use my video monitor and my kid is 3, before this house we lived in a condo and it still came in handy.

Diaper pail- hell yes. Newborns poop up a storm and ain't nobody got time for going to an outside trash can at 3 am for that. LOL

I used my Ergo alllll the time on ML bc that's about the only thing he slept in and it's how I got stuff done during the day. I know everyone is different with what carriers they liked but Ergo worked great for us.

Someone gave us a mobile but honestly it did nothing for us. Plus he started pulling up at 6 months so it was short lived. Some kids are mesmerized by it and it actually helps them get back to sleep. I don't think it's a must have.

[picksthemusic]

May 16, 2014 10:48:09 GMT -5 narockshard said:

What are you getting that you consider must have? 2nd+ time moms, what have you found essential to have, and not so essential?

I don't like clutter, but I also don't want to NOT get stuff that could be really useful. So far I'm on the fence about a diaper pail (I plan on throwing poopy diapers in the outdoor trash can, but want a solution for wet diapers since the only other trash upstairs is a small bathroom trashcan). Just get a diaper pail. We have the Diaper Genie II and it's great. You just take all the diapers out at once when it's full. None of that 'if it's poopy take it out to the outside garbage' mess. You will be doing that at least 12 times a day when they're tiny if you do it that way.

I'm also on the fence about a monitor. Our house isn't that huge, plus the nursery is right next to our bedroom, and the baby will be sleeping in our room for the first few months. If the baby is sleeping upstairs for naps while I'm downstairs, I'm sure I'll hear it. I also don't spend a ton of time outside doing yard work by myself or anything, so I know I'd be close whenever baby is sleeping. But maybe I'm missing something and this is a pretty essential item? I love our monitor because once baby isn't in your room anymore, you'll want to be able to keep an eye on them without disturbing them, even if they're not crying. It's just nice to be able to have an eye on DD even if she's not making any noise.

Another random one: What about a crib mobile? Don't bother. They're useless after 3-4 months.

Baby carriers: I'm fairly certain I'll want an Ergobaby type deal for an older child, but do I also need something more newborn specific? We have a Britax travel system so I picture using the stroller more because it can also hold more things. We have an Ergobaby, but I used a Moby with DD. I like the Moby for teenies and Ergo for older babies/toddlers.

Some things I think will be essential for me are a PNP, swing, and bouncy seat/exersaucer for when baby is older. Rock-n-Play was sooooo great for the first 4-5 months, so definitely get one of those. Bouncy seats weren't great until about 5 months when she had good head control and was more interested in the toys on the exersaucer thingy. So don't rush to get one now if your space is limited.

Other than that, swaddle blankets are great for EVERYTHING, Gerber cloth diapers make lousy cloth diapers but are great for burp rags, cleaning rags, changing pad in a pinch, whatever. They're awesome.

[thatgirl2478]

Diaper pail - nope. We bought a kitchen trash can with a lid and put kitchen bags in it. It gets emptied once a week now that she's older & doesn't use as many diapers (potty training). When DD was young we just kept a plastic shopping bag near the changing table and would fill that (usually once a day) then take it to the outside trash. I don't like having 'poo sausages' in a room and honestly I don't think they do a good enough job of keeping the stink in.

Mobile - eh I'm not worrying about one now. If we REALLY fee we need it, I'll just use DD's old one. We rarely used it.

Monitor - we like having it because we can put the kiddo down for a nap & take the monitor outside while we relax/do yard work whatever.

FOR US our must haves will be:

- a white noise machine for the house & car
- more swaddle blankets
- a smallish sized lovey
- a new bouncy chair
- a new baby mat/gym
- new travel system
- new crib/mattress
- we already have an arms reach for those first few weeks/months, a PNP, high chair, exersaucer, bouncy activity chair, and a becco gemini carrier

[D2M]

One-bedroom apartment dweller here. I win!

Essentials: car seat to take baby home from hospital, place for baby to sleep, diapers, wipes, diaper cream, swaddling devices, clothing, breast pump + storage supplies.

We've got all that covered. We got a bunch of hand-me-downs from friends, including a pack n play with bassinet, a swing and a nice ring sling. The rock n play and stroller we received as gifts. We also received an Ergo + newborn insert. Living in a city where we take public transit all the time, we expect to get more use out of carriers than stroller, but we'll see what baby likes.

We registered for a monitor even though we are in a one-bedroom apartment for now, but one of my friends noted that we won't be in one for long and they're pricey, so may as well hang onto it, even if we don't use it right away. We did receive it at my shower, and we'll put it to use when we move later this year/early next year.

We don't have a diaper pail yet, but we'll probably get one. The one I'm eyeing is cheap and does not require special bags. You can just use regular grocery store bags.

[blushing]

We loved our diaper pail and plan on buying one again this time.

Baby monitor - We still have the one we used with DS. It is just a basic one way system one. Will use again.

Mobile - we were given a mobile. It looked like it had a dead bird on it and at 3am that was extremely amusing to DH and I. I found this worked better, in fact it was a life saver - www.amazon.com/Tomy-Winnie-Sweet-Dreams-Lightshow/dp/B001A32DD8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400273447&sr=8-1&keywords=Tomy+Winnie+the+Pooh+Sweet+Dreams+Cot+Lightshow

For the first 6 months I prefer a wrap. You get different brands ones, I personally prefer the stretchy ones (my preferred brand is a UK one).

[jeaniebueller]

May 16, 2014 14:44:16 GMT -5 luckydog said:

Our essentials are the car seat, pack n play, stroller, and a swing. I'm assuming you want to know about the stuff that's going to take up space? The pack n play is important to me since we live in a two story and spend our time on both levels of the house, and we will be going to grandma's most weekends when football season starts.

SIL gave me this white noise/projector. It was her savior. H and I are also fascinated, lol, so I'm hoping it's a hit with our baby. m.macys.com/shop/product/homedics-myb-s300-lullaby-soundspa-and-projector?ID=713691&cm_mmc=Google_Home_PLA-_-Home+Electrics+-+Personal+Care+-+PLA-_-28903519516_adc_pg_305_11056_51dc8d4de4b0a3ee5b276fc0_28903519516_m-_-_mkwid_31262053596USA|dm_28903519516%7C-%7C31262053596USA
(Eta, this projector is pretty small, like 6 inches by 6 inches space on a table. You can also point where you want the projector to go so we have it set up several feet from her crib but it still displays right above her. I'm trying this instead of a mobile.)

That sound machine is the best. DS has been using it for 5 years. Back when I was pg with him on TB, it was referred to as the baby crack machine .

[teeah22]

Diaper pail:  I needed one, we kept it upstairs.  It does a decent job of holding in the smell and they're not that big or expensive. The diapers we changed downstairs (most of them) just went in the regular trash.

Monitor: I have a big house so yes, this is a must have.

Mobile:  purely decorative IMO

Baby carrier:  I had two that I never used. I found the stroller to be much easier

[andthentherewere10]

Haven't used our monitor once. I go outside frequently while the baby is napping to play with the dogs and it has never been an issue. Our house is small like yours.

I have a mobile but baby doesn't care about it.

I have a Beco Gemini - can be used from infancy through toddlerhood. Recommend. He doesn't like the baby k'tan and I can't figure out the ringsling yet.

My baby loves the Kick n Play piano and it is fairly small and easy to move around.

Halo sleepsack swaddles are way better than swaddlemes if you are planning on swaddling.

[emsumm]

For me, a diaper pail is a must have. So were my:
Pump, boppy, swings, pnp, and monitor, the last 2 more for travel than anything else, but my kids are nearly 4 and I still need the monitor sometimes.

[cb]

With my first we didn't use a diaper pail at first, but even the pee only diapers got stinky and it got annoying to take the poop ones to the garage trash. With the second kid we got a diaper genie and we loved it so much we got a second one for the downstairs.  You can change the bag once a week with no smell. Worth it!

we had a smaller house and a monitor was not needed. What I did think was essential was a video monitor, but not until around 5-6 months when we started sleep training. It was very helpful to see if they were just fussing or had a leg caught in the crib slats or something. 

Thinkgs like pnp, swing etc are really baby specific, some babies don't like them. I would buy them secondhand. 

Really you can wait until baby gets here. After a couple weeks you'll know better what you need and what would be nice to have. 

[VillainV]

Rock n play
A&A muslin or bamboo blankets
Nosefrida

Re: monitor....baby's room is right next to ours and we can only hear him cry if he's in full tilt...and by then it's harder to calm him down ( or if he's hungry, it's tough to get him calm enough to latch). Without the monitor we'd miss the little noises that ramp up to crying, and can take care of him before he starts screaming. Also, he goes to "bed" (he night-sleeps in his PNP upstairs) at around 7. We don't go to bed until after I feed him again at ten, so we're downstairs while he's upstairs. We definitely need the monitor for that...again, because we can only hear his loud frantic shrieks from downstairs. I'd recommend at least an audio monitor.

[shekels1222]

I'm getting a moby or ergo wrap for the newborn stage since I feel chasing DS around with a newborn will be easier with a carrier than a bulky stroller. Beco Gemini will be my older baby/toddler carrier.

We had a two story house with DS and I really found having a downstairs bassinet/diaper changing caddy/swing/small dresser was a huge help so I wasnt making multiple trips upstairs.

We used a diaper pail in the beginning with DS but don't plan to with this one.

I doubt out huge britax stroller will be used this time. It is just so big and cumbersome. Our Chicco umbrella stroller and snap n go got so much more use.

No mobile. We have a light/sound turtle instead.

Honestly a lot of things are easier to figure out what works best after baby comes.