DH and I have to (finally) start buying baby stuff...I have put it off long enough. Knowing me, I would be that person that ends up having nothing and the baby comes early.
I know there are hundreds of brands and what not...I can sift through all of that...I guess I just want to know where to spend $$$ and where to spend less $$$...because we can't afford to spend lots on all things...
So...
Stroller? Car Seat (since we will have to change it all the time)? Crib? Change Table? Cloth Diapers? High Chair? Vibrating Swing thingy? Breast Pump (I will have to pump after 4 months because I go back to work at 4.5 months and DH is off for the rest of the year)...of course, should I wait to see if I can even effing breast feed before I buy one?) Monitor? (We live in a small bungalow...but we do spend time in the basement...or at least DH will, watching rugby, lol)
I used baby bargains and the amazon reviews to figure out what I needed. I think you can either get away with a bouncer or a swing (you don't need both--especially since they take up a lot of room).
High chair you won't need until 5 mos or so, so unless you have space you can hold off.
You'll want a stroller and probably a carrier. Test out your stroller with something heavy in the seat. They all push well empty. The test is how well they push with a 30lb 2 year old in them.
For the love of Christian Bale, I beg you to buy your clothing second-hand. I look at the money I wasted on buying new clothing for my Preshus Babies and I weep. Now I have huge bins of amazing, almost-new, hardly-used clothing sitting in my basement. So not worth it.
For the love of Christian Bale, I beg you to buy your clothing second-hand. I look at the money I wasted on buying new clothing for my Preshus Babies and I weep. Now I have huge bins of amazing, almost-new, hardly-used clothing sitting in my basement. So not worth it.
OMG this. Especially if you have a girl. The NB-12m stuff is always plentiful at consignment sales, gently used and high quality stuff. Added bonus it is cheap. If it is a boy consignment sales are useless after about size 3-4T.
I buy almost all of my kids' clothes used. So I ditto that. But I wanted to add not to do what I did and overbuy because " hey! It's so cheap!" And don't buy clothes in bigger sizes until you're closer to needing them. I misjudged when I needed some sizes and ended up wasting money. Also I've found most people give 0-3m size clothes so maybe avoid buying that in advance if you think people will give you gifts.
Guys, you would be proud, I haven't bought a single piece of clothing.
I have a hot air balloon for decor, a blanket that I bid on in a silent auction and a dresser. That's it. Lol. And some books that people have donated.
I don't want to buy many clothes because DH is 6'3" and was just under 10lbs. I am 5'8" but was only 6lbs6oz. But my mom smoked (it was '78!). I have no idea how big this kid is going to be. I am huge but that doesn't mean much. So I know I will get things at showers for clothes and then I will supplement with second hand. I am not a fashionista.
I buy almost all of my kids' clothes used. So I ditto that. But I wanted to add not to do what I did and overbuy because " hey! It's so cheap!" And don't buy clothes in bigger sizes until you're closer to needing them. I misjudged when I needed some sizes and ended up wasting money. Also I've found most people give 0-3m size clothes so maybe avoid buying that in advance if you think people will give you gifts.
Yes and yes. Buying ahead is dangerous and everyone will give you infant sizes because it's so adorable. Before I stopped giving clothing as a gift, I'd buy expectant friends clothing that was 6-9m and they always made a big deal to me about how much they appreciated getting something other than newborn.
For the love of Christian Bale, I beg you to buy your clothing second-hand. I look at the money I wasted on buying new clothing for my Preshus Babies and I weep. Now I have huge bins of amazing, almost-new, hardly-used clothing sitting in my basement. So not worth it.
OMG this. Especially if you have a girl. The NB-12m stuff is always plentiful at consignment sales, gently used and high quality stuff. Added bonus it is cheap. If it is a boy consignment sales are useless after about size 3-4T.
Guys, you would be proud, I haven't bought a single piece of clothing.
I have a hot air balloon for decor, a blanket that I bid on in a silent auction and a dresser. That's it. Lol. And some books that people have donated.
I don't want to buy many clothes because DH is 6'3" and was just under 10lbs. I am 5'8" but was only 6lbs6oz. But my mom smoked (it was '78!). I have no idea how big this kid is going to be. I am huge but that doesn't mean much. So I know I will get things at showers for clothes and then I will supplement with second hand. I am not a fashionista.
What is a carrier?
S.O. was a big baby and I was a huge baby.
DS was born at 38 weeks just under 6 lbs.
A carrier -- for babywearing. Bjorn is the best known, but least recommended. Baby dangles by their crotch (very uncomfortable) and it's hard on the parent's back.
I liked the Moby wrap for newborn stage, others like the K'tan. After he outgrew that, I got a Boba -- looks like the Bjorn but has better support for Mom and Baby. The Ergo and Beco are similar good carriers.
Post by redheadbaker on Dec 17, 2013 8:15:11 GMT -5
Also, skip the change table and get a long, waist-high dresser and put a change pad on top. The change pad will have a strap so you can anchor it to the dresser and you can also put non-skid kitchen shelf liner under it so it doesn't slide.
I think a good stroller is worth it but I would examine your needs before investing in one. For example, we run and we knew we would run with the baby, so we got a Bob, and it has been worth it for us. H can take DS for 7 or 8 mile runs in it but we rarely take it in the car - we use our umbrella stroller for that (the bob comes places where we won't be on paved roads - such as the renaissance festival or something). If you are going to constantly be lugging a stroller in and out of a trunk, then maybe something like the City mini or a Britax would be useful. If you are going to be do a lot of walking in cities but again, not too much hauling in and out of a car, then the uppa baby vista (which is pricey but worth it according to those who have it) may be what you need.
So I would think about what you and your H do and how a stroller will fit into your lives before deciding how much money to spend on one. My SIL didn't get a pricey stroller for her first kid because she didnt use a stroller all that much outside of places like the mall or something.
That said, I def recommend Baby Bargains. It just helps to break it down what is worth spending money and on what isn't, and then what pricey things are worth it (for example, I think BB slams pottery barn kids and says that it's too expensive for what you are getting).
I tell new moms that there is going to be something that they DONT have that they wish they did, and there is going to be one or two things they do have that are just useless. But you never know.
We didnt get a changing table (just put a changing pad on top of his dresser) and that has been fine. We didnt spend a lot on a high chair. We do have a video monitor which I think was worth every penny.
DS was 9 lbs 7 oz and he could still fit into some newborn clothes (because he was long and skinny, so stuff that didnt snap still fit him) but he also fit in 0 - 3 months clothes right away too. So I wouldn't skip any clothing age, just keep tags on if you are unsure of baby's size.
Stoller - depends on how much you will use it and do you need something like a jogging stroller that is more maneuverable. My basic graco stoller that went with my carseat was enough for infant use and I'm really glad I spent a bit more for a Mclaren stroller when it was time to upgrade to the lightweight toddler stroller.
Car Seat - For infant, I don't think it matters much. For convertible, cupholders and padding were what mattered most to us, but we didn't spend more than $150/seat.
Crib - personally, I would just get what looks like now. Don't focus on what it converts into because things could change a lot before then and who knows, you might be needed it as a crib again by the time LO gets to the conversion stage and it would make sense to buy them a new bed. Mattress material preference is where I'd focus your research on. And foam is so much easier to change sheets on than coil. It may seem like a small mattress, but the tight fit makes it a pain to deal wit the heavier one.
Change table - don't spend much. We did use ours for every change at home until potty training. People are really split on that though.
High Chair - get what fits with your dining arrangement. We liked having our stand alone chair with a small footprint because it kept our dining chairs free for adults. I hate my friend's that has a really wide base and takes up a lot of space. Sure, her's is probably less likely to tip, but that wasn't a big concern for us.
Vibrating chair - waste of money for us. The vibrate didn't do a thing for him. I think that's all baby preference. Swing - Another case of it has to fit in your house. We liked ours (had a side to side and forward/back motion), but it wouldn't fit in the house we are in now.
Breast pump - You can buy one now, but don't open the box.
Monitor - We went with a basic one. We really didn't use it much other than when we were outside while he was asleep. Next time I might go with an iphone compatible one though.
Rocker/glider - we chose a lay-z-boy so super comfy. The color won't quite go anywhere in the house, but it's not babyish and can be used for a long time. And it's much better for the time you end up sleeping in their room than a basic glider. Try out the motion of several though and pay attention to arms to help support the baby while nursing/feeding.
Stroller - Depends on your lifestyle. Do you walk a lot? Run? Or will you primarily use this at places like Target and the mall? If you are outdoorsy, spend the money on a quality stroller. Get one with air-filled tires. If you are only going to use it primarily in stores and/or travel a lot, get a lightweight one. Or get both, if necessary. Cheap strollers usually suck, and I've had a lot of strollers. For lightweight, I'd go with the Quinny Zapp Xtra or the City Mini. For air-filled, I'd go with BOB (especially if you run) or Valco. I have a double Valco that I adore, and I imagine that the single would be just as wonderful. If you plan on having another kid close in age, get a stroller that can change to a double. I used a Phil and Ted for a while that was awesome in that regard, and I could still run with it. If you bike and run, get a Chariot. The price might make you cry, though. Lol. Strollers are one of those things that you can definitely get second hand, so keep that in mind.
Car seat - Get an infant seat with two bases if you can. But, if you can't, the Chicco Keyfit has a base that is extremely easy to install and uninstall. We only have one and transfer it between our car and MIL's car all the time with no issues. Don't buy a convertible until you have to.
Crib - My MIL insisted on buying us a crib, and the baby doesn't even sleep in it yet. She's almost nine months old. So, I don't think it's necessary to spend money on this right away. It's unrealistic, unless you happen to have a magical baby that automatically goes to the crib. We used a rock and play for the first four months and then switched to the Arm's Reach co-sleeper (which we got second hand). The RNP is pure magic, and I highly recommend spending money on that. The deluxe is not necessary. You can always resell it after you are finished with it. DD2 still hangs out in it when I'm cooking, so we are getting plenty of use out of it. I think that a crib is an expense that you can wait on, personally. If you have an IKEA near, you get a crib and mattress there. Super cheap, and the quality is just as good. They also have cheap linens. We had one with DD1, and it held up really well and changed into a toddler bed, too.
Changing table - Not a necessary expense. Get a nice pad, and you can put that on the bed, on the floor, on a dresser, etc.
Cloth diapers - We got most of ours second hand. It saved us a ton of money. If you want to be economical, prefolds and covers are the cheapest option. I like Green Mountain prefolds the best and Thirsties covers.
High chair - We have a cheap one that clicks on to one of our kitchen chairs. It works well and it is portable. It's the Bright Starts one. It reclines, so we used it early on just as a way to get her at the table. I had a Fisher Price one with DD1, and I thought it sucked. It was hard to clean. The name escapes me right now. In any case, you don't need to spend money on this until your kiddo starts solids, so you can wait a few months.
Swing - We got a Fisher Price My Little SnugaBunny Cradle 'n Swing second hand. It plugs in (this is worth spending money on - batteries suck) and swings back and forth and side to side. I see these on Craigslist all the time. Well worth the money for a nice swing. It saved our lives a few times.
Breast pump - Wait to see if you can nurse, but if you can, this is an area where you should spend the money. A crappy breast pump will make your life miserable. I don't have a brand recommendation, unfortunately, but I've heard enough horror stories about cheap ones.
Monitor - We had a more pricey one with DD1, and I didn't find it to be anything amazing. I can't remember the name because it was five years ago. We have a cheap one with DD2, and it works just fine. I think it's Safety 1st. If you don't live in a big house with multiple floors, I don't think it's worth spending the money on.
Other big ticket items - Carriers! I love the Baby K'Tan for the newborn stage and still use it occasionally. I also have an Ergo, which is wonderful for the older stage. I used it with DD1 until she was almost four (back carry). Great resale value. There are plenty of places to find used carriers. Clothing - BUY THIS SECONDHAND. It's just silly to buy all brand new stuff. Trust me on this.
For the love of Christian Bale, I beg you to buy your clothing second-hand. I look at the money I wasted on buying new clothing for my Preshus Babies and I weep. Now I have huge bins of amazing, almost-new, hardly-used clothing sitting in my basement. So not worth it.
I'm going to get all creepy lurker up in here - you're in the Philly burbs, right? If you have any baby boy clothes that you want to get rid of in bulk, I'll buy them from you. I had bins upon bins of clothes for my daughter; no one is as worked up about buying clothes for my son this time around. He's in 3 - 6m and I feel like we're rotating between a handful of outfits.
I second the baby bargains book, it helped me it through the nonsense.
Guys, you would be proud, I haven't bought a single piece of clothing.
I have a hot air balloon for decor, a blanket that I bid on in a silent auction and a dresser. That's it. Lol. And some books that people have donated.
I don't want to buy many clothes because DH is 6'3" and was just under 10lbs. I am 5'8" but was only 6lbs6oz. But my mom smoked (it was '78!). I have no idea how big this kid is going to be. I am huge but that doesn't mean much. So I know I will get things at showers for clothes and then I will supplement with second hand. I am not a fashionista.
What is a carrier?
We are almost identical in this regard. DD1 was 7lb 13oz and 18.75 inches long. DD2.... was 9lb 5oz and 21.5 inches long. So, it's really hit or miss. LOL. =
The Maclaren umbrella strollers are the bomb. My DS is tall and is 5 and can still ride in it when needed. Plus, you can steer with one hand. I initially bought a cheapo umbrella stroller and quickly ditched it. That said, I bought a huge travel system stroller and it was a waste of money because it took up so much space. This time around, I will be doing a snap n go for the infant seat and then just the umbrella stroller and jogger.
Post by earlgreyhot on Dec 17, 2013 8:51:51 GMT -5
Ditto @mrsbecky07 on the stroller. Really think about how you'll likely be using it before getting seduced. It's unlikely you'll be able to find "THE ONE" though I know some people who bought the Bugaboo Bee and it's served all their needs. We didn't have a car when DS was born and lived in elevator buildings which made the UB Vista totally worth it for us. But if we had to fold that beast or carry it up stairs with any regularity it would have sucked. We have retired that stroller for the most part now and use our Maclaren Volo since it's light and compact. Some people use a snap and go during the first couple months before making a decision. I, however, am not that patient!
As for clothes, yeah, we did buy new new since I didn't know of any good consignment stores. BUT I rarely paid full price and really never bought that many and just did lots of laundry. If you find a good deal on Kicky Pants, I totally recommend it! I love, love that brand. So soft.
I wish we'd sprung for the Stokke high chair...everyone I know who has one loves it and is still using it years later. You'll probably find the add-on pieces second-hand, those can add up.
Realize that it does go by really fast! I have this fancy Mamaroo seat that I HAD to have, but DS really used it for two months and even then he didn't even like it. Start with the cheap stuff and borrow what you can.
Oh! Procure a variety of swaddlers...DS's preferences changed throughout. We ended up using them all, but at different points. For us, the Kiddapotmas and Woombie worked best in the very beginning, then moved to the miracle blanket at around 3-4 months, then A+A blankets (also worth the $$, IMHO), then onto the Halo sleepslack with the arm swaddlers. Again, don't need that many, just plan on doing lots of laundry!
Crib - personally, I would just get what looks like now. Don't focus on what it converts into because things could change a lot before then and who knows, you might be needed it as a crib again by the time LO gets to the conversion stage and it would make sense to buy them a new bed. Mattress material preference is where I'd focus your research on. And foam is so much easier to change sheets on than coil. It may seem like a small mattress, but the tight fit makes it a pain to deal wit the heavier one.
Also, DS just kept falling out of the converted crib...we moved him almost immediately to a proper bed.
Oh! Procure a variety of swaddlers...DS's preferences changed throughout. We ended up using them all, but at different points. For us, the Kiddapotmas and Woombie worked best in the very beginning, then moved to the miracle blanket at around 3-4 months, then A+A blankets (also worth the $$, IMHO), then onto the Halo sleepslack with the arm swaddlers. Again, don't need that many, just plan on doing lots of laundry!
I am going to second the Aiden&Anais blankets. They are totally worth it, as are the burpy bibs. We are still using both. I will also second the Halo sleep sack with arm swaddlers.
Post by Velar Fricative on Dec 17, 2013 8:55:29 GMT -5
It's all about lifestyle, and Baby Bargains was a lifesaver for us too. We had to be really picky because we are in a 1BR apartment (we converted our dining room into the nursery). We needed things that were multifunctional, lightweight (we are on the second floor of a walk-up building), and/or foldable for storage. I spent a lot of time on Amazon reading reviews and seeing what was out there. We splurged on things like the stroller (Uppababy Cruz), breast pump (Medela Freestyle), and video monitor (Motorola - hey, when we move her to the crib we are too lazy to get out of bed if all she's doing is fussing in bed lol). All her furniture is from IKEA - her nursery is practically an IKEA showroom.
Oh, and do yourself a favor and a few weeks before your due date, get some NB size outfits. We had almost none because our baby was going to be huge - I'm 5'11" and was 9.5 pounds at birth, and DH is built like a linebacker and was 9 pounds at birth. Well, DD was born at 7.5 pounds even while almost two weeks late (she is tall though!). We had to go to Babies R Us to buy clothes when DD was three days old. At least have a few NB outits ready and keep receipts and tags on, or buy NB stuff really cheap at consignment shops. After that experience, everyone we know with kids said their babies needed NB clothes, including the babies born bigger than DD.
Oh! Procure a variety of swaddlers...DS's preferences changed throughout. We ended up using them all, but at different points. For us, the Kiddapotmas and Woombie worked best in the very beginning, then moved to the miracle blanket at around 3-4 months, then A+A blankets (also worth the $$, IMHO), then onto the Halo sleepslack with the arm swaddlers. Again, don't need that many, just plan on doing lots of laundry!
I am going to second the Aiden&Anais blankets. They are totally worth it, as are the burpy bibs. We are still using both. I will also second the Halo sleep sack with arm swaddlers.
A+A blankets are multi-use, too. I used one as a nursing cover until DS started yanking it off.
Stroller? Spend Car Seat (since we will have to change it all the time)? Medium, make sure it has quick latch. Our diono is pita compared to our evenflo. Crib? Save. Spend on mattress though Change Table? Save, you can change on the floor Cloth Diapers? Up to you, we don't use High Chair? Save, look at the fp Vibrating Swing thingy? Def get one but you can get a cheap one. Look on craigslist even. Breast Pump (I will have to pump after 4 months because I go back to work at 4.5 months and DH is off for the rest of the year)...of course, should I wait to see if I can even effing breast feed before I buy one?) spend Monitor? (We live in a small bungalow...but we do spend time in the basement...or at least DH will, watching rugby, lol) spend I love our video monitor
I am going to second the Aiden&Anais blankets. They are totally worth it, as are the burpy bibs. We are still using both. I will also second the Halo sleep sack with arm swaddlers.
A+A blankets are multi-use, too. I used one as a nursing cover until DS started yanking it off.
Yep, same here. They are DD2's favorite blanket to snuggle with, too, and great for tucking in around her in the car seat.
Oh! Procure a variety of swaddlers...DS's preferences changed throughout. We ended up using them all, but at different points. For us, the Kiddapotmas and Woombie worked best in the very beginning, then moved to the miracle blanket at around 3-4 months, then A+A blankets (also worth the $$, IMHO), then onto the Halo sleepslack with the arm swaddlers. Again, don't need that many, just plan on doing lots of laundry!
I am going to second the Aiden&Anais blankets. They are totally worth it, as are the burpy bibs. We are still using both. I will also second the Halo sleep sack with arm swaddlers.
YES! DS was a crazy drooler and the bib were amazing.
rugbywife check your local kijiji - and check FB for local mommy buy-swap-sell groups. I wish I had bought more used stuff!!
The only new things I would buy and splurge on are a carseat and stroller. We had the maxi cosi and Quinny and love them.
Will you have any baby showers? Register for them, people like to buy stuff in groups.i also registered for a second car seat and the convertible one for later on and got both.
Stroller - get a jogging stroller that can hold your infant carseat carrier (if you get one). The Chico Cortina I have is a bitch to naviate well. This can be used and you can get a good one for $50 on the craigslist or local consignment place.
As a matter of fact, I recommend getting on some consignment stores wait lists for certain big items.
Crib - prob best to get this new, but no need to get something fancy. I paid less than $200 for mine new at BRU and it was great.
Changing table - whatever works. You can get these new for $100 and probably used for $50+. Don't get anything obviously old unless you really want to vet it for safety issues.
Highchair- - don't get this now if $$ is an issue. YOu have time.
Swing - bouncers are like $25 new and travel swings are like $75 new. I recommend that combo over a normal swing cause they take up a ton of space and even if the kid loves the swing you'll probably only replace the batteries once before they grow out of it. New or Used is fine here too.
Pumps - lots of people will say the Medela but I got the less expensive Ameda Purely Yours (same model as Lashinoh breast pump). I've found the advantage of this model is that virtually any part can be replaced individually but the Medela has more that is "all in one" so if something goes you have more $$ to spend on replacements.
Car Seat - must be new. Use baby bargains to find whats best recommneded. Honestly, lots of people on GBCN rec really expensive versions unnessesarily. I've used Evenflo and Graco versions w/o issue.
Clothes - DD was 9lb+ and fit into NB clothes and diapers for a few weeks. Babies go through several outfits a day. I get not wanting to get into clothes but seriously - get 2 5 packs of oneies in your house at the very least. Do 3-6m or 6-9m if you are too scared of NB size. They are not expensive - like $10 each. Better to have too many clothes you don't use much than not enough and having to run out when you could have avoided it.
Post by StrawberryBlondie on Dec 17, 2013 9:21:54 GMT -5
We didn't buy this, but if we hadn't gotten a stroller from sil, we would've spent money on a stroller. DH is really tall and both of his siblings (also giants) mentioned how hard it was to find a stroller that was comfortable and didn't feel like they were hunched over pushing it.