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Post by clementine on Nov 9, 2017 16:33:14 GMT -6
We’re working on our registry, and there are so. many. things. available. I was hoping we could talk registries, favorite baby gear, unnecessary items, favorite brands, what worked/didn’t, things people forget to register for, etc. As a FTM, I’m looking for any and all recs you care to share!
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Post by clementine on Nov 9, 2017 16:39:46 GMT -6
I’ll start bc I have one million questions. How many of these things do I actually need?
Sleep sacks/ swaddles Crib sheets/mattress covers Pnp sheets Changing pad covers Receiving blankets/swaddle blankets
Also, brand/fabric type preferences for any of these?
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Post by katietopaz on Nov 9, 2017 17:01:14 GMT -6
Ooh, I weirdly have fun with this kind of thing. As a general note, I LOVED Lucie's List - she breaks things down by category and price range, and I haven't regretted going with her recommendations. - Sleep sacks/ swaddles - YES. The velcro swaddlers didn't work well for us but I think we're the exception - most people I know loved them. Once DS was a few months old, we did sleep sacks (I loved the Zipadee Zip from Shark Tank) - Crib sheets/mattress covers - Get the waterproof mattress cover, and a spare if you can swing it. We've been fine with two crib sheets. Go with whatever brand/print you want. - Pnp sheets - Yep, and if you're planning to use the PNP a lot (like we used ours for six months in our room) then I would do at least two PNP sheets. Some people get a PNP-specific firm mattress pad, but we didn't. - Changing pad covers - We just had the one changing pad cover, and got a 3-pack of cheap changing pad liners to lay down if there was a blowout. I loved THIS wipeable changing pad cover - totally worth it to just be able to wipe up a poop splash and not have to throw the whole thing in the washer every time. - Receiving blankets/swaddle blankets - I swore by the Aden and Anais muslin swaddles. Used for swaddling, to throw over the carseat in summer, etc. DS still sleeps with the blankets in his bed. A note about blankets: this is THE FIRST THING people go for to buy off of your registry. That, and cute burp cloths. I registered for 2-3 sets and ended up with all of them, and then some. I still have some in packages that we never used. Other things I swear by: - if you're planning to BF, I highly recommend the My Brest Friend nursing pillow over the Boppy. It gives you much more support, especially behind your back, and gives you more space to work with for baby. I think it's especially helpful for plus-size and/or busty moms - I couldn't even fully get the Boppy around my waist the way it was supposed to lay. - The Marpac Dohm white noise machine. 100% worth the cost, has lasted longer than other machines, and DS still sleeps with it on. - Fisher Price brand anything - swings, RNP, exersaucers, etc. I don't regret any of my FP-brand purchases. The quality is amazing and when I tried branching out to other brands, I swear DS didn't like them. I'm sure there's some confirmation bias there, but I will happily pull out all of my FP goodies to use with this next baby. Sorry for the novel. Apparently I get excited about baby gear?
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tinyjoys
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Post by tinyjoys on Nov 9, 2017 17:03:20 GMT -6
Okay, so this is all just my personal preference:
Sleep sacks/swaddles: I never bothered with sleep sacks & only had two swaddles sack things, by Summers something or other. I didn't care for them and didn't even bother pulling them out for #2.
Crib sheets/mattress covers: I have 4-5 sheets and 3 mattress covers. I layer, though. Sheet, mattress cover, sheet, mattress cover, sheet, mattress, sheet. Then, in the even that I need to strip middle of the night, it's just taking off two layers instead of completely remaking the bed. I like jersey cotton & loved Circo brand from Target, but I don't think they have it anymore? I really need to wander the baby aisles more.
PNP sheets: we were given one by a family member, but I mostly just used receiving blankets.
Changing pad covers: we have two, by Aden & Anais. Plain white and super easy to wash. They're muslin and get softer the more you wash.
Receiving blankets/Swaddle: ALL THE RECEIVING BLANKETS! I've learned there are two types of people: those that LOVE them and those that HATE them. I fall into the LOVE LOVE LOVE category. I use them for everything and keep at least 2-3 in the diaper bag at all times, sometimes more, but always at least 2. I like the flannel ones. For receiving blankest, we have a lot of muslin Aden & Anais and we're obsessed. They're 47x47 inches. I have a few bamboo ones that I got from a local boutique that we really like, too, but I don't remember the brand. And I'm eyeing Tula blankets right now, but haven't decided on a print yet.
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cornpop
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Post by cornpop on Nov 9, 2017 17:59:05 GMT -6
I created registries at Amazon and Target just for the completion coupon. You get 15% each place. At Target you can get a welcome package just by going in the store and you get 2 completion coupons, one for online and one for instore. At Amazon you get a welcome package as soon as $10 (I think) is shipped off your registry.
Sleep sacks (not the swaddling kind): I wouldn't get any until you have to stop using swaddles (when the baby can roll). But fwiw we're still using sleep sacks with my 2yo. I love sleep sacks.
swaddles:. Depends how often you want to do laundry. I frequently ended up having to change swaddles MOTN and hate doing laundry so I think I had 4-5 of each size. We used them as long as we could. I prefer the summer infant ones over the Halo brands.
Crib sheets/mattress covers: we only have one mattress cover. I did have water proof pads that I used in the beginning. We have 3-4 crib sheets.
Pnp sheets:. We don't have any...
Changing pad covers:. I think I had 3.
Receiving blankets/swaddle blankets:. So if you're like me you'll get a TON at your shower. I got so many more than I registered for so I wouldn't register for many. I never even really used them either but I had a July baby so maybe this time I will.
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Rama
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Post by Rama on Nov 9, 2017 18:01:13 GMT -6
Also following because I'm just wandering around the baby sections in stores completely lost.
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cornpop
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Post by cornpop on Nov 9, 2017 18:05:13 GMT -6
As far as other baby gear recs...
I wouldn't waste $$$ on the Mamaroo. My daughter hated it and everyone I've talked to had a similar experience. I'd get a cheaper swing.
My favorite baby product by far was my Boba wrap. It was the most reliable way to get my daughter to nap while we were out and even at home I'd wear her all the time when I needed to get things done. I loved having her so close and it was easy to use.
For PJs, my personal preference is snaps when they're young and you're changing them a lot in the MOTN. I just found it easier than dealing with zippers.
Do not get those baby gowns. They bunch up and are just awful. So cute but not practical.
Go with the Fisher Price sit me up seat over the Bumbo. A lot of kids having trouble fitting in the Bumbo long.
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cornpop
Amethyst
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Post by cornpop on Nov 9, 2017 18:07:16 GMT -6
Oh pacifiers and bottles...don't get a bunch of either! My daughter would only take one specific type of pacifier (which wasn't one we registered for but one we got as part of the target welcome bag). And we went through FOUR different brands of bottles before finding one she liked! Mam for both the pacifier and bottle btw.
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cornpop
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Post by cornpop on Nov 9, 2017 18:15:52 GMT -6
Sorry to be a PW...
In terms of bibs, I love the bandana bibs from Copper Pearl. You can get them on Amazon. They're so cute and absorb more than any other bib I've found.
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Post by ArielMermaid on Nov 9, 2017 18:40:22 GMT -6
A sit me up. My DD was born wanting to be an adult. Her being about to "sit on her own" made a world of difference. (She was the crankiest thing.) Also worked really well to get her to poop for some reason. We called it the Shit Me Up, because she would always poop in it. Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat, Multicolor www.amazon.com/dp/B00F2MQ5SC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_iupbAbCYB2PJR
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Post by ArielMermaid on Nov 9, 2017 18:43:49 GMT -6
I wouldn't even register for receiving blankets. If you have a baby shower you'll get 100 million. I also stole like 7 from the hospital.
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Post by babybean on Nov 9, 2017 18:51:50 GMT -6
What works for some babies doesn’t work for others so it’s hard to say. I’m pretty minimalistic and early days are kind of a blur, but for me my woven wrap and Aden and Anais swaddles were favourites. Also the nose frida for when baby gets sniffles.
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Post by babybean on Nov 9, 2017 19:07:25 GMT -6
I realize my post wasn’t all that helpful lol. I’d probably go with the following as starting points.
I had 8 A&A swaddles and want a few more for this time because I used them for spit up/naked time and not just swaddling so I went through them more.
12 receiving blankets 4 fitted crib sheets 2 mattress protectors 3 changing pad covers? (I cloth diaper and just used prefolds so idk) I recommend a backpack style diaper bag 10 bibs If nursing bamboobies pads are nice
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Post by ovenrack on Nov 9, 2017 20:03:21 GMT -6
Swaddles - We didn't end up swaddling long. My kids just weren't into it and luckily it meant the rough transition to no-swaddle happened early and I didn't have to sadly wean them from it. Sleep sacks - yes! Only recently stopped using them with M (almost 2yo) and H used them until he was about 3yo. We used lots of halo ones - cotton or fleece. I had one Aden and Anais one which was lovely, but not worth the extra cost, to me. I'd have 2+ of each size you want. Puke happens.
Crib sheets - 3
waterproof mattress covers - 1 or 2 (I think they're often sold in packs of two?)
Pnp sheets - 3?
Changing pad covers - 2-3, and then something to lay down that's easier to wash. A folded receiving blanket, cloth diaper prefolds, etc. or whatever they make that's made for that.
Receiving blankets/swaddle blankets - I stole blankets from the hospital, then also had a few at home. I liked 'em. Not many swaddles used.
MY OPINIONS: -don't register for a million of a specific type of bottle or pacifier. If you do, your baby will probably reject it. Feel free to register for an assortment and keep them unopened so you can return them if you find one that works. -nose frieda -diaper bag - I prefer a regular large tote and packing cubes to organize stuff within. -put baby acetaminophen on your registry. also probiotics, vitamin d drops (if you're planning to breastfeed), and maybe gripe water or little remedies for tummies. and a rectal thermometer. -don't register for baby clothes, unless you have a particular hatred for "mommy's little helper" shirts in which case register for a ton of tasteful ones so maybe people will get the hint. Wait, no. But don't register for baby clothes and then when your shower is over, just make sure you have enough of each thing in newborn or 0-3m size.
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Post by ovenrack on Nov 9, 2017 20:03:33 GMT -6
I love baby things.
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auri
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Post by auri on Nov 9, 2017 20:06:48 GMT -6
I second not getting a bunch of pacifiers. DD only liked one...the advent pacifiers that they gave me in the hospital. I was pretty lucky and she didn't mind the bottles that I got a bunch of.
We have 2 mattress protectors 4 crib sheets 2 changing pad covers I didn't get sheets for the pnp
One of the best things I was given was a bunch of prefold cloth diapers from DH's grandma. DD had really bad reflux as a baby, and I would use them to burp her. The small burp cloths didn't work at all for us when she would spit up.
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Post by clementine on Nov 9, 2017 20:22:10 GMT -6
You guys are amazing. Thanks for all your baby gear wisdom! My registry note in my phone just got 10 times longer.
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Post by ArielMermaid on Nov 9, 2017 20:32:07 GMT -6
Oh! And a backpack diaper bag! I had one of those crossbody tote ones for like the first year and it was a nightmare to wrangle with the bucket seat. Kept sliding a flopping all over. Almost always nailed my kid with it when it came swinging around my body as I picked the damn bucket seat up. Back pack diaper bags 4 lyfe.
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auri
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Post by auri on Nov 9, 2017 20:41:51 GMT -6
I think this time around I think I'm going to need to baby wear but I'm not sure I'm coordinated enough for the wraps. Anyone have any good recommendations for a baby carrier? I think my mil got me the ergo last time and I didn't like it.
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cp3
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Post by cp3 on Nov 9, 2017 20:44:19 GMT -6
Another +1 on a backpack diaper bag. Mh got one for himself and we ended up using that one the majority of the time instead of my bulky one that I had to carry. It makes it so much easier when you are out and about.
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cp3
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Post by cp3 on Nov 9, 2017 20:46:58 GMT -6
I think this time around I think I'm going to need to baby wear but I'm not sure I'm coordinated enough for the wraps. Anyone have any good recommendations for a baby carrier? I think my mil got me the ergo last time and I didn't like it. I have a tula and really like it. But I got it when DD was 5 or 6 months old so I didn't need the insert. I'm also looking into wraps this time for when she's first born as I'm sure I'll be wearing a lot while chasing the toddler around. There are just so many wraps I don't know where to start.
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snowmoon
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Post by snowmoon on Nov 9, 2017 20:47:24 GMT -6
I think this time around I think I'm going to need to baby wear but I'm not sure I'm coordinated enough for the wraps. Anyone have any good recommendations for a baby carrier? I think my mil got me the ergo last time and I didn't like it. I loved having a ring sling with a newborn but there is a bit of a learning curve. I know a lot of people love the baby k'tan for little babes.
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Post by ovenrack on Nov 9, 2017 20:49:32 GMT -6
I love my lillebaby for when they're older, but I am trying to find a k'tan for newborn times. I borrowed a moby with M, but my husband never wrapped her, so I want to find a k'tan (which is sized) because it'll just be me using it.
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Post by ovenrack on Nov 9, 2017 20:52:49 GMT -6
Also some people say gerber prefolds are useful as burp cloths but I disagree. I mean, they're fine. But they're cruddy diapers and I hate that they're even called "prefolds." And as burp cloths, they take a super long time to break in (like any layered cotton product) and blah.
If anyone is considering cloth diapering (or further babywearing talk!) the Cloth Diaper board is pretty active and we're nice. Okay, I'm nice. I'm the nicest.
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auri
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Post by auri on Nov 9, 2017 20:54:45 GMT -6
cp3 Chasing my 4 year old is the exact reason I was thinking I'll need to baby wear. I can't see having to try to run her down while carrying the bucket.
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Leaf 🌱
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Post by Leaf 🌱 on Nov 9, 2017 20:58:24 GMT -6
Plus a bajillion to the back pack diaper bag. I BF DD, but if your carrying around bottles (like my mom or DH) you’ll want a bag you can wipe out or wash completely in case of spills Mamaroo sucks. Rock n plays are life. Have two floors? Get two. I liked the gowns in general, loved snaps for daytime and zippers for night time. (DH does most of the MOTN diaper changers and his fat fingers struggled with snaps.) DD also only like the advent/wubbanub style pacis Nose frida is amazing, get extra filters Amazon elements sensitive wipes are light years better than all other wipes. Wipe warmers are dumb. Learn to babywear early. Get to a BWI meeting and have them show you the ropes. I want a solly baby wrap so, so badly and have two girasols that love. I liked an ergo when she was small and then went to Tulas around 8/9mo. auri you might like a k’tan - it’s a good starter and really really easy to use. There’s a new Tula that’s supposedly good for NBs (no insert needed) too! A&A bamboo swaddles > all other swaddles.
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Post by alwayscheese on Nov 9, 2017 21:04:27 GMT -6
auri I bought a k'tan at once upon a child on a whim. I might return it and make my own, but I think I'll like it for a newborn. It, and similar kinds, seem to have the best of both wraps and adjustable carriers.
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polson
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Post by polson on Nov 10, 2017 5:17:50 GMT -6
i feel like everything has been covered, but this is what we had anyways ! for dd1:
-we swaddled with a+a blankets for about 3 months. i had the velcro ones (i can't remember the brand), but they never worked for us. we had loads of those - i probably registered for two 3 packs, but ended up get lots. they were a big shower thing for me. they had so many uses though, not just swaddling.
- after we couldn't swaddle, i ended up using the merlin suit. it was ordered motn out of desperation, they aren't for everyone but worked for us. i had 2 of those.
- after she could could roll we did sleep sacks. halo brand, 2 of them for each size. we are still using them and she is 21 months.
-crib sheets/changing pad covers/pnp sheets: 3 of each
-i have the ergo 360 carrier. i was too overwhelmed by the non-structured wraps, but am thinking of ordering a solly or something this time around. +1 to whomever said to get them in the carrier early. i didn't do this and she hated the carrier until she could face forward. i have a feeling that the carrier is going to be my sanity this time around!
-i had no rnp, but i might get one this time around. dd napped in the pnp newborn bassinet and then a fp swing until she was regularly napping in her crib (~5-6 months i think?)
- i ended up with several different pacifiers, but she has always used the mam brand.
- we had dr browns bottles for anytime she got one and we never had problems and i never had to troubleshoot. eta: bibs and burp rags - my mom sews and made awesome terry cloth ones. the store bought ones that i really liked were the a+a combo ones that were burp rags that snapped into bibs. my mom even started making them this way for gifts and other people. we had several.
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cornpop
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Post by cornpop on Nov 10, 2017 7:24:18 GMT -6
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Post by sweetc129 on Nov 10, 2017 7:59:31 GMT -6
You get a completion coupon so put anything and everything you think you'll want/buy. I created one for BRU and Amazon but am not giving it to anybody just so I can get a coupon. Both mine were spitters and I went through burp clothes and cloth bibs like crazy. Diaper pail, we switched to diaper genie at 12m and it was a game changer. I second Leaf 🌱, Amazon sensitive wipes are hands down the best. On the note of Amazon once the baby comes sign up for Prime Subscribe and Save. I do diaper delivery with free shipping and save a ton. I get Luvs Size 5 for my toddler and through Walmart I can get a 124 count box for $24.94 but my Amazon S&S I get a 140 count box for $21.16. A savings of $0.07 a diaper and over a year that ends up being about the cost of the Prime membership on just one box of diapers a month. If you need them sooner you can log in and click a button if you have too many you can pause a delivery or easily change to a new size.
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