Registry Questions

[snowyowl]

I had some questions, but feel free to add yours!

Does anyone know if Amazon does a completion discount for a second baby? I registered with them for my first because it seemed to have the best deal for completing your registry (plus easy to add from other sites, lots of variety, etc.).
Since this time I'm not expecting people to buy stuff for us, I'm looking for the best completion discount. It would come in particularly handy for really expensive purchases like a double stroller. I'm just having trouble interpreting the fine print to figure out if Amazon is going to give me the same discount 20 months later.

[ajetter]

I *think* if you start a new registry with a new due date you get a new code from Amazon.

[smash]

This is an excellent question and I do not know the answer. But I hope they will because I was looking forward to that too.

[dragonflyinn]

snowyowl I couldn't figure out how to start a new registry on Amazon but I changed the date on my old one to this due date & everything I've added has shown the completion discount will apply!

[Deleted]

I created a new registry on Amazon for #2 (deleted my first one) but I felt like their completion discount got even more exclusionary and impossible to use maybe it has improved since.

[pinkcat]

For those who already have kids, is there anything your really regret registering for when you were a FTM? Anything you didn't register for, but wish you would have?

Where all did you register? Anything specific you liked or disliked about where you registered?

[sarahh]

pinkcat, we registered at Babies r us and Amazon. I really liked babies r us because you can look at everything in the store instead of having to search for what you need on Amazon. Also BRU gives you a completion coupon and you get a gift card for a % of what people buy for you.

Definitely don't need - wipe warmer, bottle warmer, I'm sure there are more but those for sure

[amesie]

pinkcat I wished we registered for the sit me up. That was new when I was pregnant with my DD. It seems way better than any bumbo.
I wish we got the arms reach cosleeper much much sooner than we did too. That thing was amazing for MOTN, I could just reach over and scoop her up to bring her to bed with me to feed her. Everything else required me to sit up and pick her up with 2 hands and then lay back down. It sounds silly, but when you're sleep deprived and doing it multiple times a night, you want to cut corners wherever possible.

I also disagree with sarahh and say that we loved the bottle warmer. I never used it since I breast fed but MH and MIL loved the ease of it with heating up bottles. It takes longer than microwaving it, but heats it more evenly and u don't have to worry about the hot pockets of milk.

[marygracerich]

pinkcat We registered at BRU. I am happy I registered for a convertible car seat even thought my travel system came with the infant seat. I was happy to have it when G grew out of the bucket because it seemed to happen overnight. I second what Amesie said and love the sit me up and hated the bumbo. G had chunky thighs so the bumbo was no good. I am happy I registered for bottles even though I bought I was going to nurse.

[sarahh]

amesie, we are definitely getting a sit me up this time too.

We always just used warm water under the faucet to warm the milk in bottles. It was faster than the warmer and I feel like if you don't pull it out of the warmer at the exact right time it got too hot.

[aprilz81]

I've started (continued?) a registry on Amazon and will be registering a BBB in the next few weeks. I'm taking my sister (mom of 3) with me for her guidance. DH doesn't have a clue and doesn't care and it isn't fun to do it alone. I'll probably do that in a few weeks.

I'm adding some toddler things to the registry to give more options. I have a fair amount of hand me down gear (boppy (times 3), rock n play, play mat, bouncer seat and some other things) so I want to give plenty of options so that I hopefully don't get a tone of frilly pink dresses that won't be worn before she grows out of them. I also have a ton of hand me down clothes and while I will need more I want to pick them out because I'm a little picky. I don't everything pink and "princess".

[hiimjamie]

pinkcat we actually used our bottle warmer often! I breastfed and pumped and when Wife was home with DS after picking him up from DC she'd use it. It was quick and easy.

We registered w Target w DS and are registering w Amazon w BB2. We only have like 7 things on there. 😂 I don't think anyone will be buying us gifts. No one has asked about a registry. My parents said they'd buy us a crib bc that's what they did for DS. I think we're going to get the same one bc eventually they'll share a room and them not matching would bother me.

[jessijean]

Our bottle warmer was crap so we heated up water in a measuring cup in the microwave and then would swirl the bottle in the warm water. Somewhat similar to sarahh. DS fit in the bumbo for such a short time so I'd skip that as others have mentioned. I'll try to add more things as I think of them.

We registered at Walmart (mostly due to family location) and Amazon.

[cake]

This is probably a good place to ask: Can anyone recommend a pack and play for me? The only thing I want is for it to pack up as small as possible. My aunt gets one for all her nieces and nephews and told me to just pick one and she will buy it. But I have no idea! I'd rather she just go out and buy one and I'm sure it would be fine lol.

[Deleted]

Sept 18, 2017 10:59:04 GMT -6 cake said:

This is probably a good place to ask: Can anyone recommend a pack and play for me? The only thing I want is for it to pack up as small as possible. My aunt gets one for all her nieces and nephews and told me to just pick one and she will buy it. But I have no idea! I'd rather she just go out and buy one and I'm sure it would be fine lol.

This one is compact and light for travel, we have one and like it! It has the bassinet too if you plan on using it for sleep in the beginning.

Graco Pack N' Play Playard Jetsetter, Fern www.amazon.com/dp/B00PX8PM8E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_RsaWzbBCG1ZQ5

[amesie]

Oh I thought of another one. I wish I registered or bought myself a hand held pump. I figured the electric pump was going to be enough, which it was. But there were a handful of instances that I wish I had a handheld to throw in my baby bag or purse for nights out for a quick little go at it and not have to set up the entire big pump.

[watermelonseed]

pinkcat I loved the peanut changer! No need to worry about changing sheets, washing etc. Babies pee all over a lot so this was great

I hated my baby Bjorn carrier and returned it

[snowyowl]

There isn't much I would skip because it was a bad product, just perfectly good items my baby happened to dislike. The Mamaroo, for instance, was a total fail for us. Lots of babies like it, but DS had no interest. I'm hoping baby #2 is a fan!

One thing I would not do again is a changing table. A dresser with a changing mat on top is just as good but more solid. We've had to repair our changing table a couple times (chubby baby), and he pulls stuff out of the shelves all the time. Drawers would be better.

If you have a baby who spits up a lot, as I did, there is no such thing as too many swaddle blankets. Swaddling, general clean up, and an extra layer to protect surfaces. I used them constantly!

[snowyowl]

I am not expecting anyone to use this registry, so I just stick anything it might be nice to have on there. I just looked and I have 5 different items for baby sleeping. Apparently I have some feels about sleep deprivation from the first time around.

Since I obviously can't/won't buy 5 different places for the baby to sleep, anyone have any feedback on any of these?
Arms Reach Co-sleeper (I see there is at least one endorsement above!)
Halo bassinet
Dock-a-tot
Rock-and-play (auto)
Swaddle me by your side sleeper
Leaving the SNOO off the list, since that is just the website I visit to sadly wish I could afford the magic baby sleep bed that costs over a thousand dollars 😭

[amesie]

Another registry MUST HAVE for me has been the video monitor. At first, I thought it was a splurge item. But it has been so worth it and then some. To be able to see why she was crying (if she was stuck, puked, or just pissed) and whether or not we needed to intervene. And even still now that she's in a big girl bed, we can see what she's doing in her room and making sure she's staying in bed. Make sure to get one that can have multiple cameras so you can use it with multiple kids! We have the vtech vm321 and loooooove it

[bassa]

I have to throw out some love for the wipes warmer. I know that everyone everywhere scoffs at it, since it's clearly not "necessary". I mean, don't go running out to buy it or anything.

BUT, if it's given to you, use it! I was given one and I found it much easier to pull wipes out of than those little wipes bags, especially when the bags get low. You need to be able to get them out with one hand, and wipes warmer stays put so you can do it one-handed. Plus, you can buy the larger packs of wipes to stock it up, which is slightly cheaper than the smaller packets.

[Deleted]

Sept 18, 2017 19:27:10 GMT -6 snowyowl said:

I am not expecting anyone to use this registry, so I just stick anything it might be nice to have on there. I just looked and I have 5 different items for baby sleeping. Apparently I have some feels about sleep deprivation from the first time around.

Since I obviously can't/won't buy 5 different places for the baby to sleep, anyone have any feedback on any of these?
Arms Reach Co-sleeper (I see there is at least one endorsement above!)
Halo bassinet
Dock-a-tot
Rock-and-play (auto)
Swaddle me by your side sleeper
Leaving the SNOO off the list, since that is just the website I visit to sadly wish I could afford the magic baby sleep bed that costs over a thousand dollars 😭

I plan on borrowing a Dock A Tot from a friend for this baby! An auto rock RNP is nice but we got more longevity out of the swing. We also co-slept with DD1 without any gear or anything. With DD2 we transitioned from PNP bassinet to swing to crib.

[easternshoregirl]

Not sure what is up but keep an eye on the news about BRU. Looks like Toys R Us is going to file for bankruptcy, not sure what the implications of that might be!

[helloerrbody]

We don't use wipe warmers, but I do love the Oxo wipe dispenser for making it much easier to grab wipes.

No to a bottle warmer but DS drank all his bottles cold. He has never been picky at all about how he gets his milk.

We use a Wifi video monitor instead of a baby monitor and I highly recommend. Anyone with a smart phone can connect and see the camera from anywhere - at home, at work, on a date night, wherever. It gives alerts when there is movement or sound so you can use your phone normally. We also use an old iPhone as an extra "screen." The quality of the video is 1,000 times better than any baby monitor I've seen. And we can use it as a security camera for the house in the future. We use the Yi Home and it was $99 on Amazon.

Must-haves for us:
RNP (wish mine was auto rock)
Bouncer
Swaddle Me swaddles
Umbrella stroller
Stroller to hold infant car seat
Dohm sound machine
My Brest Friend nursing pillow
Activity mat with piano

[helloerrbody]

Sept 18, 2017 19:27:10 GMT -6 snowyowl said:

I am not expecting anyone to use this registry, so I just stick anything it might be nice to have on there. I just looked and I have 5 different items for baby sleeping. Apparently I have some feels about sleep deprivation from the first time around.

Since I obviously can't/won't buy 5 different places for the baby to sleep, anyone have any feedback on any of these?
Arms Reach Co-sleeper (I see there is at least one endorsement above!)
Halo bassinet
Dock-a-tot
Rock-and-play (auto)
Swaddle me by your side sleeper
Leaving the SNOO off the list, since that is just the website I visit to sadly wish I could afford the magic baby sleep bed that costs over a thousand dollars 😭

We never got to use the Halo with DS bc his reflux was so bad he wouldn't sleep flat and then we ended up co-sleeping. For us, the RNP was a lifesaver bc it kept him at an angle. So I highly recommend having one on hand. I love the Halo in theory, so I'm realllly hoping we get to use it with this baby. I don't have the others so can't speak to them.

[dragonflyinn]

Sept 18, 2017 12:09:05 GMT -6 amesie said:

Oh I thought of another one. I wish I registered or bought myself a hand held pump. I figured the electric pump was going to be enough, which it was. But there were a handful of instances that I wish I had a handheld to throw in my baby bag or purse for nights out for a quick little go at it and not have to set up the entire big pump.

I only had a hand held pimp last time & loved it! So quick & easy, especially @ beginning when I was engorged so bad DD couldn'tatch so I'd pump for a few seconds & it saved my life.

[snowyowl]

Sept 18, 2017 20:55:26 GMT -6 dragonflyinn said:

Sept 18, 2017 12:09:05 GMT -6 amesie said:

Oh I thought of another one. I wish I registered or bought myself a hand held pump. I figured the electric pump was going to be enough, which it was. But there were a handful of instances that I wish I had a handheld to throw in my baby bag or purse for nights out for a quick little go at it and not have to set up the entire big pump.

I only had a hand held pimp last time & loved it! So quick & easy, especially @ beginning when I was engorged so bad DD couldn'tatch so I'd pump for a few seconds & it saved my life.

I used a handheld only for 5 months until I went back to work because I was only pumping for certain events and so on. I thought the electric was going to be this magical thing that pumped quickly and efficiently. In the end, the whole apparatus was kind of a pain to put all together and take apart, took a long time as well, and got less milk (I found the hand easier to adjust to several different positions so I could get everything).
The only obvious benefits were pumping both sides at the same time and less tired hands.

[dragonflyinn]

Sept 19, 2017 5:22:50 GMT -6 snowyowl said:

Sept 18, 2017 20:55:26 GMT -6 dragonflyinn said:

I only had a hand held pimp last time & loved it! So quick & easy, especially @ beginning when I was engorged so bad DD couldn'tatch so I'd pump for a few seconds & it saved my life.

I used a handheld only for 5 months until I went back to work because I was only pumping for certain events and so on. I thought the electric was going to be this magical thing that pumped quickly and efficiently. In the end, the whole apparatus was kind of a pain to put all together and take apart, took a long time as well, and got less milk (I found the hand easier to adjust to several different positions so I could get everything).
The only obvious benefits were pumping both sides at the same time and less tired hands.

Exactly why I only got a manual last time..I SAH so really didn't need bottles except occasionally. And our insurance didn't cover them last time so DNW to drop $200 on that. Our insurance finally covers them so I'll get an electric this time but was very pleased w my manual one w DD!

[benandjerrys]

Sept 18, 2017 10:59:04 GMT -6 cake said:

This is probably a good place to ask: Can anyone recommend a pack and play for me? The only thing I want is for it to pack up as small as possible. My aunt gets one for all her nieces and nephews and told me to just pick one and she will buy it. But I have no idea! I'd rather she just go out and buy one and I'm sure it would be fine lol.

The best one is the lotus. We have a regular Graco one and it's fine but I'm super envious of the lotus and every time I see one on the yard sale sites I have to talk myself out of getting it because the one we have is totally fine. But this one is better. The Bjorn one is also nice.

Lotus Travel Crib and Portable Baby Playard www.amazon.com/dp/B00AKKDSNG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_T4qWzb0ZGHXGX

[benandjerrys]

Also I am in love with this bouncy seat. We got one used and ended up getting a second one because it was just the best. She loved it more than the swing, rock and play, etc, but it takes up no space, folds completely flat, and the whole cover slides off to go in the wash. It's the best.

Also it looks like it's on same, it's usually around $200 but you can find them second hand for around $75.

BABYBJORN Bouncer Balance Soft - Black/Dark Gray, Cotton www.amazon.com/dp/B00BQYVOKY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_P9qWzbJACCG83