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Post by smootiepie on Nov 10, 2017 8:09:41 GMT -6
Sleep sacks/ swaddles - we were gifted some velcro ones (Summer Infant, I think?), and we used those a lot when DS was a newborn. Once he could roll over, we used the Halo sleep sacks, and they pretty much carried us through the 4 month sleep regression. Crib sheets/mattress covers - we have 1 waterproof mattress cover and 3 crib sheets. Pnp sheets - only 1 set, but we only use it while traveling. Changing pad covers - I'm def in the minority here, but we got this changing mat. It doesn't require a cover because it can just be wiped clean. Been using it for over 2 years, and it's still amazing. Receiving blankets/swaddle blankets - we registered for a few, and received a million. And used them for everything. RNP - we have a pretty simple FP one, and that's where DS slept for most of his first 3 months of life. If you get one, make sure it has a removable and machine-washable cover. Carrier - I was a little too nervous about trying wraps, so I have a Lillebaby. For newborns, you can just roll up a receiving blanket and place it at the bottom so they fit. It was a life saver during my mat leave because lunch time always seemed to be when DS COULD.NOT be put down, so it was the only way I could eat.
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snowmoon
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Post by snowmoon on Nov 10, 2017 8:32:09 GMT -6
This is probably a UO but I don't think it's necessary to have an infant car seat. Most convertible car seats fit newborns and the buckets are get heavy and are outgrown so quickly.
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Post by alwayscheese on Nov 10, 2017 8:43:13 GMT -6
This is probably a UO but I don't think it's necessary to have an infant car seat. Most convertible car seats fit newborns and the buckets are get heavy and are outgrown so quickly. I can totally see getting by without one. Having a winter baby here wouldn't really work as well because it's nice to be able to cover the car seat and have them snug and warm to put in the car. I also plan to run/walk with my baby in the bucket seat in the stroller as soon as safe.(can't remember how soon you can run) so that's another reason I decided to get one. Mine weighs in at only 7 pounds. I do hope you wear my baby also so we'll see how it all happens lol.
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cornpop
Amethyst
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Post by cornpop on Nov 10, 2017 8:47:52 GMT -6
This is probably a UO but I don't think it's necessary to have an infant car seat. Most convertible car seats fit newborns and the buckets are get heavy and are outgrown so quickly. So I agree with this in theory, although I definitely carried my daughter around a lot in her infant seat when she'd fall asleep in the car . But, also our hospital won't even let you leave without your baby strapped into their bucket seat. I don't know what they'd do if you said you only had a convertible.
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snowmoon
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Post by snowmoon on Nov 10, 2017 8:56:29 GMT -6
This is probably a UO but I don't think it's necessary to have an infant car seat. Most convertible car seats fit newborns and the buckets are get heavy and are outgrown so quickly. So I agree with this in theory, although I definitely carried my daughter around a lot in her infant seat when she'd fall asleep in the car . But, also our hospital won't even let you leave without your baby strapped into their bucket seat. I don't know what they'd do if you said you only had a convertible. I don't think they're allowed to dictate that it has to be a bucket. They can come out to the car and see the baby in the seat.
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cornpop
Amethyst
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Post by cornpop on Nov 10, 2017 9:02:22 GMT -6
So I agree with this in theory, although I definitely carried my daughter around a lot in her infant seat when she'd fall asleep in the car . But, also our hospital won't even let you leave without your baby strapped into their bucket seat. I don't know what they'd do if you said you only had a convertible. I don't think they're allowed to dictate that it has to be a bucket. They can come out to the car and see the baby in the seat. So that's the weird thing, they don't actually check that they're buckled in the seat correctly or that it's installed correctly. They just told us that they won't let you leave unless the baby is in a carseat when they come into your room to discharge you.
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snowmoon
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Post by snowmoon on Nov 10, 2017 9:21:54 GMT -6
I don't think they're allowed to dictate that it has to be a bucket. They can come out to the car and see the baby in the seat. So that's the weird thing, they don't actually check that they're buckled in the seat correctly or that it's installed correctly. They just told us that they won't let you leave unless the baby is in a carseat when they come into your room to discharge you. The hospital we were at wanted to check in the room too and we just told them we had a convertible. A nurse came out just to see that we had one. She wasn't allowed to check the install or that we strapped him in because she wan't a car seat tech. I think most hospitals don't have car seat techs on staff so they can't actually check the fit or give advice.
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Post by alwayscheese on Nov 10, 2017 9:43:15 GMT -6
I don't think it's that hard to become a carseat tech. I'm assuming the l&d nurses do continued training, that could be one of the classes. 🤔
We are actually going to have two infant bucket seats, one on each vehicle. I feel like this is totally extra, but someone offered us theirs for a second one so I guess we'll put them both in.(as long as theirs isn't expired, I have yet to look at it.)
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snowmoon
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Post by snowmoon on Nov 10, 2017 10:12:15 GMT -6
I don't think it's that hard to become a carseat tech. I'm assuming the l&d nurses do continued training, that could be one of the classes. 🤔 We are actually going to have two infant bucket seats, one on each vehicle. I feel like this is totally extra, but someone offered us theirs for a second one so I guess we'll put them both in.(as long as theirs isn't expired, I have yet to look at it.) It should be offered. It's not a long course, but it's fairly expensive. My mom looked in to it because she works in a family outreach kind of setting. Police officers and firefighters here aren't certified either and I know they've misinformed some parents.
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Post by alwayscheese on Nov 10, 2017 10:28:52 GMT -6
I don't think it's that hard to become a carseat tech. I'm assuming the l&d nurses do continued training, that could be one of the classes. 🤔 We are actually going to have two infant bucket seats, one on each vehicle. I feel like this is totally extra, but someone offered us theirs for a second one so I guess we'll put them both in.(as long as theirs isn't expired, I have yet to look at it.) It should be offered. It's not a long course, but it's fairly expensive. My mom looked in to it because she works in a family outreach kind of setting. Police officers and firefighters here aren't certified either and I know they've misinformed some parents. I had looked into classes but didn't know price. I think we have one sheriff in town that does inspections. I would like to have him come out to the fire dept DH and I volunteer on for an inspection clinic where people can bring their seats that day.
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Post by sweetc129 on Nov 10, 2017 10:38:46 GMT -6
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cp3
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Post by cp3 on Nov 10, 2017 10:50:59 GMT -6
We used a bucket seat with DD1 and with her being a winter baby it came in handy a ton. We still have her bucket seat and that will go in Mh's car. We are getting a new double stroller and the bucket seat for that which will go in my car.
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cp3
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Post by cp3 on Nov 10, 2017 10:58:51 GMT -6
This is the diaper bag MH uses. It has a side wipe pocket and two insulated pockets. I haven't found one I want yet but this one was good and we still use it occasionally. m.toysrus.com/product?productId=12763918
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Post by ovenrack on Nov 10, 2017 12:01:18 GMT -6
I’ve had two winter babies, and love the car seat naps, so I am totally team bucket seat. And I’m pretty minimalist, generally. And use wraps/carriers a lot.
But yeah, man. Having your baby safe and buckled in a bucket you can lug around, set down? Worth it, IMO!
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Post by ovenrack on Nov 10, 2017 12:02:04 GMT -6
I am firmly team no-travel-system though. Those travel system strollers are hella heavy.
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Post by leatherpants on Nov 10, 2017 12:27:04 GMT -6
I haven't read replies yet but everyone should have one of those Boon drying racks that look like grass. Even if you solely bf. It was perfect for drying off toys, sippy cups, baby utensils on top of bottles etc if using those. Its been almost 4 years and mine still sits on my counter. Its a must have.
My kid broke out of every swaddle ever - and I bought them all. The best thing that worked was the muslin blankets and doing the double swaddle. There was a you tube video that saved me to show how to do it. It basically traps their arms under the blankets by their own body weight. I really like the Aden and Anais ones but there seem to be a lot more brands on the market now.
I also like the Fisher Price Sit Me Up seat, rather than the Bumbo. I hated the Bumbo.
Having a plug in swing was a godsend for my kid, but not every kid.
A video monitor. I went through like 3 because they weren't great quality.
Tons of receiving blankets to wipe up shit and spit up and everything. I thought I had too many but that's not actually possible. Same with onesies. I threw away so many onesies that had been shit through and I couldn't get the stains out.
Actual newborn clothes. At least a few outfits. I remember everyone buying bigger clothes because they grow out of them so fast but one person bought me the cutest little pants and onesie with a matching hoodie that was newborn size and it was perfect for when I wanted to dress him for a picture or take him out to somewhere. He was a big baby too (9lbs 3 oz, 22 inches)and the newborn clothes still fit him. It was unexpected but so nice to have soemthing for him right away.
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Post by leatherpants on Nov 10, 2017 12:29:22 GMT -6
I’ll start bc I have one million questions. How many of these things do I actually need? Sleep sacks/ swaddles I had two at each size for sleep sacks. And swaddle blankets worked better for me than swaddle specific contraptions. Crib sheets/mattress covers I think I had 3 crib sheets. Pnp sheets I had one and never ever used it. Changing pad covers Two Receiving blankets/swaddle blankets Millions upon millions. Also, brand/fabric type preferences for any of these? Again, the bamboo blankets were the best. My 3.5 year old still sleeps with his. Its so soft.
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Post by leatherpants on Nov 10, 2017 12:31:36 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. I preferred zippers because I could not for the life of me ever get the damn snaps to line up at 3 am. But yes, so much yes to the sit me up seat. I'm so mad I sold mine.
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cornpop
Amethyst
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Post by cornpop on Nov 10, 2017 12:33:22 GMT -6
leatherpants, the one reason I preferred snaps was because I'd only unsnap her lower half. Most of the zip up pjs zip from the bottom up so I'd half to completely unzip her in the MOTN. But yeah, most of the time the snaps were not lined up.
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Post by leatherpants on Nov 10, 2017 12:34:22 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 really liked the Beco Gemini last time. I asked for a Lillebaby carrier this time. My son hated being carried in a carrier. I'm hoping I can convince this baby to like it.
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Post by leatherpants on Nov 10, 2017 12:36:36 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. This is me exactly too. And I can't actually fathom how to grocery shop with an infant seat or a stroller and trying to chase a 4 year old. I still put him in the basket of the grocery cart because I like him contained while grocery shopping.
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Post by leatherpants on Nov 10, 2017 12:39:13 GMT -6
leatherpants , the one reason I preferred snaps was because I'd only unsnap her lower half. Most of the zip up pjs zip from the bottom up so I'd half to completely unzip her in the MOTN. But yeah, most of the time the snaps were not lined up. Yes, totally the downside to zippers for sure. I'd just pull the jammies off his legs but his chest was still exposed. Snaps were just beyond me in my sleep deprived state though.
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Post by babybean on Nov 10, 2017 12:48:46 GMT -6
They can’t wear jackets in their car seats so I’m extra team bucket seat for a winter baby. DNW to rush to the car to strap a new baby in as well as DS. alwayscheese I’d get two bucket seat bases rather than two seats. auri I hated the k’tan last time so used a woven wrap (Chimparoo) from newborn to 6 months. I’ve been all about my Tula since then. They have a newborn insert you can buy, or you can roll a towel/blanket. I think the newer one is adjustable and doesn’t need an insert and goes to toddler age though. (I could be mistaken)
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Post by mattsgirl2004 on Nov 10, 2017 13:21:20 GMT -6
There are so many good recommendations in this post. My top ones are always the Fisher Price sit-me-up seat (which I know has already been suggested) and I have the Ergo 360 and love it. Such a lifesaver for me! Also, baby washcloths and hooded towels are good to register for. I will suggest to not buy a lot of the same bottles, diapers, or pacifiers ahead of time. Some babies are pretty picky and/or sensitive to certain products. I would just buy enough to get through a few weeks (especially diapers and wipes) and then buy more as needed. My kids have all had bad reactions to Pampers diapers, each kid had a certain brand of bottle they preferred, and only 2 out of the 3 of my kids took a pacifier. I made the mistake of buying so much in preparation with my 1st 2 kids, that I ended up with a bunch of items that couldn't be used or weren't needed.
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Post by katietopaz on Nov 10, 2017 13:50:44 GMT -6
I am firmly team no-travel-system though. Those travel system strollers are hella heavy. Ditto! If you find a stroller you love, many have an adapter you can buy to snap the infant seat in. This was a lifesaver for us - I loved having the bucket seat. I haven't started looking at double strollers yet, but for FTMs looking at singles, I can't recommend the Baby Jogger City Mini highly enough. Baby Jogger is just the name of the brand, it's not actually a cumbersome jogging stroller. The City Mini is super light and insanely easy to collapse and unfold one-handed. My only complaint is that it doesn't have as much under-seat storage as some other strollers. Generally speaking with both strollers and car seats, I suggest going to a BRU or BBB where you can try out the car seats to make sure they fit in your car, and see and play around with the strollers in person.
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cornpop
Amethyst
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Post by cornpop on Nov 10, 2017 14:12:50 GMT -6
katietopaz , we just got the Baby Jogger City Mini Double in Crimson! I'm so excited!! Would it be weird to use it with only 1 kid for the next 5 months? It's so pretty. I'm glad to hear you like the single though.
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Post by katietopaz on Nov 10, 2017 14:18:40 GMT -6
katietopaz , we just got the Baby Jogger City Mini Double in Crimson! I'm so excited!! Would it be weird to use it with only 1 kid for the next 5 months? It's so pretty. I'm glad to hear you like the single though. I don't think that's weird! Break it in, get used to how it navigates, and enjoy the new toy. I definitely plan to look at Baby Jogger brand doubles since we've loved the single so much. I'm just torn between a side-by-side and a front-to-back. I need to get to the store to actually get my hands on one.
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Post by ovenrack on Nov 10, 2017 16:12:53 GMT -6
katietopaz , we just got the Baby Jogger City Mini Double in Crimson! I'm so excited!! Would it be weird to use it with only 1 kid for the next 5 months? It's so pretty. I'm glad to hear you like the single though. I don't think that's weird! Break it in, get used to how it navigates, and enjoy the new toy. I definitely plan to look at Baby Jogger brand doubles since we've loved the single so much. I'm just torn between a side-by-side and a front-to-back. I need to get to the store to actually get my hands on one. I have a baby jogger city select double! I scored it used locally for $200, which is actually a great deal. Double strollers are so horrifyingly expensive, but we live within walking distance to town so we use it often. My son uses his bicycle lots now, but in the first year it was KEY. Big brothers get tired of walking/self-locomoting. As I said above, I baby-wear a lot, but I'm also team stroller. Team GET YOUR BABIES AROUND THIS WORLD HOWEVER YOU CAN!
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Post by katietopaz on Nov 12, 2017 0:02:38 GMT -6
Just to throw out another diaper bag rec, I LOVED the Ju-Ju-Be BFF especially for the first year with DS. It comes with a shoulder/crossbody strap along with backpack straps, all removable, it's machine-washable, and the best part: pockets and compartments for days. The front unzips all the way so you can get to the whole bag without having to pull out the stuff on top just to see it. The downside is they are a little spendy, but they hold up really well and I loved the features, especially compared to similar cost bags like Petunia Pickle Bottom.
I'm considering the Ju-Ju-Be Be Right Back (more of a traditional backpack) for this baby, since it holds just a little more than the BFF and I'll still need to pack snacks galore for DS1.
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Post by nevertoomanyshoes on Nov 12, 2017 3:07:04 GMT -6
Tula baby carrier and my ergo wrap were a godsend. The Tula was much easier to get on without help than the ergo I originally bought.
Love to dream swaddle up suits.
Video monitor with breathing sensor (pad goes under mattress), bought when DS was a couple of months old after I’d had it with MH constantly checking that DS was ok during the night or waking me and asking me if he was.
Fisher Price sit me up. Literally the only way I could take a shower lol, and super handy to take to peoples houses etc. DS loved that thing.
Boon drying “grass” mat thing
Flannel or jersey crib sheets.
Play mat gym thingy. Skip hop has a cute black and white light up one. Great for stimulation and tummy time.
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