Baby Gear!

[marshian]

Now we're close to planning registries or what we need for baby, what gear are you planning to get? What are you excited about? Any questions? (Looking to the STMs to provide reviews! )

[teachermomtobe]

Here are some of the "big" items we have registered for so far.

Travel System: Britax 2016 B-Agile/ B-Safe 35 Travel System
www.toysrus.com/buy/travel-system-strollers/britax-2016-b-agile/-b-safe-35-travel-system-black-s04884300-95654836

High Chair: Graco DuoDiner LX 3-in-1 Highchair
www.toysrus.com/buy/high-chairs/graco-duodiner-lx-3-in-1-highchair-grove-1965482-88342366

Pack and Play: Baby Trend Go-Lite ELX Nursery Center
www.toysrus.com/buy/play-yards/baby-trend-go-lite-elx-nursery-center-drip-drop-blue-py47054h-68454126

Swing: Graco DuetSoothe Swing & Rocker
www.toysrus.com/buy/play-time/graco-duetsoothe-swing-rocker-winslet-1852655-20140106

[violetrose]

I'm all about "less is more" when it comes to baby gear. I hate having a million different baby swings, bouncers, ect all over my house. That being said, DD and DS were both completely different regarding what they liked/didn't like as infants. I would just ask for/get the items that are really necessary and you can always get whatever you need after baby is here.

That being said- what I think is most important to have ready is:
Pump (if you are breastfeeding)
Bottles (I would get a couple of different kinds to find out which ones baby likes)
Swaddle blankets- sleep sacks are all I use with my babies. Love them!
Diapers/wipes
Clothes (sleepers, onesies, socks, mittens)
Crib/Bassinet/Pack and Play (We use the pack and play in our bedroom for baby for the first couple months)
Swing/bouncer- I would maybe get/ask for one and see how it goes. You can always purchase another one later on
Car seat/stroller
Baby wrap (if you want to baby wear)

If I think of anything else I will post more later.

[agm04]

teachermomtobe we have a similar pack n play and i LOVED having that with DD. the little napper station was awesome when she was tiny, and we used the changing station until she was well over a year old and we needed the space in the playroom for toys.

i'm kind of embarrassed/overwhelmed by my amazon registry (which i created only for myself, won't be sharing with friends/family as this is our second baby) since we are having a second girl...like why do i need anything? haha. it's mostly things like a 2nd high chair, mattress pad, humidifier, pack n play sheets, etc., plus a few things that i wish i'd had last time that i may or may not actually be getting. those include a dock a tot, a bouncer (the baby bjorn one looks nice and compact and has good reviews, and a halo bassinest.

other STMs and twin moms - how great do these look?! www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VY9ERQY/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_ttl?ie=UTF8&colid=BG3RJ6FYKX5Y&coliid=I11JC1IF5L13N8&vs=1&th=1 and www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015T8X9OQ/ref=br_it_dp_o_nS_ttl?ie=UTF8&colid=BG3RJ6FYKX5Y&coliid=I2EFBCNMA3Y76D

i think i posted this elsewhere, but i cannot recommend one of these enough. www.amazon.com/Leachco-Podster-Sling-Style-Infant-Lounger/dp/B003HIXOTQ/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1483989587&sr=1-1&keywords=leachco%2Bpodster&th=1

[lulu783]

I want to just PSA my high chair. We have the IKEA one that everyone loves but it's so light and I just get nervous sometimes that DD is going to rock herself over. So we save that for travel or to grandma's. I have and LOVE LOVE LOVE the Boon Flair. Clean up is a dream (which never occurred to me until my baby started solids) and there are no fabric crevices for stuff to get stuck. The base is sturdy and the height adjusts to fit any table as a regular chair.

[barkley22]

Jan 9, 2017 14:08:02 GMT -5 redrock said:

My STM advice. Get sleepers with zippers. So many of our newborn clothes have buttons and omg with the number of diaper changes that occur with newborns, and how much most of them hate being naked, snaps are the worst.

Excellent advice! I loved the fleece kind without individual legs when my DS was tiny; he lived in these (but he was a winter baby, I wonder if these will be too hot for our June LOs?):

[honda13]

Muslim blankets-great for warm weather babies! I love them!

Swaddles with velcro-great for night time.

These for burp cloths. Not cute, but very absorbent.

[agm04]

i said this in a thread on the pregnancy board, but my UO is that i preferred snap sleepers to zip ones, because i could change a diaper without having to fully undress the baby (could just unsnap the crotch down vs. unzipping from the top down). but then someone responded that these exist and unzip FROM THE BOTTOM!!!

www.target.com/p/baby-3-pack-sleep-n-play-cat-jack-mint-white/-/A-51111410?lnk=rec|pdpipadh1|related_prods_vv|pdpipadh1|51111410|1

will def be buying some. best of both worlds.

[marshian]

agm04 - I was just going to ask about that. I hear zippers are easier when you're sleep-deprived, but unless they unzip from the bottom, baby's entirely exposed and might be unhappy. I think we'll get a few of each and then buy more of what's working.

[honda13]

I was also team snaps. Like agm04 said, only have to unsnap the bottom half. What works for one person doesn't always work for another.

[agm04]

marshian yep and it probably depends on how much your baby dislikes being undressed MOTN too. i also never corrected my screwed up snaps unless it was so off that it would make DD uncomfortable. but like honda13 said YMMV!

[marshian]

As far as gear, H and I went and played with things at BBB on Saturday. We are also on the minimalist side and don't want a ton of things for multiple reasons, one being we live in a small condo. Here are our choices so far. Subject to change!

Arm's Reach Mini Ezee 3-in-1 Cosleeper
- Still debating on this one. H likes the idea of using it as a crib as well up until we move when baby is 1 year old. Then if we don't want to keep it and will transfer baby to a real crib or floor bed, we won't move it. Other option is to do the Halo Bassinet (or similar) and then get the Babyletto Mini Crib when baby outgrows the cosleeper.

Baby Jogger Vue Lite Stroller
- My main requirement for a stroller was a rear-facing option. We believe it will be used mainly for me to take baby back and forth to daycare. H said he would prefer to babywear (he volunteered!) for almost all situations. So we're going to see if an umbrella stroller will get us through the 3- to 6-month period. At 6-months(ish) we're getting me a jogging stroller so we will have that as an option as well for any more adventurous/long outings.

Easy-to-wipe booster seat (like this one)

Convertible carseat
- Two favorites so far (they're lighter than others we picked up, and we want to travel with it):
www.chiccousa.com/nextfit/features-chicco-nextfit.aspx (debating on whether the zip version is worth it -- any thoughts?)
www.gracobaby.com/pages/4ever-car-seat.aspx

Definitely want a swing or glider. Waiting to see if we can borrow one from a friend. If not, looking at these two as I want one which is also a bouncer/seat:
www.gracobaby.com/products/pages/glider-elite-gliding-swing-pierce.aspx

www.gracobaby.com/products/pages/graco-duetconnect-lx-with-multi-direction-baby-swing-asher.aspx

Basically we're going to get what we think makes the most sense and if we need something else, we'll buy it then. Trying to be flexible as babies are all different.

[applemuffins]

I also prefer sleepers with buttons to avoid fully undressing baby. Baby it won't be an issue with a summer baby, but DD was born in the fall and it was sometimes cold. I also really like the gowns though! So easy.

I bought a ubbi diaper pail yesterday because it was on sale on zulily. We had the cheapest babies r us pail with DD but by the end of her firstbyear, the plastic absorbed smells really bad and we ended up tossing it. Bleaching, sun drying, vinegar, baking soda, etc. None of it helped.

We already have a chicco nextfit and I plan to get another. We don't own a car so our use of an infant seat will be very limited. The seat is so easy to install. I was temptednto get a cheaper srat for this baby, but i think it will just be best to have 2 of the same seats. They didn't have the zip version yet when we bought it for DD, but I think we will spring for it this time. Car seats are the WORST to clean. So many little areas for liquids to seep into. And DD gets car sick sometimes. And newborns have poop explosions. It's just necessary haha.

We will be getting the Dream on me Aden crib. It's a mini convertible. We had a couple people offer us a free full sized crib, but I just don't think we have space for one. I think I want to get a cosleeper too though. I don't want the baby to be in DDs room until he is sleeping better. Don't need 2 kids awake all night.

We have the uppababy Cruz stroller still from dd, but we need to replace the wheels. DD will be close to 4 by the time this one comes so we shouldn't need a double stroller.

I want to get a ktan carrier. We have an ergo, but I think the ktan will be better with a newborn on the summer.

We gave away most of our things after dd. Dh said no more kids for the longest time, and we had a big move so we purged a lot since we don't have storage space. Our neighbor had a young daughter a year after us so we gave them most things. They are also expecting again, due at the end of this month. Some things they may be able to pass back, but they will probably still be using a lot. Other things we will probably just probably buy as the need arises. Yay for 2 day shipping haha

[sdlaura]

I'm a zip sleeper person, but we also live in a warm climate, so no issues with baby minding the whole body exposed.

I'm a fan of the Chicco keyfit travel system. Maybe the Britax infant seats have changed, but my sister's Britax infant seat was over 20 pounds, while my Chicco one was under 10. That's a huge difference to carry around. The Chicco snap and go is also great..

We had the fisher price swing and bouncy seat, both of which were heavily used. The bouncy seat especially is great because it's so portable to move from room to room.

We have both the single and double BOB stroller and still use both a ton. They're not great if you don't have a garage or other area to put them, because it's no fun to break down and lug around, but they just handle like a dream . It's hard to use any other stroller after you use one. We also had a MacLaren twin triumph for times with a lot of folding and unfolding.

The A&A blankets are also great as sunshades over the stroller.

[applemuffins]

Oh, and my insurance covers a breast pump so I tried ordering that last night. When I asked, they didn't give me any stipulations on when I can get it. With DD, I was under different insurance and I had to wait until she was already born. I put my order in now because Obamacare is what mandated the breast pump coverage and who knows what will happen with that. While I was ordering, I saw a new hands free pump that wasn't around when DD was born. It's called the freemie. 1the cups are compatible with the pump I ordered so I will just get the cups instead of the whole pump. Has anyone tried it? I'm excited to be able to pump on the subway train haha. I also purchased a Medela manual pump. It came in handy a lot with dd.

[agm04]

marshian good stuff! if you end up with that arm's reach cosleeper, let me know if you need the extension legs or extra sheets. we'll need to do some research to see if what i have fits, but i got 2 extra sheets and the leg extension kit, but they didn't fit. (i have a much older version, and i assumed stuff would fit.) i'd be happy to send them to you if you want them and if they'll work. FWIW, with a little extra mattress padding when baby is older, i don't see why that wouldn't work as a crib for the first year.

also, we have two nextfit zips. i like it and i'd buy it again, but a few notes if you care: it's a little warm. i have nothing to compare it to, but i try to cool the car off in the summer before we get in. i have a chevy equinox and it can be a little hard to get DD in and out bc of the raised sides. i think the zip is worth it, even though i haven't had to wash it yet. the first time DD pukes or pees in it, i'll be glad we have it! ha. it's also insanely heavy (i hate traveling with it), but again, i have nothing to compare it to and it sounds like you've determined that it's lighter than others. we have a travel bag for it and usually put it in the stroller to get through the airport, but they make roller things for car seats.

last comment and i'll shut up - i can't tell if the first swing goes side to side. i think that's supposed to be important (happiest baby on the block i think? i have a bad memory.), so maybe go with the second if that's not an option!

[sdlaura]

applemuffins I'm not a huge carrier person in general because my kids never loved them, but I used the k'tan a ton in the first few months. It's so easy to put on and baby is so cozy.

[marshian]

applemuffins - Glad to hear you like the NextFit. I think I'm leaning towards that with the zip option. Does sound like it would be easier to clean! It looks like it has a less-inclined rear-facing option for when baby is older (we plan to to do extended rear-facing) vs. the 4Ever.

[agm04]

applemuffins we have two ktans and love them so much! there's one that's made of a moisture wicking fabric that was SO great in summer for us (we're in houston, so majorly hot and humid!). maybe the ktan breeze?

[PA Mom]

If I have to recommend a few of my favorites: I love the Keyfit infant seat, my Rock N Play was a godsend, SwaddleMe swaddlers, and my Fisher Price Space Saver high chair.

[marshian]

agm04 - Thanks for the offer on the cosleeper stuff! I'll have to do some research on what will fit. We won't need the leg extensions (our bed hits the lowest setting for the cosleeper), but sheets would be great if they fit. If we decide to go with the Arm's Reach, I'll let you know!

As far as the NextFit, I also have no idea if other seats don't get as hot, but from what I've read most convertibles do. I'm not too concerned, but I'll look into it. I definitely want to install a demo in our car and try putting a doll in and out to make sure the sides aren't an issue as I'm pretty short. The good thing is our Subaru Forester is older (2007) and lower to the ground than most SUVs. And yes, we lifted quite a few car seats in the store. It was H's idea. The Britax ClickTights are all SUPER heavy. While I liked the idea of an easier install, we plan to travel with the seat and I can't imagine moving something so heavy all over the place.

Good catch - The glider only goes back and forth with a gliding motion. The other is a true swing and can go both back-and-forth and side-to-side. I don't see anything specific to side-to-side swinging from HBOTB, but I am leaning towards the swing for the two different options. Though my SIL has the glider and my nephew loved it. But again, this baby might hate it.

[marshian]

Oh, we're planning to baby wear and cloth diaper as well. Haven't made any true decisions on either of those areas. Currently leaning towards a LilleBaby carrier as it offers a hip-wearing position and we have friends who love theirs. I also want a Tula, I think. Any recommendations for a good buckle carrier for short torsos? I've read the Tula is good for that. Read the Beco isn't as good for shorties. I also want a wrap and potentially also a ring sling. Would it be weird if I went to a babywearing group meeting now (before baby arrives) to try things out?

[sdlaura]

marshian I bought inexpensive lightweight convertible seats for travel. Lucie's list recommends some specifically for travel and we had the Evenflo one that was like $70.

[marshian]

sdlaura - We don't want to have a separate seat just for travel, so it will have to be one we're happy with for general use as well. But we're still exploring all the options. Thanks for the rec!

[huskermom]

I loved Aden & Anais muslin blankets for DS. They were so handy to have in the summertime and I love how lightweight they are.

SwaddleMes were so nice for DH because he couldn't get a swaddle down to save his life and DS loooooooved to be swaddled.

I'm team zipper OR the dress looking sleepers that are just open at the bottom. I hated snaps in the MOTN when my brain wasn't firing on all cylinders.

The swing was a lifesaver for us and DS slept in it for a few months when he wouldn't sleep anywhere else.

I LOVE my ring sling. Baby wearing was the only way I got a lot of stuff done for the longest time and of all the methods I tried, my sling was my favorite and lasted the longest. I have a couple Sakura Bloom silks, but I bought them after trying some cheaper versions first.

[PA Mom]

Jan 9, 2017 13:48:20 GMT -5 teachermomtobe said:

Here are some of the "big" items we have registered for so far.

Travel System: Britax 2016 B-Agile/ B-Safe 35 Travel System
www.toysrus.com/buy/travel-system-strollers/britax-2016-b-agile/-b-safe-35-travel-system-black-s04884300-95654836

High Chair: Graco DuoDiner LX 3-in-1 Highchair
www.toysrus.com/buy/high-chairs/graco-duodiner-lx-3-in-1-highchair-grove-1965482-88342366

Pack and Play: Baby Trend Go-Lite ELX Nursery Center
www.toysrus.com/buy/play-yards/baby-trend-go-lite-elx-nursery-center-drip-drop-blue-py47054h-68454126

Swing: Graco DuetSoothe Swing & Rocker
www.toysrus.com/buy/play-time/graco-duetsoothe-swing-rocker-winslet-1852655-20140106

We had the older version of that swing, teachermomtobe. It was great because she hated the swing due to reflux, but we still got use out of the bouncer. Hopefully the second one does not have reflux and loves both parts.

[teachermomtobe]

PA Mom, We are all about dual purpose baby items (hence the swing/bouncer)!

[applemuffins]

Oh, the chicco nextfit is a huge b____ to travel with. I do not recommend it. It's heavy, bulky, and there is no convenient way to carry it except in a giant bear hug, basically. Maybe if you got one of those little cart type things to pull it through the airport. I avoid it when I can. I would personally get a cheaper lighter carseat for travel if I had to. Luckily the only place we actually travel to is my moms. We use a safety harness on the plane and my mom meets us with a car seat she already has. It's only good if it is in the car and not being moved around.

[cheezee]

Jan 9, 2017 14:08:02 GMT -5 redrock said:

My STM advice. Get sleepers with zippers. So many of our newborn clothes have buttons and omg with the number of diaper changes that occur with newborns, and how much most of them hate being naked, snaps are the worst.

This.  I am so anti snap unless its just the three snaps at the bottom of a onesie.  Nothing is more frustrating than getting to the top or bottom and realized you messed it up somehow and have to start all over.  I liked the little gowns for DD during those first few weeks too.  

[sdlaura]

applemuffins, we have the wheeled car seat carrier for travel (Gogo kids or something like that), and I still would never drag the nextfit on a trip. We have four convertible car seats total - two big eveflo ones, the Chicco nextfit, and the lightweight, inexpensive evenflo one, and the only one I will travel with is the lightweight evenflo one.