STM+ recommend must haves for FTM

[jewel441]

Jul 14, 2015 14:13:12 GMT -5 ironmom said:

Jul 14, 2015 12:45:48 GMT -5 peachesncream said:

It looks good, my only concern would be that baby would outgrow it by length relatively quickly.  I also have a loooong baby haha.

For co-sleeping help I usually turn to my local attachment parenting group.  Here are some links from their files.  They also have a bunch of links on why cosleeping is biologically awesome :-)


www.attachmentparenting.org/infantsleepsafety/

drjaygordon.com/attachment/safe-cosleeping.html

cosleeping.nd.edu/safe-co-sleeping-guidelines/

cosleeping.nd.edu/

^This is why we didn't get that with DS. The weight limit is pretty low too, IIRC. We used the convertible mini crib as a sidecar cosleeper and I had a Moses basket for daytime.

Also, FTMs: this isn't gear, but my advice is take a babymoon. Even if it's a state away. I won't say I don't travel anymore, because we travel just as much. But it was nice to have one last trip where we could hop on a plane with a backpack, turn our phones off, and just have time for the two of us.

Thanks! Obviously, I am not buying anything yet, but that's a good thing to keep in mind. I hadn't even thought of out growing it.

We just started talking about maybe taking a babymoon. My BIL and SIL, who is due in Nov, just got back from the DR. It looked lovely.

[miggg]

Jul 14, 2015 13:09:54 GMT -5 awkwardturtle said:

What is the difference in a rock and play and a swing/bouncer? Do you need both?

The rock n play (at least the one I had) wasn't electronic and was more like a bassinet whereas the swing could be programmed to go by itself. The swing we got was both a bouncer and a swing, it had two settings. DS hated both unfortunately so we never got any use out it. He was adamant about being held and refused any kind of machine substitute. That's why it's so hard to buy baby stuff, each baby is so different. We still have it so maybe LO#2 will like it?

[ironmom]

Jul 14, 2015 14:26:06 GMT -5 jewel441 said:

Jul 14, 2015 14:13:12 GMT -5 ironmom said:

^This is why we didn't get that with DS. The weight limit is pretty low too, IIRC. We used the convertible mini crib as a sidecar cosleeper and I had a Moses basket for daytime.

Also, FTMs: this isn't gear, but my advice is take a babymoon. Even if it's a state away. I won't say I don't travel anymore, because we travel just as much. But it was nice to have one last trip where we could hop on a plane with a backpack, turn our phones off, and just have time for the two of us.

Thanks! Obviously, I am not buying anything yet, but that's a good thing to keep in mind. I hadn't even thought of out growing it.

We just started talking about maybe taking a babymoon. My BIL and SIL, who is due in Nov, just got back from the DR. It looked lovely.

We went to St. Thomas. Just a long weekend. It was beautiful and romantic and the beach was perfect. I would love to go back this year, but I took a sanity girls' trip to Mexico in May, and we're going to California in October, so it didn't fit into the plans.

[jess9802]

Ditto to the all purpose nipple ointment (APNO) - a little tiny jar goes a long, long way. I started using it when I had a bit of redness, but never had cracking, bleeding or pain. It was great.

I also used the My Brest Friend pillow - found it offered better back support. I didn't use it very long but it was great in the early days.

The Simple Wishes hands free pumping bra was awesome - and pro trick which took me way too long to figure out - you pull down the flaps on your regular nursing bra, then put on the pumping bra. Much more efficient.

[awkwardturtle]

Jul 14, 2015 14:30:51 GMT -5 miggg said:

Jul 14, 2015 13:09:54 GMT -5 awkwardturtle said:

What is the difference in a rock and play and a swing/bouncer? Do you need both?

The rock n play (at least the one I had) wasn't electronic and was more like a bassinet whereas the swing could be programmed to go by itself. The swing we got was both a bouncer and a swing, it had two settings. DS hated both unfortunately so we never got any use out it. He was adamant about being held and refused any kind of machine substitute. That's why it's so hard to buy baby stuff, each baby is so different. We still have it so maybe LO#2 will like it?

That's good to know thank you.  So basically the rock n play is for nap time or sleeping in the same room with you at night? I hope your LO 2 likes the bouncer you have!

[cinnamonsmiles]

Loved
1. I love my Ergo Vestus because it is made of breathable mesh. I had a June baby and was boiling alive in anything else. Just bought the infant insert for this go-around so we'll see how I like that.

2. Sleeping: HALO SLEEPSACK SWADDLES saved our lives. For some reason I could never get the swaddling down (he wiggled so much it always came loose and made me panic). We still use the regular sleepsacks now and would never go back. Also a PNP as they can sleep in the bassinet for a few months before transitioning. It's still a flat hard surface so the transition isn't as bad.

3. Wear: Cloth diapers saved us so much money and are adorable! Get as many burp clothes as possible as they have so many uses.

4. BFing/Pumping: Boppy and Avent glass bottles. I bought a Medela PISA (no insurance coverage) and thought it did the job well. If I can score a free one this time, I'd like to try the Hygeia. Reusable nursing pads were the way to go, I loved Charlie Banana.

Do Without
1. Swing. LO hated the swing with a passion and would just cry while going back and forth. He hated sleeping when he was little though, so that might just be him. It did have a detachable bassinet that was great for putting him down when I needed to do stuff though.

2. Bumbo: never used it. He always flipped himself out of it.

3. Bibs. He wasn't a drooler and refused to eat with one on.

[zombiesquad]

Lots of button down shirts, nursing tanks and nursing bras are a must if you plan to breastfeed. I literally had to work at making my wardrobe breastfeeding friendly, but those items make things so much easier especially when out in public.

[LadyNymeria]

Jul 14, 2015 14:13:12 GMT -5 ironmom said:

Jul 14, 2015 12:45:48 GMT -5 peachesncream said:

It looks good, my only concern would be that baby would outgrow it by length relatively quickly.  I also have a loooong baby haha.

For co-sleeping help I usually turn to my local attachment parenting group.  Here are some links from their files.  They also have a bunch of links on why cosleeping is biologically awesome :-)


www.attachmentparenting.org/infantsleepsafety/

drjaygordon.com/attachment/safe-cosleeping.html

cosleeping.nd.edu/safe-co-sleeping-guidelines/

cosleeping.nd.edu/

^This is why we didn't get that with DS. The weight limit is pretty low too, IIRC. We used the convertible mini crib as a sidecar cosleeper and I had a Moses basket for daytime.

Also, FTMs: this isn't gear, but my advice is take a babymoon. Even if it's a state away. I won't say I don't travel anymore, because we travel just as much. But it was nice to have one last trip where we could hop on a plane with a backpack, turn our phones off, and just have time for the two of us.

We're heading to Aruba in a couple months. Originally it was going to be a "kick-off to TTC" trip, now it's a babymoon!

[miggg]

Jul 14, 2015 14:48:02 GMT -5 zombiesquad said:

Lots of button down shirts, nursing tanks and nursing bras are a must if you plan to breastfeed. I literally had to work at making my wardrobe breastfeeding friendly, but those items make things so much easier especially when out in public.

YES. All of my non-nursing shirts are so stretched out now from the constant pulling that they're not even publicly wearable.

[kendraj426]

Definitely get some Halo swaddle sacks! They were lifesavers after DD figured out how to break out of her swaddle within the first week.

I also realize I'm in the minority here, but I actually preferred the snap pajamas. I could unsnap the bottom and only expose the bottom half of her in the middle of the night instead of having to completely undress her (swaddle sack & pajamas) which I would have to do with the zipper ones.

Get some good nursing bras & hands free pumping bras if you're going to be working. I got the Medela one, and as PP said, just pull down the flaps of your nursing bra and put it on over top. Easy peasy!

Also, I swear by the wubbanub! It made it so much easier for dd to find her pacifier after she spit it out, and it was much less likely to wind up on the floor. She didn't take a paci for very long, but it was great to have it when she did.

One more thing - don't bother with the expensive name brand diapers! Get the Target brand ones. They work great - we've had no leaks and just a few infant poopsplosions (which would have happened no matter what brand we got)

If you don't have anyone who can hand you down things like a swing, bouncer, etc look for garage sales or craigslist or any kind of second hand way to acquire these things. They only get used for a very short time and are super expensive for how long they get used. You can frequently find them for a fraction of the price and they are gently used because they get used for such a short amount of time.

[rachelilly23]

Jul 14, 2015 14:51:32 GMT -5 LadyNymeria said:

Jul 14, 2015 14:13:12 GMT -5 ironmom said:

^This is why we didn't get that with DS. The weight limit is pretty low too, IIRC. We used the convertible mini crib as a sidecar cosleeper and I had a Moses basket for daytime.

Also, FTMs: this isn't gear, but my advice is take a babymoon. Even if it's a state away. I won't say I don't travel anymore, because we travel just as much. But it was nice to have one last trip where we could hop on a plane with a backpack, turn our phones off, and just have time for the two of us.

We're heading to Aruba in a couple months. Originally it was going to be a "kick-off to TTC" trip, now it's a babymoon!

I went to see my H on deployment in Greece for the sole purpose of trying to get KU. It worked. Winning! But yeah, I guess that counts as our babymoon lol.

[jewel441]

Did anyone go to Disney/ HP world for their babymoon? We were talking about it but is it worth it if you can't go on the rides?

[sdchick]

Jul 14, 2015 11:57:50 GMT -5 OrganicRosemary said:

Video monitor- I thought I could live without one, but I got out as a gift and it's awesome.

White noise machine-drowns our house noises so baby will (hopefully) sleep through you doing dishes in the next room.

A+A swaddle blankets, not just for swaddling, they are a great weight and go just about everywhere with us (still at almost 16 mo).

Baby carrying device- I used the Moby super early on then I invested in a girasol woven-worth every penny, I also have an ergo and wrap conversion ring sling. I use them all. Wish I had a tula. I will probably get one this time around.

Cloth diapers as burp cloths-large size prefolds if you're cloth diapering or the 6-ply gerber ones. If you can sew a rectangle you can add material down the center to make them cute. All other burp cloths just don't compare.

I used mother love nipple cream the first two weeks maybe, I hardly made a dent in the jar, but I'd still say it was worth it. Didn't have any cracking, etc issues.

My Brest Friend pillow-again didn't use it very long, but definitely worth it to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Boppy is just not supportive enough for little tiny newbs, though it's nice for mommy to sit on post delivery and good for tummy time, etc later on.

If you need to pump more than occasionally-a hands free pumping bra-I had and liked the pumpease ones.

Hygiea Q pump (the insurance model)-they are supposedly "hospital" grade but for personal use. I used mine for about a year 3 days/week with no issues. No complaints really. And medela parts fit them if you need extra parts more readily available.

Zip up sleepers-after the hundredth snap you'll want to kill the person who invented them.

That's all I can think of for now.

Snaps are the devil, especially during the middle-of-the-night changes.

[sdchick]

Jul 14, 2015 14:44:46 GMT -5 cinnamonsmiles said:

Loved
1. I love my Ergo Vestus because it is made of breathable mesh. I had a June baby and was boiling alive in anything else. Just bought the infant insert for this go-around so we'll see how I like that.

2. Sleeping: HALO SLEEPSACK SWADDLES saved our lives. For some reason I could never get the swaddling down (he wiggled so much it always came loose and made me panic). We still use the regular sleepsacks now and would never go back. Also a PNP as they can sleep in the bassinet for a few months before transitioning. It's still a flat hard surface so the transition isn't as bad.

3. Wear: Cloth diapers saved us so much money and are adorable! Get as many burp clothes as possible as they have so many uses.

4. BFing/Pumping: Boppy and Avent glass bottles. I bought a Medela PISA (no insurance coverage) and thought it did the job well. If I can score a free one this time, I'd like to try the Hygeia. Reusable nursing pads were the way to go, I loved Charlie Banana.

Do Without
1. Swing. LO hated the swing with a passion and would just cry while going back and forth. He hated sleeping when he was little though, so that might just be him. It did have a detachable bassinet that was great for putting him down when I needed to do stuff though.

2. Bumbo: never used it. He always flipped himself out of it.

3. Bibs. He wasn't a drooler and refused to eat with one on.

I think we have the same child?

[zombiesquad]

Jul 14, 2015 17:23:29 GMT -5 sdchick said:

Jul 14, 2015 11:57:50 GMT -5 OrganicRosemary said:

Video monitor- I thought I could live without one, but I got out as a gift and it's awesome.

White noise machine-drowns our house noises so baby will (hopefully) sleep through you doing dishes in the next room.

A+A swaddle blankets, not just for swaddling, they are a great weight and go just about everywhere with us (still at almost 16 mo).

Baby carrying device- I used the Moby super early on then I invested in a girasol woven-worth every penny, I also have an ergo and wrap conversion ring sling. I use them all. Wish I had a tula. I will probably get one this time around.

Cloth diapers as burp cloths-large size prefolds if you're cloth diapering or the 6-ply gerber ones. If you can sew a rectangle you can add material down the center to make them cute. All other burp cloths just don't compare.

I used mother love nipple cream the first two weeks maybe, I hardly made a dent in the jar, but I'd still say it was worth it. Didn't have any cracking, etc issues.

My Brest Friend pillow-again didn't use it very long, but definitely worth it to get breastfeeding off to a good start. Boppy is just not supportive enough for little tiny newbs, though it's nice for mommy to sit on post delivery and good for tummy time, etc later on.

If you need to pump more than occasionally-a hands free pumping bra-I had and liked the pumpease ones.

Hygiea Q pump (the insurance model)-they are supposedly "hospital" grade but for personal use. I used mine for about a year 3 days/week with no issues. No complaints really. And medela parts fit them if you need extra parts more readily available.

Zip up sleepers-after the hundredth snap you'll want to kill the person who invented them.

That's all I can think of for now.

Snaps are the devil, especially during the middle-of-the-night changes.

Ugh snaps in the middle of the night when you're half asleep and then in the morning realize you didn't match them up quite right and the onesie's been all awkward...yeah, I'm pro-zippers.

[LadyNymeria]

Jul 14, 2015 16:53:42 GMT -5 jewel441 said:

Did anyone go to Disney/ HP world for their babymoon? We were talking about it but is it worth it if you can't go on the rides?

Personally those are not places I'd go if I couldn't ride rides. But I LOVE rides, so that's a huge factor for me.

If I had already had a trip planned, I'd still go. But I wouldn't plan a new trip to Universal (where HP is) or Disney if I couldn't ride the rides.

ETA: This is our first so I can't give my opinion from a past babymoon perspective. Just my general thoughts on planning a ride-centered trip.

[stina2015]

Jul 14, 2015 14:48:02 GMT -5 zombiesquad said:

Lots of button down shirts, nursing tanks and nursing bras are a must if you plan to breastfeed. I literally had to work at making my wardrobe breastfeeding friendly, but those items make things so much easier especially when out in public.

The nursing tank tops from Target for $20 are amazzInnngg!!!

I also stocked up on men's style pajamas in cute prints. I rocked a nursing tank top and my PJs for the first few weeks home. Even if people stopped by I felt cute in my PJs because I was fully covered up and the prints were fun!

[sdchick]

Jul 14, 2015 18:02:45 GMT -5 stina2015 said:

Jul 14, 2015 14:48:02 GMT -5 zombiesquad said:

Lots of button down shirts, nursing tanks and nursing bras are a must if you plan to breastfeed. I literally had to work at making my wardrobe breastfeeding friendly, but those items make things so much easier especially when out in public.

The nursing tank tops from Target for $20 are amazzInnngg!!!

I also stocked up on men's style pajamas in cute prints. I rocked a nursing tank top and my PJs for the first few weeks home. Even if people stopped by I felt cute in my PJs because I was fully covered up and the prints were fun!

I still do and ds is almost 18 months and I stopped nursing long ago.  Don't judge me.

[ironmom]

Jul 14, 2015 17:58:41 GMT -5 LadyNymeria said:

Jul 14, 2015 16:53:42 GMT -5 jewel441 said:

Did anyone go to Disney/ HP world for their babymoon? We were talking about it but is it worth it if you can't go on the rides?

Personally those are not places I'd go if I couldn't ride rides. But I LOVE rides, so that's a huge factor for me.

If I had already had a trip planned, I'd still go. But I wouldn't plan a new trip to Universal (where HP is) or Disney if I couldn't ride the rides.

ETA: This is our first so I can't give my opinion from a past babymoon perspective. Just my general thoughts on planning a ride-centered trip.

We're going to Disneyland this year. We also went to Disney\Universal when I was KU with Bird, but before I found out.... So, yeah. Sorry, kid.

I would definitely say Disney yes, Universal no. Universal is more coaster-centered, whereas in reality, less than 20% of the rides at Disney are off limits to expectant moms. Plus Disney has soooo much more than just rides. There are shows, food, parades, food, shopping, food.

If you can't tell, I love Disney. I live in NY and still have an annual pass.

[ironmom]

Jul 14, 2015 18:17:13 GMT -5 sdchick said:

Jul 14, 2015 18:02:45 GMT -5 stina2015 said:

The nursing tank tops from Target for $20 are amazzInnngg!!!

I also stocked up on men's style pajamas in cute prints. I rocked a nursing tank top and my PJs for the first few weeks home. Even if people stopped by I felt cute in my PJs because I was fully covered up and the prints were fun!

I still do and ds is almost 18 months and I stopped nursing long ago.  Don't judge me.

I just retired my nursing bra a month ago.

[chatterbox]

We got a lot of use out of:
1. Rock n' Play (the one that vibrates)
2. Summer Infant Swaddles- I wish I would have brought them with me to the hospital because I had a lot of trouble swaddling her the first night and I was exhausted.
3. Play Mats- we loved the Skip Hop Alphabet Zoo and Kick n' Play Piano.
4. Boppy
5. A jumper- we have the Sassy Bounce Around

We didn't get much use out of:
1. Sleep Sheep
2. Swing- she wanted nothing to do with it.
3. Bumbo
4. We had way too many receiving blankets that people bought us that were never used.
5. Bouncy Seat

[mlgnumbers]

My best advice (as a bio mom to two, nanny to many, and foster mom to many more) is to start with as little as possible. I know that's crazy in this day and age, what with gender reveals and baby showers and all that jazz. But we seriously only used about 30% of what we received as gifts. Ask for a book and diaper shower. You can *never* have too many of either of those things!! And then you can use all the money you'll save on diapers to buy the tools, equipment, and gadgets that you feel would best serve you and your baby.

And before you buy something for your baby, see if you can borrow it from a friend to give it a "test run." Then, you'll know whether your baby loves it as much as you love Pinterest or hates it as much as being out of your arms.

Most of the "minimalist" lists that I've found are far too minimal. But all the other lists are far too ridiculous. I'll work on putting an "Essentials" list together for anyone who's interested.

Oh! And, this isn't a product, but be willing to accept help. Those first few weeks will knock you off your feet...in the best way possible. But it's nice to have someone else in charge of the (never-ending) laundry.

Congrats, First Time Mommas!! You are in store for the very best ride of your life. Promise!

[jocountry]

Loved:
Car seat cover for my winter baby. I had a shower cap-style insulated one with a zipper and I loved it.
Moses basket. We used this for day and night for a few weeks. He was much happier here than in PnP/crib.
Dr Brown bottles. Hand washes the suckers. Ugh. But they worked great.
Cloth diapers for burp rags. They were a gift I wondered about but I used the heck out of them.

Hated:
Bumbo
Stupid full body sleep pillow when I was pregnant. Total waste of money.

PP already said it, but try to go easy on the stuff. You don't need very much, especially at first.

[adorebel]

Jul 14, 2015 20:30:52 GMT -5 mlgnumbers said:

My best advice (as a bio mom to two, nanny to many, and foster mom to many more) is to start with as little as possible. I know that's crazy in this day and age, what with gender reveals and baby showers and all that jazz. But we seriously only used about 30% of what we received as gifts. Ask for a book and diaper shower. You can *never* have too many of either of those things!! And then you can use all the money you'll save on diapers to buy the tools, equipment, and gadgets that you feel would best serve you and your baby.

And before you buy something for your baby, see if you can borrow it from a friend to give it a "test run." Then, you'll know whether your baby loves it as much as you love Pinterest or hates it as much as being out of your arms.

Most of the "minimalist" lists that I've found are far too minimal. But all the other lists are far too ridiculous. I'll work on putting an "Essentials" list together for anyone who's interested.

Oh! And, this isn't a product, but be willing to accept help. Those first few weeks will knock you off your feet...in the best way possible. But it's nice to have someone else in charge of the (never-ending) laundry.

Congrats, First Time Mommas!! You are in store for the very best ride of your life. Promise!

Yes please!

[almachs0786]

Jul 14, 2015 20:01:54 GMT -5 chatterbox said:

We didn't get much use out of:
1. Sleep Sheep
2. Swing- she wanted nothing to do with it.
3. Bumbo
4. We had way too many receiving blankets that people bought us that were never used.
5. Bouncy Seat

We have used our Sleep Sheep every nap and bed time since DD was born. we even have the mini travel one. She is 2 now and still has it on every night. She even turns it on herself if she wakes up in the MOTN!
I second the Bumbo seat being useless though.

[seabee]

For DD, she loved:
Bumbo - yeah we're one of the few who liked them. DD loved sitting upright when she couldn't quite do it herself yet.
Play mats - we also had the Skip Hop Alphabet Zoo and the Kick n Play piano mats. DD loved them both, entertained her for hours.
Swing - This was the only way we could eat dinner, I also recommend getting one that plugs in. Our friends had a battery operated one and they still curse it.
Rock n Play - We used this heavily until DD reached the weight limit. DD loved it for naps, but I eventually hated it because it was a bitch to get her to transition to the crib for naptime.
Video monitor - We have the Vtech monitor that came with 2 cameras. We started out with one that didn't have a camera, which was fine, but when we started to sleep train the video monitor was great to see what she was doing in there.
For pumping if BF-ing - I got the Glamourmom hands-free pumping clips and loved using them with my Glamourmom nursing tanks. The tanks are kinda expensive, but Zulily has them every once in a while for 50% off.

Hated:
Bouncer - DD never liked it, but maybe this kiddo will?
Carriers - I tried ring slings, Boba wrap, Mai Tai, and a few others. DD wasn't a fan of babywearing.
ETA: We regret buying a travel system.  We like the carseat, but the stroller that came with doesn't work where we live (gravel road/rough country yard).  I ended up buying a jogging stroller that didn't bounce DD around so much.

[OrganicRosemary]

I thought of another thing. This is for later on, especially if you plan on baby led weaning. The bumkins junior bib is awesome. We started using them around 6 months when she started eating. BLW is super messy and these bibs meant she didn't have to eat in just a diaper.


Also, Sandra Boynton board books, and any board book in general, are much more durable for little hands.

Also, I never bought any nursing tanks, mostly bc I didn't want to spend the money. I got the $3 camis from old navy and just stretched them under/over my boob. Much cheaper solution and more color options.

Bibs:
www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004V5WBWK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1436966159&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SY200_QL40&keywords=bumkin+junior+bib&dpPl=1&dpID=61XeWbqA65L&ref=plSrch

Edit to add link

[mom2boxers]

Lucie's List is a great site for breaking down the good/better/best and what the main items you need.

www.lucieslist.com/

I liked snap sleepers better than zippers.

The Tommee Tippe milk bibs were great for absorption and not getting milk under the chin.


www.amazon.com/Tommee-Tippee-Closer-Nature-Feeding/dp/B00081H75M

[peachesncream]

The talk of registries today in UOs had me coming here to say: Start hoarding coupons now!! Get on Bed Bath and Beyond's mailing list because you can use those at Buy Buy Baby. We cloth diapered and every time I got one of those coupons I would use it to go buy a diaper. It saved us a ton of money on our stash!

[LadyNymeria]

Jul 16, 2015 9:30:14 GMT -5 peachesncream said:

The talk of registries today in UOs had me coming here to say: Start hoarding coupons now!! Get on Bed Bath and Beyond's mailing list because you can use those at Buy Buy Baby. We cloth diapered and every time I got one of those coupons I would use it to go buy a diaper. It saved us a ton of money on our stash!

The closest Buy Buy Baby is over an hour away and requires driving through a section of the state that frequently has horrendous traffic that would make the drive 2 hours one direction. It's sad. Guess I'm stuck with BRU.