BTDT moms looking out for FTMs

[vtcnicely]

So just an idea since it seems like we have a lot of experienced moms on this board (moreso than my first BMB) that I thought it might be helpful as we get further down the line to give a single place to go to look for all our recommendations.  So instead of having 739 "which carseat should I get" threads, we could maybe have a google spreadsheet somewhere with everyone's favorites.  I was thinking that spreadsheet could have the common stuff - carseats, carriers, strollers, breastpumps, swing/rockers, etc.

Let me know your thoughts, I have no problem creating it and making it editable by anyone with the link.

[ajetter]

I'm up for contributing and reading!

[motownthrowdown]

I would love to read this. I've really got nothing to add to it though lol

[skylark12]

Great idea! I will read. And be thankful!

[jedimomtricks]

That's a neat idea, I'd contribute

[caitie713]

I like this idea too!

[sunshinelady15]

Love the idea.

[sissykate21]

That sounds great. I've got opinions I can throw on there. I'm in.

[malelz]

Love the spreadsheet idea! This FTM needs some serious help!

[stephanie012]

As a FTM I have to say this would be amazing! You ladies are the best:)

[thesportsgal]

I would be happy to contribute!

What I've found with these sorts of things though is everyone is SO DIFFERENT! What I "couldn't live without" many other moms didn't like and vice versa. It's definitely interesting to say the least.

I would maybe try to separate it into gear vs other items (I don't know what to call it). But for example, in gear, for every baby who loved the Mammaroo, you'll find one who didn't like it.

Then there are other items that seems like everyone loves across the board, like the Nose Frida.

Anyways, just my .02

[mommabakes]

Sounds like a great idea, I'd be happy to contribute :-)

[mommakc]

Great idea! I'll be posting the editable EDD spreadsheet tonight!

[misstunes]

Jan 27, 2015 16:47:13 GMT -5 malelz said:

Love the spreadsheet idea! This FTM needs some serious help!

What she said.

[telos]

I really like the idea, but I'm also not opposed to separate threads and discussions about separate categories of baby gear.

Thing is, I'm not sure how helpful it would be for me to just say that I like "the BOB stroller" best (even though I do think it's the best). We chose the BOB for a reason, and we like it for a reason, but those reasons might not be applicable to all folks (in fact, there are a few features, like big wheels, that make it difficult to navigate through department stores or to pack into a smaller car but awesome for shock absorption on the trail).

So, what I'm saying, is that I'd be happy to discuss pros and cons and baby gear in general with FTMs, but am not really certain if I could give a blanket recommendation that easily translates to spreadsheet format.

[Deleted]

I'd be more than happy to contribute; maybe there could be a "notes" portion or a "why you love it" area so we could explain our reasoning for loving a particular item?

[malelz]

We could always have a spreadsheet with a small notes area (ex. Stroller, good for active moms) and if a FTM like myself has a question about brand vs brand or specific reasons why it was recommended, we could pose it in a thread. The spreadsheet would be a nice start for me. I feel like if I see several recommendations for a stroller in one nice format, then I can go online and do the research accordingly. As opposed to just wading through threads to get all the info.

[annabananabomb]

FTM just stopping by to say I LOVE YOU GUYS SO HARD

[Deleted]

Jan 27, 2015 17:38:31 GMT -5 annabananabomb said:

FTM just stopping by to say I LOVE YOU GUYS SO HARD

+1

[wildermom]

Happy to both learn and contribute

[anaberry]

This would be a great resource to have. Thanks to all who would contribute.
I grew up with only brothers and my mom had me at 40. All my friends who have kids are guys too, so I feel completely overwhelmed with all this registry stuff, and the people closest to me aren't the most reliable sources. Plus, I totes don't trust the stuff the baby places recommend because I think it's all a consummerist hoax. Hello pgal paranoia....

[jordanelizabeth]

I would be so eternally grateful!

[pmcd886]

I would happy to add to the list.

[ampaints]

Something I saw on PAIF board that I loved to look at was the FTM BTDT mom play date. One week FTMs would gather questions in a thread and then the best week they would be posted so BTDTs could give their opinions. Would anyone be interested? If so I would be willing it run that.

[runningmommy519]

I'd be happy to give input

[jedimomtricks]

I definitely agree, my recs for FTMs and STMs would be different for strollers etc. we could do cost based, like best high end best low end?

ETA: for example, I got a way more expensive stroller for second kid, needed a very well function double jogger that didn't take up too much space. Someone who didn't jog may not need it, or maybe their first kid is out of the stroller already...stuff like that is tough to chart. Or maybe I'm bad at charts. Guys...I'm totally bad at charts.

[jabs]

Jan 27, 2015 16:47:13 GMT -5 malelz said:

Love the spreadsheet idea! This FTM needs some serious help!

This BTDT mom could use some serious help.  I feel like I've forgotten everything.

[nbalkin]

This is a great idea.

[malelz]

Jan 27, 2015 19:08:39 GMT -5 ampaints said:

Something I saw on PAIF board that I loved to look at was the FTM BTDT mom play date. One week FTMs would gather questions in a thread and then the best week they would be posted so BTDTs could give their opinions. Would anyone be interested? If so I would be willing it run that.

This is a great idea!

BTW thanks BTDT moms for being open to all this. I have recently become overwhelmed with all the options out there. I seriously have no idea what to get!

[hopefulreturn]

As a FTM, I'd love guidance with the many options out there!