Overwhelmed with planning

Melissa72777

I'm feeling overwhelmed with looking for baby stuff. I get all excited thinking about stuff and pull up the babies r us site. I try to look up one thing then start thinking of something else then another and another. Before I know it I'm freaking out. How will we afford all of this? How do I know which brand/model/type to buy? How much of these things do I need? After all of this I just end up saying I can't deal with this anymore and play candy crush instead. Any other FTM's feeling like this?

fairy_diva

lol, I did the first time.  It was so overwhelming to think about everything we needed.  I will tell you these were the most used items ever here:

1. Rock n Play: my first LO had reflux and slept in this for about 6 months, it was the only way anyone here got sleep. 

2. Swing: my first LO was a craptastic napper, this saved me more than once.

otherwise we could have went without 90% of the other crap, lol

Guennie

I was definitely feeling like this at first, but then I decided to pace myself. I started researching one thing every day and little by little I decided what I wanted. I have heard a lot of people highly recommend the Baby Bargains book to help them figure out what they really need and how to find the best deal, you may want to check it out. Also there are some good recommendations on the Nurseries and Baby Gear Board. You can read feedback from STMs on what they liked/found most useful. Good luck! Deep breath!

Portland1916

BRU drives me nuts. It's a mess online and in store. We are avoiding it altogether and sticking with Amazon. There are lots of reviews on all kinds of baby items, and sample registry lists. Also, we found that going to a small local baby boutique or store was immensely helpful. We got really good fave time with the employees and walk us through everything.

10-4LilBuddy

I second the Baby Bargains book. I was so overwhelmed with the idea of registering that I kept putting it off. Just register for a few things at a time... You need a car seat, somewhere to sleep, and a nursing plan. Start there.

happywifemomofone

I will third the Baby Bargains Book (got mine at Barnes and Noble for $12.95, you can get your money back if you don't save at least $250).  I have found that thinking about one thing at a time helps immensely.

RNmommyof2

Babies actually *need* very little. They need a way to eat (boob or bottle), diapers (cloth or disposable), a place to sleep and something to wear. I believe all baby stuff meets the same safety standards, so buy what you like and can afford. There's stuff to make life with a baby easier, but don't stress about it. It'll be okay.

happyturtle03

Think about it this way, when our grandparents were born, they kept it a lot simpler and did just fine. You can really get overwhelmed if you go looking at some big mega-giant baby supply because they try to convince you that you need the entire store! Most of that stuff is just expensive crap you'll use once or twice and then decide you hate it and wished you didn't spend the money on it. Keep things simplified in your mind when you are looking. 

You need basics:

Some place for baby to sleep... you have options there, you can start with a bassinet, a co-sleeper nest that attaches to your bed, a crib (and no, despite the stores trying to convince you, you do not need a crib that converts into every bed your child will need until they go off to college!), or even a pack and play sort of thing/portable crib... do your research on those separately from the big baby stores and decide which works with your lifestyle/home and then you'll know more what you want to look for. 

Something for baby to wear... no you do not need 50 cute fashion show outfits, you need some onesies and some blankets to be honest, maybe a cap and mittens if it's too warm or baby really won't be swaddled (some love it some won't tolerate it very long at all). I loved gowns when mine were newborns, but some people hate those. I just found not having to do up a gillion snaps for every diaper change so much easier. Really though, with clothes keep in mind that with babies you need easy to dress, washable, and soft. Save a few fancy things for pictures and special outings, but don't fill baby's closet with too many dress-up things, you'll never use them all before he/she outgrows them.

Diapers of some sort... Don't go out and buy hundreds of packages in every size, just start with a pack or two, you can get them on sale with coupons if you want to save money later on and buy them a little at a time before baby is born, just make sure you attach the receipt in case baby outgrows that size faster than anticipated so you can make exchanges later on if needed. You might decide to go with cloth, which those have come a long way in recent years and you can get them as fancy or as simple as you feel comfortable with. Or you might do a combo of some cloth, some disposable, which is fine too, of course. Really, as long as you can keep baby from peeing and pooing all over you and everything you own, you're ok with whatever you choose. Don't let it overwhelm you, again, just do some research and decide what you think works best for your lifestyle, then look into the options available. Start small, you can always add more later.

Something for baby to eat... whether you plan to breastfeed or bottle feed or a combo of both, will decide which accouterments you need for this, but again, keep it simple. Don't go out and buy it all at once, it's going to depend on what you and baby end up being comfy with. I'd suggest only getting one or two bottles if you plan to use those, until you figure out what baby likes. You'll have time in-between feedings to wash and sterilize, so don't think you have to start with 10 of every model you plan to try. If you are breastfeeding, you don't have to go out and buy the mega pump that attaches itself to you in your sleep and promises to pump 50 ozs every time and stores the milk in its own refrigerated compartment... ok, I am totally exaggerating, I know, but the point is that you don't have to buy the biggest most expensive most complicated pump ever, or any at all to begin with. You don't have to have the fanciest breastfeeding pillow and modesty covers and all that nonsense. You might need some nursing pads to keep you from leaking all over yourself right through your bra, and a pillow of some sort is usually helpful, otherwise all you really need is a hungry baby and a full breast.

A carseat... at first, you'll need rear facing. There are some options there and it will depend on the laws in your state as well as personal choice. You can get a simple set that comes with a carrier that fits into a base and attaches to a stroller, those are fairly common and self-explanatory. Another option is a rear-facing convertible, which you can put a newborn into in most states, but talk to your pediatrician (yes, you can schedule an appointment to meet them and ask any questions you might have about bringing baby home, such as what you need, car seat recommendations, feeding, how first visits will go and all that stuff) to help you decide what's best for you. The stroller is completely optional and some people find that a carrier of some sort attached to their body works better for them. Again, personal choice, research your options there so you'll feel more confident about what you want before you shop.

Other than those basic things, you really don't need much. Everything else is just icing and sprinkles. 

RedLucia

I know you have a lot of responses, but thought I'd add my two cents.

There are tons of things you could get ready (make a spreadsheet or list and prioritize them).

There are just a few things that you MUST get ready. These should be listed on the materials your doctor/clinician can give you (receiving blanket and clothing, car seat for trip home, diapers/changing materials, pediatrician/baby doctor, and place for baby to sleep). The list from your clinic should also tell you the minimum that you need to have ready for yourself (mostly a change of clothing for going home, some breast pads, and breast feeding bras). 

Good luck and remember, you don't have to finish everything all at once.

lsonger

I felt totally ovewhelmed as well. I found this online and have had several people swear by it and the Baby Bargains book. I didn't use the book, but Lucies List gives you a free checklist with some of her top recommendations. Personally I liked this better than a book because a) it was free and b) she has a pretty good sense of humor and is down to earth...plus she has pretty good emails on various topics. Also remember you can register for more than you can afford at this moment as alot of it you don't need right away, but by registering you will get the completion discount, which helps a little. Also, I registered at Amazon for big items as their prices were better in most cases. Although someone just told me that Buy Buy Baby will match prices in most (not all) cases.

https://www.lucieslist.com/