What to buy for baby?

cinnamonrollcupcake

Hi ladies! So I'll start by saying we haven't bought anything for baby yet (which has been a combination of being cautious/not wanting to jinx this plus wanting to wait until after the anatomy scan). I realize that I need to start buying things soon though because as the days go by we'll just have less and less time. So I am starting by researching products and am finding myself getting overwhelmed - there's so much baby stuff out there! How do you know what to buy for baby? How do you know how many of each thing to buy? Is there some kind of master list out there? (I'm partially kidding and partially not.) And how do you what brands are good and which ones aren't worth the money? Are there any good resources you ladies know of to help with these decisions (besides recommendations from family/friends)? Would greatly appreciate any advice you all have!

brittneyandadam

I'm not going to be any help....but I was walking through Target today and thought the exact same thing. I walked into the baby section to daydream a little and thought "Holy crap I have no clue what I'm doing!" So, if you do find out...please let us know :-) 

FutureMrsW9

I started by getting the Baby Bargains book.  I started by looking online for best stroller, best crib, etc. and there was just WAY too much info out there, so I felt like I needed to pick something reputable, which I've heard this book is, and use that as a starting point.  Otherwise you'll go nuts if you try to read every review online about every product.  I think if nothing else it's a great starting point to at least give you the list of big items that you're going to need.  It's also helped me to weed out certain stores and brands in our big item search, which now is focused on the crib because my mom wants to order it soon.  We've already picked out a stroller, with help from the book!  We narrowed it down to 2 or 3 brands based on their review then went to the store and tried them out and picked the one we wanted from there - at least we weren't trying all the 10s of brands that were actually in the store like we saw some others doing.  We haven't bought anything yet, either, but these are the big items that either parents are going to buy for us or we're going to put on our registry, so when the time comes I'll know exactly what to order or scan!  We're still working on cribs.  Next will be the glider and then probably the car seat and 'travel system' accessories (whatever that means! haha).

sunflowermama42212

First I looked at what things I wanted and what my budget was, also how the items will best suit my lifestyle and then I looked up reviews and ratings and narrowed down my list. Things like cribs and car seats have to meet the same safety standards so it's not like one is safer then the other. It's just what bells and whistles you want for things.

MJC1116

I agree that the Baby Bargains book helped tremendously and I felt like what I did buy (for the most part) or what was gifted to me wasn't a waste of money. I would definitely start there, especially with big items. Another thing that helped me a lot was after I put my registry together, my friend offered to look at it for me and give her opinions. She said a friend did that for her and it helped her out a ton. So she looked over my registry and commented if I registered for too many of the same bottle or paci, or if she had used the product and didn't like it (and explained why) or if the blankets I registered for didn't wash well. It was really helpful!

Keephope2012

I agree with PPs about Baby bargains. I also asked friends and family members who have recently had babies what they felt they couldn't live without. I found it was really helpful to start my registry early and then add/delete stuff often. It was a bit overwhelming at first!

megs3084

I agree w the pps. Also check out the lucies list website. That helped me a bunch!

PhillyJ33

I asked this before too! The baby bargains book was highly recommended on this board so I got it and it helped a lot! I also read Amazin reviews of the products.
When I registered, I brought a friend that recently had a baby and that probably helped me the most with the little things. I also stalked a few registries of people that I knew that recently had a baby or are pregnant now.
It is exhausting!

auntjessy

On the Babies R Us registry, they have a checklist of need to have items, with numbers of each, and nice to have. Even if you don't even buy any of it at BRU, it's kind of a nice guide. I know that since we're expecting twins, we took into account things like needing car seats for 5 lb babies instead of 8 lb-ers. I also like to read reviews on Amazon before I buy something. Moms don't pull punches.

Mrs.AmyDylan

Chiming in from SAIF, I second Lucie's list. The blogger is funny and breaks it down really well. 

I will say if there is any way you are able to borrow some of the larger footprint items (swing, exersaucer, etc) you can determine if you child actually likes it and save yourself the money and space (DD didn't like the swing and exersaucer was only amusing for about 2-3mo).

For tiny newborn clothes, I preferred the nightgowns to the footsie pjs. So much easier access for diaper changes. Also get those waterproof pads for on top of the cute changing table cover. 

amb2013

I agree with everyone else, my shower is actually today, I'm 35 weeks. Baby bargains book helped me with a list of essentials and narrow down the big stuff. I also did a Pinterest search for must have baby items, registry items etc. I put a list together and then asked a few friends who have just had infants to look it over. I didn't put clothes on my registry, just a few sleepers because people like to pick out baby clothes and you will get a lot even from people who aren't at your shower. Also, make sure the store you are registering at has a good return policy, like no receipt needed if its on your registry. Then, make sure you have stuff in lots of price ranges. The 50 to 100 range was popular for ours. Even if its something you're not sure you will use, but its in that range, put it and you can always return it and have a nice credit for when you really need something. Advice I was given and it felt gift grabby but makes sense. If you don't have things in that range, they may buy off your registry without a receipt and then you are stuck. I registered about one week before shower invites went out.

Peanutz21

ditto on baby bargains book!

i also asked around - what was necessary, what was a waste, etc. that was really helpful.  

baby stroller wise although it was super early DH and I snagged a deal during cyber monday and saved almost $200 on our "dream" stroller (an uppababy vista)

HeatherHam10

@peanutz21 tgats the exact one we want and is SO expensive! Did you buy their infant car seat? We will def be investing in one.

These are all great tips and super helpful! I wouldnt know where to start!

Peanutz21

HeatherHam10 said:

@peanutz21 tgats the exact one we want and is SO expensive! Did you buy their infant car seat? We will def be investing in one. These are all great tips and super helpful! I wouldnt know where to start!

We did get the Mesa seat too and an additional car seat base at the time. We got it all 20% off at the time.

BBColt78

Baby Bargains was very helpful to me when I was registering with DD. I also spent quite a bit of time lurking on the Nurseries and Baby Gear board. That's where I learned about strollers and car seats and which brands were good ones. Amazon has guides too for registering. They will also show you the top registered for baby items. I was just on there the other day

Just a car seat tip (for infants) don't get too sold on how many pounds they hold. It sounds amazing when you are buying the seat, but kids really don't weigh that much. I saw Graco had a Snugride 40 today at BRU, Um, my DD is almost three and weighs 25lbs. They normally out-grow in height first.

I probably couldn't do without my swaddles, swing, playmat (Fisher Price rainforest is awesome because it lights up and plays music), gowns or PJs that zip (so important!) and bottles if you plan to FF. Babies can be so picky about bottles, so you may want to buy a few types and a limited number. We also loved a sound machine like a Cloud B that most baby stores sell. If you are having a big shower you can register for a convertible car seat too. My shower was big and I got a lot, including two convertibles that we needed.

HTH!

whoberry

I am not that far ahead of you but I've heard great things about the Baby Bargains book (but don't get the kindle version b/c it's missing the charts and graphs).  I ordered the hard copy from Amazon and I'm still waiting for it 2 weeks later, sigh.  I also read Lucie's List and just found the Nurseries & Baby Gear board yesterday.  

I also started a secret Amazon wishlist.  That way I can add all the products I am interested in to my secret wishlist and then narrow them down later for a registry.  I've got like 10 diaper bags on there currently ">

Oh and check out Baby Cheapskates- I liked them on FB and they post great deals on all kinds of gear every day. 

BlueEyedDreamer

Lucie's List and Baby Bargains were my main starting points. They both do a good job of narrowing down the massive amount of info out there so that you can focus your search and tailor it to your specific needs. Amazon reviews are also pretty helpful. 

I also recommend bringing an experienced mom with you when you do decide to go and register. My SIL has two boys, and she was a tremendous help to us when we went to register. I knew what I wanted in terms of the "big" items, but she helped me narrow down things like which types of pacifiers, washcloths, or breast pads to try - all the "little" stuff that you may not have thought about!

cinnamonrollcupcake

Thanks so much for all your tips ladies!