October 2017 Moms

FTMs to STMs: love, skip, save, splurge

virginiahamvirginiaham member
edited March 2017 in October 2017 Moms
Hey ladies, I know it's early still but for those who are already starting to research pregnancy-related or baby gear, I thought it would be helpful to hear from STMs about their general experiences.



STMs, when it comes to pregnancy gear (I know there's not a lot, but like belly bands and pillows, etc.) and baby gear/registry items:

What did you love?
Pregnancy:

Baby:

What did you buy/receive that you would you skip this time around?
Pregnancy:

Baby:

What would you save on (e.g. buy used or choose the cheaper available option)?
Pregnancy:

Baby:

What would you splurge on?
Pregnancy:

Baby:

Bonus Q's:

What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item?

Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish?
me . early 30's | h . mid 30's | < 3 . 2013

ntnp #2 . summer 2018

*siggy warning*

ttc#1 . jul 2015
mmc . mar 2016 | 6w2d
dx PCOS (non-IR) / subclinical hypothyroidism . summer 2016
tx metformin, levothyroxine, LP progesterone, femara + trigger + ti . fall/winter 2016
BFP! . jan 2017
DD . oct 2017

«1

Re: FTMs to STMs: love, skip, save, splurge

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  • I realized this could almost be 2 lists (one for pregnancy, one for baby), so I updated my original post.  I hope it's more straightforward!

    @canonmom413 thanks!!  Would you mind sharing which baby book you used?
    me . early 30's | h . mid 30's | < 3 . 2013

    ntnp #2 . summer 2018

    *siggy warning*

    ttc#1 . jul 2015
    mmc . mar 2016 | 6w2d
    dx PCOS (non-IR) / subclinical hypothyroidism . summer 2016
    tx metformin, levothyroxine, LP progesterone, femara + trigger + ti . fall/winter 2016
    BFP! . jan 2017
    DD . oct 2017

  • @virginiaham I'll have to dig theirs out. They had the same book type because when I ordered DD1 they sent two. I will either order the same book this time or find a new one. kailyn Lowry just posted a book shes using ( and endorsing because you know those "teen moms" love getting paid for mentioning products. I may look into that one too. 

    Pregnancy Ticker
    Oct. '17 June S.C. "You Had 1 Job"

  • purplestarzpurplestarz member
    edited March 2017
    I'm here to share my wisdom and knowledge! Ha...in all seriousness though, we had a similar thread in my first BMB that was a lifesaver to me as a FTM. So FTMs, definitely take note!

    What did you love?

    Pregnancy: My body pillow! I had horrible hip pain in my last pregnancy. I thought body pillows were big and dumb. DH surprised me with the Snoogle. I was mad at him for spending the $$ at first, but I love that damn thing. It helped with my hip pain immensely.

    Baby: So many things! I love the SwaddleMe wraps/swaddles. For the life of me I couldn't get a tight swaddle with those Muslin blankets everyone loves (especially in a sleep deprived fog at 3am), but I'm a champ when it comes to velcro. DD also has a white noise machine/stuffed animal (Gentle Giraffe) that she has slept with from day 1 pretty much. I also love those pacifiers with the stuffed animal attached (Wubanub is one brand but there are several). Those are great for while in the car seat or swing. It the pacifier drops out of their mouth the stuffed animal keeps it there.

    What did you buy/receive that you would you skip this time around?
    Pregnancy: Pregnancy books...I never read more than a chapter or two. I also bought a doppler last time but I could live without it.

    Baby: Muslin swaddle blankets for reasons mentioned above lol. People love them but I ended up just using them as receiving blankets/burp rags. I also got SO MANY random blankets from people. No one needs that many baby blankets. I also have a Bumbo seat that we only used occasionally. I know there is controversy on using those anyway.

    What would you save on (e.g. buy used or the choose the cheaper available option)?
    Pregnancy: Can't think of anything right this second.....if I think of something I'll come back and edit.

    Baby: Honestly, clothes. I've come to love those big children's consignment sales. Babies and toddlers grow so fast I refuse to pay full price for anything unless it's a special occasion!

    What would you splurge on?
    Pregnancy: The only "pregnancy splurge" I had was we hired a cleaning lady to come and DEEP CLEAN our house one day a few weeks before my due date. It was so nice to have a clean house that I didn't have to clean. I mean, she even cleaned the inside of our fridge and oven. I think I've decided this pregnancy we need to splurge on this once a trimester lol.

    Baby: The crib. Splurge on the convertible crib. Once DD started climbing out of the crib it was so nice to just switch it into the toddler bed instead of having to go out and buy something else on a whim. It eventually turns into a full bed so I imagine it's something we'll have for a looooong time. I wanted to be cheap (I'm frugal by nature) and get a super simple crib but I'm glad we didn't.

    Bonus Q's:

    What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item? I SWEAR by the "Zip a Dee Zip" slumber sacks. You use them after you can no longer safely swaddle. DD slept in her "Zippy's" from 3 months until she was a year and a half.

    Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish? Not really any items...I just wish I would have taken more videos of DD as a baby! I love looking back on her videos and wish I had more of just the random moments :)

    *O17 June Siggy Challenge - You had 1 job!*
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Pregnancy Ticker
  • jessafishyjessafishy member
    edited March 2017
    What did you love?
    Pregnancy: PILLOW! Particularly one like this. It was a godsend (though DH complained about how big it was.) I roll side to side a lot when I sleep and I didn't want to have to drag a whole pillow with me when I did. This eliminated that problem and helped with the lower back/SI joint pain I was having.

    Baby: Aden & Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets. We used them SO MUCH. Also, a sound machine. Also, cloth diapers for spit-rags. 

    What did you buy/receive that you would you skip this time around?
    Pregnancy: I am pretty much a minimalist when it comes to my own things so I can't think of anything for this category that I didn't use/wouldn't buy again.

    Baby: My Grandma got us some PeePee TeePees. We never used them. Ever. Not even once. 

    What would you save on (e.g. buy used or the choose the cheaper available option)?
    Pregnancy: Realized I skipped this one. See above.

    Baby: Crib/Toddler bed. We got our crib used from SIL/BIL and we bought a used toddler bed for $20. DS is still in the crib, he has never tried to climb out. We will switch him over this summer so he's settled when #2 comes along.

    What would you splurge on?
    Pregnancy: Pillow. See Above. 

    Baby: Car Seat. BUY IT NEW! BUY AN EXTRA BASE! I loved our Chicco Keyfit. It is stupid easy to install and use. I loved Chicco so much we got a Nextfit for his convertible seat. 

    Bonus Q's:
    What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item? I wanted to get a hospital gown last time around and didn't end up doing it. I will definitely get one this time. I hate the ones the hospital provides and didn't change into one until I was almost ready to push. Taking the sweatpants on/off was a pain. :p

    Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish? I love the Pottery Barn Christmas Ornament we got for DS. (It's not available on their website currently! Wah!)
     --------
    I heart theSkimm
    I heart YNAB
    ---------
    “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, 
    if one only remembers to turn on the light." 
    - Albus Dumbledore
  • mommac2017mommac2017 member
    edited March 2017
    What did you love?
    Pregnancy: Maternity clothes. Seriously. The comfiest things in the world. Also, maternity photo shoot. I am so glad I have those photos now.

    Baby: My nursing pillow! I got the Jolly Jumper one. It's big, and awesome. And it's great to sleep with during the end stages of your pregnancy! 

    What did you buy/receive that you would you skip this time around?
    Pregnancy: Honestly, I'm super cheap so I didn't buy a lot during my pregnancy unless I felt I needed it. So I don't really have anything here.

    Baby: Phillips Avent Breast Pump - IT WAS HORRIBLE!!!!!!!! I tried it a few times and didn't get a drop out of it. I bought a Medela Pump in Style pump and it worked beautifully! Highly recommend it. Also, I didn't buy this, but I borrowed my sister's Moby wrap and absolutely HATED it. It was so hot!!! I later bought a Beco Gemini and loved it! Planning on getting a ring sling for this baby (for the newborn stage).

    What would you save on (e.g. buy used or the choose the cheaper available option)?
    Pregnancy: Again, not a lot because I only bought what I needed. 

    Baby: Swing/bouncer. My son ended up hating the swing we bought. I wish I had bought one second hand that I could turn around and sell again if he didn't like it. I'm actually hoping to sell his this time around and buy a different one secondhand. 

    What would you splurge on?
    Pregnancy: Maternity photos. I know it's not everyone's thing. But I really appreciated my photos. We will be doing them again this time. HIRING A DOULA!!! This is my #1. I LOVED my doula. Could not recommend having a doula enough. She was well worth the money we paid her. And I even tipped her $100 in the end because she was so incredible.

    Baby: A good breast pump, especially if you think you'll be pumping a lot. Crib. We love DS's crib. We did a lot of looking around before settling on it. I found a lot of cribs in store were very wobbly, not sturdy, and just not nice. We really took our time researching and finding something we loved. And it's a convertible crib so he will be using it for a while. 

    Bonus Q's:

    What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item? I don't understand this question...

    Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish? I took a footprint of DS when he was 1 month old. It's framed and in his room and I love it. I also kept the outfit that we brought him home from in the hospital. After the baby is born, I will get both the hospital take home outfits made into teddy bears (a woman in my city does this and I think it's so cool). 
  • canonmom413canonmom413 member
    edited March 2017
    A few things I can attest to:

    used swing - i bought my DD2 new and she loved it , but she was too big/ started to hate it around 12 weeks. 179 dollar swing for 12 weeks was not worth it. I sold it for 80. I bought the same swing used already this time around for $50. I will go ahead and sell it for the same when we're done. 

    Maternity photos! Just do it! I take them and have never gotten mine done. I feel like I can't this one either because I didn't with the first two :( 

    Pregnancy Ticker
    Oct. '17 June S.C. "You Had 1 Job"

  • I feel like this could get lengthy...

    What did you love?
    Pregnancy: Body Pillow is obvious, I guess the one thing I got during my first that I loved were my essential oils.  Especially in the third trimester.  It really helped relieve aches and pains and then when it was go time it really helped relax me.  I used the clary sage during induction and had a quick delivery.  My doctor and nurses all loved that I diffused the room and it smelt so lovely.

    Baby: I was gifted this little divider caddy.  We use it to this day.  I filled it with diapers wipes and other essentials and could just carry it from room to room instead of having to get up to go to the nursery to change diapers.  Also the rock n' play aka RNP was a life saver the first month.  It's all DD would sleep in.

    What did you buy/receive that you would you skip this time around?
    Pregnancy: I know this has already been talked about but I didn't like the belly bands to help hold pants up.  I never could get it to work right and it would keep rolling up on me.  Waste of money. 

    Baby: Wipe Warmer.  Such a waste.  I hardly used it and when we did the wipes would be dried out. 

    What would you save on (e.g. buy used or the choose the cheaper available option)?
    Pregnancy: maternity clothes, books

    Baby: We purchased our swing.  Items were practically brand new and had all the instructions and cords.  We just gave it a good wash and saved over half.  Same thing with clothes.  Especially the little ones.   

    What would you splurge on?
    Pregnancy: Anything to make you comfortable.

    Baby: Pictures, monitor, breast pump (get the good one but check with your insurance, I got a free Madela through them.)

    Bonus Q's:

    What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item? TULA.  I didn't get one last pregnancy because I was gifted another carrier.  This time I am getting a Tula.

    Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish? no not really

  • virginiahamvirginiaham member
    edited March 2017

    What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item? I don't understand this question...

    Think of it as like your magical dynamite item.  I used some poetic license picking this phrase because it usually means something that is highly sought after but is hard to find, but I just mean what item is your "highly sought-after." :)

    Loving reading all of your responses, ladies.  Thank you!!
    me . early 30's | h . mid 30's | < 3 . 2013

    ntnp #2 . summer 2018

    *siggy warning*

    ttc#1 . jul 2015
    mmc . mar 2016 | 6w2d
    dx PCOS (non-IR) / subclinical hypothyroidism . summer 2016
    tx metformin, levothyroxine, LP progesterone, femara + trigger + ti . fall/winter 2016
    BFP! . jan 2017
    DD . oct 2017

  • @virginiaham, I guess my unicorn item then was my stroller. I love it! We got the Graco Modes and use it all the time. My only regret is that we bought it before the jogging version came out. I would have preferred that. We did a TON of research about our stroller ahead of time, and this was the winner!
  • beezeeebeezeee member
    edited March 2017
    What did you love?
    Pregnancy: a body pillow, comfy lounge clothes

    Baby: Those swaddle me things that wrap baby up like a cocoon. A coffee cup carrier attachment for the stroller if it doesn't come with one.

    Also see splurges, below.

    What did you buy/receive that you would you skip this time around?
    Pregnancy: I can't really think of anything here.

    Baby: so many things. A bumbo chair. DD used the boppy pillow a couple times to lounge in, but it was not helpful for breastfeeding. A bouncer - I think you only need one of these types of things, whether it be a mamaroo, swing, etc. Jeans (DD had a pair in 0-3 months, which she never wore, and to this day at almost 3 has not worn a pair of real jeans). We also never used our pack n play - both sets of parents had them at their houses, so if you're traveling a lot that would be the exception.

    What would you save on (e.g. buy used or the choose the cheaper available option)?
    Pregnancy: Maternity clothes. I bought so much expensive stuff that I only wore a few times. Obviously, you need a couple of good staples. I found that with my style - I wear a lot of loose fitting tops and dresses, I was able to wear a lot of regular clothes through my entire pregnancy. Borrow from friends, and if you need to buy a lot of stuff, go cheaper - old navy is awesome for this.

    Baby: All the equipment - swings, rock n play, etc. I was such a snob about this with DD, I wanted everything brand new and in the right colors, etc., even though my best friend had her DD about 6 mos earlier and was willing to give us all her stuff. Take everything you can get - you have no idea what baby will like. DD really wasn't in to the swing, so buying new was a waste for us. Also, clothes!

    What would you splurge on?
    Pregnancy: these are more for mama after baby, but... good nursing bras, earth mama angel baby nipple butter, a nice diaper bag

    Baby: A good wrap for baby wearing (I had a solly wrap with DD which I loved) and Aden and anais muslin swaddle blankets

    Bonus Q's:

    What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item? I bought so many cute little knit stuffed animals, dolls, etc. which cost outrageous amounts of money. Totally unnecessary, but I loved them, and still do. 

    Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish? The stuffed animals noted above.
    October 2017 June Siggy Challenge -- "You Had One Job!" 
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  • riverrainezriverrainez member
    edited March 2017
    This is going to be so different for everyone but here's mine.

    What did you love?
    Pregnancy: Snoogle

    Baby: Bamboo A&A muslin blankets (SO soft). Rocknplay. Swaddleme sacks with the velcro.

    What did you buy/receive that you would you skip this time around?
    Pregnancy: Books. 

    Baby: Swing - we got a hand-me-down and it just took up space, used maybe twice. A fancy wrap - my son hated it and the Beco carrier was so much easier.  Shoes - just don't bother with shoes on an infant.

    What would you save on (e.g. buy used or the cheaper available)?
    Pregnancy: Maternity clothes

    Baby: Changing table. Packnplay. I got a fancy Euro brand packnplay that cost twice as much as the basic version and that was unnecessary.

    What would you splurge on?
    Pregnancy: Can't think of anything right now.

    Baby: A really comfy rocking chair for nursing -- so worth it. Two nursing pillows, one for the bedroom and one for the downstairs/living room. Diaper bag maybe? I hated mine and ended up not really using it, but maybe if I splurged on one that fit my style better I would have used it longer.

    Bonus Q's:

    What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item? Wubbanub

    Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish? Well, I got the presidential new baby greeting which I pasted in his baby book... won't be doing that this time around. Our real keepsakes are all the handmade blankets and sweaters we got from family.

    Pregnancy Ticker
  • ksf13ksf13 member
    What did you love?
    Pregnancy: Yoga pants lol. But apparently I shouldn't have skipped the pregnancy pillow the first time around. Definitely thinking I'll be ordering one ASAP.

    Baby: Boppy, Nose Frida, Coconut oil

    What did you buy/receive that you would you skip this time around?
    Pregnancy: Too many maternity clothes. I'll just get a few staple pieces this time around. I think a lot of my LuLaRoe is going to work through pregnancy (yay)

    Baby: Wipe warmer (I returned the one I was given with DD), changing table (we didn't have one with DD either), 

    What would you save on (e.g. buy used or choose the cheaper available option)?
    Pregnancy: Maternity clothes for sure. Old Navy ALWAYS has a sale lol.

    Baby: Swings, bouncers, you can usually find them basically brand new on resale pages. Please don't buy a used carseat though! 

    What would you splurge on?
    Pregnancy: I'm guessing a pregnancy pillow, which I didn't last time. By the time I NEEDED it, I was too far along to justify it in my mind lol.

    Baby: Carseat, Comfy nursing chair (we started out with a glider and ended up buying a nice recliner when DD was about a week old, it is the most comfortable chair ever lol), a nice baby carrier (loved our lillebaby with my daughter, but I have a feeling this baby will be worn way more!)

    Bonus Q's:

    What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item? A nice camera! I didn't get mine until DD was 2, but I so wish I would have had it sooner. 

    Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish? Photos are what I cherish the most, thus the nice camera. 
    BabyFruit Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • mamabear148-2mamabear148-2 member
    edited March 2017
    What did you love?
    Pregnancy: maternity jeans, not the full panel type, the ones with elastic waistband. And a body pillow, or at least a second king sized pillow to put under the belly and in between the knees (thankfully dont need it yet)

    Baby: BOPPYYYY, and swing, and rock and play

    What did you buy/receive that you would you skip this time around?
    Pregnancy: I'm drawing a blank on this one at the moment...

    Baby: Bumbo seat, the zillion blankets you'll inevitably get as gifts, 

    What would you save on (e.g. buy used or choose the cheaper available option)?
    Pregnancy: maternity clothes. I've learned to buy non maternity items that work w and wthout the bump (except maternity jeans and leggings, SO comfy and worth it)

    Baby: any gadget or contraption. A gently used swing, bouncer, rock and play, pack and play, etc is welcome in my book. They use it for such a short period of time anyways!

    What would you splurge on?
    Pregnancy: belly cream? FOOD!!!! yes. FOOD :)

    Baby: monitor, car seat, stroller, carrier, and diaper bag (AKA anything you will use on the regular and for an extended period of time)

    Bonus Q's:

    What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item? My current stroller. Still love it 4+ yrs later

    Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish? The monthaversary pictures I took of each of my girls. They can be a pain to keep up with, but looking back, it's totally worth it :)

    ETA: for vaginal delivery mammas: a peri bottle for rinsing and these amazing, comfortable, super absorbent pads

  • Loved
    Pregnancy: body pillow! Wearing all my summer dresses with a pregnant belly:) Yoga pants

    What would I skip?
     Most of these items I did skip with my first pregnancy at the suggestion from other moms I knew and the others were gifts that I didn't think were necessary.

    Change table:  I attached the change pad to the top of the dresser, saving room in the bedroom and money in the bank I use the top drawer of the dresser to store all of the diapers and wipes etc. 

    Baby bath: I had one but really it's not necessary. They are so wobbly and slippery in the bathtub anyway you're supporting their knock most of the time in the bath isn't that long so you could likely do this in small bin.  My son is almost a year and a half and he sits in a laundry basket simply to contain him and his bath toys clothes by him. 

    Baby shoes
    Too many newborn outfits: they really just need sleepers for a long time
    Highchair:  use the Bumbo seat until he was enough to set up better and then we put him in a booster seat that attached to one of our kitchen chairs which essentially is the same thing as sitting up high chair. Saved us a lot of space in our small kitchen 

    Whatbwould you save money on?
     I buy all used clothes for my son. There are so many used clothing stores and thrift shops that have large children's actions. In addition, in my city there are three different Facebook pages typically designed for swapping and trading baby clothes . They were everything for such a short amount of time that it's totally not worth it to pay full price. 

     Actually the only items that I paid full price for where his car seat and his stroller. For safety purposes obviously and also I walk for an hour or two every single day so I knew that I needed a really good quality stroller. Otherwise are used many of the same type of sources I mentioned above to get playpen, babybath, booster seat, swing, Bumbo chair, babybtoys etc.
  • jessafishy said: 

    Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish? I love the Pottery Barn Christmas Ornament we got for DS. (It's not available on their website currently! Wah!)
    Love this, MH and I love ornaments!  Could you share maybe a stock photo from PB of the one you got?

    @natleilynn that is a great list!  Would you mind spoiler-boxing your post for those who are scrolling through posts just since it ended up being so (impressively) thorough and long? :)
    me . early 30's | h . mid 30's | < 3 . 2013

    ntnp #2 . summer 2018

    *siggy warning*

    ttc#1 . jul 2015
    mmc . mar 2016 | 6w2d
    dx PCOS (non-IR) / subclinical hypothyroidism . summer 2016
    tx metformin, levothyroxine, LP progesterone, femara + trigger + ti . fall/winter 2016
    BFP! . jan 2017
    DD . oct 2017

  • @virginiaham We got the natural wood one. You can still find it on their website if you google Pottery Barn Kids Block Ornament, it just says it's "No Longer Available". It has all of their birth information on it.

     
     --------
    I heart theSkimm
    I heart YNAB
    ---------
    “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, 
    if one only remembers to turn on the light." 
    - Albus Dumbledore
  • @virginiaham  Sure! Can you direct me to the instructions on how to do that? I swear I searched and couldn't find it...I'm sure it's probably staring at me in the face...
    BFP#1: 12/3/13 EDD 8/15/13. Heartbeat found on 12/26/13, HB gone on 1/4/13. D&C 1/7/13
    BFP#2: 4/19/13 EDD 12/28/13. Team Green for pregnancy and Baby Girl arrived 12/21/13.
    BFP#3: 2/9/13 EDD 10/18/17. Team Green for Round 2!

    BabyFruit Ticker
  • @natleilynn When you're in the edit screen, click on the paragraph drop-down, and with it still open, Select-All your text.  It should keep the drop-down open, then just click Spoiler.  It's tricky and not really intuitive on mobile if that's what you're using!
    me . early 30's | h . mid 30's | < 3 . 2013

    ntnp #2 . summer 2018

    *siggy warning*

    ttc#1 . jul 2015
    mmc . mar 2016 | 6w2d
    dx PCOS (non-IR) / subclinical hypothyroidism . summer 2016
    tx metformin, levothyroxine, LP progesterone, femara + trigger + ti . fall/winter 2016
    BFP! . jan 2017
    DD . oct 2017

  • @virginiaham  Done! Thank you!
    BFP#1: 12/3/13 EDD 8/15/13. Heartbeat found on 12/26/13, HB gone on 1/4/13. D&C 1/7/13
    BFP#2: 4/19/13 EDD 12/28/13. Team Green for pregnancy and Baby Girl arrived 12/21/13.
    BFP#3: 2/9/13 EDD 10/18/17. Team Green for Round 2!

    BabyFruit Ticker
  • I haven't read responses yet but I want to play

    What did you love?
    Pregnancy: Food Hahahaha

    Baby: Moby wrap for baby wearing. Saved my life because LO was a velcro baby for a good 10months

    What did you buy/receive that you would you skip this time around?
    Pregnancy: Body maternity pillow - ridiculously huge. I found it better to use a couple normal pillows and tucked it where needed.

    Baby: Cot sized doona covers. I never used a doona for LO1 until he was older and by that stage we used a single bed.

    What would you save on (e.g. buy used or choose the cheaper available option)?
    Pregnancy: You can find lots of maternity friendly clothing at cheaper stores. Avoid the online stores that are purely maternity. They are expensive.

    Baby: Baby monitor, the cot (but get a new mattress if you are unsure), dresser

    What would you splurge on?
    Pregnancy: Good quality maternity bras. Get 100% cotton, and treat yourself to a pretty looking one as well.

    Baby: Good quality pram that's easy to pack and unpack. Highly recommend the Citi Mini GT.

    Bonus Q's:

    What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item? Moby wrap, and woven wrap

    Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish? I bought a keepsake item off ebay to make little hand and feet moulds and it's my favourite keepsake. Oh and don't let your DH throw out LO's tiny little hopsital bands. My heart still twinges that he threw them away.

    **June Siggy Challenge: You Had ONE Job!**

    LO#2 EDD October 18th 


    Pregnancy Ticker
  • What did you love?
    Pregnancy: Bath seat. The last month I got winded standing in the shower so this time around I will be using a bath seat early and often. 

    Baby: SwaddleMe Pods. Basically a swaddle that zips closed. It has no arm or leg holes and looks like a cocoon. I can't even believe I tried other things. This time around I'm just going to buy a bunch of these for sleeping. 

    What did you buy/receive that you would you skip this time around?
    Pregnancy: Knitted baby blankets. I never used a single one. Other ones I had were much softer. 

    Baby: Bumbo. I didn't use it. There is no point and you can't put it up high because its dangerous. I just used the swing, the bouncer, or even the high chair. 

    What would you save on (e.g. buy used or choose the cheaper available option)?
    Pregnancy: I'd definitely buy used maternity clothes. 

    Baby: I would never buy another bedding set. I was too terrified to use the bumper and never used the big bulky comforter that came with it. All you need are sheets and mattress protectors and I learned to layer the bed for quick changes in the night. Mattress protector, then sheet, then protector then sheet, etc for as many as I had clean and would fit. Then when he puked, peed, pooped or spit up on the sheets in the night I could just pull the top sheet and mattress pad off and keep it moving. 
    I'd also buy used kids clothes. They grow so fast. 

    What would you splurge on?
    Pregnancy: It doesn't have to be expensive but I'd go on lots of dates before baby. 

    Baby: A good stroller. I'd recommend actually trying them out.  We had a Britax B Agile which I loved. 

    Bonus Q's:

    What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item? I really wanted an Ergo and I also bought the infant insert. I used the heck out of it. 

    Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish? Pictures and videos. 



    • Siggy Warning: Loss, Living Child, Pregnancy mentioned
    • TTC Since August 2009
    • IUI #1, D/C December 2012
    • IUI #2, Natural MC March 2013
    • IUI #3 BFN
    • IUI #4 BFP Due April 2014
    • Rainbow Baby DS1 born April 2014 via emergency C-Section
    • IUI #5 February 1, 2017.....BFP due 10/25/17 with TWINS! --9w5d vanishing twin. 
    • Diagnosis: PCOS, Factor V Leiden Syndrome


  • What did you love?
    Pregnancy: I am joining the others who recommended the Snoogle. It's awesome. I even traveled with it!

    Baby: The Boppy pillow was a life saver. We had 2 covers in case one was smelly or if baby spit up all over it. (Btw the waterproof cover doesn't really work. Pillow still smells like milk.)

    What did you buy/receive that you would you skip this time around?
    Pregnancy: Any scented belly creams. I can only do unscented (Cetaphil cream in the tub is my fave.)

    Baby: any sort of fancy outfits, shoes with any purpose other than warmth

    What would you save on (e.g. buy used or choose the cheaper available option)?
    Pregnancy: clothes

    Baby: If we get any more big equipment (like a swing), we'll look at used first for sure. Or maybe borrow something to try before you buy.

    What would you splurge on?
    Pregnancy: nothing

    Baby: A high quality rocker. We actually splurged and got a pillowy Lazyboy recliner for the nursery. It was the best decision we made in preparing for first baby's arrival.

    Bonus Q's:

    What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item?
    I have several: Two books (Healthy sleep habits happy child & Solve your child's sleep problems), swaddles, the Magic Merlin suit to transition out of the swaddles, white noise machine

    Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish? A real, handwritten baby book
  • What did you love?
    Pregnancy: maternity skinny jeans and leggings 

    Baby: those long nightgowns with the bands on the bottom. For a newborn, they were a lifesaver for middle of the night diaper changes. Plus, it almost acted as a double swaddle since it holds them in tight. 

    What did you buy/receive that you would you skip this time around?
    Pregnancy: nothing. 

    Baby: bumbo seat and swing. She hated both and we never used them. Space taker! I would suggest keeping the tags on the swing, so it can be returned if need be. Not all babies like the same thing. 

    What would you save on (e.g. buy used or choose the cheaper available option)?
    Pregnancy: nothing. 

    Baby: possibly, pack n play? I don't think getting a brand new one was necessary for us. We used the changing station on it more so than the actual play area. It was only useful a handful of times. 

    What would you splurge on?
    Pregnancy: prenatal massages. Those were heaven as I got bigger. 

    Baby: a&d ointment! I used it every diaper change and she never once had diaper rash. Also, baby carrier. Loved it! So did she. Lots of white snap shirts! So much easier than bottom snaps! Especially when spit up is happening a lot in the beginning. Diaper Jeannie!!!!!!! 

    Bonus Q's:

    What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item?

    a regular pillow for nursing! I used it so much! I didn't like the boppy for nursing. Ice pack trays for making baby food. It was so much better tasting and so easy to do! 

    Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish?

    baby record book 
    Me: 30 | DH:34
    Married: 08/04/12
    DD: 6 years | Born: 03/28/13
    DS: 1 Year I Born 10/15/17

  • What did you love?
    Pregnancy:
    - Body pillow was a must for me to get any sleep in the last trimester

    Baby:
    - Halo Sleep Sacks were a must for us...we couldn't get a regular swaddle, DS would just squirm too much, but he couldn't sleep without being swaddled, so our first night home was miserable.  I signed up for Amazon Prime the next morning, ordered 2 and then sent my mom to pick up one at BBR to hold us over until the order arrived. - - Sound machine: DS still sleeps with this every night and its a lifesaver when we travel too (make sure you get one that doesn't have an auto-shutoff and that plugs in and has batteries
    - My Breast Friend nursing pillow: I lived in this thing the first 3 months
    - Rock N Play: DS would take naps in it plus he would just hang out in it while I got things done
    -Wubanub: we only used this for a pacifier since its easier for baby to put back in/doesn't fall

    What would you save on (e.g. buy used or choose the cheaper available option)?
    Baby:
    - swing: each baby is so different. we only ended up using our used mamaroo a couple of times, DS just didn't like it, but I know moms that swear by it...and other moms that swear by others...don't spend much, so that if you need to switch to something different it wasn't a huge investment
    - clothes: DS lived in Carter's onsies and footed pjs his first 3 months, I just bought the packs of different colored ones and rotated them
    - shoes: so not necessary until they start to walk

    What would you splurge on?
    Pregnancy:
    - One pair of premium maternity jeans, they are sooooo much comfier than the cheap ones
    Baby:
    - An easy to use, safe car seat plus an extra base
    - Either a stroller or a carrier, whichever you prefer. Do your research!

    Bonus Q's:

    What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item?
    - definitely the Halo Sleepsacks

    Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish?
    - newborn photosession
    Pregnancy Ticker
  • Love this!

    What did I love:
    Pregnancy - maxi dresses. So much more comfy than pants! I live in Texas and was in my third trimester during the heart of the summer....comfy is way more important than cute but when you can get both - bonus!!

    Baby: I loved my baby wrap. Buy two different ones and see what you like best. But it was so nice to have my arms free and it really calmed baby! Also loved our Rock n Play. Our baby slept in it for 6 months and it was so easy and portable and made nighttime breastfeeding a breeze.

    SAVE ON:

    I was not a big nursing pillow fan. I could not get comfortable with it and found using a regular pillow to be much more effectice.

    buying a lot of items they don't know ba b y will like. Our baby hated being swaddled and hated pacifiers and we have so many still in the original packaging. This is the same with bottles...you don't know what baby will like so instead of buying 30 bottles of the same brand, buy one of a couple different brands and when you find what baby likes then go stock up.

    Lastly, pass on buying to many elaborate newborn outfits. I am going shipping with a friend who is expecting her first in July and she kept showing me all these newborn outfits with pants and jumpers....onesies and sleep gowns are all you need!  When you are changing 10+diapers a day you will find out pants are the enemy...at least until they have more muscle tone! 

    Splurge on a prenatal massage...especially in the third trimester. A good stroller ! And definitely splurge on car seat...no cutting corners there!

    <a href="http://www.thebump.com/?utm_source=ticker&utm_medium=HTML&utm_campaign=tickers" title="Getting Pregnant"><img src="http://global.thebump.com/tickers/tt1bd2f4.aspx" alt=" Trying to Conceive Ticker" border="0"  /></a>

     

     

  • Bumping for reference and input from anyone who missed it or has more to add is always welcome  <3
    me . early 30's | h . mid 30's | < 3 . 2013

    ntnp #2 . summer 2018

    *siggy warning*

    ttc#1 . jul 2015
    mmc . mar 2016 | 6w2d
    dx PCOS (non-IR) / subclinical hypothyroidism . summer 2016
    tx metformin, levothyroxine, LP progesterone, femara + trigger + ti . fall/winter 2016
    BFP! . jan 2017
    DD . oct 2017

  • @virginiaham THANK YOU!!! I knew I wasn't crazy!!
    BFP#1: 12/3/13 EDD 8/15/13. Heartbeat found on 12/26/13, HB gone on 1/4/13. D&C 1/7/13
    BFP#2: 4/19/13 EDD 12/28/13. Team Green for pregnancy and Baby Girl arrived 12/21/13.
    BFP#3: 2/9/13 EDD 10/18/17. Team Green for Round 2!

    BabyFruit Ticker
  • Most everything has been said, but a book/app that really saved me was "the wonder weeks". This was one of the most  sanity saver things I purchased for the babies. It didn't make their transitions any easier, but for me to have a small idea of what happened to the sweet smiley baby that was replaced with a crying no sleep monster and the reassurance that this too will pass and they are just learning some big things, was really comforting to me. 

    Completely agree.  The Wonder Weeks app definitely helped me mentally prepare for the harder days/weeks.
    Pregnancy Ticker
  • I added a "labor" category for a few of mine.
    What did you love?
    Pregnancy: birth ball totally helped me be more comfy sitting, sounds ridiculous, but squatty potty (google it if you've never seen one)  I didn't actually buy one, but used 2 stepstools for under my feet.  Really helped relieve hemorrhoids and constipation.

    Labor:  I bought a spray fan that ended up being a lifesaver since i had major hot flashes with contractions,  i also made a birth skirt from a pair of yoga pants + material from an ugly turtleneck that i wore for both my labors with a thrift store tank top and was so much more comfy than a hospital gown

    Baby: velcro swaddles, extra sheets (both mine were super poopers, lol), some type of hands free baby carrier

    What did you buy/receive that you would you skip this time around?
    Pregnancy: bigger bras for maternity boobs...just get nursing bras/nursing camis

    Baby:  shoes, more than 1 or 2 fancy outfits for the first few months

    What would you save on (e.g. buy used or choose the cheaper available option)?
    Pregnancy:  maternity clothes

    Baby: pretty much everything except what I put in splurge

    What would you splurge on?
    Pregnancy:  good nutrition and vitamins, at least 1 super cute outfit for when you feel blah and need a confidence boost.

    Baby:  1 nice baby carrier, quality diaper bag that won't fall apart, breast pump (if your insurance provides one, get one even if you don't think you'll need it.  You can't sell a pump your insurance gives you, but you CAN donate it to a mom in need.  My first would have starved or ended up with a feeding tube if I hadn't had a good pump, so this is important to me

    Bonus Q's:

    What was your "unicorn" pregnancy/baby item? Moby wrap, double stroller for the 2nd (didn't think I'd need it...then my older dd broke her leg and i was stuck with 2 non-walkers)

    Were there any specific keepsake items you have come to cherish?  I crochet a hat/bootie/blanket set for each of mine and also a set for their dedication.  Also, they have both come home in the same sleeper (white with duckies) so thats a tradition now...
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Pregnancy Ticker
  • @bumpadmin can you please merge this thread with our pinned registry thread?



  • Please @BumpAdmin

    Pregnancy Ticker
    Oct. '17 June S.C. "You Had 1 Job"

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