Baby Gear/Registry Q&A + Tell All

alice0218

I don't know if this is too early for a thread like this, but I keep stalking other BMBs' threads on this topic and thought it would be nice if we had one of our own! I haven't bought anything yet but I sure have started reading about everything. I know we have a long way to go but that hasn't stopped me from trying to figure out what we'll need. Plus, if we decide about something we need and see a sale early we can jump on it.

You know the drill:
FTMs - ask questions if you have them.
STMs - spill your guts about what you loved, hated, never used, wished you had and will definitely buy this time, etc. 

Unfortunately I don't have a question to start but I love reading this info so hopefully someone else has a question or wants to talk about their baby stuff. I'll be taking notes.

wal2017

Ok I'll start!

Bouncer, Rock N Play, Swing--- did you have all 3? Just one or two? It seems like a lot of items to buy but I see couples registering for all 3 and assume there's a reason. I know some babies love swings and parents love how it rocks them to sleep, and I hear rave reviews of the rock n play....
help!

ramzlau

There is another thread called Product Reviews/the best of, on page 2, where there has been some discussion about some gear, not sure if there is a difference between the threads, but I would check there for some answers as well. 

Starynightsky24

wal2017 said:

Ok I'll start!

Bouncer, Rock N Play, Swing--- did you have all 3? Just one or two? It seems like a lot of items to buy but I see couples registering for all 3 and assume there's a reason. I know some babies love swings and parents love how it rocks them to sleep, and I hear rave reviews of the rock n play....
help!

It depends on a lot of factors, I've always had all three. I liked keeping the rock n play in my room for sleep, the swing downstairs in the living room, and the bouncer was a must have because I could bring it anywhere around the house (need to go to the bathroom? Shower? Cook? Do something outside?). I liked having multiple safe places to put down the baby. Especially with LO2 because I was constantly chasing a toddler. 

If you have a small house, it may not be needed. And, DS did NOT like the swing. So I'm not sure it's a must have to have all of them. It's just  convenient. 

lainikins

wal2017 said:

Ok I'll start!

Bouncer, Rock N Play, Swing--- did you have all 3? Just one or two? It seems like a lot of items to buy but I see couples registering for all 3 and assume there's a reason. I know some babies love swings and parents love how it rocks them to sleep, and I hear rave reviews of the rock n play....
help!

We had a bouncer and a swing with my first. He was not a fan and much preferred just being placed on the floor on his tummy. We no longer have them and are not planning on buying any until the baby here and we have a better idea of what the baby would like best. We never did the rock and play because when my son was born there was a lot of discussion about it causing flat heads and mold issues were just starting to be reported all the time. 

mpp06

I never really used a bouncer. I got one used from someone but I just never used it much. I took it to mil house and actually used it much more there than ever at my house. In 5 kids we used two swings and so decided (when #5) broke the last one that we'd buy a mamaroo and liked it. Only neg was I felt like they couldn't stay in it as long as the swing. We did have a rock n play that I love! That's where they would sleep right next to my side of the bed. I'm interested on hearing about new things also! I'd never heard of the dock a tot but have been seeing them everywhere! I also haven't had a baby girl in almost 9 years so I'm curious if there's any must haves for them! I've seen the swaddle sets with matching bows and

lainikins

Speaking of Dock a Tot, can someone explain it to me? I feel like I must be missing something for that price tag. I have seen it talked about as being amazing, but never any specifics. It was not around when my son was a baby, but we had something that I think was similar. I feel like I must be missunderstanding the use. 

babymakes9

lainikins said:

Speaking of Dock a Tot, can someone explain it to me? I feel like I must be missing something for that price tag. I have seen it talked about as being amazing, but never any specifics. It was not around when my son was a baby, but we had something that I think was similar. I feel like I must be missunderstanding the use. 

Isn't it an inflatable baby  bed that you can put in your bed?

Starynightsky24

lainikins said:

Speaking of Dock a Tot, can someone explain it to me? I feel like I must be missing something for that price tag. I have seen it talked about as being amazing, but never any specifics. It was not around when my son was a baby, but we had something that I think was similar. I feel like I must be missunderstanding the use. 

I'd like to know this too... I saw one at Target and it basically looked and felt like a dog bed... I don't get the hype 

MrsJ2410

lainikins said:

Speaking of Dock a Tot, can someone explain it to me? I feel like I must be missing something for that price tag. I have seen it talked about as being amazing, but never any specifics. It was not around when my son was a baby, but we had something that I think was similar. I feel like I must be missunderstanding the use. 

My understanding is that its for transitioning from bassinet or smaller sleep space to crib. It can also be parked anywhere and I THINK be used for co-sleeping. Its not inflatable, its just cushion. 

I started a few registries mostly to keep track of what I like on various websites. I did finally add a Rock n Play, but IDK, we are trying to keep stuff to a minimum since we have such a small apt, and was wondering if just a bouncer will be ok. I will also have a moses basket and one of those boppy loungers. 
I would also love anyone's recommendation on a video monitor? I have one from Amazon on my list , but its the only thing I haven't really done a ton of research on, and picked it sort of arbitrarily 

winnie1122

I had the R&P and a swing, no bouncer. But I have a one story small house so I could easily slide the R&P all over the house. R&P was a must have for us, because DS slept in it by our bed at night and took naps in it during the day, but my friend who just had a baby hasn't had any luck with using the R&P for anything because her baby won't sleep anywhere but on her, lol. So I can't speak to that. The swing was nice for about 3 months, he liked it once he could hold his head up so it wasn't so droopy but he didn't like it for very long. Some people swear by it though so again it's going to depend on what kind of baby you get! Amazon baby registry is great because they have like a guided registry process that gives you commonly bought items/necessities in each category and you can research and add stuff all in one go. I found a lot of stuff that way that I wouldn't have known about or thought of when I was going through the first time!

lainikins

Talk to me about carriers. I am eyeing the Tula Fit to Grow. I never had a structured carrier with my son, we did the baby K'tan until he got too big, which seemed to happen really quickly and I was never a huge fan of it. What carriers did you love? Has anyone tried the fit to grow? 

kbrinks2

@MrsJ2410 I would totally reccomend a video monitor!! Ours was a summer brand (I think). I didn't do a lot of research into them, but I just knew I didn't want one that connects to the wifi because of all of the scary stories you hear about people tapping into the feed and watching your kids. But the monitor we have just has a base that we can take around with us and we can make sure the LO is actually sleeping! I found it really reassuring and I didn't have to peek my head in and wake up my LO to make sure he was okay!! We also moved baby into his crib earlier than most so it wasn't helpful to be able to see him at all times!

alice0218

@ramzlau thanks! I will read that other thread too! I did do a search for baby gear and oddly nothing came up in our month. Maybe the search feature is just very poor.

I second @lainikins I would love to hear about carriers. There are so many options! I am going to try to make it to a nearby babywearers international meeting before I get a bump to try some out from their library. It sounds like almost every carrier or wrap has both lovers and haters.

lucylou214

I agree, @alice0218 , I'd love to hear carrier opinions, too (FTM here).  I also am trying to pick a video monitor, since baby's room will be upstairs (so is ours, but I'll want the flexibility to be downstairs during naps/after bedtime), so I want to be able to peek in from both floors.  I do know that people prefer non-wifi, so raves of kinds that fit that description would be awesome!

karcerplus3

@wal2017 swings are huge. Just FYI. Plus both my boys hated it so be prepared for that possibility. I liked the rock n play bc it was portable. The bouncer is nice just to have someplace easy to sit the baby in. 

I personally loved the ergo with the newborn insert. It was a lifesaver with #2 when I had both kids.  It was so nice to have my hands free and know that #2 was napping. 

hms1219

@lucylou214, @alice0218, @lainikins, I'm not a carrier expert but I've used a few brands. I use a Tula ring sling for the newborn phase because with a lot of the soft structured carriers you need an insert so they are up high enough and positioned correctly. I've used a Mai Tai carrier and loved it, but it doesn't have buckles and only ties.  It's super adjustable that way but takes patience to learn to tie it quickly.  It can be used front or back or forward facing.  I've done an ergo and loved it for short trips. When they get heavier, the ergo hurt my back a little.  I've never used the Tula Free to Grow, but just a standard and then toddler Tula and it was love love love.  I still use my toddler Tula occasionally for DS1 who is 4. DS2 is almost 2 and still uses the standard size Tula. 

Starynightsky24

lainikins said:

Talk to me about carriers. I am eyeing the Tula Fit to Grow. I never had a structured carrier with my son, we did the baby K'tan until he got too big, which seemed to happen really quickly and I was never a huge fan of it. What carriers did you love? Has anyone tried the fit to grow? 

I have an Ergo, a k'tan, and a baba sling. The baba sling is BY FAR my favorite! I LOVE it bc it's crazy easy to use and (at the time I bought it) the only one that was breastfeeding approved. I nursed DD everywhere in that thing. 

winnie1122

Which carrier would you all say was kindest to your back? I had the cheap infantino one from Target, which worked just fine and I don't mind using again, but once he got to be 18-20 lbs I just couldn't use it for long because it hurt my back!! I'm thinking of getting a wrap style one or just a soft one rather than the backpack style, but I have a small budget so a lot of them are a little out there for me! 

ETA Do you even use them when they get that big? Haha maybe my expectations are unrealistic. DS was 18 lbs around 7 months. 

hms1219

winnie1122 said:

Which carrier would you all say was kindest to your back? I had the cheap infantino one from Target, which worked just fine and I don't mind using again, but once he got to be 18-20 lbs I just couldn't use it for long because it hurt my back!! I'm thinking of getting a wrap style one or just a soft one rather than the backpack style, but I have a small budget so a lot of them are a little out there for me! 

ETA Do you even use them when they get that big? Haha maybe my expectations are unrealistic. DS was 18 lbs around 7 months. 

I'm 5'4" and a little over 100 pounds.  I occasionally wear my 36 pound 4 year old on my back. DS2 hates to be on my back, he's 28 pounds and only likes to be worn on my front. Neither of them hurt my back even when I tandem carry. The ergo hurt my back when DS1 hit 15 pounds which is when I switched to Tula.  Ring slings are also super comfortable once you get them positioned correctly.  I couldn't get a full wrap figured out so my Moby went in the garage sale bin pretty quickly. 

Starynightsky24

winnie1122 said:

Which carrier would you all say was kindest to your back? I had the cheap infantino one from Target, which worked just fine and I don't mind using again, but once he got to be 18-20 lbs I just couldn't use it for long because it hurt my back!! I'm thinking of getting a wrap style one or just a soft one rather than the backpack style, but I have a small budget so a lot of them are a little out there for me! 

ETA Do you even use them when they get that big? Haha maybe my expectations are unrealistic. DS was 18 lbs around 7 months. 

I used the Ergo when we walked a lot.  And, using it on your back was a great help. I still loved my baba sling  because it was much easier to do yourself when you had no help...  what the ergo definitely wins when talking about carrying older babies 

lucylou214

Has anyone tried the Lillebaby?  I have two friends who have recommended soft structured carriers- one is a diehard Ergo fan, the other likes the Lillebaby.  

eggplantface

I used Lucie's List to build my registry. It has links to everything on Amazon so if I liked it I could just click "Add to Registry" and boom, done. I like how she has reviews at various price points and is honest about what you need and what's "nice to have" and products that have mixed reviews.

@lucylou214 I registered for the Lillebaby based on the review in Lucie's List. I'm also looking at getting a wrap for a newborn because the Lillebaby looks like it will swallow a newborn. One of my friends raved about her Ergo though.

lucylou214

@eggplantface , I agree that a wrap looks nice for a newborn, and for around the house.  I, too, will register for a fabric-type wrap as well as a structured carrier.  I think it's nice to have options! 

neener*neener*

wal2017 said:

Ok I'll start!

Bouncer, Rock N Play, Swing--- did you have all 3? Just one or two? It seems like a lot of items to buy but I see couples registering for all 3 and assume there's a reason. I know some babies love swings and parents love how it rocks them to sleep, and I hear rave reviews of the rock n play....
help!

We had and used all three for both of my boys.

The bouncer was used a lot when I'd bring the boys into the bathroom when I'd shower, to the kitchen when I cooked, or outside on the deck etc. We used it until the boys could scoot out or grab/pull themselves forward (about 5-6 months I think...)

The swing was used more to soothe a colicky/tired baby when momma was exhausted. My first son slept in it a few nights when I was at my wits end with exhaustion from not sleeping. 

Both of my boys slept in the rock n play by my bed for the first 4 months of their lives. It was so nice to reach over and rock it when needed or get to them quickly to nurse. Both boys had reflux and needed to sleep on an incline. This was a safe option. My first son had torticolis and a flat spot on his head but it was not from the RNP. It was from him being so low in the birth canal for so long and his neck muscles were shorter on one side causing him to lay on the same spot of his head. (Some people said the RNP causes flat heads.) We also took our RNP to the drive in movies and babysitters house.  

neener*neener*

This may have been mentioned already but regarding slings, see if you have a local "baby wearing" group. We have a group in our town and they'll let you bring baby/try on or check out wraps. Its a great option to see what works for you and to try on various wraps before you buy.

clc515

Thoughts/review of the City Mini GT stroller, if you have one? DH can has lifting weight restrictions so looking for something on the lighter side that's still easily maneuverable, and my brother highly recommends this one. Follow on question -- should we get it as the travel system or get a different infant carrier and get the attachment? 

sabriel1

@clc515 the stroller is awesome. Really light weight and small. Love it. I don't know anything about the car but seat though as I am partial to some of the lighter infant carriers from Graco or Maxi Cosi

hms1219

I want a double stroller that is side by side jogging style.  I had a sit and stand and hated it.  Anyone have any recommendations?  

msunshine123

@hms1219 - the double bob. 

clc515

@sabriel1 thanks for the input!

jessilee15

I have a single bob, and almost got the double, but wound up getting a baby jogger instead because it's hilly where I live and I jog with it - double bob doesn't have a hand brake

SarahFoley725

lainikins said:

Talk to me about carriers. I am eyeing the Tula Fit to Grow. I never had a structured carrier with my son, we did the baby K'tan until he got too big, which seemed to happen really quickly and I was never a huge fan of it. What carriers did you love? Has anyone tried the fit to grow? 

We have a standard Tula and I love it. DH says I can get the FTG with the new baby! I'm excited. I had an Ergo before and it was much less comfortable for me. 

To all moms, especially new ones. BUT THE NOSE FRIDA! Yes, it looks nasty and may make you gag just thinking about it but I swear it's amazing and a life saver when you get your first stuffy nose. 

alice0218

@SarahFoley725 Thank you for that Nose Frida advice. I keep hearing it's a must have. Also I heard about some kind of "butt whistle" that relieves gas (speaking of gross things). Does anyone have one? Is this actually a helpful necessity or OTT? It sounds weird but I get how it could be helpful too.

gymmonkey95

I had a bouncer swing combo and would highly recommend going that route vs buying three different items. I have no experience with a rock n play but I know a few Moms that swore by it.

Regarding carriers, I LOVE my Lillebaby!! I started out with an Ergo but my daughter got chunky fast and I needed something that actually helped support my back. While it looks like it will swallow a newborn I think it depends in which way you carry them and how big they are.

How worth it is a double stroller? I babywear a lot like 95% of the time and plan on tandem wearing but I also feel a double would be nice. Also what backpack diaper bag do you swear by? I'm looking at one by Kelty if that helps.

sabriel1

@alice0218 I remember researching the butt whistle thing a couple pregnancies ago. I decided against it because I read that it can make babies depend on it to relieve gas so much so that they have more trouble on thier own

farmrose

Carriers--
1) I used a Moby with my first for a few weeks, it was ok, really warm (most carriers are, especially with PP/BF hormones I'm a sweaty mess anyway). It was nice for early nb stage bc it's soft and snuggly. It is complicated to learn to put on, but once you figure it out, it's not too bad.
2) I bought a wrap conversion ring sling when DD1 was about a year old, and LOVED it for both toddler needs and when DD2 was a newb, up to a few months old. DD2 would arch get back a lot as she was getting settled into the carrier so she'd pop her seat a lot, and I moved onto the ergo.
3) My Ergo is WELL loved. With 2, I really liked the quickness of the ergo. Its comfortable enough. I have worn DD2 on my back with the ergo since she was 7ish months. She was too squirmy on the front and I couldn't function. Plus, some of you had questions about comfort when they get bigger-back carries. There's a bit of a learning curve, but once you learn you can get them on quick and it's sooo much more comfortable when they get >20ish lbs. My babies grow fast so they are usually around 20# by 6-7 months. I'm planning to upgrade to a tula free to grow for this LO.
4) Woven wrap- I have a size 6 girasol that I got when DD1 was born. I really liked to wrap around the house and loved this for back carries, waaay more comfortable than the ergo for back carries, but not as quick. I don't really use it much with DD2 just bc it's not as quick and convenient. But, the wrap has the most sleepy dust for sure! I love the pattern too, it's the prettiest!

My favorites are my wrap conversion ring sling and my woven (for esthetics and comfort), but I use the ergo 90+% of the time for convenience. 

Aeml1985

I have a ring sling that I will still occasionally wear DD in (35lbs) and loved it when she was little. Nice for quick ups, easy to keep in the diaper bag and faster to put on than a wrap. 

We also have a beco carrier that is ok, but I will be trying something new with this baby. I like the look of Lenny lamb or the wrap conversion tula 

the nose frieda is a life saver and "boogie mist" instead of saline drops. Just as effective but not as surprising for baby (aerosol spray vs liquid drops)

we have a trip trapp high chair that's amazing, still going strong with my 2.5 yr old, well worth the cost imo and takes up WAY less space than a regular highchair. No wheels but if you put scuff protectors on the  bottom it slides easily 

aos620

First time mom here!  Any recommendations for the best city stroller?  I live in Boston and am interested in something heavy duty to get through uneven sidewalks and snow, but also something that folds easily and can be stored on the main floor of my condo building.  Everyone in my neighborhood seems to have the Uppababy Vista, so I'm leaning that way, but open to suggestions! 

lainikins

@aos620, look into the City Mini stroller. I do not know a ton about strollers, but I remember it being very nimble and easily foldable. There might be other great ones since I was due with my 5 yo, but if I were living in a more city environment, I think I would have gone for that one. Also, we are neighbors! I live just outside Boston. 

aos620

Thanks, @lainikins!