We found great use out of the diaper genie. We have a 2 story house so having it upstairs was helpful and we didnt have to change out the trash everyday. I would say it depends on your home situation.
What is your SINGLE most favorite (most useful, best value, etc.) item that you have puchased for your baby/babies?
@hedgepig for me, hands down, our Rock N Play. It's small and portable (I can bring it into any room I'm in) and was a LIFESAVER for both my kids with reflux. The incline is perfection for babies that can't sleep lying flat. It's wonderful.
YES THIS but for the love of God, GET THE AUTOMATIC ONE.
@Dumbgurl04 When our son was first born we lived in a ranch we had no use for the diaper genie. When he got a little older and we moved to a two story house and it was extremely helpful! I agree with living situations it can be a hit or a miss!
But definitely get a diaper genie if you do not have a covered trash can and have dogs lol that could get pretty messy!!
What is your SINGLE most favorite (most useful, best value, etc.) item that you have puchased for your baby/babies?
@hedgepig for me, hands down, our Rock N Play. It's small and portable (I can bring it into any room I'm in) and was a LIFESAVER for both my kids with reflux. The incline is perfection for babies that can't sleep lying flat. It's wonderful.
I completely agree with this for the infant stage.
If i push it out to 4 yrs, I would have to say a convertable carseat that you don have to rethread the straps when it needs to be adjusted. So much easier to adjust with out having to take it out of the car then reinstall.
@Sissy42 I loved the a&a swaddle blankets but I do feel like they kind of shriveled up a tad after washing a few times. And those things weren't cheap.
@ngolimento I love having the portable diaper changing pad!
@Sissy42 I loved the a&a swaddle blankets but I do feel like they kind of shriveled up a tad after washing a few times. And those things weren't cheap.
Definitely get that. Both of my girls still fall asleep rubbing the A&A bamboo swaddles between their fingers - and they are 5 and 3! maybe that's why we loved them so much? some super sleeping powers or something
I will be getting a new infant bucket set, no way I'm transferring a sleeping baby. My son woke the minute you moved him so the bucket allowed us to go into store with him still sleeping. If he was awake into the carrier he went.
In the same category: what's something you got that you ended up not needing/using, or wasn't worth the money?
So not baby related, but I hated the snoogle maternity pillow. Was incredibly uncomfortable for me and a huge waste of money.
I loved my snoogle and was sad to put it away. This just proves that you have to figure out what works best for you/your baby because everyone is different.
The Halo Sleepsacks with the swaddle wings were my #1. My 2 YO still sleeps in a sleepsack every night and nap...unswaddled of course.
Ditto to Halo sleepsacks, but I also found the fleece ones swaddled WAY better than the cotton. The cotton was too stretchy! Not sure if I can get away with fleece this time with an April baby, but maybe with just a onesie underneath.
I think it all depends on the baby. My oldest hated to be swattled, hated every swing and seat, and pacifiers. My youngest loved pacifiers and was pretty chill so he would stay in anything I put him in. I hated the wrap I had and my youngest slid out head first as a newborn. I do agree that wipe warmers are a big fat waste. All they do is dry out the wipes. My babies loved Dr Browns bottles but cleaning all the pieces is a PIA. Something always get moldy.
If you don't know already, you NEED a rock and play, lol! Seriously best thing ever and so easy to take with you if you go out of town. Also a good white noise machine is necessary.
The unnecessary things were definitely the crazy amount of blankets you will get. Also, I got the super cute vibrating lamb baby tub and that was a waste of money. Get a cheap one. I agree that with all big ticket items, if you can borrow or get second hand just in case your child hates them, it's a good idea.
I never got a changing table. What I did was buy a long mid waist high dresser and put a changing pad on top of it along with a basket of the diaper goodies. It worked well with us since the nursery didn't have a lot of space. We also use a sound machine and love it. Still use it with our 2.5 year old. I also recommend that you do not register for blankets. I received so many blankets it was ridiculous. AMAZON PRIME if you don't have it already. You won't really know what works for your baby and sometimes you're desperate to try anything and the fact that you can get it in two days without leaving your house is amazing.
ROCK N PLAYYYYY I have a split level house and am planning on buying a second one so I don't have to carry it around this time LOL.
Also if and when you plan on formula feeding the plastic dispensers that have 3 sections in it are awesome!!! They are super cheap and you can have three bottles worth of formula portioned out in case you are out of the house for a while. i BF my DD for 2 months but was forced to stop because of a medication my dr put me on and that thing was so simple but so helpful.
USELESS ITEMS: definitely depends on the kid... but for swaddles and smaller things like that I would only get one or two to start because I got like 8 and my daughter refused to be swaddled... maybe baby #2 will like them
Also!!! And I know it is difficult.. but try to go gender neutral on all the BIG items if you plan on having another kid! I'm so happy this time that I don't have to rebuy a bouncer and a car seat and a swing and stroller etc. my friend got all this cute pink stuff with her daughter and then she ended up having a boy a few years later and didn't want to use all the pink stuff LOL
I loved our angelcare monitor with breathing detection! We did crib from day one (not for everyone, but wonderful for us!) my DD became an amazing sleeper and no need for different transitions! Agree with the swaddles, boppy, and lots of burp cloths!
I would recommend skipping the infant tub and getting this. It lasted us from 4 weeks old till free range in the bathtub.
For sleep, the Baby Merlin Magic Sleep suit then when they can roll, the Woolino. I'm a sleep garment pusher and I have no shame.
We looooved this bath seat! So great! Especially when he was in the stage where he wanted to sit up, but wasn't sturdy enough to sit without the possibility of falling back.
I second the Merlin sleep suit. My son used his starting around 3/4 months until about 6 (basically outgrew it and started rolling at the same time). It helps stifle the startle reflex without restricting all motion ( he was able to still find his thumb to suck).
Useless-bumbo seat. His legs were way too chunky, it was too hard to get him in/out.
ROCK N PLAYYYYY I have a split level house and am planning on buying a second one so I don't have to carry it around this time LOL.
Also if and when you plan on formula feeding the plastic dispensers that have 3 sections in it are awesome!!! They are super cheap and you can have three bottles worth of formula portioned out in case you are out of the house for a while. i BF my DD for 2 months but was forced to stop because of a medication my dr put me on and that thing was so simple but so helpful.
USELESS ITEMS: definitely depends on the kid... but for swaddles and smaller things like that I would only get one or two to start because I got like 8 and my daughter refused to be swaddled... maybe baby #2 will like them
@srprins1987 what is this magical product you speak of?! I've formula fed 2 babies and have yet to see this. Sounds like it would make life much easier when out of the house!
I second the Merlin sleep suit. My son used his starting around 3/4 months until about 6 (basically outgrew it and started rolling at the same time). It helps stifle the startle reflex without restricting all motion ( he was able to still find his thumb to suck).
Useless-bumbo seat. His legs were way too chunky, it was too hard to get him in/out.
When we have all our babies, I will be pushing the Merlin. It changed my life I got STTN sleep from 3 months til 5 months (boo sleep regression/rolling). It doesn't sound like a lot (2 months) but when you're caring for a newborn, it's A LOT.
ETA: Bumbo was absolute crap for us until he started crawling and self feeding. Then we used it with the tray so he could watch us as we cooked dinner and he ate puffs.
ROCK N PLAYYYYY I have a split level house and am planning on buying a second one so I don't have to carry it around this time LOL.
Also if and when you plan on formula feeding the plastic dispensers that have 3 sections in it are awesome!!! They are super cheap and you can have three bottles worth of formula portioned out in case you are out of the house for a while. i BF my DD for 2 months but was forced to stop because of a medication my dr put me on and that thing was so simple but so helpful.
USELESS ITEMS: definitely depends on the kid... but for swaddles and smaller things like that I would only get one or two to start because I got like 8 and my daughter refused to be swaddled... maybe baby #2 will like them
@srprins1987 what is this magical product you speak of?! I've formula fed 2 babies and have yet to see this. Sounds like it would make life much easier when out of the house!
I think this is what she means. Wal mart has them here.
@kindbytealikat hmmm yeah I just found those on Amazon. I don't really understand it. Do you pre-fill each section with powder formula, then add water and mix each section as you need it? Then transfer that mix to a bottle? That actually adds a step to my process -- I usually put powder formula in clean bottles before I leave the house, then add water when I need them.
@kmalls for the dispenser you put the amount of powder in each compartment. You have your bottles pre-filled with amount of water. Then when baby is hungry just dump the powder into the bottle and shake.
I totally agree with the rock n play! Best purchase ever! I also firmly believe in the changing pad liners. There's so much poop in the beginning I would have been constantly washing the cover but those liners were great. Buy at least six. My husband thought the mamaroo was useless but that's just bc my son didn't like it. Who knows, maybe this baby will?
@kmalls only the powder goes into that thing. I didn't like to have to find a sink somewhere for the water, especially if we were on the road or at a park so I just filled my bottles with water before leaving the house and pour the sectioned formula into the bottle when she was ready to eat!
@kmalls only the powder goes into that thing. I didn't like to have to find a sink somewhere for the water, especially if we were on the road or at a park so I just filled my bottles with water before leaving the house and pour the sectioned formula into the bottle when she was ready to eat!
Fun fact. My uncle, the retired-from-NASA physicist, was simply amazed by this thing. So funny!
***March '18 October Siggy Challenge: Halloween Costume Fails***
Can I just say that this is not only a helpful thread for FTM, I really did get some new info! Definitely should look up this magical Rock 'n Play that you all talk about, curious if we have them here as well.
@hedgepig: this a bit for further down the road but if you plan to make your own meals once your babe can eat solids I highly recommend the "Bebea Babycook Solo" or any type of babycook really. It steams and purees and we still find great use in it (even to mix our guacamole in since our mixer broke ) I guess some find it useless because it's not a necessity per se but we really like it, especially that you don't lose the vitamins in veggies with steaming. It just makes it easier and quicker to cook for baby.
@looeeze I wouldn't splurge on baby shoes (with a hard sole) before they can walk. They're expensive, of no use really and uncomfortable for them especially when they start to crawl. Also, don't buy them ahead of time (I know sale is nice but your have no way of knowing what size baby will be in a couple of months). This was actually a great tip from a friend of mine who had loads and loads of unworn shoes.
@looeeze agree about the shoes. So pointless. A waste of money and a struggle to get on. My son just wore socks until he walked. Yes even out of the house.
@looeeze agree about the shoes. So pointless. A waste of money and a struggle to get on. My son just wore socks until he walked. Yes even out of the house.
Mine too! And if it's colder and you have a stroller with attached feet blanket (sorry don't know the correct English term) it's really, really not necessary.
Also!!! And I know it is difficult.. but try to go gender neutral on all the BIG items if you plan on having another kid! I'm so happy this time that I don't have to rebuy a bouncer and a car seat and a swing and stroller etc. my friend got all this cute pink stuff with her daughter and then she ended up having a boy a few years later and didn't want to use all the pink stuff LOL
Call me a terrible parent but ds used all the pink stuff! Some of it (rock and play and high chair) were purchased new (or second hand) for him! I really don't care about the color when target marks a high chair from $125 to $20! Lol!
Re: FTM Questions For STM+
I would recommend skipping the infant tub and getting this. It lasted us from 4 weeks old till free range in the bathtub.
For sleep, the Baby Merlin Magic Sleep suit then when they can roll, the Woolino. I'm a sleep garment pusher and I have no shame.
But definitely get a diaper genie if you do not have a covered trash can and have dogs lol that could get pretty messy!!
If i push it out to 4 yrs, I would have to say a convertable carseat that you don have to rethread the straps when it needs to be adjusted. So much easier to adjust with out having to take it out of the car then reinstall.
@ngolimento I love having the portable diaper changing pad!
HX
DSD: 17
DS: 4(Nov'14)
MMC:8/17
MMC: 1/18
BFP: 2/7/19 EDD:10/16/19
Tickers
My youngest loved pacifiers and was pretty chill so he would stay in anything I put him in. I hated the wrap I had and my youngest slid out head first as a newborn.
I do agree that wipe warmers are a big fat waste. All they do is dry out the wipes.
My babies loved Dr Browns bottles but cleaning all the pieces is a PIA. Something always get moldy.
The unnecessary things were definitely the crazy amount of blankets you will get. Also, I got the super cute vibrating lamb baby tub and that was a waste of money. Get a cheap one. I agree that with all big ticket items, if you can borrow or get second hand just in case your child hates them, it's a good idea.
I also recommend that you do not register for blankets. I received so many blankets it was ridiculous.
AMAZON PRIME if you don't have it already. You won't really know what works for your baby and sometimes you're desperate to try anything and the fact that you can get it in two days without leaving your house is amazing.
Also if and when you plan on formula feeding the plastic dispensers that have 3 sections in it are awesome!!! They are super cheap and you can have three bottles worth of formula portioned out in case you are out of the house for a while. i BF my DD for 2 months but was forced to stop because of a medication my dr put me on and that thing was so simple but so helpful.
USELESS ITEMS: definitely depends on the kid... but for swaddles and smaller things like that I would only get one or two to start because I got like 8 and my daughter refused to be swaddled... maybe baby #2 will like them
Agree with the swaddles, boppy, and lots of burp cloths!
HX
DSD: 17
DS: 4(Nov'14)
MMC:8/17
MMC: 1/18
BFP: 2/7/19 EDD:10/16/19
Tickers
Useless-bumbo seat. His legs were way too chunky, it was too hard to get him in/out.
ETA: Bumbo was absolute crap for us until he started crawling and self feeding. Then we used it with the tray so he could watch us as we cooked dinner and he ate puffs.
HX
DSD: 17
DS: 4(Nov'14)
MMC:8/17
MMC: 1/18
BFP: 2/7/19 EDD:10/16/19
Tickers
@srprins1987 gotcha. I always bring bottled water to use and add it to formula I've portioned out in bottles.
@hedgepig: this a bit for further down the road but if you plan to make your own meals once your babe can eat solids I highly recommend the "Bebea Babycook Solo" or any type of babycook really. It steams and purees and we still find great use in it (even to mix our guacamole in since our mixer broke
I guess some find it useless because it's not a necessity per se but we really like it, especially that you don't lose the vitamins in veggies with steaming. It just makes it easier and quicker to cook for baby.
@looeeze I wouldn't splurge on baby shoes (with a hard sole) before they can walk. They're expensive, of no use really and uncomfortable for them especially when they start to crawl. Also, don't buy them ahead of time (I know sale is nice but your have no way of knowing what size baby will be in a couple of months). This was actually a great tip from a friend of mine who had loads and loads of unworn shoes.
HX
DSD: 17
DS: 4(Nov'14)
MMC:8/17
MMC: 1/18
BFP: 2/7/19 EDD:10/16/19
Tickers