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2nd Trimester
Overwhelmed??
The other night I was online looking at baby stuff, and just started getting really overwhelmed! All of the choices of every item...it's just madness! This will be my first baby and maybe it's just self-pressure of wanting to have everything just perfect and having all of the "right things"?? ::Humph::
Anyone else feel the same??
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Overwhelmed??
Yes, and just to illustrate my confusion, I'll share a list I recently copied from Baby Center (sorry for the length, guys!)
Clothing
For everyday wear look for soft, roomy, durable clothes. These generally cost more than less well made clothes, but many parents feel it's worth it because a baby's skin is very sensitive to harsh fabric and rough seams. The durability of higher-quality clothes also means you can buy fewer because they'll better survive the wash cycle. Finally, buy big. You won't believe how quickly your child will grow into and out of clothes. Buy sizes at least three months ahead of your child's age.
One-piece outfits: Pop your baby into one of these and you're done with dressing, something you'll appreciate after time spent with waving arms and legs. For easy changes, look for jumpers or coveralls that snap down the front or completely down the leg. Denim overalls wear well and make sense for a crawling baby. Test the snaps to make sure they hold ? having to resnap pants over and over again is frustrating. Buy only those clothes that open at the bottom for easy diaper changes.
Shirts: Look for cotton T-shirts and turtlenecks with snaps at the neck so they slip easily over your child's head. Undershirts are a nice way to add an extra layer of warmth. Many parents prefer the one-piece styles that snap at the crotch.
Leggings or pull-on pants: Separates allow you to change one piece of dirty clothing without putting on a whole new outfit. Stretchy material fits best over a baby's big belly.
Cardigans and sweatshirts: Button-up sweaters and zippered sweatshirts are useful because they're easy to put on and take off. Many small children object to pushing their head through a small neck ? and won't. Buy big and look for sweaters with loose armholes.
Fleece jackets: Fleece is an efficient, comfortable way to keep your baby warm. It comes in a variety of styles, from one-piece suits for babies to jackets for older children. Hoods are a useful feature for this age.
Hats and mittens: You'll need a broad-brimmed sun hat in the summer and a warm hat that covers the ears for winter. Look for hats that tie under the chin to better ensure they won't end up on the ground. Mittens for babies are shaped like bags with a drawstring at the bottom, making them much easier to get on and off little hands.
Socks or booties: You'll need lots of socks for indoors and some booties for outdoor wear. Make sure the booties can be tightly secured so they're hard to kick off.
Shoes: You may or may not need shoes this first year. Some pediatricians recommend waiting until your child is a strong walker because shoes can interfere with development. When it comes time to buy shoes, go to a store that specializes in children. They can often advise you on which shoes are most comfortable, what size to buy, and whether the shoe allows adequate room for growth. Until your baby's walking well, cover her feet with socks or booties with non-skid bottoms.
Getting around
Stroller: You'll need an efficient way to roll your baby around town and through the neighborhood. Think carefully about your specific needs: Do you want storage space to make shopping with your baby easier? Do you want a seat that reclines for easy napping? Will you be climbing up and down a lot of stairs? See our stroller buying guide for more direction.
Car seat: A safe car seat is mandatory. Find one that's well-padded, easy to move in and out of the car, and washes up well. For more tips, see our car seat buying guide.
Mealtime
When your baby is ready for solid foods, at around 6 months of age, you'll need a few key supplies.
Highchair: When you're on the go, a car seat will work for a meal, but you'll want to establish a set place to sit for mealtime. You don't have to buy a freestanding highchair, though the tray can make cleanup easier. A seat that hooks onto a counter or table will work fine as well.
Plastic "splat mat": Put this under your child when she's eating to catch whatever falls.
Plastic sippy cups: These cups come with a lid and a spout for easy drinking. And ? the real plus ? they don't spill when knocked over. Those with handles will probably be easiest for your child to manage at first. Steer clear of cups with attached straws; they're hard to clean and spill easily.
Plastic bowl: Use a bowl for your child's food, preferably one with suction cups on the bottom so your child won't fling it on the floor.
Rubber-tipped spoons: A rubber-tipped spoon is easier on your baby's gums and small enough to fit easily into a little mouth.
Bottles: You'll need some 8-ounce bottles ? newborns usually use the 4-ounce size ? as your child begins to drink larger amounts. You'll also need at least as many nipples as bottles.
Bibs: You have all kinds of models to choose from; some slip over your baby's head; others can be fastened around your baby's neck. We recommend those with long sleeves ? they may look funny but they'll keep your baby's clothes clean. And plastic bibs with a pocket at the bottom designed to catch falling food are also useful.
Sleeping
Crib and mattress: Even if you bring your baby to bed with you at night (for more on sharing a bed, click here), he'll still need a safe, secure place to sleep during the day. You'll need a sturdy crib with slats that aren't too wide, and a firm mattress. For more details, see our article on childproofing the nursery, and our buying guides on cribs and crib mattresses.
Bedding: You need a couple of fitted sheets and a soft blanket to keep your baby warm at night. You don't need a pillow ? in fact, most pediatricians discourage it because of its association with sudden infant death syndrome. Though not a necessity, bumpers ? padding that rings the crib's interior ? are useful when your baby becomes more active. Bumpers can cushion his head and keep his arms and legs from getting stuck in the crib railings.
Fleece blanket sleepers: Once your baby starts rolling over and sleeping through the night, you'll appreciate one-piece sleepers that he can't kick off.
Safety
You'll need to childproof your home as soon as your baby can roll, crawl, and creep around ? in short, long before he starts walking. Below are the items you can use to keep your baby safe from the most common hazards. Don't forget to lock up all medications, cleaning products, vitamins, and make-up.
Safety gates: If you have stairs, you'll want to invest in safety gates for the top and bottom. Those hinged like a gate are the easiest to use. You can also use gates to block off other areas of your house that might have baby hazards. See our safety gate buying guide.
Plastic outlet protectors: Exposed outlets are an almost irresistible attraction to curious explorers. Keep them covered.
Cupboard and drawer latches: Choose from several types; the most common is a latch you have to push to get the door open. Lock up all knives and cleaning supplies, and every other hazard you can imagine in your kitchen and bathroom.
Toilet seat locks: You'll want to keep your baby and his toys out of the toilet with a toilet lock. These latch on top of a closed seat, and require you to press a button to open them. Babies can drown in as little as two inches of water.
What items make life easier for that first year with a baby? We talked to parents and gathered together some favorite extras ? things that might not be considered essential for raising a baby, but sure help.
Clothing
Dress-up clothes: Your baby will grow out of whatever you buy very quickly, but you might want to invest in outfits for special occasions or photo opportunities, or just for the sheer pleasure of seeing your baby look her best.
Diapers
Diaper bag: With compartments for dirty diapers, bottles, and other paraphernalia, a diaper bag will help you stay organized when you're away from home. Some bags come with changing pads or insulated compartments. Others can be strapped onto a stroller or backpack.
Diaper genie: Say adios to diaper smells and mess with this airtight pail for your dirty diapers.
Getting around
Baby backpack: Once your baby can hold his head up well, consider getting a backpack. Carrying your baby in one can be a true bonding experience. From his high perch he can see the world, you can more easily negotiate stairs and stores, and since your heads are level, you'll talk to each other more, too.
Portable crib: A portable crib folds flat so you can put it in your trunk when you travel. Use it for overnights at grandma's or as a playpen at a friend's. Although portable cribs come in many sizes, consider buying small; the smaller the crib, the easier it is to haul around.
Baby soothers
Infant swing: Rock your baby back and forth with a swing. It's soothing, fun, and occupies your baby so you can get a short break. The best models are adjustable, allowing your baby to sit up or lie down. Note: Most babies outgrow these within four to six months.
Doorway jumper: These spring-loaded seats hang in a doorway and will keep your baby bouncing and your hands free. Some models have trays for your baby's toys.
Gadgets
Bottle dryer: If you feel like you're spending the whole day washing sippy cups or nipples and bottles, you might like a bottle dryer ? a rack to hang all those little containers on.
Breast pump with carrying case: An electric or battery-operated breast pump with a carrying case is ideal if you're ready to go back to work. Some come with disposable bottles and others imitate the two- to three-second sucking interval of a baby. See our buying guide for breast pumps.
Breast milk storage bags: These sterilized bags are cheaper than bottles and take up less space in your refrigerator or freezer.
What do you need in those first few weeks after you bring your baby home? Of course, humans raised babies for thousands of years without plastic bottles or rubber crib sheets, but today's conveniences make taking care of babies easier. We asked the experts, and then checked in with parents ? and found that people have very different ideas of what's essential.
Still, your baby will require a few basics: a place to sleep; a safe seat in the car; diapers; and some key items for eating, getting around, and staying safe. We also asked moms to tell us which items make the first six weeks with a baby more comfortable and fun. These extras aren't essentials, but they can make life easier. And don't forget, family and friends can help you stock up on what you need and want if you create a baby registry. For help picking out a basic layette for your baby, be sure to read Baby Clothes: The First Six Weeks.
Feeding
Nursing pillow: These nifty pillows, with names like Boppy or My Brest Friend, help you comfortably support your baby while you feed her.
Bibs (4): Bibs keep spit-up and drool off clothes ? need we say more?
Nipple cream: Breastfeeding can dry out the delicate skin of your nipples, and nipple creams ease dryness, heal cracked skin, and sooth soreness.
Breast pump: If you're a nursing mom, a pump that extracts milk to store for future feedings gives your baby the benefit of your milk even when you're not around. Pumps aren't just for working mothers, either ? they also allow your partner (or Grandma) to feed and bond with your baby, and free you up to take a walk, nap, shop, or visit with a friend. See our guide to breast pumps for help on deciding whether to rent or buy one.
Formula: If you can't or don't plan to breastfeed, there are numerous infant formula options to choose from ? check out our formula primer and talk to your healthcare provider.
Bottles and nipples: Even if you plan to breastfeed exclusively, make sure to have bottles and newborn nipples at home, for when you need to pump ? otherwise you'll never be able to be apart from your baby. If you plan to use formula exclusively, you'll go through roughly ten 4-ounce bottles a day.
Diapering
Changing table: A bureau or low dresser with a cushioned changing pad will work just fine. But a stand-alone changing table comes with nice extras like safety railings and lots of storage space.
Diapers: Much of your life in these early weeks involves changing diapers. About 80 percent of parents opt for disposable diapers. Others choose a professional diaper service, and some even wash cloth diapers at home. Decide which kind of diapers you want to use and stock up ahead of time. Keep in mind you'll be going through ten to 12 diapers each day during the first few weeks. If you do plan to use disposables, we recommend buying at least three large packs (about 150 diapers). If you plan to use cloth, you'll need six to ten packs (12 diapers per pack) of pre-folded diaper-service-quality diapers. For cloth, you'll also need a diaper pail, diaper covers, and rubber pants. Go with diaper wraps that attach with Velcro; otherwise you'll be stuck using pins or clips.
Diaper wipes: Good to have on hand for cleaning your baby's bottom during changings.
Diaper cream or petroleum jelly: A soothing balm protects your little one's tender skin against diaper rash.
A diaper disposal system: This is a handy, effective way to store used diapers until you're ready to take out the trash. Unlike a standard-issue garbage pail, a diaper disposal system hides diaper odor.
Diaper bag: Whether you're going to the neighbor's house or to the grocery store, you'll need to tote along everything necessary for changing diapers away from home. Pick a bag you really like the looks of, because it'll be part of your outfit for months to come ? but it has to be practical, with a portable changing pad, a waterproof pocket or pouch for wet diapers, places to stash keys, wallet, etc.
Sleeping
Crib: You can get by without a crib at first ? your newborn can sleep in a bassinet or Moses basket. But unless you plan to have your baby share your bed, you'll eventually need a crib.
Mattress: Shop for a firm innerspring or foam crib mattress.
Bedding: Buy at least two sets of crib sheets to cut down on laundry panic. You should save most quilts and blankets for out-of-the-crib cuddling, though, as soft bedding poses a potential SIDS risk.
Bathtime
Plastic bathtub: A tub specially designed to hold a wriggling baby will keep yours safe and give your back a break as well. See our bathtub buying guide for suggestions on what to look for.
Hooded terrycloth towels: Experienced moms say wrapping up your baby in one of these soft hooded towels is a great way to keep him warm and dry after a bath.
Getting around
Front pack or sling: A newborn loves being held close; the warmth of your body and the thump of your heart will soothe him like nothing else. A pack or sling also leaves your hands free to do other things.
Stroller:
For a newborn, you'll want a stroller that reclines to almost flat ? babies shouldn't be propped upright for long, until they're about 3 months old or until they've developed stronger neck muscles. If you're shopping for a new stroller, look for wide wheels, adjustable straps, and easy steering. Check out our stroller buying guide for more help.
Car seat: U.S. law requires that your child sit in a car seat while riding in any car ? even on the way home from the hospital. For a newborn, you have two choices: a rear-facing infant seat designed to be used until your baby weighs 20 pounds, or a convertible seat, which can face rear or front, designed to be used by both babies and older children (though not at the same time). See our car seat buying guide for help.
Accessories
Receiving blankets (4): Use this versatile item to swaddle and comfort your baby, as an extra layer for warmth, in place of towels, for catching spit-up, or whatever else you can think of.
Pacifiers: Babies love to suck ? they've even been photographed sucking their thumbs in utero. A baby who seems to want to nurse or consume another bottle right after a feeding may need something else to suck on, and a pacifier may do the trick. Pacifiers can also soothe a fussy baby when you're on the go or need some quiet time to rest.
Baby extras
Infant swing: Some parents find a battery-powered infant swing to be a godsend. The swing's soothing back-and-forth motion can calm a cranky infant and buy you time to do something else with your hands.
Bouncy seat: Strap your baby into a bouncy seat, propped at a 45-degree angle, and he can see the world. It's designed to jiggle and soothe your baby.
Windup music box: Music will soothe and delight your baby, no matter how young. Wind up one of these every time you put your baby down and you'll help train him to sleep.
Sound machine: The sound of waves crashing or rain falling can soothe a crying baby and lull him into dreamland. These electronic wonders also work on adults desperate for some shuteye.
Mobile: Hang one of these over your baby's bed and you'll produce long hours of entertainment for him. A newborn can see high-contrast black-and-white images, and watching them drift overhead will fascinate and soothe him. Some mobiles come with interchangeable primary-colored panels for an older baby.
Baby monitor: A baby monitor helps you keep tabs on your baby in one room while you do whatever you have to in another. It's most suitable for those who live in bigger houses with bedrooms on a separate floor.
Nightlight: One of these inexpensive lights will allow you to get through nighttime feedings and diaper changes without having to switch on a light and completely awaken your sleepy baby (and yourself).
Just for mom
Nursing bras (2-4): Because pregnancy changes the size and shape of your breasts, it pays to buy nursing bras from a store or catalog that takes returns. For comfort, buy 100 percent cotton without underwires. Some nursing bras unhook from the strap and others unsnap between the cups. You may want to try a couple of styles to see which you like best.
Nursing pads (disposable or washable): Inserting two of these in your bra can keep your shirts dry between feedings. Like diapers, pads come in both cloth and disposable styles. In disposables, look for pads with a self-stick strip. Cloth pads are usually made of flannel and need frequent washing.
Maxi-pads and panty liners: You'll want a couple of boxes of ultra-absorbent maxi-pads. When the lochia discharge slows, usually within two or three weeks, you'll also want a couple of boxes of panty liners.
Hemorrhoid wipes and cream: Even if you didn't get hemorrhoids during pregnancy, you may discover you have them as an aftereffect of the pushing during labor.
Ice packs: If you experienced tearing during delivery, cooling ice packs will help your recovery by reducing swelling and numbing soreness.
I'm not worried about having the "right things" but I don't want to waste money on things we don't need. I resent the markeitng that is aimed to make us feel like we have to have EVERYTHING and the most expensive product or we're bad mothers.
Ughh.
I'm 20 weeks and we have a pair of booties that my mother knitted because I can't face making decisions.
Elizabeth 5yrs old Jane 3yrs old