Question from those adopting...also on 0-6mos

Ranita

Hi Ladies
I know we're not supposed to make duplicate posts but I thought this was relevant to both boards.  Some of us were chatting on the adoption board and trying to compile 'must have' lists for infants and todders.  For those of us who are not adopting our child at birth it's hard to know what we'll need.  I thought those of you who are already parenting might be able to help.  Can you please tell me
 - What you could not live without
 - The best gift you were given
 - The biggest waste of money
Thanks so much

Califlorida

not sure what i would say i could not live without?

but the best gift we were given was all the food that people sent the first couple of weeks we were home. i loved not having to think about that kind of stuff when we were all still getting to know each other.

and i don't know about biggest waste of money? maybe clothes since she grows out of them so fast. most outfits she only got to wear once. 

 

mrsain1105

I know you said you weren't adopting at birth, but you didn't say how old the baby would be at adoption.  I'll answer the best I can for an infant up to my DD's age.

Can't live without: lots of burp cloths and bibs, swing, bouncy chiar, PNP, baby-wearing device (I love my MOBY), stroller.

Best gift: Really, all the home-made things - my SIL knits and the items she made for DD are so special to me.

Biggest waste of money: Crib - just kidding, but we co-sleep, so really, she hasn't used it much.

Bride_Best

Could not live without....lots of bibs and burp cloths

Best gift...monogrammed items...I liked having a few things that were personalized...lovey, blanket, backpack.

Biggest waste of money...bottle warmer.  He's always had either a room temperature bottle or a cold one!

thejennigirl

 - What you could not live without

A light weight stroller with a basket and a mommy tray

 - The best gift you were given

Anything homemade

 - The biggest waste of money

I can't really think of anything we "wasted" money on.  I bought a really expensive diaper bag this time around, but it was my one baby splurge.  And the more I use the bag, the more I love it.  It's quality is phenominal!

Ranita

These are really helpful ideas....thank you so much...a couple of you asked how old the baby will be and that's the tough part...we're awaiting referal and have only been told that he/she will be under 12 months.

Thanks again, I'm eagerly copying down all of your comments

neya28

from what I got your baby will be around 6 months? So for this age I'd recommend (in no specific order) a good light stroller (we have maclaren techno xlr), lots of sleep 'n plays to sleep in, lots of teethers and rattles, a good play mat, the euro bath tub, high chair for solids, lots of toys that move around and make noise...hmm I'd be a lot more helpful with newborn necessities lol.

gatogrrl

Must haves:

Moby wrap (or some kind of carrier) - esp. for ages 0-6 months

Graco Pack-n-Play - we got the 3x3 kind.  It has toys to play with on the walls, easy to move from room to room, and serves as a crib when we travel.  We use it every day.

Fisher Price booster seat - it straps on any chair easily for everyday feeding, or when you're at a restaurant, or traveling.  Also used every day from 6 months-on

Best gifts - "Sleep Sheep" soft and fuzzy sheep that straps to the crib and plays soothing water sounds.  Also, "Hawaiian Lullabies" CD got my daughter to sleep like nothing else.  Can you tell sleep is an issue?

Waste of Money - most clothes.  I try to have our daughter wear everything given us at least once.  But mostly she lives in onesies and American Apparel pants (AA pants are fantastic, by the way).

Good luck with the adoption!  I hope it all goes smoothly!

KL777

Could not live without: diapers and burp cloths

Best gift: crib and sleep and plays

Biggest waste of money: I'm not sure?