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September 2012 Moms
TAGSL710
member
Registry Completion Anxiety (STM advice?) *Updated with list*
TAGSL710
member
OK, I know anxiety is a little extreme but I don't know what to call it otherwise. My BRU will let me stack 20% off coupons with my 15% off (including sale items). I have a couple hundred in gift cards and I want to use them but not be wasteful. Last night I considered typing up everything I have for DS and the things I was going to buy and having you all check it but I thought that was crazy and stopped. (You're welcome). Like, I don't know if I should get all of our baby proofing stuff now or later (because I'm not going to have enough 20% off coupons for that!)--and what would I even need? We have one convertible carseat...should I get the other? What about the toddler and conversion rails for the crib? Do breastfed babies need bigger than 4 oz bottles (I have 4 brands of 4 oz)? Should I buy different flow nipples now, never or later? Seriously...I have never over thought something so much.
Anyway, what I am afraid of is forgetting something I need or getting things that are pointless. We will have another baby so it isn't like those things might not get used...but I really don't want to miss out on the good deal!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Registry Completion Anxiety (STM advice?) *Updated with list*
No advice. I'm just jealous you can stack the coupons! I didn't register at BRU and I don't think BBB will allow me to do that. Boo.
Personally, if you can afford to buy it now I would probably buy the second convertible carseat. With those discounts it would be hard to pass up!
If and when yous tack coupons - be sure you read the fine print. The MF'ers are stingy on what you can use them on. (Toys - which include activity mats are a no go.)
Anyway - beyond that, to answer some questions
We didn't get any child proofing items beside the outlet covers (which someone got us as a gift) until after DS became mobile. We're still adding child proofing items as he shows us things we didn't even THINK about child proofing. (Bi-fold closet doors, buttons on the TV...)
Are you using the convertible car seat as your main set for baby or are you using an infant carrier? Car seats expire so I'd hate to have one just sitting around, waiting for a year or so when you don't need it. I'd buy it when you switch to needing it. For the record, we have one in each car so I do see pros to buying one for each car you take.
I'd also hold off on the conversion rails for the crib. You may decide you will just go to a twin bed vs converting the crib - you may have #2 on the way by then and want the crib for them.
4 oz bottles are kind of a waste - I'd just buy the bigger ones because you can still put 4 oz in the 10 oz bottles (or whatever size your brand goes up to).
I would maybe buy the slowest flow and then the next size up flow nipple. We received all flow nipples in our brand and never went beyond a three. We never used the fours. I know lots of moms who never went beyond the slowest flow ever.
A lot of the stuff is "wait and see" really. I know you want to be prepared but you'll find yourself making lists as LO gets older & the needs change and you figure out what works for you & LO.
Use the coupons on the most expensive things. If you have two cars, yes you'll want 2 carseats. Yes, bf babies take more than 4 ounces at a time. Honestly, I would return the 4 ounce bottles for 9 ounce bottles. The 4 oz ones are pointless to me. You can buy baby gates if you'll need them for stairs. I would definitely get the conversion rails for the crib b/c what if they stop selling that crib.
Remember that 15% is not very much off things like nipples and most baby proofing (gates would be helpful if you know you will need them). Your gift cards will not expire and you will get coupons going forward to use. I wouldn't bother getting stuff like that now.
The conversion rails I would get for fear that they won't be available when the time comes to use them. Other than that, if you have everything you need for a newborn/infant I would hold on to the gift cards until after the baby comes and reevaluate what you need.
It is not crazy to list out what you have and what you need/want! I did it constantly with DD. I should actually start a list for this kid as I haven't really gotten anything for him. Poor second child.
As for bottles, around 6/7 months DD started taking 6/7oz of BM when she had a bottle. We never bought new nipples for her bottles.
Would you like me to make that list?
I agree with PPs about the bottles. Take the small ones back and get the big ones. Get the crib rails now. It would suck if they weren't available when you needed them. The child proofing stuff doesn't cost much. When it was time for us to buy, i watched for a sale and got stuff then. We don't need a second seat, so I can't really help with that. One thing to think of, maybe, is if your car insurance sells them. Our car insurance company sells a pretty good convertible seat for $25 (I think). If we want an extra, we will be getting one from them.
I would suggest writing down what you absolutely need and getting those things first. If you don't have enough coupons for everything hold off until you do need those items. You may also find if you wait until the baby is born, there may be new things you NEED that you didn't think about.
I did register for two sizes of bottles 45oz and 910oz so maybe since you have so many you could exchange half of them for a bigger size. You should get Slow and Medium Flow nipples because you may need the Medium flow sooner as opposed to later.
I think something is only a good deal if you absolutely need it. There is no point in buying something you don't need but may use for another baby. There's no telling if when you have another baby if you'll like or want any of the things you already bought or maybe some new research will find another novel baby product to try at that point. The GC shouldn't expire and there will always be another sale, clearance or deal in the future.
It could a good time to buy more diapers in different sizes/brands
I've had all of my pre-baby showers but before baby arrives, I'd like to buy:
a swing
one more changing pad/cover
sheet saver or another mattress pad
baby gate for the stairs (though this can wait)
extra carseat base
adapter for our stroller/carseat
more bottles (ETA: I hear it's good to get a variety so that you can see what baby likes)
breast pump (though insurance covers 80%)
diaper bag
What I Have:
Feeding/Breastfeeding: Bowls, plates, silverware, snack containers, bottle drying rack, 4 brands of 4oz bottles, bottle cleaner, freezer containers and labels, dishwasher basket, 9 bumkins bibs, 3 in 1 high chair, breastmilk freezer storage, breastmilk bags, medela steam bags, pump (from insurance after delivery), sippy cups, boppy pillow and 2 covers, breast pads, soothies, nipple cream, nursing cover, nursing bras, pacifiers, 2 teethers and a Sophie, 12 burp cloths, high chair/cart cover, cooler, wipes for pump parts, hands free pumping bra, portable placemat
Diapering: tons of wipes, 35 CD OS, 24 prefolds, snappies, flips system for travel, diaper rash cream, 2 diaper bags, wet bag, 2 pail liners, diaper pail, bumgenius deodorizer spray, detergent, thing to air dry covers, diaper caddy, changing pad, cover for pad
Bath/Baby care: tub, 12 washcloths, bajillion toys, container for toys, shampoo, lotion, teeth cleaning set, faucet cover, 5 hooded towels, toothpaste, comb/brush, nail clippers, thermometer
Linens: 3 fitted crib sheets, 2 mattress covers, 1 quilted pack n play sheet, bajillion blankets, 7 A+A blankets, 10 receiving blankets, 3 SwaddleMe burrito blankets
Clothes: socks, newborn mittens, white onesies in long and short sleeve to 3 months, more clothes than I have, hangers, laundry basket, 1 medium sleep sack, hats
Activity: Jumperoo, swing, bouncer, activity mat, ipod dock
On the go: carseat, extra base, britax stroller, child tray, cover for carseat, 1 sun shade, 2 mirrors, Boba carrier, moby wrap, one convertible seat, stroller toys
Random: outlet covers, umbilical cord cleaning things, bajillion books, toys, memory book, monitor, bumbo and tray
Nursery: crib, glider, bedding, dresser
Left on my registry:
Possibly buying: humidifier, umbrella stroller, 2 gates, 2nd convertible carseat, my brest friend (for the lower level-boppy upstairs), small sleep sack, orange swaddleme I want, parent cup holder for stroller, breathable bumper, conversion and toddler rails, baby proofing items, bigger bottles or nipples
Sorry for the block of formatting up top...I typed this in Word first so I would have it on the computer.
I'm a ridiculous type A planner...when we were doing the Bump Awards I knew that if people only knew the half of my preparedness I would have given you and Anita a run for your money
Everything above "possibly buy" is what I have.
BBB let us use a $5 off coupon as well as our 10% off coupon yesterday.
OP, if you have the money, I'd buy the 2nd car seat but since most completion coupons expire 3mo after your EDD, I'd hold off on anything until baby gets here. You might find some of the stuff you think you need now you really don't!
Good luck!
Nancy James 9.1.12
Calvin Donald 8.27.14
You're fine then! I had a work one and one big combined one this weekend
I bolded the items I think are a "must get prior to baby or at least good to have on hand". The other stuff I'd wait on until you know more.
Feeding/Breastfeeding: Bowls, plates, silverware, snack containers, bottle drying rack, 4 brands of 4oz bottles, bottle cleaner, freezer containers and labels, dishwasher basket, 9 bumkins bibs, 3 in 1 high chair, breastmilk freezer storage, breastmilk bags, medela steam bags, pump (from insurance after delivery), sippy cups, boppy pillow and 2 covers, breast pads, soothies, nipple cream, nursing cover, nursing bras, pacifiers, 2 teethers and a Sophie, 12 burp cloths, high chair/cart cover, cooler, wipes for pump parts, hands free pumping bra, portable placemat
Diapering: tons of wipes, 35 CD OS, 24 prefolds, snappies, flips system for travel, diaper rash cream, 2 diaper bags, wet bag, 2 pail liners, diaper pail, bumgenius deodorizer spray, detergent, thing to air dry covers, diaper caddy, changing pad, cover for pad
Bath/Baby care: tub, 12 washcloths, bajillion toys, container for toys, shampoo, lotion, teeth cleaning set, faucet cover, 5 hooded towels, toothpaste, comb/brush, nail clippers, thermometer
Linens: 3 fitted crib sheets, 2 mattress covers, 1 quilted pack n play sheet, bajillion blankets, 7 A+A blankets, 10 receiving blankets, 3 SwaddleMe burrito blankets
Clothes: socks, newborn mittens, white onesies in long and short sleeve to 3 months, more clothes than I have, hangers, laundry basket, 1 medium sleep sack, hats
Activity: Jumperoo, swing, bouncer, activity mat, ipod dock
On the go: carseat, extra base, britax stroller, child tray, cover for carseat, 1 sun shade, 2 mirrors, Boba carrier, moby wrap, one convertible seat, stroller toys
Random: outlet covers, umbilical cord cleaning things, bajillion books, toys, memory book, monitor, bumbo and tray
Nursery: crib, glider, bedding, dresser
Possibly buying: humidifier, umbrella stroller, 2 gates, 2nd convertible carseat, my brest friend (for the lower level-boppy upstairs), small sleep sack, orange swaddleme I want, parent cup holder for stroller, breathable bumper, conversion and toddler rails, baby proofing items, bigger bottles or nipples
I agree with what a lot of PP mentioned:
Babyproofing I do as I go. Those gates can be expensive so if you know which ones you want to have, could be worth getting them. I have a lot of stairs and access to them so I have spent a fortune on them. However, BRU has 20% off of them all of the time and BBB price matches so missing out on the additional 15% may not be that big of a deal if you aren't 100% ready to purchase them. But knowing what your child will get into is a major guessing game until the time has come!
The convertible car seat I'm torn over. Again, they run sales all the time. But if you will both be using both cars all of the time, it could be worth it. We ended up only really using 1 car when it comes to going places so I never got the 2nd convertible. We even used the second infant base once.
Conversion rails - I say get them. Even if LO1 doesn't use them LO2 may. Plus if you sell your crib at some point you can just sell them with it.
I used mostly 4 oz bottles but eventually went up so have some of both the smaller and larger. I never moved from the slow flow nipples and I did BF so I wouldn't bother with higher flow ones just yet.
As for the GC - you will be buying so many wipes, diapers, and things that you didn't think you need/wanted and LO decided he or she MUST HAVE so they will definitely NOT go to waste.
I personally would buy: Humidifier, 2 gates, maybe 2nd seat, My Brest Friend, parent cup holder, rails, bigger bottles
The umbrella stroller - you might decide you want something different when the time comes, I'd wait.
If you already have a sleep sack and swaddleme I wouldn't get more until you know that you, DH, and LO like using them. We love sleepsacks but not the swaddlemes and I didn't know this until LO came along.
Breathable bumper - eh...I ended up getting one after the fact and used it for such as short time. I probably could have gotten away with NOT using one at all. They aren't cushiony at all and LO still got their limbs stuck either above them or underneath the bumper.
Nipples and baby proofing I commented on in my post above. HTH
Humidifier is a must have.
I wouldn't worry about the small sleep sack for now. DS didn't use a sleep sack until he was older and no longer swaddled.
Is your LO going to daycare? Do you know what they require you provide?
Also a great purchase for daycare babies (although I doubt BRU sells them) are the name stickers for all their stuff. I have small round stickers from https://namebubbles.com/labelpack/daycare-labels.html on his bottles/sippy/blankets/jackets/paci... Be sure to get waterproof ones.
Paci clips (I like the ones that have a snap instead of velcro).
DS hated taking a bath until we bought this frog cover.
Cute pic! Right now daycare shouldn't be needed. I do have paci clips, too! I'm torn on the humidifier because I have no where to put it.
They actually said you can stack the 20% off coupons? Usually you can only use one per purchase & they are only good on one regularly priced item. I was al excited to use my stack of coupons when I completed my registry, too & was bummed when t he register lady said I could only use 1! Interesting.
I wouldn't blow through your GCs right now if you don't need to b/c a lot of stuff will be "live & learn", meaning you may have registered for stuff now, but later on you may realize what you really need vs. don't need.
I would not get the second convertible car seat now, for example, b/c you may either love or hate the one you already have & that may sway your decision later when it comes time to need a second one.
Same here. That list just gave me anxiety.
Possibly buying: humidifier, umbrella stroller, 2 gates, 2ndconvertible carseat, my brest friend (for the lower level-boppy upstairs), small sleep sack, orange swaddleme I want, parent cup holder for stroller, breathable bumper, conversion and toddler rails, baby proofing items, bigger bottles or nipples
Out of your list above, I would get these items:
Humidifier
My Beast Friend
Small Sleep Sack, Swaddle Me's, etc
Breathable bumper
We run the humidifier every night in the winter when the heat is on - the air gets so dry and DS ends up with a cold otherwise. The vaporizer is great for when he gets a cold or the sniffles - just close the door and let that thing do its magic.
FTM - a humidifier is something you should move to a must have list if you use heat in the winter and don't have a humidifier for the house. At the very least - keep it in the room LO is sleeping in.
Seriously?! I am now officially feeling way underprepared. I feel as though I have nothing comared to her!