Baby Products: winners/losers

Pepper6 · July 2014

I know we had tons of threads about which products to register for, what was worth it or not, etc. Now that we've all had a few weeks with our LO's, I'm curious about your baby product experiences.

What did you think you wouldn't use, but now love?
What did you think you'd love, but now don't use?
Favorite products you use for sleeping? Favorite products you use for feeding?
Favorite products you use for bathing?
Any other product comments?

curlylocks3 · July 2014

Favorite sleeping product: A&A blankets. My babies need the comfort of a right swaddle and don't do well in the looseness of a sleep sack. Additionally, I thought I'd love those blankets but had no idea just how much. There are always two in my diaper bag to be sun covers also.

Favorite bathing product: I had gotten a giant (whale shaped) sponge for them to lay on in our regular tub because I didn't want to have to deal with storing a baby tub. Best decision ever.

After hearing everyone rave about Boppy pillows I thought I'd like them more than I do. I'm glad we have them for tummy time but that's about it. I'd have been irritated if I had spent $30 each on them, but I'm not so disappointed that I got them for $5/each at the Moms of Multiples sale.

I thought that the RnPs would be helpful based on what people told me but I didn't realize just how helpful. It's a godsend for keeping one baby as content as possible while the other is eating.

Otherwise, so glad we got the all terrain stroller.

elsa1688 · July 2014

Favorites so far:

RNP - we all sleep so well and I can drag it around the house

Miracle blanket - J will sleep 5 hours with it. He hates swaddlemes.

Gripe water is a blessing from the gods.

Our snuza (bought after baby) really helps with my anxiety at night.

I love our ring sling. Wear that thing everywhere.

jenlynne0624 · July 2014

What did you think you wouldn't use, but now love? um.. not sure yet. He's only 3 weeks and hasn't needed much more than boob, bed, and butt changes.
What did you think you'd love, but now don't use? the swaddle sleepers and A and A blankets as real swaddle blankets. Little man doesnt seem to be a fan of being swaddled. I tried doing it last night and leaving his arms out, but he just got too hot. I may try again tonight. The blankets are great though for tummy time and covering the car seat and as a boppy cover when I'm too lazy to wash the cover right away.
Favorite products you use for sleeping? Favorite products you use for feeding?, footie pjs with finger cuffs, and reading him a book, and he sleeps in the bassinette part of his pnp. For feeding the boppy pillow makes my life 29835 times easier, plus the tommee tippee milk bibs which are super soft and have a thick neck roll for if he spits up or dribbles, the neck catches it, and cloth diapers as burp cloths.
Favorite products you use for bathing? I have this bath tub and love it: https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11235802&fromRegistryNumber=52652098&product_skn=583341 plus Aveeno bath products, soft wash cloths and hooded towels.
Any other product comments? Mammaroo and Snugapuppie bouncer for the win.

kbellizio3 · July 2014

We got a Boppy pillow as a hand me down and I totally understand why people rave about it. I probably wouldn't have bought one on my own. But being larger chested it has been a huge help with getting comfortable positioning for BFing.

The extra car seat base for our Click Connect system has been a huge time saver too.

So far I haven't gotten anything that I've found to be frivolous.

tbmadeamistake · July 2014

Love: A&A blankets, though he's using my girly ones from C. Baby bottle medicine dispensers are amazing things, and everyone should have one. His bouncy chair, which we didn't have for C, is spectacular!

I don't think we have much that we don't use, mainly because I learned a lot from my nieces and then C.

lest12 · July 2014

I love the A&A blankets. LO doesn't like sleep sacks as much.

The k'tan is a waste so far. He hates being confined and just wants to bust his head out and look around, and cries when he can't.

I live for burp clothes, I wish I had a zillion more.

babygabe614 · July 2014

I didn't think I would use my Munchkin diaper pail but it has been a godsend.

Thought I would be super excited to use her baby bathtub but it's just so easy to put her in the kitchen sink that we haven't even bothered with it yet.

Another big a&a blanket fan here!! I also looove our Playtex VentAire bottles. And I would never get anything done or any sleep without the Mamaroo!

coffee89 · July 2014

What did you think you wouldn't use, but now love?

A&A blankets. I couldn't justify the price to myself so I just tried to use the blanket people gifted to us and I ended up buying A&A's within 2 days of being home with LO.

Also this vibrating reclined chair thing my mom tried to give to me and I declined for the first two weeks, it turns out he loves it and is the only way to get him to nap during the day outside of my arms.

I just got a mai tai carrier and only used it once but I can tell it will be put to a lot of use, it only took one day of not being able to put him down at all and getting nothing done to order one.

What did you think you'd love, but now don't use?

The swing, everyone I know has ids who loved them and I assumed my baby would too. I'm not sure if it is because he is so little still but he really doesn't like being in it unless he is already mostly asleep.

The pack and play for sleeping, he hates it and won't stay there (we also had a bassinet on hand just in case and he likes that)

The mambo pillow, it doesn't feel comfortable and it turns out I need to be reclined back for little one to get a good latch and not drown in my let down so it's been useless.

Favorite products you use for sleeping?

A&A swaddle blankets and an old fashioned bassinet. Also the vibrating chair I mentioned above.

Favorite products you use for feeding?

The avent naturals bottle I got recently is my favorite of the ones we have tried. We BF most of the time so I don't have much for this.

We are still giving sink baths (3 weeks) and probably will be for a few more weeks, it just seems easier and quicker to me.

texasmama2014 · July 2014

Favorite stuff:

Sleep:
Another A&A blanket fan
RNP
Swaddleme sleep sack
(Between the 3 I can get LO to sleep up to 7 hours in a row!)

Eating:
Medela nipple shield (hoping to not use it 8-12 times per day soon!)
Some burp clothes that were made for me by ladies at church- super absorbent and cute
Medela swing pump

General:
Love my chicco car seat and stroller
Pampers diapers
Huggies wipes
Changing table-I'm very tall so it's definitely a back saver!

Not used so much:
LO hates her bouncy seat.
Socks
Pants
Any item of clothes that isn't a onesie really
Boppie- I never think to use it, but it was ok the couple times I did

pinkchloe · July 2014

Love:
Halo sacks!
Sleep gowns
RnP
Soothies
Burp cloths
Avent Natural bottles
Medela double breast pump
Boppy

Could do without:
Baby bathtub
Playtex Drop-In bottles
Pee Pee Teepees
Scratch mittens

Taymiller · July 2014

What did you think you wouldn't use, but now love? Baby wash clothes, we use a ton of them everyday.

What did you think you'd love, but now don't use? Scratch mittens and the pee cover, never use them.

Favorite products you use for sleeping? A&A bamboo swaddle blankets (DH is amazing at swaddling), halo sleep sack (I suck at swaddling)

Favorite products you use for feeding?
Burp clothes, grass and trees for pump parts, avent naturals bottles, nipple shield.

Favorite products you use for bathing?
Our little tub that goes over the sink.

Any other product comments? We love our pack and play, we use the changing this as his changing table and he loves sleeping in the pack and play. I am going to be sad when we move him to his real crib.

babygabe614 · July 2014

This thread is so helpful! I am impressed that so many love the RnP. I am getting one for my DD tomorrow and hope I love it as much as you all do.

Just curious, has anyone come across scratch mittens that stay on? We tried using some but she rips them off in seconds. I have been putting DD in the mitten cuff onesies but she gets so hot in them because they're long sleeved.

b48kate · July 2014

What did you think you wouldn't use, but now love? Plain white onsies and kimono tops. Can't believe I wasted money on any other kind of newborn clothes.

What did you think you'd love, but now don't use? The giant fancy swing and the bouncer. Little guy only wants to be held.

Favorite products you use for sleeping? AA bamboo swaddle blankets

Favorite products you use for feeding?
Medela Symphony (hospital grade) Pump, Playtex "Drop Ins"

Favorite products you use for bathing?
We still can't do real baths yet because he has an umbilical granuloma. Love hoodie towels because they create a ridiculously cute photo-op!

JulieSmiles · July 2014

babygabe614 said:
This thread is so helpful! I am impressed that so many love the RnP. I am getting one for my DD tomorrow and hope I love it as much as you all do.

Just curious, has anyone come across scratch mittens that stay on? We tried using some but she rips them off in seconds. I have been putting DD in the mitten cuff onesies but she gets so hot in them because they're long sleeved.

We were gifted some that came from Walmart. They have an elastic band at the wrist and DD has never gotten them off.

QT3.14 · July 2014

What did you think you wouldn't use, but now love? I thought I would use everything at some point but figured some of the things we wouldn't use until she got a little older but they are turning out to be very handy now. The UppaBaby stroller with bassinette is my absolute favorite. I never would have paid full price but I got one at a yard sale and we use the bassinette all the time. She sleeps in it day and night. We just push it around the house. Based on how much we use it the full retail price is probably worth it. I didn't think she would use the baby gym or toys until she is older but she loves them now, especially black and white toys.

What did you think you'd love, but now don't use? We haven't used any of the bottles yet since I'm EBF. She won't take a pacifier but I bought a ton of them. We don't use the RNP very much. I was disappointed in the PNP. I thought we would use it all the time but it doesn't seem sturdy enough for her to sleep in. I registered for and received the Boppy lounger pillow but we don't really use it. I do use the traditional Boppy.

Favorite products you use for sleeping? UppaBaby Vista Bassinette, receiving blankets for swaddling, and knit hats.

Favorite products you use for feeding? boobs, nursing bras, tons of burp cloths

Favorite products you use for bathing? bathroom sink, wash cloths, hooded towel, burts bees wash

Any other product comments? I wish I would have bought/registered for more knit hats. We only have 2 that fit her. Another favorite is the fisher price swing.

sjn00 · July 2014

ktcort13 said:
Right now at target you can get a rock n play free if you buy the fisher price swing. It's the monkey themed one so if you don't mind that it's a good deal.

Do you need a coupon for that? We just bought the monkey swing from walmart! I will totally return it to do this!

sjn00 · July 2014

ktcort13 said:

SaraJoy00 said:

ktcort13 said:
Right now at target you can get a rock n play free if you buy the fisher price swing. It's the monkey themed one so if you don't mind that it's a good deal.
Do you need a coupon for that? We just bought the monkey swing from walmart! I will totally return it to do this!
No coupon needed. Have to order it online. Just add both to your cart and it will make the rnp free!

Thanks SOOO much!!!

sjn00 · July 2014

ktcort13 said:

Right now at target you can get a rock n play free if you buy the fisher price swing. It's the monkey themed one so if you don't mind that it's a good deal.
Do you need a coupon for that? We just bought the monkey swing from walmart! I will totally return it to do this!
No coupon needed. Have to order it online. Just add both to your cart and it will make the rnp free!

hmm it says you can get a bouncer or a RNP... do you get to choose? I am not seeing any options on how to.. I don't need a bouncer though lol.

katekat8721 · July 2014

Love:
A&A blankets for everything
Halo sleep sacks
Tommy tippee pacifiers
White noise lamb
Ergo
Hospital pump
Double snap n go

Surprise fan favorites:
Munchkin diaper warmer
RnP
Lil Einstein white noise/under the sea thing
Gas drops/gripe water
Nipple shields
Burts Bees baby line

Could live without:
So many baby clothes
PnP
All Johnson and Johnson products
Diaper creams (yay cloth)

Don't use:
Bouncers/infant seats
Mittens
Baby bathtub
Moby wrap

Hate:
Lil Joeys, those leaking sons of...
K'tan

babygabe614 · July 2014

Thanks for the tip about using socks as mittens! I'm going to try that. We've trimmed her nails already but she still manages to get her face pretty good anytime she's not in a mitten cuff onesie.

Mia081081 · July 2014

Love:
AA blankets
Gerber cloth diapers as burp cloths
D Drops instead of Di Vi Sol!!!!
My Brest friend
Playmat
Wubbanubs
Medela Pisa (so much better than the freestyle)
COFFEE

Not so into:
Infant seat
Grass drying rack
Boppy (unless it's for chillin, etc)
Mittens
Hats
Pants (it's like 90 all the time)
Dresses (they bunch up)

whoberry · July 2014

Can anyone recommend a good cheap baby monitor? We already have a camera one but we will be traveling soon and it will be a PITA to set it up over wifi where we are going. Looking for sound only don't need video. Thanks!

elsa1688 · July 2014

@Mia081081‌ what's the biggest difference you notice with the pis?

Mia081081 · July 2014

elsa1688 said:
@Mia081081‌ what's the biggest difference you notice with the pis?

I get the same amount in half the time with the Pisa. The freestyle was great for taking to work but it took like 30 min to empty my boobs. I find the Pisa much stronger / faster.

QT3.14 · July 2014

whoberry said:
Can anyone recommend a good cheap baby monitor? We already have a camera one but we will be traveling soon and it will be a PITA to set it up over wifi where we are going. Looking for sound only don't need video. Thanks!

I've heard there is a smart phone app where you can turn your phones into monitors. You can use one phone to record and one to listen/watch.

ElTrain5 · July 2014

@babygabe614‌ I second the socks as mittens suggestion, just make sure they're the kind with the little cuffs so they stay on better. But I was gifted the nail trimmer and it is AMAZING. Files nails with vibration and is so gentle you can hold it against their skin and it's absolutely gentle/doesn't hurt then at all. 100% worth the money. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003CN0V7Y?pc_redir=1405222130&robot_redir=1

babygabe614 · July 2014

@‌ElTrain5 That nail trimmer looks awesome!!

izzetoot · July 2014

I just found one of these in the countless bags of crap people gave us and holy cow! He's been asleep in it every since I put it on him. Summer Infant velco swaddle? I don't know what its called but I need more… As for the other questions: What did you think you wouldn't use, but now love? WUBBANUB!! What did you think you'd love, but now don't use? Swing, he hates it but love the Mamaroo Favorite products you use for sleeping? Favorite products you use for feeding? Aden & Anais swaddles and Medela bottles/nipples Favorite products you use for bathing? Bought the Burts Bees and hated the way it smelled so switched to J&J Lavender and love it! Any other product comments? Bouncer is saving my life right now. I can put him in it and carry him all over the house. On the kitchen counter, bathroom floor, couch, etc. Amazeballs.

jenlynne0624 · July 2014

kaysa2 said:

What did you think you wouldn't use, but now love? Boppy, pack n play, wipes warmer (oh my god how much DD loves a warm wipe...)

What did you think you'd love, but now don't use? Onesies. We keep the AC on to around 70 (it's supposed to be at 68 to keep SIDS down, but that be too cold for me), so DD needs to be in sleepers all the time to keep from freezing. Onesies are only used when we go on walks, and recently it's been too damn hot to even take her outside.

Favorite products you use for sleeping? Her Fisher Price snug a bunny swing is priceless for when I want to put her down right after a MOTN feeding, but she needs to stay upright for a while to control spit up. I'll cry when she gets too heavy for it.

Favorite products you use for feeding? Evenflo glass bottles

Favorite products you use for bathing? I have something sort of like a boppy, but for the bath. We set it on the counter top and bathe DD right on it. Fantastic!

Any other product comments? The Milkies Milk Saver has been amazing for me at recapturing dripped breastmilk while breastfeeding. Books that have been amazingly helpful include Baby 411 and The Wonder Weeks.

Love the baby 411 book. My husband is the one reading it, as I forced him to before LO's arrival, and it makes him feel a lot more prepared and confident with H.

izzetoot · July 2014

ElTrain5 said:

@babygabe614‌ I second the socks as mittens suggestion, just make sure they're the kind with the little cuffs so they stay on better. But I was gifted the nail trimmer and it is AMAZING. Files nails with vibration and is so gentle you can hold it against their skin and it's absolutely gentle/doesn't hurt then at all. 100% worth the money. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003CN0V7Y?pc_redir=1405222130&robot_redir=1

I have one of these, its a lifesaver!

babygabe614 · July 2014

Does anyone have a rec for a bottle warmer? I think I need to break down and get one for the MOTN...

kks4471 · July 2014

babygabe614 said:
Does anyone have a rec for a bottle warmer? I think I need to break down and get one for the MOTN...

I bought the Tommee Tippee electric warmer literally today. So far, so good. I always said I'd never get a wipe or bottle warmer... and now I have both! Darn kid lol.

Jazznit1984 · July 2014

We live swaddle mes and dentinox colic drops. Their great because its a gel that you can dip her soother in. A lot easier to administer and it's literally an off switch to her crying. Received a lot of A+A swaddles but she's so tiny and McGivery that she's constantly undoing the swaddle. If anyone has any advice on how to wrap her in them so she doesn't escape it would be greatly appreciated!

temursgirl · July 2014

What did you think you wouldn't use, but now love? The humidifier. It was a gift and I didn't even know what it was for. We were also given the grass drying rack, which I thought was pointless but have ended up liking because it keeps the bottles and pump parts from getting lost in the dish rack.

What did you think you'd love, but now don't use? I use the K'tan, but I don't love it as much as I thought I would. I love it when I first put LO in, in the right position. She then agitates slowly into a diagonal position that she loves but throws the weight distribution off and makes me feel the need to check on her constantly.

Other favorites: Maclaren bouncer chair, Uppababy stroller and car seat, A&A blankets, Puj tub, Dr. Brown bottles, the Sleep Sheep.

Rejects: Fisher Price bouncer (LO will have nothing to do with it), Miracle Blanket and all other swaddle devices (I've got a miniature Houdini here), nursing bras (using regular front closing bras instead), Belly Bandit, white noise machines other than the Sleep Sheep, mirrors for the car (I've bought two and not been able to install either in my car).

Mixed Reviews: PNP: the changing table is very useful because then we have a station in our room as well as in the nursery. Last night was the first time LO slept in it though. She has previously rejected it in no uncertain terms. We'll see if this lasts. CDs: so far we've had a lot of leaks. LO is quite small though, so I'm still planning on trying. I really want them to work.

LindsayDesigner · July 2014

What did you think you wouldn't use, but now love?
We never used Swaddle Mes with DD because she stayed swaddled in a receiving blanket. I picked up a two pack on clearance and THEY ARE MAGIC. DS sleeps like a champ and he doesn't care that the Swaddle Mes are pink.

What did you think you'd love, but now don't use?
We were pretty basic with DD so we haven't really had any fails with old standbys.

Favorite products you use for sleeping?
Swaddle Mes.

Favorite products you use for feeding?
Boppy pillow, a comfortable chair and my boobs.

Favorite products you use for bathing?
Kitchen sink and a soft facial brush for scrubbing his hair.

Want a personalized experience?

Baby Products: winners/losers

Re: Baby Products: winners/losers

Married DH 7/30/11

CSC arrived 5/7/12

CHC arrived 6/2/14

IF, 5 losses, 1 son, 1 on the way.

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