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December 2015 Moms
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Splurge, Save, Skip or Borrow (& when)

TomekiaBTomekiaB member
in December 2015 Moms
I thought this would be an intersting discussion. When do you need bulky items by age and season? The registry lists don't seem to break it down by age. I don't want to buy bulky things to early and have them cluttering up space for months (i.e. potty chairs), or spend to much on an item that will only be used for a very short time (i.e. walkers). I'd prefer to spend more on a stroller and college savings :) 

Please share opinions on what age bulkier items are useful and how much it is worth: splurge, save, skip or borrow. Feel free to add to my list this is just the things that came to mind. 

Crib
Bassinets
High Chair 
Pack-n-play

Strollers 
Carseat frame
Jogging Stroller 
Umbrella
Travel systems
Option of converting to a double worth it or not?
Best for suburban, travel or urban environments? 

Carrier:
Structured
Wraps 

Entertainment:
Swings
Jumpers
Walkers
Bouncer
Infant Tub

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Re: Splurge, Save, Skip or Borrow (& when)

  • TomekiaBTomekiaB member
    I'll start: 
    Crib--I am thinking save. I will buy new. My brother and I climbed early so we got toddler beds quickly. I am looking at IKEA, from what I am reading IKEA's cribs are supposed to be very safe since they are compliant to most other countries standards (Germany has the strictest off-gas restrictions from what I read and IKEA is supposed to meet those standards).
    Bassinets
    High Chair--since you start solids at 4-6 months I am waiting to buy this one. Splurge and Save reviews for Tripp Trapp and Ikea were both great.
    Pack-n-play

    Strollers--since this is the December Board I am not sure how much a stroller would be used before it gets warmer
    Carseat frame
    Jogging Stroller--splurge, I think most have said walking with carseat at 6-8 weeks and no running until 6 months. I am considering the Mountain Buggy.
    Umbrella
    Travel systems
    Option of converting to a double worth it or not?
    Best for suburban, travel or urban environments? 

    Carrier:
    Structured--I am looking at the Boba and Ergo
    Wraps--these seem the best for 0-3 months I am pondering if I really need two carriers or is an infant insert in the structured carrier is enough?

    Entertainment: Save or Borrow
    Swings--0-6 months?
    Jumpers--6-9 months?
    Walkers--6-12 months?
    Bouncer--0-3 months?
    Infant Tub--0-6 months?
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  • VesperLoveVesperLove member
    I love this! I'm posting based on personal preference but also with some advice my sister has given (four kids) thrown in:

    Crib - save ... anything on the market these days has to pass safety regulations/inspections. We will likely be getting one from IKEA as well. 
    Bassinets - borrow ... is this the same as hand-me-down? My sister has one that she used for her kids that she is gifting me. If we didn't get one from her we'd probably skip it and just use a Pack n Play.
    High Chair - Skip (or just get later) ... this isn't on our must have now list. I'm registering for one just because we know which style we'd like but if it doesn't get purchased, we won't be purchasing one until later. 
    Pack-n-play - Splurge ... I don't mean go overboard on price but this is absolutely definitely something I want and I'd prefer it to be new rather than getting one from someone else ... I don't know why.

    Strollers - splurge ... everyone I've talked to says that the stroller is one item you should be willing to put money into if need be because you use it so often.
    Carseat frame - splurge ... the only item that I absolutely refuse to even look at used or borrowed and don't care about the price on. We are doing research to find the one that seems safest and that we are most comfortable with.
    Jogging Stroller - Skip. We aren't big joggers so one stroller will be enough for us. 
    Umbrella - undecided ... haven't even considered this yet.
    Travel systems - Splurge - adding to above comments, our stroller/car seat will be a travel system for ease of use. 
    Option of converting to a double worth it or not? - Skip ... we are a "have one kid and then talk about more" type family so we don't care about making sure there is the possibility of converting to a double. We'll deal with it as it comes along. 

    Carrier:
    Structured - Splurge - I really want a Tula :):):) 
    Wraps - Borrow - my sister has a Moby that I'll likely borrow and see how I like the wrap thing ... if I like it, then I might look into some other brands. I've also looked at ring slings which I think my sis has that I can borrow too.

    Entertainment:
    Swings - Skip ... if you mean the door swing. I don't think we'll need one and if we do, we can get it later down the road.
    Jumpers - Borrow ... my sister says it's a must and she has one we can potentially borrow. If not, it'll be going on our registry.
    Walkers - Save ... haven't thought much about it but will probably end up snagging something off our Buy Nothing network on FB when the time comes.
    Bouncer - Borrow ... sis has one of these too!
    Infant Tub - Save ... there are a lot of these out there that will work. I'll likely just pick one off my registry and probably on the cheaper side. I've thought of one of the blossom mats too but, meh, not sure if I'll want to deal with that.
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  • ChiccoBeanzChiccoBeanz member
    I'm a FTM, so I'm probably just going to read whatever the projects ages for usage are and go from there. That or ask my mom and other moms I know, but I know the answers vary.
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  • violetigerlilyvioletigerlily member
    edited August 2015
    I'm a FTM too, so I don't have too much advice but I did go to a baby wearing seminar at a locally owned baby store that talked about Baby Wearing Internationals lending library. Apparently they have them across the country but it's probably more applicable if you live in a city. If you pay for membership (here it's $30/year I think) you can try on different carriers at their meetings and borrow one carrier each month to try it out. I've heard a lot of people say that some kids can be really picky about carriers, so I'd wait to buy a $160 Ergo for instance until you can try it out with your individual baby first. Also, there are a lot of good used carriers out there. So in summary:

    Carrier:
    Structured -  borrow before you buy (after baby is here)
    Wraps - borrow before you buy (after baby is here)--unless you're trying something relatively cheap



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  • redfallonredfallon member
    Crib: Save. We got ours at buybuyBaby and spent under $300 for it. It converts to a toddler bed.
    Bassinets: Skip it
    High Chair: Not applicable until 4 or 5 mos old and then save.
    Pack-n-play: Save. It doesn't have to be fancy. Ours was $100. We used this one for DD to sleep in the napper part until she outgrew it around 2 mos old. Then we put her in the flat bassinet part, and then in her crib full-time.

    Strollers: Splurge
    Carseat frame: Not sure what you mean by a carseat frame? If it's one of those that is only a frame that an infant seat goes in and that's it, skip it. Get a stroller that you can put the infant seat in. Most strollers will allow you to do that w/o it being a brand:brand travel system and adapters may be $50 and then you don't have to buy a regular stroller separate.
    Jogging Stroller: Skip it b/c we didn't need that
    Umbrella: Skip it so far
    Travel systems: Make your own - don't necessarily need a ready-made one. Find the infant car seat you want and the stroller you want and get the adapter so they work together to make your own travel system
    Option of converting to a double worth it or not: Yes if you plan to have your kids less than 3 years apart.
    Best for suburban, travel or urban environments: City Mini GT

    Carrier:
    Structured - didn't get one
    Wraps - didn't get one but want to try this time

    Entertainment:
    Swings - borrowed, DD hated it
    Jumpers - skipped
    Walkers - borrowed and DD loved it (not sure how old she was but prior to 10 months since that's when she started walking)
    Bouncer - borrowed
    Infant Tub - save but not skimp, we have a good one from Target for about $20

    Jamie


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  • Knottie65841689Knottie65841689 member
    fmraglio said:
    vashleyhernandez said:
    I thought kleshelle was starting this post when I read the tittle ^-^ lol :D
    image


    I was laughing so hard, I had to leave the room and go to the desktop computer so I wouldn't wake up my DH. I guess I read the main article topic, and was like man this girl has had a revelation and decided to focus on her budget! I was like I can definitely help! then I realize that it wasn't her :/  
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  • redfallonredfallon member
    Note on Pack N Play: We use ours a lot because we travel a lot. We got another mattress to go in it (3-inch foam mattress) and this is DD's travel bed when we go somewhere. She sleeps in it as well as she does her crib.

    Jamie


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  • VixDecember2015VixDecember2015 member

    Before my DD was born, I did a lot of research on what to buy new vs. what to borrow from people or buy from consignment sales/garage sales.  The general rule that I found was, always buy NEW anything that the baby will be sleeping in or carried in.  There are so many recalls out there in stuff that other people have or super small defects that you can't see but make a huge difference--I recommend buying them new and registering them with the company for recall info.  I say that everything else is fair game for getting used.

    One thing that you don't mention is a baby gym/baby mat.  I was so glad that my DD had one of these as a newborn.  And you can get them used (just wash them first).  Great for tummy time and for baby to work on focusing their eyes.  Our favorite was the Fisher Price Kick and Play Piano.  Jumpers or bouncers are great, but they can wait.  And you might want to look into whether you want a walker at all - the AAP does not recommend them due to safety reasons.

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  • VixDecember2015VixDecember2015 member

    Oh, and when I say buy new, I really mean that you are the first owner.  We are totally reusing everything from my DD for this baby.

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  • VesperLoveVesperLove member
    violetigerlily said:
    I'm a FTM too, so I don't have too much advice but I did go to a baby wearing seminar at a locally owned baby store that talked about Baby Wearing Internationals lending library. Apparently they have them across the country but it's probably more applicable if you live in a city. If you pay for membership (here it's $30/year I think) you can try on different carriers at their meetings and borrow one carrier each month to try it out. I've heard a lot of people say that some kids can be really picky about carriers, so I'd wait to buy a $160 Ergo for instance until you can try it out with your individual baby first. Also, there are a lot of good used carriers out there. So in summary:

    Carrier:
    Structured -  borrow before you buy (after baby is here)
    Wraps - borrow before you buy (after baby is here)--unless you're trying something relatively cheap



    THIS!!!

    I just joined a local babywearing group on Facebook to try and find someone who would want to meet up and let me test out a Tula.

    They ended up having their own local lending library that one lady in the area manages. They have meetings twice a month to get together, chat about baby wearing, bring all their gear, and look through the lending library for different options or ideas.

    She manages the calendar and you pay a certain fee per month (for those group the fee depends on the carrier) and you can sign up for each month.

    It's pretty awesome. That might definitely be the way to go for deciding which one works best for me!
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  • redfallonredfallon member
    VixDecember2015 said:

    Before my DD was born, I did a lot of research on what to buy new vs. what to borrow from people or buy from consignment sales/garage sales.  The general rule that I found was, always buy NEW anything that the baby will be sleeping in or carried in.  There are so many recalls out there in stuff that other people have or super small defects that you can't see but make a huge difference--I recommend buying them new and registering them with the company for recall info.  I say that everything else is fair game for getting used.

    One thing that you don't mention is a baby gym/baby mat.  I was so glad that my DD had one of these as a newborn.  And you can get them used (just wash them first).  Great for tummy time and for baby to work on focusing their eyes.  Our favorite was the Fisher Price Kick and Play Piano.  Jumpers or bouncers are great, but they can wait.  And you might want to look into whether you want a walker at all - the AAP does not recommend them due to safety reasons.

    We borrowed this from SIL, also.

    Jamie


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  • BirthinroxBirthinrox member
    I'll answer based on my experience with my first.
    Crib-skip-we coslept and had a mini cosleeper that didn't really get used.
    Bassinets-save/borrow we didn't have one, but I think they're useful if you have a nursery but want to keep the baby in the bedroom with you when they're younger.
    High Chair - delay/save-we got a Fisher Price booster seat for $30 on Amazon and it has been great. We still use it. It's nice for traveling (via car) and now our son can actually climb into it.
    Pack-n-play-save/borrow- there are so many in good condition on Craigslist. We had one that was nice for travel but didn't use it enough to justify a
    Big purchase

    Strollers - splurge based on your needs. If you walk a lot one that steers well will be important. If you will need something you can carry up a flight or two of stairs then get something light. We walk and babywear so we didn't use a stroller a lot, but it was nice having a nice foldable light one when we needed it.
    Carseat frame-splurge-I just think safety is important. More expensive car seats have features that make them easier to use and more comfortable. I can't also tell the difference in comfort for my son between the cheaper one my parents use and ours. Also, some of the cheaper infant seats need to be adjusted from the back, which is really inconvenient.
    Jogging Stroller - do you jog? Then get a good one.
    Umbrella- later for when they are walking but still need a break.
    Travel systems-skip-I think the strollers that go with the travel systems are not that great. Spend that money on a nice stroller. I'd get a cheap "snap n go" to put the bucket seat in when necessary. They fold up nice and small, are light, and have a nice large basket underneath. We got one or $10 on Craigslist and used it when traveling.

    Option of converting to a double worth it or not?
    Best for suburban, travel or urban environments?

    Carrier: I agree with others to seek out a babywearing group and try out different ones
    Structured- borrow/splurge- i love our ergo and Beco butterfly. Avoid the Bjorn-they are overpriced and not ergonomic.
    Wraps - you can go down the rabbit hole and splurge on amazing wraps, which I have done. I have wraps that are still supportive with my 2 yo and I love them. I am building a stash for our twins and am so excited. A moby wrap is great for a newborn & you can find them used for decent prices
    Also, ring slings are great for newborns.

    Entertainment:
    Swings-borrow/save-splurge! Ours was indispensable.
    Jumpers-skip
    Walkers-skip they are recalled now
    Bouncer-save-we liked ours when our son was little because it was a safe place to put him, but he outgrew it pretty quickly
    Infant Tub-save- we didn't have one for a while and then got one from a friend. It made bathing easier than doing it in the kitchen sink.

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  • TomekiaBTomekiaB member
    @BirthroxBassinet and everything bulky under Entertainment (but the tub) are in my "do we really need it?" category (obviously I will try a swing if it soothes a very fussy baby). We do run. I run half-marathons but I run in the middle of the pack so a moderate baby jogger would probably work fine for me. However, DH runs fast and does full marathons too so I think the Mountain Buggy might be better for the intensity he runs when we consider how long it will be used. The running stroller will be new unless we discover a "unicorn" of the stroller used :). I did mean "snap and go" stoller for carseat when I said frame (I am still learning the lingo!). I am really torn with the running stroller and carrier if we will need another stroller but with frequent travel to urban locations we may need a better fold option. That was my thoughts on the travel system--those stollers look so heavy. Maybe I will do a snap and go and trade it for an umbrella to supplement the jogger as needed.

    @RedFallon What pack and play did you travel with? We travel a lot too. I was looking at the lotus based on reviews that it was easy to pack.

    @vixdecember15 I will DEFINITELY get at least one playmat (maybe 2), I just didn't think of it as that bulky since they look like a thick blanket. I am looking at the wooden frames for the baby gym since they seem less bulky and can be customized but I haven't seen any in real life yet so...I don't know much about the gyms yet.

    Crib and carseat I wouldn't consider used, but would use the same one for a second baby if they were still in great shape (I did read every baby needs a new matress). Carseat I will pay for whatever is safest. I just went to my first baby store (we just moved from rural USA too Europe), so I am excited to see more of this stuff in real life! I will have to see if there is a local baby wearing group.

    Thank you for all the responses great food for thought!
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  • redfallonredfallon member
    @tomekiaB We have a Graco. It's like this one: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Graco-Reversible-Napper-Changer-Pack-n-Play-Playard-Go-Green/33356873?action=product_interest&action_type=title&item_id=33356873&placement_id=irs-106-t1&strategy=PWVUB&visitor_id&category=&client_guid=b47d3816-b1af-4d09-ad22-26b1c249e9c1&customer_id_enc&config_id=106&parent_item_id=19514429&parent_anchor_item_id=19514429&guid=be0239b5-e324-4dbd-a748-229aaef81906&bucket_id=irsbucketdefault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n

    Jamie


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  • BirthinroxBirthinrox member
    Also know that you really shouldn't run with babies until they can sit unassisted. The jostling is too much for their necks.
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  • mrs14678mrs14678 member
    edited August 2015
    I'm registering for everything new, because why not...someone might be rich and feel generous. Haha! If I don't get it all off my registry, I'll buy used As the need arises. There's an awesome baby-stuff consignment store here that has clothes, strollers, bouncers, etc for great prices.
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  • Gingermom15Gingermom15 member
    edited August 2015
    ArielleRene said:

    I'm registering for everything new, because why not...someone might be rich and feel generous. Haha! If I don't get it all off my registry, I'll buy used As the need arises. There's an awesome baby-stuff consignment store here that has clothes, strollers, bouncers, etc for great prices.

    Don't let the etiquette police hear you say this lol
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  • mrs14678mrs14678 member
    Lol why's that?
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  • Gingermom15Gingermom15 member
    Check out the thread called "Daddy diaper shower". The baby shower police were all over that one lol
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  • mrs14678mrs14678 member
    Oh goodness. Well, I'm a ftm, and have nothing for babies and a BUNCH of friends who do, so I'm probably going to mostly be using hand-me-downs. :) But the advice I've been getting from them is to register for everything, because if you decide you do want it later, you can buy it yourself with a discount.

    Anyway, carry on people! I'm loving reading the suggestions for timing to purchase bulky items!
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  • Gingermom15Gingermom15 member
    ArielleRene said:

    Oh goodness. Well, I'm a ftm, and have nothing for babies and a BUNCH of friends who do, so I'm probably going to mostly be using hand-me-downs. :) But the advice I've been getting from them is to register for everything, because if you decide you do want it later, you can buy it yourself with a discount.

    Anyway, carry on people! I'm loving reading the suggestions for timing to purchase bulky items!

    Just wanted to give you a heads up to tread lightly when mentioning baby showers or gifts :) things escalate pretty quick from there.
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  • redfallonredfallon member
    sarahgn said:
    Oh goodness. Well, I'm a ftm, and have nothing for babies and a BUNCH of friends who do, so I'm probably going to mostly be using hand-me-downs. :) But the advice I've been getting from them is to register for everything, because if you decide you do want it later, you can buy it yourself with a discount. Anyway, carry on people! I'm loving reading the suggestions for timing to purchase bulky items!
    Just wanted to give you a heads up to tread lightly when mentioning baby showers or gifts :) things escalate pretty quick from there.
    Meh. Just ignore those people. That's what I did. It's a much better place without them :) There is nothing wrong with putting things on a registry.

    Jamie


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  • Gingermom15Gingermom15 member
    Absolutely not. Register away if you need anything.
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  • OrangeFoxOrangeFox member
    STM here. 
    Crib: we were gifted a beautiful hand-me-down. My BIL/SIL splurged on this crib and it looks amazing/perfectly new after three boys. We will be using it again for this little one. Just gotta get DS into a big bed in the next few months. 
    Bassinets: didn't have one for DS. but we plan on getting one for this baby. DS and baby will share and room and we need some place for baby to sleep in the early months. I am actually thinking about splurging on the Halo because I dont think I need to buy ANYTHING else this time around.
    High Chair: We got one at our baby shower the first time around. Our space is small and we use the travel seat as often as the high chair at this point. DS is 2
    Pack-n-play: gifted used one from BIL/SIL. We never used one as a playpen so this only got use with travel. has been helpful many times but I dont see the point in paying anything more than necessary for this. They all kind of work the same.

    Strollers: SPLURGE. we use our stroller daily. and for hours a day often. But we live in the city and walk everywhere. When DS was little he was so happy to sit in the stroller and just check out the world. When he was upset we went for a walk and most of the time, everything was better.
    Carseat frame: bought an infant seat that DS used for a long time. Then splurged on a seat that converts several ways until it is finally a booster. I figured buying one time was much better than two or three purchases.
    Jogging Stroller: this is the only kind of stroller we own. A BOB. lots of people say to get a travel system as well. however, we are somewhat limited on space and I didn't want to spend any more money. The BOB has a conversion bar so the infant seat sits right on top. It was a bit bulkier than the travel systems but once you get used to getting it in and out of the car it is super easy.
    Umbrella: We have one that was a hand-me-down. we've used it MAYBE three times in 2+ years. They're just not comfortable to push.
    Travel systems: never had one. didn't need it.
    Option of converting to a double worth it or not?
    Best for suburban, travel or urban environments? All I can say is positive things about the BOB

    Carrier
    Structured: LOVE the ergo. used it constantly when DS was younger. Still use it sometimes with my 2 year old.
    Wraps: I was given a Moby. I loved it a lot when DS was little. six months and under. DH hated it and only used it a few times. 

    Entertainment:
    Swings: We had a momaroo. DS didn't really care for it. But I am glad we'll have it for number two. with DS I had more time to hold, baby carry, etc. I anticipate with #2 I will be busier chasing #1 and a hopefully a swing will be helpful.
    Jumpers: We had a door jumper (also a hand-me-down). DS loved it. We have the perfect doorframe between the kitchen and living room.
    Walkers: never had one. wont get one for #2. not enough space. 
    Bouncer: had a hand-me-down that never got used. this is one of the things that I actually got rid of. I dont think we'll get one for #2 for space reasons. My friend swears by hers but it seems in the way for us.
    Infant Tub: you dont need to spend much on these. Seriously, it is a plastic tub. 
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  • Gingermom15Gingermom15 member
    Has anyone tried the infant-to-toddler style bouncer seat? We have a small apartment and are avoiding any equipment we don't need, but he still needs a place when we are downstairs.
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  • TomekiaBTomekiaB member
    @birthinrox Yes, they say 6 months or as doctor approves LO based on neck control, to run. Most joggers have a carseat option you can use to walk with the jogging stroller much younger.
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  • TomekiaBTomekiaB member
    @Orangefox Thank you, the jogging stroller is a must with our lifestyle and since it will be used for years I want a good one! Also because strollers are big (and often expensive) I don't really want to buy multiple strollers if I can reasonably avoid it. I'm considering baby wearing if we will be somewhere that is crowded. It is reassuring that the jogger has worked in the city for you. Has it been an issue on public transport or fitting in trunks? 

    I am looking at the Boba mostly because the infant insert looks more user friendly than the Ergo. I really would like DH to wear LO if we are going to be out awhile and I don't see him being thrilled with the wrap either. My theory is basically is when LO is tiny I will be getting my core strength recovered it'd be easier for DH to wear, so I want something DH will be comfortable wearing in public! 
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