So, as October approaches, I've come to realize that there are three major things on our "to buy list" that we still have not gotten. A crib, a car seat, and a rocking chair. We are second time parents, but it feels like the first time since we were 18 our first go around and our DD is now 5.
My DH doesn't think it is necessary to buy a crib yet, which is true, we do have a bassinet. I more just want everything now so its there, but I know it can wait. A rocking chair is again, something I really want, but can wait. We had one with our first but it was a cheap one and the back of it is now broken. I just really wanted a new one! A car seat, yes, we should have that one prepared as soon as possible because well, how else are we going to get the baby home! But my DH wants to get an all in one car seat that is supposes to go from 4lbs to 110lbs. But I don't think I have ever seen anyone get one of these for a newborn. So yes, the car seat is our number one priority and I thought I knew what we were going to get but my DH threw in this little wrench. Should I get an infant carrier and this all in one car seat? I have no idea. It seems like a silly question ,but its not one I've had to wonder about before.
Anyone else struggling with order of buying big ticket items or even struggling with what kind of big ticket item is really needed?
Re: Most important to buy on list...
That also free a hand for me to hold DD's while walking through parking lots. Pretty much all personal preference.
Another thought is if you have multiple cars. Buying an extra base is cheaper than having a car seats.
The biggest thing we will need is new car seats for the baby and the big kids so we can fit three across in our car. I already know which ones I want, I am just waiting for a price I like.
We will be going with an infant seat because I like that I can carry it around. With 2 other kids to be working with I am anticipating many car seat naps and I don't want to have to wake them up if I don't have to. When my daughter was two weeks old I used just a convertible seat because I had some kidney issues and wasn't supposed to be lifting anything heavier than my 7 lb newborn. I switched cars with DH for a couple of weeks and we had a convertible one in his car. It was fine, but I did feel like she was much more supported in the infant seat and I did miss the convenience of being able to pull the whole seat out.
If you do choose to go without an infant seat, check with your hospitals policies about leaving because some actually say they require an infant seat. There usually are ways around this, but they take a little more time than just showing the nurse the infant seat so it might be a good idea to be aware of what needs to be done before you are discharged.
@npba3027 that is a good question. My previous hospital did check out your gear before they let you leave. We are going to a new one this time around, so good idea on checking with what the hospital will require.
@MamaOwl15 I am planning on wearing baby most of the time. So again, the I can't carrier, not a big deal in that case.
It may be more convenient to have both so I have the option but if we get the all in one seat, I dont really wanna waste money on another seat just for the convenience. As long as baby is safe in the car/truck, that's what matters most.
To answer your original question, just get a car seat and the other stuff really can wait. Best of luck!