Baby things it's OK to splash on, things that are not...

Charissadeats · December 2015

Hi ladies.

So I am in need of some advise.

I have been wanting this Stokke pram even before TTC. It's grey, vintage and beautiful. Problem is it costs about $1,600.

So DH asked me before leaving for work just now, if it is really worth it spending that much money on a pram? We can buy it, but I will have to cut on something else then. (Why?! Haha)

So STM (or anyone really), please shed some light on the things that you should be spending a lot of money on, and the things you shouldn't. I'm struggling to rationalize it even for myself

doozer1345 · December 2015

Diapers, medicines (Tylenol, Benedryl, etc), wipes (spend 1600 on wipes you'll thank me later!), shoes (sounds crazy but trust me) for LO, socks, onesies, blankets, lotions, towels, shampoo, diaper rash cream (I use Aquaphor), daycare savings (if you are going that route)... I bought an amazing Jeep stroller that cost waaay too much and I can count on 1 hand how many times I've actually used it. Not out of not wanting to but it just didn't end up being a necessity. I even bought a very nice diaper bag that cost waaay too much (around $200) and swore to DH we NEEDED it. Yeah... I used it for maybe 3 months and have been using the $25 one we got bc it doesn't have as many pockets and isn't over complicated.

yogahh · December 2015

I thought the $300 we spent on our britax travel system was expensive!!

I'm all about treating yo self... But $1600 for any baby item is a bit crazy (sorry!). Think about everything else you will need down the road and how that money can be better utilized.

Ps I love your title.. I bet you meant splurge but splash makes its funny

I thought this was going to be a thread of bath time (which I'm horrified about!)

amscape · December 2015

There's no way I could rationalize that much, ever. I babysat forever and used countless strollers from fancy to bottom of the barrel and $1600 is just not worth it. Plenty in the 200-500 range are great! Baby won't know nor care in the least.

Check for a used one, maybe, if you really have your heart set on it. Otherwise I'd go to the store & try some out to see what you like in person.

zekesmommy611 · December 2015

My motto with this baby is the simpler the better. With DS I wanted everything to be perfect in his nursery and we spent a lot of money on a new crib with changer attached, glider chair, dresser, rugs, fancy curtains and custom bedding. We spent over $2000 on furnishing his room and it did look just the way I wanted. DS ended up sleeping in our bedroom in his rock n play for 4 months and between teething and sleepless nights he might have slept in his nursery for maybe 6 months total. Now he's in a toddler bed that cost $50.
The same goes with the stroller we bought. We never used it and not because we didn't want to just because we never needed to. We ended up purchasing an umbrella stroller that we now use all the time mostly because it's very lightweight and portable.

Bltbear82 · December 2015

We splurged on our stroller, but only because we live in a city and its our primary mode of transportation. It was essential to have the sturdy wheels to plow through snow, go over cobblestone etc, but I'm always amazed when I see expensive strollers in the suburbs because I don't think it's worth it at all. Cost per use our stroller was a steal, we have used it 3-4 times a day, every day for 21 months to walk the dog, go grocery shopping and get literally anywhere we need to go on a normal day. I too loved the Stokke stroller, it's beautiful. But after testing it in person it didn't seem nearly as durable as we needed our stroller to be, plus very little storage and the suspension and construction made me feel like baby would bounce everywhere (that might not be true, just how I felt testing it out).

Check Consumer Reports for car seats etc because you don't need to buy the most expensive, there are amazing car seats that won't break the bank. I know I've said it before but Lucie's List is helpful and it also gives options in multiple budgets.

Splurge on things you'll use every day, because those items will need to last you the longest most likely. I know it's tempting to get all of the things, but maybe price out everything you're looking at and see where you can swap things if you have your heart set on the stroller. But definitely check it out in person if you can.

LadySamLady · December 2015

@Bltbear82 what kind of stroller do you use?

Charissadeats · December 2015

Lol @yogahh I did mean splash. I don't know why though... Splurge would have been better haha

I know of course that you are all 100% correct. It is a LOT of money and I am sure I need 100 other things that I'm not even thinking about.

I went to the store today to check it out and realized that I would need to spend another $500 on the newborn bassinet bit. So that adds up to $2,100.

@Bltbear82 glad to hear your negative experience with the same stroller. Which one did you get?

Charissadeats · December 2015

@yogahh Now my title reads (to myself) if I'm asking what baby stuff is durable and can handle getting wet or splashed with water and what needs to stay dry...

countrygrl5533 · December 2015

And I thought my $60 LL Bean diaper bag was a splurge. Wow!

Bltbear82 · December 2015

@LadySamLady and @charissadeats we went with the Uppababy Vista, it's been a workhorse. The Cruz is a little less expensive and the basket is larger, but the wheels and frame are slightly smaller if I recall correctly?

The bassinet comes with it and can double as a sleeping space, we never used it for sleeping at home but it was nice to have the option. I don't think we had to buy any extras like rain covers etc, but did buy a 6 am enfant bunting bag for winter.

My neighbor has used the Vista for nearly 4 years, through two kids and it's still in good condition. The 2015 version was upgraded and looks so nice!

Bluejay3030 · December 2015

Kind of a tangent but @yogahh I love Britax gear! I got the B-agile travel system with DD, and used/use it all the time. I'm upgrading to the B-Ready for kid #2 since it uses the same car seat but can be converted to a double stroller.

OP, as much as it sucks to hear, a pram isn't really the most practical thing to splurge on, esp at $2100, holy moly!! A cheaper, durable, easy to clean stroller system is your friend, because that thing is going to get used an abused.

Charissadeats · December 2015

@countrygrl5533 I think things are more expensive here (South Africa) because of our poor Rand value and because a lot is imported. I just looked online and I can get the same one in the US for $600. Annoyed now.

kbrands7 · December 2015

Although I know the prices are different, even by U.S. standards, I wouldn't spend that much. I agree with PP about checking out Consumer Reports, they have helpful buying guides and a great rating system that identifies which splurges are worth the quality, and also which cheaper brands are high quality.

lionstigersbears · December 2015

My two cents...we have the Britax travel system and have used it a lot. Neighborhood walks, store, countless airplane travel, on a beach, on ski trips etc. It works great but the truth is when you actually USE your stroller it gets dirty! I'd be sad if my heart was set on a beautiful stroller and then it ended up with as much sunscreen smudge on it as mine has now. Just something to consider!

kami09 · December 2015

There's a really good chance that your child will end up pooping on something you spent $1600 on.

Our travel system has been pooped and puked on...has had mashed up fruit bars wedged into its crevices. The only reason I would splurge on something for my child is if it was regarding safety. That's it.

tripledaggerWed95976 · December 2015

It's so exciting expecting a baby that I think it's super easy for anyone to get carried away with spending. However, anytime My eyes start wandering to some $1800 glider or $1200 stroller I remind myself- these things are going to get thrown up on, pooped on, spilled on, and then no longer used a year later. With that in mind, All the items Ive chosen are definitely mid-range as far as price goes. I've done research on what items are the best in terms of safety and comfort and then picked from the items that are reasonably priced. And stuff that isn't safety or comfort related (i.e. Cute Outfits and things of that nature) I'm definitely keeping the spending to a minimum on.

TunieBee · December 2015

tripledaggerWed95976 said:
It's so exciting expecting a baby that I think it's super easy for anyone to get carried away with spending. However, anytime My eyes start wandering to some $1800 glider or $1200 stroller I remind myself- these things are going to get thrown up on, pooped on, spilled on, and then no longer used a year later. With that in mind, All the items Ive chosen are definitely mid-range as far as price goes. I've done research on what items are the best in terms of safety and comfort and then picked from the items that are reasonably priced. And stuff that isn't safety or comfort related (i.e. Cute Outfits and things of that nature) I'm definitely keeping the spending to a minimum on.

I have to say that my $1,200 glider was worth every single penny. I lived in that thing for many many months and we still use it 3x a day. The less expensive ones were not as comfortable. I could sit in that chair for hours.

tripledaggerWed95976 · December 2015

TunieBee said:

tripledaggerWed95976 said:
It's so exciting expecting a baby that I think it's super easy for anyone to get carried away with spending. However, anytime My eyes start wandering to some $1800 glider or $1200 stroller I remind myself- these things are going to get thrown up on, pooped on, spilled on, and then no longer used a year later. With that in mind, All the items Ive chosen are definitely mid-range as far as price goes. I've done research on what items are the best in terms of safety and comfort and then picked from the items that are reasonably priced. And stuff that isn't safety or comfort related (i.e. Cute Outfits and things of that nature) I'm definitely keeping the spending to a minimum on.
I have to say that my $1,200 glider was worth every single penny. I lived in that thing for many many months and we still use it 3x a day. The less expensive ones were not as comfortable. I could sit in that chair for hours.

I totally don't doubt that it's super comfortable, all I'm saying is there's majorly comfortable ones out there for less than half that price. The one I got was $500 and is so comfortable I could seriously sleep in it every night if needed- I actually almost fell aslee in it in the store lol. Maybe all the cheaper gliders you tried were not as comfortable, but That doesn't mean ALL gliders for less than 1200 are "not as comfortable". I've also seen some super modern ones that are $1500+ and are majorly uncomfortable. Yes, a lot of expensive ones are way comfortable but high price doesn't ALWAYS equal Better quality

Sunshinebins · December 2015

I guess I'm a little against the grain on this one, but I think it depends how much you are going to use the stroller and what's important to you.

I am not one to splurge on every baby item under the sun, but we are splurging on our stroller because 1. It will get a ton of use due to where we live and our lifestyle and B. We are having twins so our options are more limited and it was important to us to have a stroller that could grow with them instead of buying new ones as they got bigger. I should also add it converts to a single so if we decide to go for baby #3 we won't need a new stroller either.

I'm A nanny and have been for many years, so I've tried a lot of baby products...some of those you could see a definite difference in quality and some you couldn't. I think it just depends on what is important to you and where you aren't willing to splurge.

cortney626 · December 2015

With my daughter I spent $600 on a crib, $600 on a dresser. I wanted nice things. I didn't know she'd chew on the crib and we didn't have it for very long. She went to a toddler bed that we got from IKEA for cheap. So this time around I bought a $220 crib and I bought the Britax b-agile travel system for $240 on sale. I personally wouldn't spend a lot on any one baby item. Babies are expensive as it is and there is so much to spend money on.

Charissadeats · December 2015

I've made a list of all the things I need to buy. I'm only counting the big things, cause I can't imagine that I'll get a cot or a carseat at my babyshower

but I might get blankets and diapers.

It is a lot of stuff, so I am now leaning more towards not getting the expensive pram.

It would break my heart if it was full of poo or sunscreen. Haha.

And realistically, with the money I'll save by buying a cheaper option, I can buy 5 other items off of my big thing list.

Also, I work from home and DH as well from next year, so I can't imagine we will be using it as much as others.

Thanks for all the input. You ladies are so so awesome!

gamommyx3 · December 2015

So along these lines, what is everyone's opinion on diaper bags?? I saw once mentioned for $200 and 1 mentioned for $60...I think the one I registered for is about $70, but is it worth it? I guess I kind of see diapers bags as something I don't feel the need to spend a lot on (even the $70), but once I actually need to carry one around I will immediately see the purpose for the higher end ones. Thoughts?

araecasey · December 2015

I have the Okkatots travel depot, and it's diaper bag heaven. It has a pocket for everything. A huge cooler built in. It's like the TARDIS of diaper bags. It cost 110 I think? Worth every penny in my opinion, and we're super cheap.

kbrands7 · December 2015

Knottie25455542 said:

So along these lines, what is everyone's opinion on diaper bags?? I saw once mentioned for $200 and 1 mentioned for $60...I think the one I registered for is about $70, but is it worth it? I guess I kind of see diapers bags as something I don't feel the need to spend a lot on (even the $70), but once I actually need to carry one around I will immediately see the purpose for the higher end ones. Thoughts?

Get one that has organizational space/layout that you like and that is easy to clean and carry. The prices vary widely as you've mentioned and quality is not necessarily better with price.

JennyS86 · December 2015

araecasey - Is the okkatots diaper bag good for 3 kids close in age? I am looking for a new one for baby #3! my twins will be 2 when baby arrives - and they will still be in diapers (probably). thanks!

araecasey · December 2015

JennyS86 said:
araecasey - Is the okkatots diaper bag good for 3 kids close in age? I am looking for a new one for baby #3! my twins will be 2 when baby arrives - and they will still be in diapers (probably). thanks!

I think so! I watch several kids out of my home, and I can get everyone's stuff in there neatly. Granted it's on the larger side of the diaper bag spectrum. It even has a diaper dispenser! We cloth diaper and I can fit 6 stuffed pocket diapers in there no problem.

JennyS86 · December 2015

thanks!

katxattack1212 · December 2015

You could take $1600 to a resale shop and buy everything you need. I spent way too much for baby #1. We gave everything away. Now... I'm hitting garage sales, resale shops and taking hand me downs. Not making the mistake of over spending again!

Kurrant · December 2015

yogahh said:

I thought the $300 we spent on our britax travel system was expensive!! I'm all about treating yo self... But $1600 for any baby item is a bit crazy (sorry!). Think about everything else you will need down the road and how that money can be better utilized. Ps I love your title.. I bet you meant splurge but splash makes its funny I thought this was going to be a thread of bath time (which I'm horrified about!)

I think Splash or Splash out is a southern hemisphere thing. They use it here in NZ and in AU as well in the same way. If i recall correctly @charissadeats is from South Africa?

camillaandcarson · December 2015

I didn't know what splash meant, here people would say splurge.
If it were me a crib that expensive would have been a waste. Had every intention of using the crib. Didn't use it regularly and had an early climber (making the crib dangerous), thank goodness it converted to a toddler bed.

Charissadeats · December 2015

@Kurrant - yep from South Africa. Splurge is technically more grammatically correct, but splash is used here as well. Why I did not think it was weird until yogahh brought it to my attention.

I'm fully bilingual (Afrikaans and English) but use a LOT of slang - so languages and words get mixed up often haha.

proudparent2b · December 2015

The crib set with extenders (takes crib to toddler & full size bed) and dresser will be around $1,600. However, DH and I agree that kid will be keeping those until he/she is an adult and buys their own furniture.

We are looking at a BOB stroller because I love to run and also have an active pup, but it's around a quarter of the price of the one you're looking at.

Certainly you could get it and keep it as a family heirloom to pass down, but how willing will you be to use it when it costs that much?

yogahh · December 2015

charissadeats said:

@Kurrant - yep from South Africa. Splurge is technically more grammatically correct, but splash is used here as well. Why I did not think it was weird until yogahh brought it to my attention. I'm fully bilingual (Afrikaans and English) but use a LOT of slang - so languages and words get mixed up often haha.

I'm totes incorporating splash into my vocab from now on

kbrands7 · December 2015

Small piece of advice if splashing on the convertible cribs (though now, many regular cribs and convertible cribs are similarly priced). Just be aware that if you're doing this intending that the baby/child will have a nice piece of furniture to grow with them for years, that many babies chew on the crib railing when they're teething/able to stand. If you're hoping to keep it in nice shape, you may have to look into getting some kind of safe railing protector before baby turns 7 months or so. Some babies really turn into little beavers around that time. P.s. I'm adopting the splashing slang...I think it's fun-- I hope that's okay!

Charissadeats · December 2015

@kbrands7 and @yogahh you ladies are too funny!

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