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October 2016 Moms
jillianpardo
member
O16 April Siggy
btdt moms: favorite baby tools and tools you didn't need
jillianpardo
member
Anyone experience buyers remorse with baby stuff? Share your experiences with the ftm. What were your must have items that saved the day? What "must have items" failed to impress or went unused?
O16 April Siggy
Re: btdt moms: favorite baby tools and tools you didn't need
Diapet Genie- we had 3 of them! At all of our diaper changing stations and it made things so much easier. We used them for quite a while.
edit to add:
Rock and Play was awesome. DD slept in it, in our room, for the first 5 months. It's the only place she would sleep besides our arms. And it's easily portable.
Fell in love: Dec 2005 // Married: Feb 9, 2013
Little Miss Rosalie Harper--Born Jan 9th, 2014
Skip Hop portable changing kit is amazing. I don't use a diaper bag so I just throw that in my purse and used it wherever we went! Still do, actually. (I might have to rethink my anti-diaper bag stance once we have two though.)
White noise machine was great too...DD's room faces a kind of busy street, and we bought this at 8 weeks and she started sleeping through the night at 10 weeks. So I feel like they are related even if they aren't
room and especially helpful for showering in those early days. Just brought the baby in the bathroom with me and would peek out every few minutes), PUJ bath tub (fit my bathroom sink perfectly and cradled baby for those first few months of bath time) and onesies that snap on the side (newborns are so floppy and I was terrified I would break her neck changing her, so the side snap onesies were a lifesaver). I didn't think I would need a humidifier but when baby first got the sniffles, we panicked and ended up in the ER (yeah, we're those parents...) where they assured us a nasal aspirator and a humidifier would help DD breathe. I'm sure there are more, but I've been having such brain fog lately so will edit to add if I think of anything else
Oh, buyers' remorse: bassinet. Baby hated it. This time I'm going to buy a sidecar co-sleeper, but my daughter really disliked her bassinet. She also wasn't a fan of the baby glider or rockaroo, but she's in the minority because I've been told that's been a lifesaver for most other moms.
ETA: I agree a good baby wrap/carrier was essential for us. My DD has always had major separation anxiety so wearing her was the only way to get things done. I liked my boba, but I loved my Lillebaby once she was just a bit sturdier. Also, major buyers' remorse: the pack and play. It's being used for old baby toy storage right now, but DD was in it maybe once?
Also, probably better as a thread...but, since we are talking baby stuff.... Wanna hear people's opinions on travel systems vs convertible stroller.
I also second the kimono onesies. They're great.
A bouncer (a.k.a. baby jail) for showering/cooking/resting your arms.
I'd like a side-car co-sleeper this time - bassinet was a production to put him into and he'd always wake up *just* as I was putting him down. Ended up bed-sharing after about two months and we all got a lot more sleep.
Baby K'tan for carrying, walking, shopping, everything!
Video monitor. I love being able to check on him without going in.
No buyers remorse but we didn't buy much.
Boppy Lounger
Swing (we had a FP Lamb Swing)
Bouncer
Diaper Genie on each floor
Wubbanub
Muslin Blankets
Microwave Bottle Sterilizer
Items we rarely/never used:
Bottle Warmer
Wipe Warmer
Fancy PNP
Me: 28 DH: 27
The white noise machine was the most useful thing we ever purchased. DS is 4 and we still use it every night. His room is facing a street and everyone but us has dogs so they bark a shit-ton. A video monitor is a must as well.
Nose Frida and hospital aspirator!!! They actually work. I tried to electronic nose suckered and it took forever. Hated it.
The white noise machine was really helpful. Ours had a blue light you could turn on/off which was great for middle of the night changing. We coslept and the regular light would wake DH.
This isn't the norm but didn't use the crib or any of that stuff because we coslept.
Didn't need the changing table. I was living on 2 hrs of sleep a day and getting up for that was expending too much energy. Sleep deprivation is no joke. I just kept diapers, wipes and a blanket on the couch. I got really good aim tossing diapers into the kitchen trash can from the living room. Haha.
We used our swing a lot with my first. My second was a heavy baby and was in it for maybe 3 weeks. I would definitely get your swing used if you choose to get one. One that can be adjusted to swing side to side or back and forth is good. Baby might prefer one over the other.
We didn't use our pack n play. We had needy kids that would wig out if they were put in them. As a result the girls went into a small used bouncer seat that I could put in the bathroom while I showered. Really really consider consignment shops for big items. I was a snob about that with my first. We could have saved so much money. Why pay $170 for swing they can only use for 3 is months when you can snag it for $60!
O16 April Siggy
Worst purchase: we sprung for the Halo Bassinest and it was AWFUL. DS wouldn't sleep more than 5 minutes in it. Most expensive dust collector ever.
Favorites:
Baby K'tan (Beco Gemini once he outgrew the k'tan- baby can face in or out!)
Nose Freda
Green Sprouts burp cloths (soft, thick, perfect shape for your shoulder)
Tommee Tippee bibs (cushy roll under the chin actually keeps baby clean)
White noise machine
Humidifier/diffuser
Rarely/Never Used:
Snap n Go stroller
Bumbo seat
Pajamas with a million snaps!
Swing or Mamaroo
I would also suggest borrowing things like an exersaucer, swing, and doorway jumper from a friend or family member (or at least buy second-hand) since you will probably only use them for a couple of months. If you can borrow something even for a week to see if your baby likes it, that's a good way to be sure you aren't wasting money on tools your baby won't use.
Eta: My little hated his car seat until I put a fun toy thing on it
O16 April Siggy
O16 April Siggy
Especially for traveling (flying) I'd pack two extras in the carryon.
didn't need: wipes warmer, bumbo seat
Didn't love/need: wipe warmer, the swing was okay but didn't last long. Every stuffed animal we own.
Favorites:
- Aden + Anais Classic Swaddles (my 2 yr. old still uses his as blankets in his crib)
- NoseFrida (I didn't discover until he was almost one, which is sad because it works so well).
- Sound machine (again, my toddler still uses his)
- Halo SleepSacks (get them in all sizes up to a year old)
- Pack 'n' Play with bassinet (he slept in the bassinet part for the first few months. If you're not co-sleeping, it's the best option for having them close for night feedings. When he was older, but mobile, we used it to keep him safe if we needed to run to the restroom, finish dinner, etc.).
- Microwave bottle sanitizer (I used this a lot. Especially once I went back to work and was pumping every day. I could give my bottles a quick wash at work, then sanitize them every evening).
- Zipper onesies (buttons are a PITA. Especially in the middle of the night. Just be sure to put your finger in front of the zipper as you zip it up. My SIL once pinched my nephew's belly with the zipper and I was always nervous about it).
- Month stickers for monthly pictures (I love looking back on how much my baby grew over the course of the year).
- Sophie the Giraffe (Yes. it's a glorified dog toy. Yes, my baby LOVED chewing on it).
- Books with big pictures. We started reading to DS very early on...in the first few months. He would really fixate on the books, and he loves reading to this day. No idea if they're connected, but I'll do the same with baby # 2.
- My Brest Friend nursing pillow. It was a need.
- Infant Bath Sponge. (You'll see below my thoughts on tub with sling. We would just buy one of these every couple of weeks when it needed replaced. Worked way better for us). https://www.walmart.com/ip/42447799?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227030306502&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=61020597671&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=109519215431&veh=sem
Didn't use/Regrets:
- "Baby toys" (My LO wasn't interested in any "toys" until he was about a year old).
- Monitor (At our old house, our rooms were SUPER close. About three steps from doorway to doorway. LO was a screamer, and I'm a super light sleeper, so we quickly discovered it was unnecessary. I would always hear LO, then it would sound in the monitor. Totally depends on your house layout, though.
- Infant tub with sling (like this one: https://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2403667&camp=PLAPPCG-_-PID3027882:BRUS&cagpspn=plab_3027882&eESource=CAPLA_DF:2403667:TRUS). My LO outgrew the sling really quickly, but was way too small and fragile for the hard plastic type.
O16 April Siggy
Arm's Reach Co-Sleeper - DS slept in this until he was almost 8mos old. It was so convenient.
Fisher Price Glider - This looks like a mamaroo but is cheaper and also detaches into a RNP. My son loved it.
K'Tan or Happy Baby Wrap - These two were much easier to use compared to the Moby. Just have to make sure you get the right K'Tan size.
Swaddlepods - These are by the company that makes SwaddleMes but they are zippered cocoon like swaddles. DS was small and didn't fit in the SwaddleMes right away so these were great.
Baby Video Monitor
Nose Frida - This thing is a life saver. I thought it was such a gross concept but SO. WORTH. IT.
Snap N Go Stroller - So convenient for trips to the grocery store.
Wish We Hadn't Purchased:
Moby Wrap - This wrap is so hard to use and thick which probably won't be an issue with Fall babies but it was so hot for my Summer baby.
Bouncer - We barely used our bouncer.
Infant tub - We barely used this too.
A lot of people swear by the RNP but we didn't use the one that detached from the glider and I did not regret it at all. We used the Co-Sleeper in our room and then the PNP downstairs for naps.
Rock and Play: DD slept in this for the first 5 months or so
Moby Wrap: Especially great for grocery shopping and travel
Aden + Anais swaddles: Use 'em for everything, from swaddling to wipes to (now) doll blankets
Uppababy Vista: Got daily use for almost 3 years and it still looks & handles great; we'll be re-using it again for this baby.
Hated/Wasted:
Wipe warmer
Pack N Play: I think we used it once, ever
Baby pajamas with collars: All they do is piss the baby off.
Baby pajamas with ruffles on the butt: Seriously, who thinks this is a good idea? How would you like it if your pajamas had bulky ruffles on the butt?
Any clothes that are not machine washable, that are stiff or uncomfortable, or that you wouldn't want to sleep in: If you wouldn't use it for pajamas, don't buy it for your baby
Probably the best purchase(s) I made were my baby carriers. I have used them so.many.times. When baby is sick, fussy, sleepy, or I need my hands. When we're out and about or at home. Solly Baby Wrap was the best newborn wrap (Moby was too hot for my December baby). My Ergo 360 worked so well for us, except the Velcro is a pain in the butt when you're trying to transfer a sleeping squish. And Tula. Ohhhh how I love my Tulas. Cute, colorful, and soooo comfy!
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16)
DS born 12.13.14
DD born 10.15.16
BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18
Rock n Play
Halo swaddles and sleepsacks
White noise machine
Video Monitor
Nosefrida
Ergo
BOB stroller
Summer Infant Super Seat (DS used that from 5 months til 14 months when he realized he could stand up in it while he was still strapped in
Useless:
Wipe warmer
Diaper stacker
Baby shoes
Baby food maker
Hooded onesies (how is baby supposed to sleep on their back in that?)
Bumbo (by the time DS was old enough for it, his legs were too fat for it and he couldn't use it)
LFAF April Siggy: TV/Movie BFFs
BFP #4 1/2016, DD born 10/2016
TTC only since Dec 2015. I had some weight to get off. Been working hard in the gym for over a year.
BFP 02-15-16 with our first
IT'S A BOY!!!
Favorite items:
Rock 'n Play was clutch for us - we used it for naps and travel as it is very light and portable
City Mini GT stroller - we were determined to have only one stroller and this one has worked great. We got the car seat attachment for when DD was little and it is light and folds easy which is great in all uses.
Boppy and Bumbo were great places to "put" the baby before she was mobile. Also easy and portable
Aden & anis muslin swaddle blankets - we used these exclusively when DD was little and still do today
Could have done without:
Swing - our baby could care less about it and it was big and expensive. I wish we didn't bother
Receiving blankets - we were gifted a million of them and only used a&a ones
Tip:
We just velcroed a changing pad to the top of an old dresser we redid instead if having a separate changing table which has worked out great.
DD #1 born 6/12/14
DD #2 born 10/31/16
O16 April Siggy
O16 April Siggy
Favorites:
-Zoli Buzz B nail trimmer (trimming baby nails is terrifying, IMHO, and the mitts make me sad, personally. Baby learns about the world with those little hands! This gadget grinds nails safely and totally painlessly. Worth every penny).
-Rock n Play (yep...like so many others, my DD slept in this thing exclusively for several months).
-A stretchy wrap for the newborn phase
-A woven wrap for when they're a bit bigger
-Tula baby carrier
-Dock-a-Tot (LOVE THIS THING. We started to co-sleep/bed share when DD was a few months old and I wish I had gotten this sooner).
-Glass baby bottles (we use Lifefactory).
-Dr. Brown's nipples
-Baby Brezza (thought this was for lazy/stupid people but if you are formula feeding it is a total game changer).
-Clek car seats (they are awesome and extremely well rated).
-Covered Goods nursing cover (soooft and stretchy and useful for numerous things).
-Baby Bjorn Balance Bouncer with toy bar
-Phil & Ted's Lobster High Chair (clip on/travel high chair...ONE OF THE BEST PURCHASES WE MADE. We use it every time we eat out and sometimes at family/friends' houses. People think it is magic.)
-Brica Magical Car Mirror (lights up/plays music...has always pacified baby when she's really cranky in the car).
-Jujube diaper bags (they are totally machine washable, have little slits to let crumbs fall out, made of antimicrobial fabric, and just generally smart designs).
-Kiinde Kozii bottle warmer (uses circulating water instead of steam--steam can damage breast milk and burn the heck out of your fingers).
-Munchkin Nursery Projector/white noise machine
-video monitor
-hooded towels
-Boon Grass drying rack with flower accessories
-Fisher Price Rainforest Bouncer
-Lamaze Rainbow Glow rattle
-The First Years stacking cups
-Boppy
-Temporal artery thermometer
-changing table
-teething necklaces with silicone beads
Didn't use/particularly enjoy:
-Bassinet
-Mamaroo
-diaper pail/Diaper Genie
-swaddles/sleep sacks
-crib (woops...haha)
I'm sure I've missed some things, but those are the items that I have the strongest opinion on, I think. Will definitely be checking out a few things for the second kid that I've seen mentioned on here.
Married to DH for 6 years (together for 16)
DS born 12.13.14
DD born 10.15.16
BFP 1.24.18, MC 3.13.18