Ok so I know it's early but I just had to ask... What is your must have gear/stuff that you will purchase or for those who have kiddos already, what did you purchase that you couldn't live without. I'm a baby stuff junky so I've already started gathering and researching.
My must haves....
Ollie Swaddle
Milk Snob cover
Dockatot
Re: Let's talk Baby Gear/ Baby stuff
For baby #2, I really want a better carrier and a double stroller to make things easier.
Couldnt live without mama roo, boba wrap (babywearing FTW)
this is baby I will be getting a co sleeper, I don't want to lift up and down all night. And also a double stroller, and a more comfortable glider!
Munchkin sensitive skin pacifiers. They allow more airflow around the mouth so skin can stay relatively dry. They look completely dorky but they work great.
Anything that comes with a battery backup because electricity will go out at the most inconvenient times and you'll love that LO can still use the swing.
Edited to add that we live in a rural area where power outages are fairly routine, side walks are crap, and some roads are still brick. So some of the things I mentioned loving might not apply to those of you with nice roads and sidewalks with zero outages.
- baby carrier (moby style then soft carrier tula style, but I'm open to other brands)
- stroller (we actually already bought one that we found slightly used)
We have no car and live in an urban area so transporting LO safely and easily is on my top priority list.
BFP #1 June 2016: EDD 16 March 2017, MC July 2016
Re-started TTC Aug 2016
Started IF testing Nov 2016
Spontaneous BFP #2 January 2017: Rainbow Baby Boy September 2017
BFP #3 November 2018: Baby #2 expected August 2019
I had a 4moms baby rocker for DS and didn't love it, considering getting a traditional swing for round 2.
Me:35 DH:35
Married 9/2013
BFP#1 1/28/2014 DS born 10/21/2014
BFP#2 7/4/2016 , MC at 7w5d on 7/27
BFP#3 1/5/2017
They're also coming out with a Baby Jogger City Select LUX later in April or May that is a bit more compact and has some other upgrades from the 2016 model.
BFP #1 June 2016: EDD 16 March 2017, MC July 2016
Re-started TTC Aug 2016
Started IF testing Nov 2016
Spontaneous BFP #2 January 2017: Rainbow Baby Boy September 2017
BFP #3 November 2018: Baby #2 expected August 2019
One thing people might not think of, but we're really glad we have, is a mattress cover for our mattress. DD ended up in our bed a lot in the morning for breastfeeding, and of course with that often came spit up and diaper leaks.
For baby #3, I'm looking for a good double stroller, I've heard great things about the Dock a Tot, and would love a Lille Baby Carrier.
TTC #1 January 2009
January 2010 SA results: Count 16 million, Motility 40%, Morphology 2%
January 2010- Surprise BFP! DS born 10/1/2010
January 2013 TTC #2
September 2013 Repeat SA: Count= 1.7 million, Motility= 24%, Morphology= 2%
November 6th 1st Appointment with RE: diagnosed with severe MFI
Testing to try to determine a cause & possible treatment for MFI
CD 3 blood work for me. RE does not want to repeat my HSG/lap at this point,
but may want to before moving forward with any fertility treatments.
After seeing the uro, DH is currently taking lots of supplements and clomid to try to boost his count. We will have a repeat SA in February to see if it works.
Follow up SA numbers are: Count= 4 million, Motility= 40%, Morphology= 1%
Uro wants us to have another follow up SA 5/9 to see if we see further improvement than we are back to the RE to make a game plan.
SA 5/9/2014 Count: 12 Million, Motility: 60%, and Morphology 2%. We will be doing iui #1 in late June
IUI #1 6/28 clomid + ovidrel, post wash count 3 million total sperm= BFN
IUI # 2 7/21 clomid+ ovidrel. post wash count 900,000 total sperm= BFN
IVF planned for early November- cancelled due to cyst
December IVF #1- 22 eggs, 20 mature,16 fertilized
12/9 Transferred 1 4AA Blast, 6 frosties
*****Everyone is welcome******
ETA:
if you don't have a nosefrieda they are the best at helping relieve inevitable newborn nasal congestion. Saline nasal mist is a must too.
For reusable breast pads I love the ones I got on Etsy from nicolesbreastfriends. So soft and absorbent with fun prints. They wash up great too.
i had a 4moms swing and sold it because DS hated it. I bought a rock n play for this one.
Getting a baby jogger city select double stroller. I had a bagile britax with DS.
Carriers: I loved my ergo 360 and solly baby wrap. I had a kta'an but got rid of it. I'm thinking of a Tula for this one but I don't know if I'll like it better.
Lots of muslin swaddles, a good baby bathtub, aquaphor as a butt paste. DS has never had a diaper rash using it.
Boppy
dockatot--didn't have with #1
I plan on buying a new pattern once we find out boy or girl with this baby.
ETA: I've also looked at Mei Tais... any thoughts?
rock n play, swing, swaddlers (the Velcro ones), sound machine (both one in her room and a portable one), cloth diapers (as burp cloths), recliner for the nursery, triple paste, and aquaphor. (Will probably add more later as I think of things)
This kid-
better stroller (had a lightweight chicco that annoyed me) and I'd like to get a britax or city mini. Also a carrier, don't know which I'll get.
Things I want for this baby: a different/better baby tub, a better rock and play, an owlet monitor, a double stroller, a babywearing wrap like a boba or something of the like, probably a much better breast pump like the medela or something.... I can't think of anything else
1. Anything baby wearing. Started with a K'Tan and a ring sling. Then went to a Boba and wraps and the a half buckle wrap conversion.
2. Any muslin blankets. Aden + Anais are amazing but there are other great options. I know TJ ax, Marshalls, Winners etc carry Aden + Anais.
3. Humidifier and white noise are a must have. Bonus if the are made for travel as well. Cannot stress how important white noise was for us.
4. Breast pads. So many of them. I have yet to find a good reusable one though.
And 5. The most important baby item is actually for Mom. Self care. You will be totally consumed with everything baby. Set up and pay for a spa/salon trip before baby arrives so you won't feel guilty for having to go. A new hair cut changed my life after DS and I plan on having a pedi and mani as well as hair this time too.
edited: spelling, dang cell phones
DS #1 [S-5]
3 Step Daughters [A-8] [E-6] [I-4]
Baby #2 09/10/2017
It's a BOY!
Babywearer&EBF
Is this for real? I get it, it looks great and handy, BUT that price. This is coming from someone who can hold stock in Lululemon (they have a great return / repair policy, same pair of leggings has lasted me 5 years).
Has anyone actually used it? It only goes up to 8 months and... seems like a SIDS risk (please inform me if I am wrong). What is so magical about it?
DS #1 [S-5]
3 Step Daughters [A-8] [E-6] [I-4]
Baby #2 09/10/2017
It's a BOY!
Babywearer&EBF
•Moses basket bassinet
•Solly baby wrap
•Baby gym for floor play time
•Muslin swaddles
•All the little knit baby clothes
I still have little things leftover from DD; NoseFrida, Ergo carrier, stroller are my already owned must haves! We ended up with so much junk with my daughter, I never used any of the baby "gadgets" or big toys enought that they were with getting.
- Boba Wrap
- Boba Carrier
- Co-sleeper
- Lipstick
Sleep sacks are the next must have for me, because they kept DD warm in the winter and spring before she was big enough to use a blanket (She was also a September baby- soooo convenient this time around for reusing things if this one is also a girl!)
Pack-n-play. We used this consistently in the living room for DD to nap in until she was around 6 months old, then used it outside when we had to do yard work. We also still use it with DD when traveling or camping (in a camper.)
DAWN DISHSOAP. For alllllllllllll the baby poop. Works like a charm and prevented my having to throw out many a onesie and outfit.
Boppy. I originally insisted I did not need one of these, but a week into breastfeeding I caved and it saved my life. I hadn't realized just how long breastfeeding takes in the beginning and hadn't realized the need for something to support baby other than your arms. It also served as a way to do tummy time and to prop DD up as she got older and was starting to sit.
This time around, I'm getting a double stroller, want a cosleeper instead of reusing the bassinet, and am getting a regular swing instead of the 4moms Mamaroo. It was a cool concept, but DD hated it and I don't think it actually moves in a way that is calming for a baby. It's almost not quite fast enough or something.
A sound machine is a must have hands down!! We take it everywhere.
I used the medela freestyle pump and loved that. It was so portable and easy to use. I could hook it to my pants and literally pump and fix breakfast or do my hair.
-boobs/bottles/breastpump
-swaddle blankets- muslin cotton, all the others are worthless
-wubanub
-a good baby carrier or wrap
-nose frieda
-somewhere to put the baby- bouncer, swing, etc- but just one
-crib/pack n play
-booster seat/high chair that attaches to a kitchen chair
-cloth diaper burp rags- like the Gerber ones you can get at target
Things I liked, but could've totally done without:
-changing table
-lightweight stroller for after they can sit up
-exersaucer
-infant tub
-bibs
I think that pretty well covers it.
<><><><><>Angel Baby- June 2012<><><><><>
<><><><><>DD2- March 2013<><><><><>
<><><><><>DS1- ETA September 2017<><><><><>
A&A really are awesome. They get sooo soft with multiple washes. I have two kids and my oldest is about to turn 6 and we still use our original A&A blankets regularly. The size is a big part of what makes them worth the extra expense. Some muslin blankets are nice, but much smaller. The big A&A I've used to swaddle, as a pack n play sheet, blanket outside to lay baby on, car seat cover, nursing cover, super hero cape, spit rag...
<><><><><>Angel Baby- June 2012<><><><><>
<><><><><>DD2- March 2013<><><><><>
<><><><><>DS1- ETA September 2017<><><><><>
1. Not all carriers are created equal. Not saying you have to spend $200 dollars, but the $20 dollar ones are $20 for a reason...
2. The Moby and Boba wraps are sooooo hot as a mama from the south. Very few mom's I know could handle them in warm months. The Solly is a favorite instead since it's more breathable.
3. Watch for ergonomically correct placement for baby's legs and hips on whatever you get.
4. Ergo, Boba, Beco, Tula are all AWESOME "backpack" (soft structured) carriers that are designed to fit Baby correctly and be comfortable for the parent wearing them.
5. I loved my Mei Tai, but it wasn't as comfortable for long wearing as my Beco.
I love babywearing! It's exciting to see so many asking about carriers.
<><><><><>Angel Baby- June 2012<><><><><>
<><><><><>DD2- March 2013<><><><><>
<><><><><>DS1- ETA September 2017<><><><><>