@whitta1218 this is the one I have, I had a girl first but got everything gender neutral because I knew I wanted two kids and didn't want to buy everything twice. Good thing too because this time I'm having a boy!
@Jmedeiros24 yes to buying all the big stuff in neutral colours! Saved us soooo much money this time around because we have all the big things we can reuse!
Tried searching through the threads even though I know this was mentioned somewhere- if you use a centralized registry like babylist or myregistry do you still get the perks from the individual sites?
Also has anyone used an Infantino baby carrier? Just wondering why it's so much cheaper than some of the other options. Thanks!
We we had an infantino and an ergo last time. DS doesn't care to be worn so both didn't work for us and I thought the infantino was more scratchy and felt cheap. This time I've invested in a Tula free to grow and a standard Tula as well as a ring sling.
@sjb2215 Most of them you don't get the perks, but if you use The Bump's registry you do because it just links the person to your registry on the website you're registered at. That's what I'm doing.
@supercoolstephy, @schaze, @caeilievalor thanks for the recs! What i did for now was start target and Amazon registries and then apparently similar to the bump you can link them to babylist
I keep forgetting to mention this, but DS had a really bad reaction to the Johnson and Johnson soap/shampoo/lotion. When we mentioned it to his pediatrician she said that a lot of kids have bad reactions to the J&J products and that she never recommends using them. We use the Cetaphil baby or Aveeno baby line for him. Just wanted to mention because we've never been able to use it, I try every few months to see if he's able to and he's not. And I also have noticed that some places that offer registries automatically put the J&J products in your registry.
@supercoolstephy thanks for bringing that up! We used J&J once with a weird reaction then switched to Aveeno which I later learned after another weird reaction is owned by J&J. Baby Dove works really well for us.
@schaze that makes sense. We use the Aveeno Eczema line without issues, but haven't ventured much into their other stuff for him. We mostly stick to the Cetaphil as it's been highly recommended by his pediatricians, we've had a few because we moved.
@supercoolstephy We were given a J&J gift set at our baby shower, and that was the only thing we returned! We personally use Bert's Bees baby and have had no issues.
As for skin reactions, DS had issues with just about every kind of baby wipe. I recommend trying small packs of different kinds to see how your baby's skin reacts. We now use WaterWipes and they work really well.
We used Honest Co. and Babyganics soap/shampoo for about the first year of DD's life. I was paranoid about using J&J stuff because I was worried it would be too harsh for DD's skin. In my experience, the organic stuff just doesn't smell as good! I converted to J&J bedtime soap/shampoo (the purple bottle) when she was one, and I haven't looked back. That stuff smells soooooo good and the scent lasts forever. Hahaha...I guess I'm more concerned about how my baby smells as opposed to what's best for her skin (although I will say she has NEVER had a reaction to the J&J).
@cyanope I LOVEEEEEE how that stuff smells. But Banner's skin gets all rashy and itchy with it. I've taken and used it for myself. Mommy's special bath stuff. haha
@maueraa07 yes. Baby wipes were so weird for us. We use the Amazon sensitive wipes without any issues. We've also used the members mark from Sams club too. He does well with most diapers and wipes really, but cannot use huggies. Its so weird because everyone loves them, but we can use the Target, Aldi, Walmart, Luvs, etc. cheap diapers and no problem.
I was 5 pages behind on this thread and just now sat down to try to catch up. I don't remember who I need to tag, but my opinions/experiences:
White noise: we ended up having to buy something for DD1. Turns out, she's like me and needs some help blocking out the outside noise in order to sleep well. She still sleeps with a fan to act as some white noise, as do I. DD2 is like DH and dies at night and resurrects in the morning.
PnP: go with the most simple model. Don't bother with all of the bells and whistles.
Newborn clothes: my girls wore them for like 3 months. I make little babies.
Carseat: I do a lot of baby wearing and could easily have skipped the bucket seat and gone straight to a convertible.
High chair: We had the Chicco 360 and loved it. It was easy to clean and pack up to bring where ever we might need it. It even comes with a carrying case! One of the #1 signs a baby is ready for solids is that their able to sit upright. You shouldn't be feeding a baby in a recline position.
Bedding: I've only ever used crib sheets. Not even a mesh bumper. Somehow my kids have never managed to get stuck in their crib slats.
Bath products: something serious was happening to kids because of J&J when I was pregnant with DD1; I can't remember what but I swore of them and Aveeno and have used Burt's Bees ever since- for the whole family, actually.
I put Shea Moisture stuff on my registry, along with Honest Co, Babyganics and a 3rd natural line of diapers and wipes. Water wipes too! I anticipate getting other stuff too, but at least the hint is there. I use Shea Moisture and more natural products myself (and DH because he uses what I buy) so I want to do that for baby.
I registered for a Tula from Target too. Has anyone used it?
@ryannenikole I picked up a Tula free to grow and the standard, with the infant insert, for this babe, as well as a ring sling from sakura bloom. I'm determined to wear this babe. DS was not one who enjoyed being worn, we had an ergo and an Infantino. He liked the ergo better but still didn't enjoy being worn. Anyway. I have friends who all swear by the Tula carriers. There are some great Facebook pages out there to get fit checks and ask questions. I have picked up a bunch of their blankets and they are so amazing. They are heavier than a muslin blanket but are super breathable and a little bigger too.
@bainidhedub kept forgetting about this. This is what I found at the store, you can get them for about $20 on amazon. Not sure if this is what you are thinking of or not though.
@GraceUponGrace09 I've heard that at a certain point that the kids don't like how they fit on their legs. I also like having options so I figured I'd get a clearance one while they had the blanket sale so it was like I hardly spent anything on it.
On the baby wearing gear topic, my sister is a baby wearing fanatic and gifted me a Kinder Pack baby carrier and a Didymos ring sling with my son. The Kinder Pack is all kinds of amazing, I want a second one sooo bad. I had a standard size which I made work from newborn to age 2. I never took to the ring sling. They sure are cute, and are supposedly easier, but I could never find my groove with it. I'll try again with this baby. I also used the moby wrap from 0-3 months. I liked it a lot, but didn't like the wrapping process. Madame Goo Goo has great reviews for carriers too, but have never personally tried.
@supercoolstephy Ok, good to know. Well I hesitated buying the FTG bc it's so new and there might be kinks they'll work out and make adjustments, etc. I considered buying the standard with the infany insert but decided to give the FTG a chance.
@GraceUponGrace09 I still think the FTG is great. I haven't had a chance to use it, but I think it's more so for older kids that they were saying that. DS hates being worn so when I've been trying to practice back carrying him with the standard he gets pissed. I think I missed that boat.
On the subject of skin sensitivity, don't stock up on all one type of diaper! Turns out a lot of kiddos are sensitive to different brands of diapers. We can't use Huggies at all as they give DS an awful rash. We also can't use Luvs because DS pees right through them. So, don't stock up on just one brand! Get a variety!
@livingoffpbjs that is cool, thanks! I don't think it looks harness-friendly though, you'd kind of have to stuff the arm flaps through the straps... I think I'll just use lots of blankets. Thinking about splurging for an A&A dream blanket for this kiddo.
So carseats and strollers are super overwhelming to me for some reason. These are our current choices. One is a convertible, the other is a travel system. Thoughts?
Has anyone used the Uppababy Cruz or heard anything via word-of-mouth? I'm trying to narrow down our stroller search somehow and could use help. Looking for something light and easy to fold, easy to navigate (we travel frequently, and I'll use public transportation alone occasionally), front- and rear-facing options, suitable from birth (adapter or insert add-on okay). I think I'd prefer to have a system where a carseat easily pops in when compared to using an adapter. Not concerned about a second child at this point - will cross that bridge when we get there.
I've been looking mostly at the Baby Jogger and UppaBaby options (and yes, I've read our stroller thread which is how I got there), but I'm really overwhelmed. Also would consider Britax I think? I must be crazy because I go into the stores and I think they're all great for the most part. I live in Chicago and would primarily take the stroller on normal city sidewalks and in parks. I'm going to be a single parent during the week, so my top priority is making life easier for me so I'm less stressed with LO.
I like that the Vista offers a guarantee if you use their travel bag. Any tips/things to consider besides going to try these out again?
@ryannenikole We are going straight to a convertible car seat and skipping the travel system car seat this time around. We had the travel system with DS and it was great in the beginning but he had out grown it by the time he was 5 months old. We spent $275 on the travel system and then in less than 6 months we had to spend another almost $250 on a convertible car seat. Financially in our minds, it makes more sense to just get the convertible from the start for baby #2. We don't go out a ton, so we won't need a carrier, and if we do run errands, I plan on baby wearing. So my recommendation to you is to convertible. Also, I know you said you like the Extend to Fit, but I would consider looking into the Graco 4ever All-In-One car seat. It's what we have for DS and love it. Its very similar to the extend to fit. It's minimum weight limit is less than the extend to fit though, and its max weight limit is way higher. It does cost about $100 more so it depends on what's in your budget. My concern about the Extend-to-Fit is when you extend it, does that mean the seat that's in front of the car seat spot would have to be moved way forward? I really don't know but thats what I've been worried about when I've been researching. Anyways, I've attached a side by side comparison of the Extend-to-Fit and the 4ever All-In-One if your interested.
I'm looking at the babytrend expedition systems too... or the Graco FastAction systems. We want the "off road" type stroller because hubby is a performer at various festivals, fairs and outdoor venues, and by the time next performance season rolls around (mid-late summer thru about November), baby should be six months old and coming with us. We also live in a rural state where a lot of our activities are likely to be of the fair/park/farmer's market type, where a heavy duty stroller would be handy.
@steph30032 Those are good points! I have always leaned towards the convertible BUT part of me feels like the bucket seat would be good for a winter baby. If baby gets here at the end of December, I'll be transitioning back to work at the beginning of March and he will come with me. I'm trying to decide if having the bucket would be better/easier. I do plan on baby wearing as much as I can, but how does that work in the winter with coats and such getting in and out of places?
Re: Baby Registry Advice
Just called my Gram and told her not to order one! Not worth the risk in my opinion.
Also has anyone used an Infantino baby carrier? Just wondering why it's so much cheaper than some of the other options. Thanks!
We we had an infantino and an ergo last time. DS doesn't care to be worn so both didn't work for us and I thought the infantino was more scratchy and felt cheap. This time I've invested in a Tula free to grow and a standard Tula as well as a ring sling.
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
As for skin reactions, DS had issues with just about every kind of baby wipe. I recommend trying small packs of different kinds to see how your baby's skin reacts. We now use WaterWipes and they work really well.
I use Hypnobabies! http://www.hypnobabies-store.com/link.cgi?affiliateID=472
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies!
EDD: 1/6/2018
Eva Jane: 7/23/2014
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
Jan 18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
White noise: we ended up having to buy something for DD1. Turns out, she's like me and needs some help blocking out the outside noise in order to sleep well. She still sleeps with a fan to act as some white noise, as do I. DD2 is like DH and dies at night and resurrects in the morning.
PnP: go with the most simple model. Don't bother with all of the bells and whistles.
Newborn clothes: my girls wore them for like 3 months. I make little babies.
Carseat: I do a lot of baby wearing and could easily have skipped the bucket seat and gone straight to a convertible.
High chair: We had the Chicco 360 and loved it. It was easy to clean and pack up to bring where ever we might need it. It even comes with a carrying case!
One of the #1 signs a baby is ready for solids is that their able to sit upright. You shouldn't be feeding a baby in a recline position.
Bedding: I've only ever used crib sheets. Not even a mesh bumper. Somehow my kids have never managed to get stuck in their crib slats.
Bath products: something serious was happening to kids because of J&J when I was pregnant with DD1; I can't remember what but I swore of them and Aveeno and have used Burt's Bees ever since- for the whole family, actually.
DD2 8.22.13
MMC 1.4.17 at 16w
Expecting #3, EDD 1.29.18
I registered for a Tula from Target too. Has anyone used it?
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Infant-Diner-Portable-Placemat/dp/B002B55AC0/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1504784633&sr=8-1&keywords=summer+infant+food+mat
DD2 8.22.13
MMC 1.4.17 at 16w
Expecting #3, EDD 1.29.18
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
https://www.amazon.com/Blankets-Beyond-Travel-Swaddle-Bunting/dp/B071W7MRRP/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_75_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=4VXWAZ1D0JM2PY59YYEW
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
1 Rainbow Baby: Born 4/4/15
BFP: 4/23/17 EDD 1/5/18
J18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
https://www.toysrus.com/product?productId=133066926
Jan 18 December Siggy Challenge: Christmas Movies
Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019EGMGR0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fQESzbMM3XN24
Baby Trend Expedition LX Travel System
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Y53YR4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_TRESzbSEJNP32
I've been looking mostly at the Baby Jogger and UppaBaby options (and yes, I've read our stroller thread which is how I got there), but I'm really overwhelmed. Also would consider Britax I think? I must be crazy because I go into the stores and I think they're all great for the most part. I live in Chicago and would primarily take the stroller on normal city sidewalks and in parks. I'm going to be a single parent during the week, so my top priority is making life easier for me so I'm less stressed with LO.
I like that the Vista offers a guarantee if you use their travel bag. Any tips/things to consider besides going to try these out again?