Best: Kiinde direct pump system, rock n play, and this is random but some kind of attractive way to store toys. We got an IKEA cube shelving thing and put pretty fabric bins that store all the toys. It's easy to clean up at the end of the day and looks nice/not like purely kids furniture.
Worst: never used the swing, but I can see myself using it more with two kids this time. Mostly I'd recommend borrowing big ticket (or big storage-wise) items if you can. There are so many large things that you only use for the infant months, and storing them forever eats away at me.
@ladythrice we love our diaper genie. It keeps the stink in. We wouldn't throw it in our regular trash as it would reek and the trashcan isn't full enough to take out everyday...more like every 3 days. Plus it's conveniently right there to get rid of the diaper. We're definitely gonna use it again!
Best: zipper sleepers! Ain't nobody got time for buttons at 3am!, boppy for sleeping, I barely used it for nursing but I've slept with mine for almost 3 years now! I love how it supports my neck and my arms don't fall asleep in the middle of the night. Extra bottle warmer on low with peri bottle next to the potty during post partum healing.
Worst: infant mittens, bebe love brand double jogging stroller. Evenflo battery operated single pump aka evil flow aka nipple shredder.
Best: 1) I absolutely loved our Arm's Reach Cosleeper...DD probably slept in it way too long tbh. 2) Brestfriend pillow 3) those layette gowns made for easier diaper changes in those early days.
Worst: 1) Changing table. We just bought the pad and put on top of her long dresser. 2) wipe warmers and bottle sterilizers seemed like a waste of money 3) DD hated the classic bassinet we started with so I was quick to return that after multiple sleepless nights.
I like this thread! Even as a STM, it's helpful to get ideas on other things from you ladies. Thanks!
Edited to correct spelling...thanks but no thanks autocorrect
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Married April 9, 2011
TTC since October 2011
Me 34, DH 40
IUI #5 w/ Tamoxifen+Ovidrel+Acupuncture Oct 24, 2014-->BFP!!! EDD July 17, 2015. Panorama=low risk...and it's a GIRL! DD born July 10, 2015 -------------------------------------------------------- Trying for baby #2! IUI #1 w/ Tamoxifen+Ovidrel+Acupuncture July 10, 2017-->BFP!!! EDD Apr 2, 2018. Panorama=low risk...and another GIRL!
Best: spectra pump, I ep for 10 months and kept that one because the motor still sounded brand new. My pisa medela sounded awful. Loved my strollers and use my jogging one 3× a week. I am team button pajamas. Worst: we never used our carrier but we had low tone so it's hard to find a good fit. I also only used changing table as storage and not to change her. Swaddlers, she hated to be swaddled and slept better without one.
Best: Ergo baby carrier, My Brest Friend nursing pillow-- (hated the Boppy), swaddles
Worst: the beautiful expensive crib I bought-- DS is 2 and still has only spent 1 night in it. He was in the Bassinest until he could roll over and then we ended up co-sleeping which I NEVER thought we'd do. Also the Mamaroo- he hated it, and pacifiers and bottles--- DS never used a pacifier and it took so much trial and error to find a bottle brand he liked for breastmilk when I was away at work.
Best: halo sleep sacks/swaddles, bouncer, yoga ball Worst: momaroo (there was maybe a two week period that she liked it), bumbo (baby's thighs couldn't fit in after like 3 months), walker (she never figused it out yet ended up being an early walker)
Best: Pack n Play: we travel a lot and still use it for my 4yo DD. She calls it her special bed. Sound Machine Sheep: couldn't sleep without it. Swing: DD loved it and would sleep and Ben content in it. I think I will be going for a rock n play this time around.
Worst: Swaddles: DD hated them. Bassinet: DD went to her crib after 2 weeks. Nobody slept, including her, when we used the bassinet. Carrier: wegot an infantino and DD was so uncomfortable. This time I want to get one of the wraps. I am so uneducated and have no idea what brand.
Lily Michaella ~BFP 12-31-13 ~EDD 9-7-13 ~Lily was born 9-7-13
Baby #2 ~BFP 8-13-17 ~EDD 4-22-18 ~Can't wait to meet you
@bossmom11 is it a regular sized pack and play (are they all the same size?) I'm only asking because we had to stop using it for my son when we'd go away when he was about 3yo because he was way too big for it. It was so nice to have!
Worst: probably just the Ergo. DD didn't like it very much nor did I. We went minimalistic and didn't have a bouncer seat or swing so I can't think of anything we didn't use or like.
Worst: we never used a bouncer with either kid, never used a bottle warmer or wipe warmer
Sidenote: I LOVED using cloth diapers when I was a SAHM. I found it to be too much work as a working mom though. I'd always recommend trying cloth if you plan on staying at home.
Best: halo sleep sacks/swaddles, bouncer, yoga ball Worst: momaroo (there was maybe a two week period that she liked it), bumbo (baby's thighs couldn't fit in after like 3 months), walker (she never figused it out yet ended up being an early walker)
@rmmorris Did you use this to bounce on while holding your LO to get them to sleep? I bought a yoga ball originally for use in labor. Though I never actually used it for that, it did come in handy for sitting on and bouncing a swaddled and colicky baby for hours on end as one of the only ways to get her to stop crying or actually sleep in the MOTN. Bonus use!
Best: halo swaddles (first 12 weeks), white noise machine, and Magic Merlin sleepsuit (4-6 months)
Worst: Mamaroo, those straight "nipple shaped" pacifiers (LO liked only NUK or MAM), and those cube trays for freezing homemade baby food (Bought with high aspirations of doing homemade, organic baby food only. Never used once because ain't nobody got time. Store bought baby food FTW.)
@bossmom11 is it a regular sized pack and play (are they all the same size?) I'm only asking because we had to stop using it for my son when we'd go away when he was about 3yo because he was way too big for it. It was so nice to have!
@psuxray07 yes it's the normal size! My daughter is very small for her age 10% weight 50% height. I don't think I will be able to get away with it much longer.
Lily Michaella ~BFP 12-31-13 ~EDD 9-7-13 ~Lily was born 9-7-13
Baby #2 ~BFP 8-13-17 ~EDD 4-22-18 ~Can't wait to meet you
Best: swing and bouncer!! My baby had bad reflux due to under developed sphincter and would only sleep in this bouncer. Oh and a kid carrier/ring sling
Worst: bumbo! Hands down pointless. Also I agree just get jammies with zippers
@allowachick I loved BumGenius. They were the best fit for DS and were easier to use than Fuzzibunz. Kawaii are great for a cheaper option but aren't quite the same quality as the others.
Yes on the expensive crib sheet hate! In my last birth month group, some chick bought 700 dollar Egyptian cotton bazillion thread count sheets, and I almost died from falling out of my chair. If you really HAVE to buy 700 dollars worth of crib sheets, buy a bunch if extras and donate them to an orphanage or women's shelter.
WHAT? That is the most ridiculous thing ever. The amount of times my DD peed thru her diaper, burped up milk and puked on her sheets I wouldn't ever pay that much. We have about 5 Target crib sheets and waterproof mattress protectors and they are all stained. I've had to strip my DDs crib 3 times in one night before so I would recommend more than one set but nothing expensive for those reasons.
I love the target circo knit crib sheets. I think they are like $10 and so soft. Re: changing bedding multiple times at night- this was mentioned on my last BMB and was a lifesaver for me in practice-- layer a mattress protector, crib sheet, then another mattress protector, and another crib sheet. If LO pukes, leaks pee, or has a poosplosion MOTN, you can usually just rip off one mattress protector/crib sheet combo and already have clean bedding underneath. That way you don't have to do a full bedding change (and juggle LO while you do it) in the MOTN. Now if this happens several times in one night, or if the leakage is severe, you might just have to change everything anyways. It's definitely saved me more than a handful of times though.
I love the target circo knit crib sheets. I think they are like $10 and so soft. Re: changing bedding multiple times at night- this was mentioned on my last BMB and was a lifesaver for me in practice-- layer a mattress protector, crib sheet, then another mattress protector, and another crib sheet. If LO pukes, leaks pee, or has a poosplosion MOTN, you can usually just rip off one mattress protector/crib sheet combo and already have clean bedding underneath. That way you don't have to do a full bedding change (and juggle LO while you do it) in the MOTN. Now if this happens several times in one night, or if the leakage is severe, you might just have to change everything anyways. It's definitely saved me more than a handful of times though.
I still appreciate this advice I got on my first BMB too. My 2 year old, while potty trained, does have the occasional accident overnight so this trick is still a life-saver!
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014! DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
We use quick zip sheets and it makes changing sheets so easy. We have a plain base and use the minky tops, DS loves the softness. He's 2 and while we haven't had to change sheets in the middle of the night yet, I still love how easy it is to use these sheets. QuickZip Crib Extra Zip-On Sheet (Base Not Included), Heavenly Soft Mink, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003U40HBU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gmrWzbRBDPB71
Anyone have a Dock-a-tot? They're expensive but I might want one this time around! I remember moving the RockNPlay between upstairs and downstairs with my first and am thinking maybe this would be easier?
Best: Rock n Play, Dockatot, baby carrying device (I used a K’Tan when they were little, I just bought a Ring Sling for this little one.. then I switch to an Ergo or a Tula when they’re bigger/sturdier)
Worst: Halo Bassinest (both kids hated it, and I found it more practical to do a pack n play/Dockatot combo next to the bed. We sold it before kid 3 even gets to try it out! Haha), bouncer, baby bath tub (except the Angelcare one- that one has holes and is so much more user friendly)
Also adding to best: Aden and Anais swaddles that I take everywhere and use as burp rags and/or nursing covers, and drool bibs. Both of my kids started drooling profusely at 2-3 months. Oh, and Bob strollers!! Pricey, but I take the kids on a walk every day and having a smooth, easy to push stroller has been a life saver. We had a single, Now we have a double and both have been amazing
Re: STMs: Best and Worst Baby Purchases
Worst: never used the swing, but I can see myself using it more with two kids this time. Mostly I'd recommend borrowing big ticket (or big storage-wise) items if you can. There are so many large things that you only use for the infant months, and storing them forever eats away at me.
Extra bottle warmer on low with peri bottle next to the potty during post partum healing.
Worst: infant mittens, bebe love brand double jogging stroller. Evenflo battery operated single pump aka evil flow aka nipple shredder.
Worst: 1) Changing table. We just bought the pad and put on top of her long dresser. 2) wipe warmers and bottle sterilizers seemed like a waste of money 3) DD hated the classic bassinet we started with so I was quick to return that after multiple sleepless nights.
I like this thread! Even as a STM, it's helpful to get ideas on other things from you ladies. Thanks!
Edited to correct spelling...thanks but no thanks autocorrect
Married April 9, 2011
TTC since October 2011
Me 34, DH 40
IUI #5 w/ Tamoxifen+Ovidrel+Acupuncture Oct 24, 2014-->BFP!!! EDD July 17, 2015. Panorama=low risk...and it's a GIRL!
DD born July 10, 2015
--------------------------------------------------------
Trying for baby #2!
IUI #1 w/ Tamoxifen+Ovidrel+Acupuncture July 10, 2017-->BFP!!! EDD Apr 2, 2018. Panorama=low risk...and another GIRL!
Loved my strollers and use my jogging one 3× a week.
I am team button pajamas.
Worst: we never used our carrier but we had low tone so it's hard to find a good fit.
I also only used changing table as storage and not to change her.
Swaddlers, she hated to be swaddled and slept better without one.
Worst: the beautiful expensive crib I bought-- DS is 2 and still has only spent 1 night in it. He was in the Bassinest until he could roll over and then we ended up co-sleeping which I NEVER thought we'd do. Also the Mamaroo- he hated it, and pacifiers and bottles--- DS never used a pacifier and it took so much trial and error to find a bottle brand he liked for breastmilk when I was away at work.
Worst: momaroo (there was maybe a two week period that she liked it), bumbo (baby's thighs couldn't fit in after like 3 months), walker (she never figused it out yet ended up being an early walker)
Worst: Swaddles: DD hated them. Bassinet: DD went to her crib after 2 weeks. Nobody slept, including her, when we used the bassinet. Carrier: wegot an infantino and DD was so uncomfortable. This time I want to get one of the wraps. I am so uneducated and have no idea what brand.
Worst: probably just the Ergo. DD didn't like it very much nor did I. We went minimalistic and didn't have a bouncer seat or swing so I can't think of anything we didn't use or like.
Worst: we never used a bouncer with either kid, never used a bottle warmer or wipe warmer
Sidenote: I LOVED using cloth diapers when I was a SAHM. I found it to be too much work as a working mom though. I'd always recommend trying cloth if you plan on staying at home.
Best: halo swaddles (first 12 weeks), white noise machine, and Magic Merlin sleepsuit (4-6 months)
Worst: Mamaroo, those straight "nipple shaped" pacifiers (LO liked only NUK or MAM), and those cube trays for freezing homemade baby food (Bought with high aspirations of doing homemade, organic baby food only. Never used once because ain't nobody got time. Store bought baby food FTW.)
Worst: bumbo! Hands down pointless. Also I agree just get jammies with zippers
WHAT? That is the most ridiculous thing ever. The amount of times my DD peed thru her diaper, burped up milk and puked on her sheets I wouldn't ever pay that much. We have about 5 Target crib sheets and waterproof mattress protectors and they are all stained. I've had to strip my DDs crib 3 times in one night before so I would recommend more than one set but nothing expensive for those reasons.
DS: EDD, December 19th, 2014. Born, December 19th, 2014!
DD: EDD, July 18th, 2016. Born, July 19th, 2016!
Baby #3: EDD, April 16th, 2016
QuickZip Crib Extra Zip-On Sheet (Base Not Included), Heavenly Soft Mink, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003U40HBU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gmrWzbRBDPB71
Worst: bumbo, baby wearing carrier (just didn't work for us), crib sheet set with bumper that never got used
Baby #1 - DD 8/29/16
Baby #2 - EDD 4/6/18
Baby #1 - DD 8/29/16
Baby #2 - EDD 4/6/18
Worst: Halo Bassinest (both kids hated it, and I found it more practical to do a pack n play/Dockatot combo next to the bed. We sold it before kid 3 even gets to try it out! Haha), bouncer, baby bath tub (except the Angelcare one- that one has holes and is so much more user friendly)
Also adding to best: Aden and Anais swaddles that I take everywhere and use as burp rags and/or nursing covers, and drool bibs. Both of my kids started drooling profusely at 2-3 months. Oh, and Bob strollers!! Pricey, but I take the kids on a walk every day and having a smooth, easy to push stroller has been a life saver. We had a single, Now we have a double and both have been amazing