@lulilaev I totally echo the dishes and laundry daily. A few years ago, if you told me doing laundry daily was easier than a designated day, I would have thought that was nuts. I put in a load a little before bed so I can change over to the dryer as one of the last things I do and then typically fold and put away first thing while the kids are asleep or playing. I run the dishwasher almost every night and don’t worry if it’s not super full. Putting away a small load of dishes / one load of laundry is manageable. A load a day keeps the mountain away!
I also put put in some significant effort to declutter in January and have noticed a big difference. I need to stay on top of it, but my favorite results are the kids toys and the kitchen. My kids play better with fewer options and I only kept the stuff I loved and they are creative with (duplos, magnetic tiles, dress up, some small figurines, etc). Even if all the toys are out, I can clean them up in about 5 mins. I’m trying to get them in the habit of putting away before moving onto something else but that’s taking some training (ages 2 and 4).
In in the kitchen, I was able to purge enough stuff so that almost everything that did live on the counter now lives in cabinets and drawers so wiping up is quicker and easier.
We were given a 2 month long weekly cleaning service for Christmas which started the week dd2 was born. It was heavenly and saved my sanity for that time. Once it was over we budgeted for them to come monthly. I've gotten to the point where my OCD triggers if there is food on the floor (LOL with a 1 and 3 year old). So we got a roomba for the kitchen/dining room and that really helps me on a daily basis. If a company isn't in the budget ask around on local pages for recommendations. There are some awesome licensed independent cleaning people out there!
Our RainbowBaby H arrived at 37 weeks on 12/20/16!
Baby E arrived at 37 weeks on 01/31/15!
Married my Marine 05.23.14
*TW* TWIN LOSS 7.2.15 BFP 9.7.15 CP BFP 12.31.15 MC 2.28.16 BFP 10.14.17 CP BFP 3.10.18 D&C 4.13.18
I’m a huge believer in buying used, I hate paying full price if there’s a discount to be had! That said, is there anything you all wouldn’t buy used for the baby? As a FTM to be, I have nothing and am starting to scour craigslist etc. and would love some insight!
@mominthemakin I would never buy a used car seat. If you know the history (no accidents, not expired), that's one thing. But I would never risk a used car seat from a stranger/consignment.
@mominthemakin I would never buy a used car seat. If you know the history (no accidents, not expired), that's one thing. But I would never risk a used car seat from a stranger/consignment.
Agreed. I would only take a used car seat from someone I know and trust - also, they are really hard to clean properly. Pretty much everything else can be washed/sanitized.
I wouldn’t buy an old crib (no drop sides) or a crib that’s been repainted either.
That said, if you’re having more than one kid ultimately, buying new isn’t bad because stuff gets a lot of use. I’d also avoid buying unnecessary things and wouldn’t invest in swings, rnps, etc without testing them with your LO first.
I wouldn’t buy anything used that couldn’t be bleached or thrown in a washing machine. I’d recommend buying from an individual (Facebook or craigslist) vs a store- and definitely not a safety device like a car seat.
Also check for expiration dates on things from individuals. A lot of people think nothing of giving away old stuff but depending on the age it may no longer be good anymore.
@disneybaby84 Oh wow thanks for saying that about insurance companies! It would never have occurred to me to check if mine would help me buy a breast pump, and it will.
Re: Ask a STM week of July 2nd
I also put put in some significant effort to declutter in January and have noticed a big difference. I need to stay on top of it, but my favorite results are the kids toys and the kitchen. My kids play better with fewer options and I only kept the stuff I loved and they are creative with (duplos, magnetic tiles, dress up, some small figurines, etc). Even if all the toys are out, I can clean them up in about 5 mins. I’m trying to get them in the habit of putting away before moving onto something else but that’s taking some training (ages 2 and 4).
In in the kitchen, I was able to purge enough stuff so that almost everything that did live on the counter now lives in cabinets and drawers so wiping up is quicker and easier.
*TW*
TWIN LOSS 7.2.15
BFP 9.7.15 CP
BFP 12.31.15 MC 2.28.16
BFP 10.14.17 CP
BFP 3.10.18 D&C 4.13.18
I wouldn’t buy an old crib (no drop sides) or a crib that’s been repainted either.
That said, if you’re having more than one kid ultimately, buying new isn’t bad because stuff gets a lot of use. I’d also avoid buying unnecessary things and wouldn’t invest in swings, rnps, etc without testing them with your LO first.
BFP 6.8.2018 EDD 02.18.2019
having had a run in with bed bugs that left me paranoid, I would not get a bassinet, crib, or crib mattress used off of CL.