Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Diapers in exchange for advice.

Our baby gate, at the top of the stairs, broke and it no longer clicks shut. This would explain the two bruises on Fifi's forehead. The child insists on playing with the broken gate and the gate continues to slam perfectly into her forehead. You would think that she would catch on. She hasn't so we took the gate down.

Problem solved.

Except, now I can't put away the laundry, make the beds, take a shower, dress, or complete any task upstairs without yelling, "Fifi. Nooooooo. Stop playing with the stairs!"

So. Half dressed, without a proper shower, beds unmade, and clothes thrown about I knew that it was time to visit Babies R Us to inquire about my future as a respectable housewife and mother.

Flipping frogs how the store has changed. Fifi had a field day pushing each and every baby swing up and down the aisle. "Baby? Baby!!!" There were new baby gadgets every place I looked. Before leaving the place, with a phone number to the baby gate company, we spent the afternoon browsing at all of the fantastic new baby contraptions that will surely make the transition to motherhood a million times easier then it was in the year 2000. Right? Ha ha.

My best friend in the whole entire world is pregnant for the first time. She has a "private" blog and is so terribly funny about her pregnancy on it. Far more wittier the me, she makes me laugh everyday with adventures from the maternity store to conversations with her in-laws. Being her best friend that has three children she assumes that I can lead her through those aisles and help complete her registry. In two weeks she is hijacking her in-laws mini van and driving to Cleveland to swipe all of my gently used "ancient" baby gadgets.

You do know what happened to me the last time I got rid of our baby items? See the about me.


Anywho. She is coming and I am "guiding" her through registering for baby items.

The last time I had a newborn, 19 months ago, I prepared for the birth by purchasing next to nothing. Seriously. I borrowed bottles, a swing, a car seat, a pack n play. She survived her first year without any appropriate baby toys, without Baby Einstein, without a mobile hanging over her crib, without a developmental play mat and with mismatched clothes that were handed down from four separate families.

So. I ask for your help. What is the latest must have gadget? What can't a new mother live without? What will make her life, as a new mother, easier? What MUST we, I mean she, register for?

No good deed will go un-paid here on Classy Chaos.

Pampers sent me a trial of their Swaddlers Sensitive diapers with a unique wetness indicator to notify you when the diaper is wet. So cool, cause I used to rely on the pinching of the sagging diaper as a sign to be changed. I have THREE coupons for "ONE Free Jumbo Bag, any size Pampers Diapers or Pants" to give away. Contest ends Thursday the 25th at midnight EST. One comment per person please.

Leave me a comment with your most favorite baby item and I will pick three commenters as winners of FREE PAMPERS.

In the meantime, I will be on the phone with the baby gate company, half dressed and half showered. Ahem.

77classy comments:

Anonymous said...

personally, my favorite baby gear was the exersaucer. It kept both kids busy, safe entertained and comforted while I needed to run laundry and pet duty.
It was the biggest ticket item on our registry coming in at about 85$.
our next highest favorite was the little bouncy chair with the lights/ bubbles music and massage/cat purr vibration thingee, lol
Id also say some good pva free bottles would also be a good resource to have on the registry list.
thanks and take care,
Bryan Bliss

Blessings From Above said...

My son absolutely loved his Fisher-Price Rainforest Jumperoo. If we had allowed it, he would have happily bounced/played in that thing for hours. We got more use out of this than any other baby product.

Anonymous said...

My favorite item was gerber onesies. They are the softest ones around and hold up well.

Unknown said...

I went to a shower yesterday where she received a little lamb that you can put in the crib with the baby that mimics mommy's hearbeat and does other sounds. I thought that was pretty cool. My babies would've loved that...

OH and if she's into babywearing she MUST have a sling. I've loved my sling from slinglings.com

Anonymous said...

This second time around, I discovered, quite by accident, the bEco baby carrier.

I have to admit, I am a bit of a sling whore and I have purchased and/or tried most everyone out there. I came across this one due to the difficulty that I was having getting my Ergo carrier.

Anyway... I am so utterly amazed, awed, wowed and impressed with this carrier, I think I can safely put away the credit card and happily carry my infant around in this carrier without yearning longingly for any other one. From itty bitty infancy up to trying it out with my toddler, I LOVE THIS SLING! I had never heard of it before, but hands-down it is the most amazing new item that I had gotten for this second baby!

CC said...

really, it was our baby carriers. We carried the babies 24/7 to help them bond with us.

And I must add that even the baby section of Target makes me drool now! Where the heck was this great stuff 2 years ago when my youngest was little??!!

Kate said...

The thing I wish they'd had when my kids were babies (not that long ago!) was the Bumbo seat. I have friends who used them and loved them.

For us though, our favorite thing was the bouncy seat that vibrated. Both my kids loved it and in retrospect I shoulda bought stock in Duracell we used the thing so much.

the planet of janet said...

i couldn't live without a jolly jump-up (i dont even know if they make those anymore), but i am telling you RIGHT NOW, if i win the pampers, i am going to fall on my sword.

my "baby" is 14.

uh. yeah.

Zoeyjane said...

The Ergo carrier was the best invention that I could never afford. Front and backpack, up to 35lbs. Can breastfeed or not with it and there's no lumbar damage goin on. I had the Hip Hammock, which was good until about 20 pounds. Isobel refused slings when she was little little - I think they were too warm and enclosed feeling, maybe. But since she ALWAYS wanted to be carried, a Snugli-type carrier totally allowed me to grocery shop (and even do dishes) and drink coffee, still.

Laski said...

I'd love to say that all a baby needs is a lot of love . . . but let's be honest. For a new mom, the gadgets can be great.

Let's see, I could not live without . . .
*Exersaucer (I'm w/ Bryan)--and I like the basic Evenflo one. You can even by additional toys!
*A sound machine (Conair makes a great one for under $20--womb, rain, wind sounds and more). *EXTRA large swaddling blankets--Walmart Baby George Oversized were the best (along with a copy of The Happiest Baby on the Block).
*Diaper Champ (use w/ scented bags and the little baggies--only $1 for 100 from a dollar store--and never had a smelly issue yet!)
Dr. Sears everything baby book.

Honorable mentions: diaper wipe warmer (great for late night/early morning changes), Jumperoo, musical table, video monitor (I LOVE this thing!!!), the new eco-friendly, non-toxic, organic teething rings.

Miss said...

Half dressed? I am IN.

I have no baby advise so dont give me those diapers mmmk?

Anonymous said...

I'm with everyone who said exersaucer, but I have to add an extra point and shoot camera for the diaper bag. If that's where it goes, it'll always be there to capture all those sweet baby moments...

Unknown said...

Which half?

The best thing I bought for TOF was the Jumperoo. He loved it! His was the basic one, but now they have one that is a horsey. Giddyup. And since he refuses to completely potty train, we would LOVE the diaper coupon.

Anonymous said...

At Target they sell a swaddling blanket. It's dummy proof!! (Ok, that sounds bad---your friend is not a dummy! I just mean it's so much easier than using a plain blanket and trying to figure it out).

They have a couple of colors (usually) to choose from. It's a special blanket that is stitched and sewed in just the right places, and even has the instructions (with picture) on the blanket. Sounds stupid, but the sucker works!! Even my husband raved about the thing!

I went out and bought all kinds of gadgets & gear when I had my thid baby (because I had sold everything prior to having her!)....and I'm telling you, a lot of things I thought we were "supposed" to have, ended up not getting used, used very little, or were just pains in the butt.

Although, the Baby Bumbo seat isn't all that bad. And exersaucers are wonderful if you get a good one with lots of cool toys and lights on it. I bought a cheap one for the third baby and she hates the sucker. Wish I had my old one.

Good luck and have fun registering with your friend! The first pregnancy is always so magical to shop for!

Laura said...

I loved my Maya sling wrap - used it for all three and up till they were about 30 lbs!

A good foot stool for your rocking chair for breast feeding.

My firs son LOVED the aquariam thing you hang in the crib.

Anonymous said...

A foldable baby rocker/bouncer. The one we got was the maclaren rocker (http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2628979), and it was fantastic, but I'm sure any of the others out there would do. Look for one that folds up tiny, has a vibrating switch, can be carried around the house, including into the bathroom while you have a shower, etc. Also, the ability to rock it with a foot, which allows you to do things like have breakfast in peace! The rocker lasted us at least 6 months. (It was also our baby's first feeding chair because it has adjustable seat positions.)

Jessica said...

You are going to laugh at me...but Clorox Anywhere Spray. Seriously, I bought the little trial size and kept it in my car/diaper bag. I was MUCH more lax when number 2 came around...but there was still many a time that I busted out the bottle and sprayed down a stroller handle/stroller tray/picnic table/carseat/toy ....

tracey.becker1@gmail.com said...

My sling. LOVED that and my kids would go right to sleep...

Mainly, as a new mom, your best resource is a couple of good friends. People to support you that won't laugh at silly worries or act as though you're incompetent.

amanda said...

my favorite has to be as well my sling and maya wrap. my fav. sling is the peanut shell.

i also love the boppy, good for nursing and then for helping them to sit up later one.

and the swaddling blanket is so super nice for when they first come home.

i also love the halo sleep sack. you don't have to worry about a blanket and can zip them right up in it.

as for toys...the jumperoo has been my girlies favorites...i'm all for something NOT overstimulating. it doesn't have to have tons of gadgets and lights and music. plain and simple worked in our house.

oh and the take along swing, instead of the big honkin' swing, works out nice at home and then you can take it places too...

alright that's enough now...praying to win some diapers...baby number four is coming in a month...:0)

GypsiAdventure said...

haha...I totally believe in superstitions and for that reason would NOT get rid of my oldest daughters baby things for fear I would have another one. About the time I was set to ship it out the door, I found out about #2 and we started the baby process all over. Boy how things change. There are so many new products out there it's amazing, I often wondered thru the isles just to look.

There were many 'nice to haves' but for me the thing I couldn't live without was the bottle steralizer (put bottles in with a little water, pop in microwave and voila...steralized!) and for when she got a little older - her jumper so she could play with the toys and jump to her hearts content. Those were my two favorites with Little Miss.

Flea said...

Burgh Baby's mom swears by One Step Ahead.
http://www.onestepahead.com/home.jsp

Okay, she makes us all laugh with her photos from the catalog.
http://www.theburghbaby.com/2008/05/ive-been-shopping-at-one-step-ahead.html

Quarantine Hobby said...

My baby must haves were:

co-sleeper, which is now used as the all-important play pen (seriously couldn't survive day to day without a play pen!), slings, and small rattles. That is really all I relied on for the first six-eighth months. We did have one of those mats that the baby can lay down on and swat at things that are hanging down, but it wasn't really necessary.

My current baby must have: lots of things that go "vroom!" My son loves cars and trucks and anything with wheels that he can push around and around.

Anonymous said...

My personal favorite with was the vibrating chair. Both of my kids spent lots of time hanging out as well as napping there.

DKC said...

Well my "baby" is now 2 *sob* but luckily there have been four new babies born in my family in this year! Hands down everyone (myself included from our baby days) think a vibrating bouncy seat is a must. It provides a great spot to place baby when you need to do something, and can be brought into any room - like when you need to take a shower!

Best of luck to your friend, she is headed for the best adventure EVER!

Anonymous said...

Peanut sling and the Fisher Price Aquarium swing, it has all sorts of lights and music and rocks from side to side and both my boys loved it.
Tiffany

Anonymous said...

My friend just had a baby and could not live without the portable swing. It is great for overnight trips especially when your child loves the swing.

My baby is 11yrs old. Can you imagine how much things have changed? Obviously, I don't need Pampers but I would have ripped off an arm to get those 11yrs ago. Great idea.

Unknown said...

I would have to say the best baby gadget we use is the video baby monitor. It comes in very handy when they are newborn and now we use it to monitor Kenley in her playroom. A little bit expensive, but definitely worth the piece of mind.

Gretchen said...

I agree with the person who said Swaddling blanket. It is SO nice to get those babies snuggled up tight, and help them sleep longer. I mean, what new mom couldn't use a little bit more sleep, even if it's only 15 more minutes?

Tari said...

I think it's time you teach your cute little girl how to go down the stairs backwards. Or lock her in the bathroom with you while you shower. Honestly I think most those gadgets are a wast of money, but I did get the swaddling blanket with my last one and loved it. So does my son at 2 he still wants it when he goes to bed.

Krystyn @ Really, Are You Serious? said...

Oh, diapers....I'm at the right place:)

The best thing was our swaddling blanket. Hands down. It is by kiddopotomus (sp) and it's like $10! It has velcro so the baby can't get out.

Also, we love our chicco carseat. It is super easy to install.

Courtney said...

My youngest was 2 in July so I am totally out of the loop. No clue!

Hailey said...

So, I have a list.

1. She will need a super "cool" diaper bag like a Petunia Pickle Bottom Boxy Backpack.

2. She will absolutely love a Bumbo seat. Now you can buy a tray that snaps on the front so you can use it as a highchair type seat. I used mine for about a year and a half. Caroline looked like a giant in hers but she couldn't get out of it and I loved it.

3. She will also LOVE a Hooter Hider nursing cover. They have some really GREAT designs! Here is the website for that http://shop.bebeaulait.com/

4. BabyLegs are also fabulous. You just slide those little suckers on there arms or legs with a onesie. No need to buy pants or tights. Caroline still wears them. http://www.babylegs.net/

5. A Diapees and Wipees case. This is wonderful when we just want to run a quick errand and you don't want to take your super cool diaper bag. You just throw your diapers and wipes in the cute little case, throw it in your super cool pocketbook and off you go. http://www.diapeesandwipees.com/

6. A pair of Pipsqueaks. They are little shoes that you use when your baby is learning to walk. With every step they take... the shoes squeak. It sounds annoying but it isn't. They are super cute. Here is a link to the ones we bought Caroline http://www.comfykid.com/cgi-bin/ck-shop.cgi?func=show_style&style_code=PI233TRI

Can you tell I love baby stuff??

My list could go on forever but I must stop now. I would love, love, love those diapers though. I have Caroline out of diapers but with Baby Girl (still no name) due in November we are so going to need them. :-)

laurie said...

We were so much easier going on baby #2, but the one thing I had to have for #2 was the bouncy seat - the kind that vibrates. Mine never liked the swing, but the vibrating bouncy seat gave me the much needed breaks! Good luck to your friend!

The Daily Stroll said...

Okay I here are my top four favorite life savers with a new baby:

1) Video Monitor - even when Jonah was sleeping in our room I could put the camera on him in his bassinet and just reach over to my nightstand, flip on the video screen to see and hear him breathing without having to get out of bed and when you are exhausted from getting up every few hours with a newborn that's a luxury! We still use today and he's 2.5.

2) Fisher Price Papasan Swing and Papasan Chair - Since Jonah had acid reflux he slept in the papasan swing until he was about 2 months old. He loved the gentle movement and it would put him right to sleep and since they have to sleep at a 90 degree angle for the acid reflux this was perfect because he wasn't laying flat. The papasan chair was also great. We took it everywhere!

3) Swaddle blankets - either The Soothing Blanket available at Right Start or the Aden and Anais Swaddle blanket from Babies R Us. Super soft, breathable blankets made of 100% cotton muslin that can be used for swaddling, as a crib sheet, for tummy time, or over the stroller. A little expensive but they can be used for a variety of activities as your baby grows so I definitely think they are worth the price!

4)My Ju Ju Be Backpack Diaper Bag (I actually have two) - cute fun fabrics, lots of pockets for baby's and mom's stuff, waterproof, plus a special pocket for soiled or wet items. I have one that is a backpack and one that converts from a backpack to a shoulder bag. I really love having a backpack when you have your hands full with a baby and all the other gazillion things you have to carry during any trip even if it's just running into the grocery store!

tiarastantrums said...

Verycute and funny - so - perhaps you are ready for a 4th after all???

Caroline C. Bingham said...

hmmm, my most favorite baby item....

silkies. All my kids have them. Unfortunately, they don't carry them at the baby store. I had to make mine. (and by "make" I mean I bought the fabric and then cut it into 3 foot squares.)

Kat said...

1- A baby sling! I could not have gotten ANYTHING done around the house when I had my third if I hadn't had a sling. So good.
2- A Bumbo seat. I never had one because they weren't out when I had my last little one, but all my friends LOVE them.
3- A swing. None of my boys wanted to sleep unless they were in their swings.
:)

Unknown said...

Our fave baby thing was the wind up swing. Put him in. Wind him up. He falls asleep. And mommy and daddy have time to make more babies. Or practice, anyway.

Lindsey said...

My absolute favorite baby item that I cannot live without is my daughter's Sound Machine!!

It helps her get a good night's sleep because it blocks out all the noise from any other part of the house, which in turn lets me get a good night's sleep, which makes me a better Mommy and wife! Total life saver, that thing....

Jaina said...

Well, I don't really know. Haven't had any babies yet...but I know my brothers really liked the spin-y mirror gadget when they were a little bit older (a few months) That's probably not really helpful. (also, if you happen to select my comment number..go ahead and choose again)

Rhea said...

Ok, I'm just commenting because I love your blog...I don't need pampers. Wait, oh, shit, I just jinxed myself, didn't I?!

Guru Louise said...

I could not have survived the first 8 weeks without those Kidopotomus Swaddlers! They come in cute designs, are inexpensive, and the velcro made our baby girl into a teeny tiny (sleepy!) burrito. Yum.

April said...

I had my last baby in that oh-so-ancient 2000! Sorry, no help here.

My Sweet Side said...

We're way past Diapers in our home , but I thought I'd leave my favorite "Baby Must have items".

* The wet wipe warmer !
* The Baby Swing
* Good friends who cook !

Me said...

Papasan Swing! That got us through lots of days and nights! It made life much easier for my stay at home dad of a husband--it was the ONLY place she would sleep. We also had the papasan chair--it vibrates, but doesn't bounce. The older two NEEDED their chairs to bounce.

Also, a sling or some other baby carrier is a MUST!

Unknown said...

OMFG OhMommy...I freakin' LOVE LOVE LOVE you! Although I think some of the commenters aren't writing in English cause I have no idea what half the things are that they are writing about :-( Seriously, I think I will just drop mine off with my MIL for 18+ yrs and let her figure it out. P.S. you are SO much more witty than I am.

Lisa said...

Good golly! So much fun advice to read through.

I loved the swaddling blankets. Lu was swaddled until she couldn't fit in them any more, and then we put her in a sleep blanket. She was a good sleeper, and I give that a lot of the credit.

And, I really loved my baby gate. Mine has a foot pedal, so you can open it with full hands - a must as far as I'm concerned.

There are also these bibs that I LOVE. I buy them for everyone who has a baby. They're at walmart, and have a pocket that catches all the "junk", but them unsnaps so you can easily clean it. You can also throw them in the washer & they come out good as new!

I got to "register" with my best friend last year & it was such fun! Enjoy this special time with her!!!

Elizabeth Byler Younts said...

hi! i love my mom's toy kitchen set so i'm on craig's list right now searching for one of my own...that's my favorite this week. :-) hopefully will find one soon!

Elizabeth Byler Younts said...

...me again...as far as BABY item...i guess i'd say a swing...any swing that works and plays music...oh, and i borrowed that too and i'm a first timer! :-) ...but a rather practical first timer...bought a USED crib even for $20!

Crystal D said...

Oh they had those diapers in the hospital. I stocked up on my swaddlers the week before those were out on the market. LOL No one told me about the function of the stripe until the day I was leaving.
Anyway... my new things this time around are...
1. Babylegs (leg warmers)
2. Sarah Bear diaper basket
3. Moby wrap

Yea! Pick me for the free diapers!!

Natalie Jane said...

This is a contest to get excited about!

My favorite product was the boppy. Saved me from killing my arms for the 18 months I nursed. 18 months! What was I thinking!

Anonymous said...

I've learned after having 2 kids that the majority of the stuff they sell nowadays really isn't all that useful, or should I say necessary. There's such great stuff but most of it gets used for a very short while. But there are 2 things I still use today (my kids are 3 yrs and 11 months) and they are the video monitor and my food processor. You would tell b/c they are worn down. So there you go! Enjoy shopping with your friend.

Angie @ KEEP BELIEVING said...

I have no idea what the must haves are these days. My boys are 5 and 7. I, do, however, recommend to "borrow" as much as you can for that first year stuff. Especially that "first 6 months stuff." They take up a ton of room and you just end up storing it after mere months - boppys, infant carriers, Exosaucers, swings, etc. I also recommend to go easy with the themes for bedding because you will be stuck with it for a while. And you never use the adorable quilt. The bumper pad has to be taken out when they start to sit up as does the mobile. Just not worth it. Get good quality sheets and a diaper bag that your husband will also carry.

I hear the Dr. Browns bottles are a MUST.

I go simple on the pak n play, but get a good one. I still have mine so my friend with babies dont have to bring one. I plan on keeping it for years. But all the bells and whistles get in the way - especially when you use it for what it is intended for - TRAVEL. It is more crap to take care of.

Get a good convertible car seat.

Get a good lightweight easy to fold stroller.

Get an easily maneuverable, easy to clean high chair.

Thats all I got right now.

KEEP BELIEVING

Anonymous said...

Delurking to share in the fun!

I loved our jumper. It attached to the doorframes and it was perfect when I needed to shower or wash dishes or prep dinner and such.

The carrier/sling also worked wonders. It was simpler than a cart or stroller for those quick errands.

We didn't have one for #1, but I am thinking that I would like to get an exersaucer. A friend had one and I think it would be good to throw some variety in there.

Overall, we are trying to stay simple and not overdo things, especially since we live in an older house without much storage space. So while these aren't the bare necessities, they really seemed to help out!

Have fun shopping/registering!

Son #1 (adopted and home at 6 months) is 22 months and I am 6 months pregnant with Son #2.

Rachel said...

I adopted a 18 month old daughter in March (and have 5 and 6 y/o boys), so don't know about the little baby stuff. But, one thing I've loved that are new are Kipiis - cute bib clips you can use to make a cloth napkin into a bib. Its so easy to throw in a purse diaper bag adn you don't need to worry about carrying disposable bibs with you!

Here's a link: http://www.kipiis.com/bibclips.php

Colleen - Mommy Always Wins said...

My MUST-HAVE? The expandable (up to 60") gate. Its mesh, so the kids can't even climb it! (check walmart.com) Second runner up? Its an "I wish I had" item - the swings that go side-to-side as well as back-and-forth.

Denise said...

This really isn't a must have, but a want. It seems that lately momogrammed anything is a hit. The big thing I have noticed lately is the burp clothes decorated with ribbon as trim with the baby's name stiched.

Denise said...

I meant burp cloths, sorry.

Clare said...

Bradley's swing that lays back like a cradle. He literally lived in that thing for the firs two months until I finally made him start sleeping in his crib. It saved us many a day and night in the beginning!

Also, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, my video monitor! Infants make so many weird noises when they are sleeping. I used to hear him moving around, I would run in the room, and he was really sleeping and I just woke him up. It would totally piss me off!! Once I had the video monitor, I could see if he was really awake and not just tricking me! Now, I just love to watch him sleep, and get in the funniest positions. Like sleep sitting up, who knew???

SkittleSkattle said...

Hi there. I have a 1-year old (just turned on September 13th) and the one thing that we actually borrowed from a friend for about 6 months was a Jumperoo. It rocked! My boy learned how to jump forward and back and up and down and you can adjust it for his height. Although they probably won't use it for a while, it is pretty awesome for about 6 months. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2265139

Also, a buzzy seat was our favorite for the first 6 months. Any old one will do. They have ones with bubbles and rainforest themes and girl themes and everything you need.

I loved to buckle him in there and mix myself a very strong vodka cranberry cocktail for myself and watch him take in the world around him!

I love Pampers too - my only brand. Would love to win the coupon! ;)

Someone Being Me said...

My favorite had to be the baby swing we bought. We got it second hand so it wasn't the latest greatest but it had toys on a tray in front of the baby vs the ones that dangle above their head. Bear got many hours of enjoyment out of that.

Anonymous said...

I have no idea from personal experience but out of my friends babies, most seemed to love their swing. Congrats to your friend!

Flea said...

Please don't give me diapers if you randomly choose me. Pick another.

My absolute, must have baby item was the bouncer which hung from the door frame. It clamped on either side of the top of the door frame and my kids hung there and bounced on their toes for hours. I took it everywhere.

Other favorite was the seat which clipped to counter tops. I could feed my children just about anywhere in that thing.

Jenn said...

It's not exactly a newborn thing, but I could NOT have lived without my Phil and Ted's metoo chair.

Everyone should have one of these!

Rach (Mommy Learns to Blog) said...

By far, the Miracle Blanket. Not sure if you can get it at BRU - they've got some imposters but trust me, NOTHING is better than this thing! MH was swaddled until she was almost 7 months old! We weaned her, legs out, and one arm at a time! I could swaddle her and put her in the swing for a 4 hour nap!

I get so nostalgic every time I step into BRU - there are so many new things even in just a few years! And since my back isn't allowing me any more babies for the time being, I am secretly envious of the cute bellies and fun experience of doing it all over again for the first time.

Check out miracleblanket.com

And I don't need diapers, just wanted to pop in and say hi!

Val said...

I would have no idea. But I did watch my friend's baby a few months back and she had this coolest chair thingy that is soft, but firm, kind of foamy like I guess and the baby can sit in it to be fed, or whatever. It was pretty neat.

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

I am amazed at what is available now that wasn't out there just seven years ago.
How did we ever survive?

Anglophile Football Fanatic said...

The present I've been giving lately (and literally every single new mom has asked where I got them as they want more) is the Wubbanub pacifier. It's a soothie paci with a beanie baby attached. It stays put and is easy for a baby to find it they drop it. Also, I would not have survived without Baby's Bliss Gripewater for gas. Worth every penny of the double price of Mylicon.

Stephanie said...

For Infant: AngelCare Monitor: Has a sensitive motion monitor that goes under the crib mattress and alarms if the child stops breathing. Overkill, I know, but kept me from worrying about SIDS or suffocation and feeling like I needed to "check on the baby."
For Baby: Super Yummy Teether by Discovery Toys
For Toddler: Crayola Color Wonder markers! and a kennel-- (JUST KIDDING!)

MommyTime said...

I LOVED the Bumbo seat that we had for Daughter. Babies can start sitting in it as soon as they can reliably hold up their own heads, which enables them to be up and in the conversation, looking at people, so much earlier, since they can hold up their heads much sooner than they can sit or crawl alone. I also think that a good baby monitor is key. And a cradle that is tall -- or a pack-n-play with one of those high bassinet attachments, so that baby can sleep in Mama's room early on. If the cradle is tall enough, it's within arms reach while sleeping, making midnight feedings easier.

Anonymous said...

Snap and Go. Cant live without it!

Indy said...

Wish I knew if I needed diapers or not.

Anonymous said...

Ok, well, i just reread comments...(and i only use pampers too! haha!) Having a 4 month old, i feel pretty good at advice right now....
1. i still stand by the snap and go as my first choice. it's light, easy and not a pain in the butt to use. it fits all car seats.

2. i agree with the swing...a sleeping one. the fisher price with fish (that's "punny") is a good one.

3. Bottles- DO RESEARCH! first of all, make sure you are getting the plastic that is OK now...they are hard to find and expensive, but i am not taking any chances with plastic bottles that have been banned in other countries (sorry to sound like a preacher, but this is my newest crusade...) I personally like the platex nursers with disposbable bags...they are great! So easy to clean and no gas/air. Granted, a little more pricey, but the target brand liners work great. just a note about dr browns...everyone i know who has tried them hasnt seen a difference and they are soo expensive and a royal pain to clean with a million pieces. You could always just use good old fashioned glass bottles...Also, you never know which bottle you will like til your baby tries them, so dont buy a ton in the beginning til you know.

4. The angel moniter is nice...i returned mine and then went back and bought it for baby #2.

5. Jumparoo- Baby one hated it...(funny since she's so active now) but baby two seems to like it. wait and see or borrow one first.

6. Swaddling blankets...a waste of money. "Waffle" blankets and a good dose of "Happiest baby on the block" by Harvey Karp is all you need. (By the way, a copy of Happiest Baby on the Block is a necessity)

7. Burp cloths are great...(just preshrink before monograming...sorry, but mine shrunk and look kinda silly now) i am very sad!

8. the best answer was "friends that can cook!"

OK, that's my 2 (um, make it my 75) cents!

PS- i had a physical therapist tell me never to use the bumbo seat...it messes up the kids backs! my sister in law sold hers and i still wonder if baby #2 would like it....

Anonymous said...

Well, I am a physical therapist as you know, and I am all for the bumbo seat :)

I definitely think a Boppy Pillow is a must. Oh, and a rocking chair/glider. Can't live without it.

Call me and we'll talk. And send her to The Wise Mommy for more ideas.

Anonymous said...

My absolute favorite baby item was the pack and play. You can change diapers, take naps and play so I could take showers and chill for five seconds. I still use it even though she is two. I use it so I can do laundry or take showers otherwise these things would not get done. Pack and play the best invention ever made!

Anonymous said...

I commented above but my husband told me to enter my name b/c I was having trouble commenting. So it says Michele or M.

TJDKG said...

I will have to say a Swing.. it was a lifesaver for our 2nd. She had reflux and it saved us she lived in that for the first few months. It was what let me have just a tiny bit of sanity.

Buttpaste was some awesome stuff too.

another thats a given a good camera! cant have too many pictures!
jauna
jauna at juno dot com
or misisonsecretsister at gmail dot com

 

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