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The first few months of my pregnancy didn't feel very real. We hadn't told many people yet, and I looked and felt about the same. I would forget sometimes, and then suddenly remember "Whoa, I'm pregnant!" Now that I'm almost 25 weeks, it's finally starting to hit me that this is actually happening. I feel the baby kick all the time now, my belly is getting noticeably bigger (I had a stranger stop me and ask when I was due for the first time on Monday), and in just three weeks we'll be in the LAST TRIMESTER. Whaaaat. Time is going by so quickly, and I'm starting to feel a little anxious about getting everything ready in time! It's funny, for those first few months, I felt like it was "too soon" to start prepping anything, like I was going to jinx our pregnancy or something. Now, I feel like there's so much left to do, I'm almost behind! So I've started researching baby gear, planning our nursery, and gathering baby stuff like it's my job. I thought I'd share some of the items we've collected so far and some things that are on our list, in case it's helpful for other mamas-to-be out there. Plus, I'd love to get feedback from those of you with experience...anything major that we're missing here? Anything on the list that is really not necessary?
What we have
Stroller: We bought our stroller from Ben's brother. A lot of our friends have BOBs and recommend them, so we were already thinking of getting one. Getting a deal on a used one clinched it! / Car seat: Ben's sister is letting us borrow her newborn car seat. Her baby is only a year old, so I think it should still be in good shape as far as safety standards, etc. / Crib: We picked out the Hudson crib from Babyletto. I really like how it looks, and the price is not outrageous. / Mobile: We both loved this sweet moon and stars mobile from Land of Nod. / Baby booties: I know these aren't really a necessity, but I couldn't resist getting some cute baby booties. I got a darling pair from Donsje Amsterdam, as well as some Freshly Picked moccasins. / Canvas baskets: These canvas baskets from Pehr Designs are awesome and come in lots of great patterns. / Swaddle blankets: I kept hearing rave reviews for Aden & Anais swaddle blankets, so I got a pack and registered for a few more. / Nursery artwork: We got most of the art for our nursery from Minted. We're going with a nature/outdoorsy theme since my husband loves hiking and getting outside. / Toys and stuffed animals: I used to work as an assistant buyer for zulily's toy department, so I have a soft spot for beautiful toys! We've collected a few so far, from various places.
What we need
Glider: I heard these are a must, for nighttime feedings. I'm trying to pick a nice, neutral glider that can also transition to another room of the house someday (and won't cost us our firstborn child, cuz what would be the point then?). / Swing: I really like the way the Nuna Leaf looks, and it has mostly positive reviews...but I did see a couple not-so-great ones. Anyone own it and care to chime in? / Baby monitor: I definitely want a good quality video monitor. They're expensive, but I think the peace of mind would be worth it. / Baby carrier: We've heard good things about the Ergo 360 and Ben likes that it's not too feminine so he won't be embarrassed to wear it. I'm debating whether I should also get one of the wrap baby carriers for myself, like the Solly or Moby ones. A lot of people seem to love them, but I figure maybe one carrier is good enough? / Pack 'n play: We want one that is easy to use and light for travel. Some friends of ours have this Baby Bjorn one and recommended it. It's not the cheapest, but it looks nice, has great reviews, and is super light. / Bassinet: I heard if you have a pack 'n play, you don't really need a bassinet. But I still like the idea of something smaller and cozier for those first few months...and since this is our first baby, we'll get good use out of it with all our future babies too. Justifiable? / Nursing pillow: Did you guys use a nursing pillow? I've heard good things about the Boppy so I'm thinking of getting one of those. / Diaper pail: Not sure if one of these is really necessary, but I might get one anyways just in case, so we don't have to take the trash out all the time. / Baby clothes: Last but not least, I'm probably most excited for baby clothes!!! I'm trying to hold off for now--we've already gotten some free hand-me-downs, and I know we'll have a baby shower too...but it's definitely tempting to start buying some little outfits for our baby. Where are your favorite places to shop for cute, inexpensive baby clothes?
I know that in the end, the "stuff" isn't so important, and what our baby really needs is just our love and care. But I also want to be prepared...plus, it's kind of fun to shop for a whole new category of things (especially tiny, cute baby things!).
So, tell me. Anything else we should get/add to our registry? Anything we can skip? I totally want to hear your opinions.
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I think a bassinet is necessary. The kind I want for my next pregnancy is the one you pull right up to your bed that you can pick the baby up without sitting/getting up.
Another necessity for my next baby will be a bottle warmer and small fridge in my bedroom for when I pump or the bottle needs to be warmed up in the middle of the night. I had to exclusively pump because my baby would never latch, so I'd get up twice a night to pump and once to feed.
Also, yes, I love our diaper pail. It keeps the smell at bay when they are a little older and eating solids. When they are newborns, their diapers don't even smell.
Which bassinet is that? Sounds perfect!
The whole bottle thing is something I haven't given much thought to yet. I'm planning to get a pump before I go back to work (I heard that health insurance will give them to you)...but I haven't considered the whole fridge/bottle warmer situation! Obviously, I'm going to need bottles too. Does the brand matter, or are they all about the same?
I'm also glad to hear that a diaper pail is actually useful, later down the road if not at first.
Aileen! Your list looks great! I agree that a bassinate is a must. The baby will most likely sleep in your room for the first few months (or more). We LOVE the rock and sleep bassinate. It can be easily moved into other parts of the house, is inclined so baby can still see you or helps with baby reflux, and can rock so you can try to just lean over and rock them when you are half asleep! Here is a link. (although you can find them much cheaper) :) http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002M77N22/ref=mp_s_a_1_13_a_it?qid=1461170520&sr=8-13&keywords=rock+n+sleep+bassinet
Baby carriers are a must for me too. We LOVE our Boba (alot like the Ergo) I use it to get Isaiah to sleep whenever we are not home and Brent wears it alot. We have used it for hiking! You dont have to have a newborn insert and have also put our almost 3 year old in there! Also this baby i got a ring sling and loved it! Easy in and out compared to the wrap and have the option of having baby on your side so they arent in the way. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IDD2YFK/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?qid=1461171365&sr=8-3&keywords=ring+sling&pi=SY200_QL40
Finally, I would suggest getting a rocker that you can lean your head back and sleep in! Sometimes those gliders arent comfortable enough for you to sleep in. I was in that boat for katiyanna and I had some miserable nights trying to keep my eyes open. For Isaiah i just got a big comfy rocker and am so glad i did! :)
So so thrilled for you and Ben!! You will be such a wonderful mama!!
Anna! Thanks so much for reading my post & commenting. And for all the links! Looking them up now.
Miss you and hope things are well with you! We're coming to Spokane in June for Megan's graduation, hopefully I can see you then and you can give me more advice! And a hug! xo
Good luck with all the baby stuff. It's fun. I have 2 boppys and then got my breast friend. It's like a boppy, but buckles around you and gives the baby more support and are at a better height than the boppy for breast feeding.bi still use both, but prefer the breast friend for nursing. We love swings. Both our first 2 babies loved them, the third cries her eyes out. No clue why. Every baby is different. I like the moby wrap, comes in lots of different colors. I have black so it kind of just goes with whatever. You need a sound machine, they are inexpensive, but really good so you don't worry so much about noise in your house while baby naps. I'd say spend the least amount of money on a bassinet. You use them for such a short amount of time. My kids were in them less than 6 weeks. So much so I sold ours after our first. And so for the first 6 weeks the baby would sleep in one of those semi-upright bassinet rocker things? Clearly I have no idea what it's called. It vibrates, you can rock it and it's good for acid reflux bc they aren't laying flat. We also always just bought regular monitors not video, I'm not sure how much you really need to see them? if they are quiet they are sleeping if they aren't they are awake. But I think it makes some parents feel less anxious. You definitely need a pack and play for travel and the diaper pail. Try to get one that uses normal garbage bags. Bc otherwise you'll have to go babies are us everytime. I think they are more expensive and it's just not convenient. With stuff like swaddling blankets and nursing gear try it out first. Some babies hate being swaddled. And I know lots of mothers who spent a fortune on nursing gear and then never got to nurse. And Amazon is your friend with a newborn. : )
Thanks, Jen! I'm definitely having fun with it all. Although it's equal parts fun and overwhelming, I'd say. :)
And thank you for the suggestions!! I will look into all of them. I totally agree with you that a video monitor seems like a luxury that isn't totally necessary...but I think I might be one of those anxious parents?! Haha.
And YES, I'm already super dependent on Amazon so I can only imagine that relationship growing with a baby at home. :) I think I'm going to do their Subscribe & Save diapers.
Here is a link to one that I would get next time. It is not the most attractive, but at 3am you won't care one bit. :)
http://www.target.com/p/arm-s-reach-mini-arc-co-sleeper/-/A-21502883#prodSlot=large_1_4
I got my pump for free. You can order it 30 days before your due date--that way you have it just in case you need it right away. Just reach out to your insurance company and ask for the information.
Not all bottles are made equal! I got the Avent ones because they have a wider mouth that makes for easier cleaning. Some babies reject different bottles, so I would advise only getting a single or two pack of the bottle first, just in case your baby hates them.
Thanks so much, Caslyn! I appreciate the link and pump/bottle advice. It's a whole new world!
First of all, Congratulations!!! I'm so excited for you and I can't wait for my Levi to meet your little boy. Looking back on the experience having your first child, those first few days after the baby is born is SO special. There's a lot to learn and you feel a lot of stress with breastfeeding and sleeping through the night etc etc... but take time to consciously enjoy it! I'm here for you too, if you need to talk :)
As far as the registry goes, it looks good! We have the Baby Bjorn travel crib and have no regrets with it, even though it is pricey. I did research comparing baby carriers and opted for the Beco Gemini and we're happy with it because they can sit faced backwards and forwards - increasing its long-term usage.
In terms of whether to buy or not, I found that waiting until the need manifests itself has been helpful. There are things that I thought we needed, but actually didn't work for Levi. Other things that I didn't even think about, but when the need arose I could buy and know it would be used. Having Amazon Prime is nice too, because you don't have to wait too long to meet the need either. If you need any other suggestions for later down the road (since I'm not that far ahead of you): high chairs, toys, walkers, jumpers, etc... don't hesitate to give me a ring; I'm ALWAYS doing research and charting pros/cons so I can tell you what all the reviews say ;)
Aww thank you, Rebecca!!! We are super excited and also super nervous, haha.
That makes a lot of sense to wait until something is actually needed, especially since we don't have a huge house to store things in. I really appreciate your comment and advice! Also, I will totally ask for your recommendations later down the road for older baby things. I love pro/con charts! :)