I want to start off by saying...do your research. Baby stuff is expensive, and many times you want to use it for another child, so make sure you research it and take care of it. Websites like Babies R Us and Target have customer reviews. Don't just look at how many stars something received, read the actual reviews. Check consignment stores, Goodwill, or even ask family members and friends if you can borrow things. And make sure you register any products you buy because a lot of times there are recalls on products. And...but whatever you can on clearence. Seriously...clothes, blankets, whatever. Don't pay full price for stuff if you don't have to.
When Nick and I walked into Babies R Us to register for our baby shower, I think we both realized that we had absolutely no idea what we were doing.
Nick: "We should have invited our moms."
Me: "My mom is busy, call your mom."
Nick after calling his mom: "She's busy too...."
And I think we both had the deer in the head lights look.
We registered for a bunch of stuff....then we bought a bunch of stuff. And now I know I wasted a lot of $$$ on crap we didn't need or didn't use. So here are some tips from my experience.
Stuff I like and use
Bottles - even if you plan to breast feed, you should have some on hand just in case. I was only going to breast feed my daughter, but per my pediatrician, I had to suppliment as well. Bottles should be BPA free. A few of my friends perfer glass bottles. Personally, I found Tommee Tippee bottles at Babies R Us and love them. I haven't had many issues with having a gassy baby, and we didn't have nipple confusion. They also have a travel container that fits inside the bottle, so you can prep the bottles ahead of time and mix when needed. I prepped them ahead of time and put them next to the bed for easier night feedings. FYI...these bottles are not cheap, but to me, worth the cost. Plus, you don't need a whole bunch. I have 6 small ones right now, since she only drinks a small amount.
Sterilizer - I didn't think this was a necessity until my daughter got thrush (a yeast infection in the mouth). I bought the Tommee Tippy microwave one to fit the bottles I have. Make sure anything you put in it is safe in high heat. It costs about $30 and only takes 4 minutes in the microwave.
Wipe warmer - I love mine....but I also bought the travel one, and never use it. I also use the Huggies Natural Care wipes. Some times wipes can irritate babies, but I haven't had any issues with theses.
Diapers - when my baby was brand new, she was really small and only pampers fit her right. I had Huggies as well, but they would leak down her legs because she was so skinny. Now that she is stage one, Huggies are my favorite. Subscribe to coupon sites and get them whenever possible. And look for who has them on sale...buy in bulk (but don't get too many newborn sizes because they out grow them quickly). And I suggest registering for diapers and doing a diaper raffle at your shower. We did not have to buy any newborn diapers, in fact I had to return a few boxes for bigger sizes. And I still have a stock pile of other sizes in the baby's closet.
Powder - with corn starch...use it everytime. No diaper rash yet! I also use cream if she gets a little irritation. Or you can even use just plain corn starch (tip from my birth class instructor). The corn starch nuetralizes the acid in urine so the skin won't have that burning feeling.
Changing Station- I think its gross when people change their kids on a bed, couch, floor. I didn't get a changing table, but we are lucky to have a large bathroom counter in our second bathroom, and this is where I set up shop. Changing pad and cover, diaper organizer fully stocked, and I put a lamp with a low light so that my baby doesn't wake up fully when I change her at night (this is really important).
Bassinet- I was given one by my parents...knowing what I know now, I would get one that rocks. Mine has wheels, which is nice when I wanted to be in another room. Mine had a thing on the bottom where I could put stuff....I highly recommend this. When my baby was first born, this doubled as a changing station. I stocked the bottom with clean sheets, bankets, diapers, burp cloths, and extra jammies. Really helps when its late at night and you need to grab something quick.
Bouncey Chair - my daughter loves hers! She doesn't much care about the vibrating of it...they have one now that actually bounces. I can put it on the bathroom counter while I get ready for the day, on the kitchen counter while I do dishes, the kitchen table while we eat, or the couch while I relax. She is still close to me, and I can interact with her while getting stuff done and giving my arms a break.
Baby Bjorn - or as I call it, the kangaroo. I read that some slings were recalled due to suffication or the baby getting too hot. So whichever one you go with just be smart about it. My baby loves it. She falls asleep in it while I shop or do household chores. In fact I took her grocery shopping in it yesterday and faced her forward for the first time (they need to have good control of their head before you can do this), she still fell asleep.
Snap front Onsies - when they are tiny, it is hard pulling the shirts over their head. Stock up on the snap front ones. If its cold, get the long sleeve ones with mitten cuffs.
Things you need a lot of: burp cloths, sleepers, sheets, receiving blankets you cannot have too many, trust me!
Stuff I didn't like or don't use or had too much of
Bottle warmer
Travel wipe warmer
Dishwasher bottle holder
Mittens - never stayed on. You're better off just getting long sleeves with mitten cuffs
Hats - she refused to wear them, but she had a lot of hair to keep her head warm
Jackets - think about it, you wrap the baby up in blankets...you don't need jackets.
Pre-Made Swaddle Blankets - by the time my baby fit into them, she did not want to be swaddled anymore. They are a little pricey and I never used them. Just burrito your baby yourself.
Newborn Clothes - they grow so fast, and I went over board. We got a ton of clothes at the baby shower, plus I bought a ton too. Being the good organized mommy I was, I washed everything ahead of time. Big mistake. I had tons of stuff she never wore. Think about the weather when you buy clothes. I bought and received a bunch of short-sleeve onsies (my daughter was born in January). She didn't wear one of them. And she out grew newborn size pretty fast. I passed them down to my sister-in-law who is also having a girl, and having her in August, so I'm sure they will get used now. I suggest thinking about the seasons when you buy clothes and buying a variety of sizes.
Shoes - nope...don't do it! They look sooooo cute, but they won't stay on more than 5 seconds.
I will post more as I think of things :)
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