Sunday, June 8, 2008

HELP!!

Okay... So, Alex and I have been trying to figure out when to go and register for our baby stuff... Now, there are things that I know we have to have and there are things that are just fun to have. But, we have really been debating because we know that there is always stuff that you get and NEVER, ever use for anything; not to mention when you go to register they try and talk you into all those unnecessary items, and being a first time parent you're not really sure whether you may or may not use them - and to be honest, we don't have the extra space to store all those things we won't even be using..... So, I decided it might be a good idea to post a blog and enlist the help of you guys who currently have little ones.
I am hoping that you can leave me some comments and let me know about those baby things that everyone seems to get, but no body seems to use... and, maybe some of those 'life saver' things you think you'd never need!!
Any and all advice will be greatly appreciated!

5 comments:

Julie said...

Okay...you asked!!!
Loves:
-Butt Paste brand of diaper cream
-Target generic Dreft-laundry soap
-boppy pillow-if nursing
-sleeper gowns
-wipe warmer(only if you have a designated changing table though)
-pampers swaddler diapers for sizes 1-2
-lots of birp clothes
-graco travel system
-graco pack n' play
-Britax car seat (The wizard style has fit Porter from infancy until now!!)
-larger mirror for viewing baby while in carseat


Another great way to get baby items is to shop area consignment sales. The next "season" will start in August. You can get great bargains on toys, clothes, etc. I buy all of the boys clothes this way.

Things you can live without:
-diaper pail
-infant toys...with the exception of a few rattles, they don't play for months


Call me or email me if you want more....I can talk all day about this stuff!

donnawagman said...

All the unnecessary baby clutter that comes along with babies, maybe good for re-gifting, as long as you remember who gave it to you (so you don't re-gift it back to them!).

If you really feel like you don't want a lot of stuff, have a diaper shower (everyone brings diapering items, diapers, wipes, cream, that sort of thing) with a "money tree" (it is an old Christmas tree with clothes pins on it and friends clothes pin cash, gift cards or checks to it in any dollar amount.) Everything is done without names and you just send "thank yous" for all those who attended the shower and help celebrate your joy. And none of your really poor friends need to be embarrassed about coming to your shower without a gift. Other more personal gifts are given later. And send appropriate "thank you's" for those.

I agree with Julie diaper pails are a waste of space time and money. Toys too, my babies had intelligent conversations with the ceiling fan, they had no idea it wasn't an expensive custom made mobile. The only toy they ever really need is the one between your ears ( your smiling face and your brain)

The crib/beds that convert all the way are not a good idea. Babies are hard on beds, even if they don't teethe on it, by the time you are ready to convert it the next baby is on the way and you need it as a crib. Or you just are ready for something different. Changing tables are nice but if you need the space, a receiving blanket on the floor gets the job done.

Okay so that was my soap box for the decade. Nah! I'll find another one

Mary Mitchell said...

It's SO funny to read the other posts about baby stuff because I would almost say the opposite! I think you've really just got to figure out what works and doesn't work for you and your baby. Take Julie's advice about consignment sales, because it can get ridiculously expensive. There's great deals out there for young parents on a budget =).

As far as the diaper pail situation - that was a MUST for us. Living in an apartment (on the 3rd floor), it wasn't so easy to get those things outside and you REALLY don't want a dirty diaper in your house. We didn't get ours until Mary started eating real food (if your nursing, the diapers really don't smell!) - so hold out for one and then decide if you think you need it. There's SO much stuff that you can really wait to get - just make sure you've got plenty of diapers, wipes, and BURP cloths!! We'll have to talk more - your due date will be here before you know it!

Wallace Clan said...

There is actually a book out called something like baby gadgets: what not to get caught up in" I would suggest that book. It totally tells what is necessary and what isn't.

plus you will get lots for showers so don't overindulge just yet!

Wallace Clan said...

Thanks we are very excited. I hope you don't mind if I like find you on facebook and ask you tons of questions, bc I have never done this before and you are a few months ahead of me!

When are you due?