... Or anyone who has any sort of connection to mothers or preferences in this area. I'm starting to register for my upcoming baby shower and make general plans for Baby Dub's arrival. But I find that I'm totally clueless as to what a new mom needs. I mean, there's lots of cute stuff to gawk at, but what do you really use? Here are TEN of my most burning questions:
- What kind of stroller should I get? (What's the cutest/cheapest/safest brand out there?)
- What kind of carseat should I get? (And must they all be adorned in some sort of country plaid or pink fabric? I mean, I do have some fashion standards ... plus, I'd like to reuse some of this stuff in the future and our son might resent his fuschia seating -- or embrace it, which could be just as scary.)
- Where can you get a hip, simple diaper bag that is reasonably priced? (I'm not sure why so many places are keen on bags emblazoned with Mickey or Winnie the Pooh. Perhaps, they think the diapers are for me.)
- Any tips for buying clothes? What are some of the essentials? (How many outfits per age group should I have? Should I start buying now for a few months down the road, or should I make sure baby arrives on time first before buying a sweater that might be too small when winter hits?)
- (More like 4.5) Do you register for baby clothes? (It kind of seems like people will just buy you what they like, anyway. Plus, I don't want to end up with a greedy, 10-page registry.)
- What about baby care items, like bottles, binkies/plugs, etc? What are some of the household items you cannot live without? (Spill those secrets, ladies. No need for me to find out the hard way. This is my perk for waiting until I'm 27 to have a child. And yours is when your children leave for college and you're still young enough to actually enjoy your free-time. A fair trade, I figure.)
- What items will I need to have before baby is born? (Like, what items will I need to bring with me to the hospital and have ready for when we return?)
- What about toys? (Is it too soon for anything like that, or will my little one want something to sleep with at night?)
- Where would you register? (I'm thinking Target and Babies 'R' Us, but ... is there somewhere else?)
- (Last, but certainly not least) Where the heck do I learn to be a good mother? (How do I learn when to feed her, how to bathe her, the right way for her to sleep? How do new moms figure this stuff out?)
** Bonus question: (Mostly, because I said there'd be 10, but I forgot one.) Where will baby sleep for the first month or two? (Since we're going to be moving around that time, we're wondering if we should hold off on buying a crib. Also, we're trying to decide if we need to move into a 2-bedroom apartment. Does baby typically sleep in your room for those first 6-8 weeks, or does that destroy any hope of her sleeping through the night in her own room? Would a bassinet suffice? What kind?)
Please feel free to post your comments ad nauseum here. Or, if you feel a lengthy diatribe coming on, you can email me. If you know me well enough to give me advice on such matters, you should already know the address.
6 comments:
Well, I would love to answer, but alas, am not cool enough to have your email:)) Get a graco carseat (look on their website because they have a lot more options than Babies R Us would make you believe). I have a Graco MetroLite stroller and LOVED it! I also LOVE my Skip Hop Duo Diaper Bag (about $50-60, but so great). Don't register for clothes, you'll get plenty. If uncertain about living conditions, don't buy a crib until you are (we waited and it was worth it not to move it). Get a pack n play with the bassinet and little Ms. Dub will do great (that is where Mia slept forever!). Register at Babies R Us & Target. And finally, you will be a GREAT mother as soon as she is born. You were meant to do this and will be blessed beyond what you can imagine! Good luck!
sorry i don't have your email, you're gonna get lots of help with this one, i'm sure! feel free to delete this once you've read it, btw. they have so many new things for babies since i bought this stuff, so i will give my short little answers:
1. it depends on how much walking you'll do. the travel systems are nice, but the stroller is bulky. this time around i plan on getting the click n go type, where you can hook your infant seat onto it, but it's not huge.
2. i vote for graco too, they're easier to carry than evenflo, anyway. and, you can get custom covers if you're into that. check around online or at your chic-er baby stores.
3. i never use diaper bags. just a big cute purse. target has some cute cargo-ey ones on sale right now. i just got a bright orange one.
4. just get a few things in each size, you'll get LOTS of gifts of cute clothes. start with a few infant gowns/sleepers/onesies/socks and hats. a few blankets, the stretchy jerseyish kind. and burp cloths, (cloth diapers are teh best for that)babystyle has really cute comfy separates for infants and older babies.
5.i wouldn't worry about registering for clothes, you'll get lots anyway.
6.you should have a wipes warmer so the wipes aren't too cold on the little bum, original desitin, a thermometer, (not the ear kind), baby nail clippers, vaseline for lots of things, lots of plastic grocery bags for dirty diapers, avent pump and bottles, and a few binky choices until your baby decides which one she likes, if she'll even take one!
7.for the hospital, bring a change of clothes, toiletries, a blanket for baby and a going home outfit. maybe a couple diapers. and your carseat. maybe earplugs and a sleeping mask. those hospitals are very noisy! if you're going to breastfeed, you'll want to bring some absorbent breastfeeding pads. i like the johnson and johnson kind that are contoured, they come in a green box, near the diapers usually, at target, they're with the bottles.
8. you don't need toys yet, maybe a silkie blanket for cuddling
As for sleeping, i vote for the porta-crib with bassinet insert, too, especially since you'll be moving around a bit. our babies sleep in an old bassinet from Neal's family for the first 3 months or so, in our room, then we do our best to get them out of our room, but it never works. i'm weak. :) sorry for the lengthy comment, i could go on, of course. you'll be awesome, don't worry. just don't forget to swaddle her tight with a blanket those first few weeks. it makes them so much happier. and, if you mess up and make a mistake, she won't remember it. she's learning too. :)
i didn't realize that i had been so elitist with my email. but i appreciate your responses. and i'm sure dear mrs. sea (also known as stephanie) or my beloved sister could give you my email should you need it. but your tips have been priceless so far! thanks so much!
Mrs. Dub... I'm a friend of Leslie's and read your blog every so often (= you are very entertaining to read and I don't usually get too excited about reading people's blogs that I don't know... you're a great writer.
and now to the point...Every baby is different, but I was thinking along the lines of rachel and Leslie... My 10 month old clings to her silky on one side/soft on the other blanket like LINUS! They are the best. And they are not all the same so check a few out. Carters made the one that my little one adores and it is the best of 'both worlds' I don't know you but I have a feeling you'll be a great mom, just by virtue of your concern about all these things. Happy Baby!
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