Somewhere around March 14, Leo and I will welcome little Lincoln Financial Shane (we’ve sold the naming rights) into the world. It seemed like such a good idea at the time, but now that I can count the remaining weeks on my fingers, I have no idea what we’ve gotten ourselves into. I know all new parents feel overwhelmed, and everyone says it just takes some on-the-job training. But we’re not taking any chances – so we’re asking the experts.
Before you ask, I have looked at the sample store registries. I’ve actually made it through a whole list once or twice without passing out from terror, and of course they all over-sell what you allegedly need. (User note: The first person who tells me I actually need special hangers is barred from further comment.) Not that I blame them for trying.
I would love to hear from you about what you couldn’t live without, what you should have had, and what crap you unloaded on a cousin as soon as you got the chance. Below is the stuff that’s keeping Leo and me up at night. If you have a strong opinion, or even better, a product you can link to, we're all ears. And the next time you have a stressful mom or dad day, at least you can look back at this list and know, compared to us, you're doing great.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I am seriously cracking up at all of this... Congrats and best wishes to you both. By my 2nd I was getting away with a LOT less than the 1st and by the time the 3rd one came (a whole 13 months later)... the kid could have made it in a jungle, swaddled in leaves. I helped a lot of people register, so if you want any more help I'm always here.
ReplyDeletethis should help.car seat is a roll of duct tape. clothes is roll of duct tape. diapers are a roll of duct tape. 4 in 1 is #1,#2,vomit and food in diaper. feeding is over rated. projectile vomiting is great. and lincoln finanical shane? try HUGH SHANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHey! Congratulations and good luck!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, read "Baby Bargains" - it gives a detailed help on registering ... what you need, what you'll love, and what is a waste of time and money. It also ranks brands so you know you're getting the best. We took it with us to BRU to register, and we couldn't have lived without it. It even lists out what you'll need for a baby first-aid kit. I can't tell you how many times I was grateful for that list at about 2 am.
That said, here's what we NEEDED because we didn't want to abuse Liam: furniture (crib, changing table, etc), carseat, highchair, stroller, rectal thermometer.
Here's what we couldn't have lived without because they helped us so much: baby bjorn front-carrier (also, get the little bib covers so you don't have to wash the carrier itself constantly), bouncer, baby einstein play mat, boppy (I nursed for a year), jumperoo, activity table (with the exersaucer, but lasts til he's 4 - he still plays with it), diaper genie (more necessary now that the kid is on regular food).
Here's nice-to-haves: travel booster seat, shopping cart cover (mommy MIGHT have a shopping problem).
You don't need fancy-shmancy bottles, Liam used cheapie Gerber ones from CVS. Just buy one of a few brands and find what the baby likes, we bought the $10-per-bottle brand and he wouldn't use them, we got the $2-per-bottle Gerbers and he loved them. Go figure.
Things we didn't need: baby leash (my kid, as it turns out, is not a dog), wipe warmers (seriously?).
Things we bought and ended up not using often: swing, rocker/ottoman. Both of these, though, seem to be a baby preference, so we're glad to have them on the off-chance we have a second one.
Congrats again, and let me know if you need anything at all!
Cheers
Jax
I have to tell you, I was cracking up at your comments! Congrats to both of you.
ReplyDeleteI have gone into each category and put in my two cents worth. I'm here for you if you have any questions, whether you think they are stupid or not! There is no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to having a baby and raising it.
Congrats Joanna & Leo! I have nothing constructive or helpful to add, but hope that you will keep this blog as a record that I can take advantage of in a few years.
ReplyDeleteAs far as smart people go, you two rank way up there, so I'm sure you'll figure it out.
Welcome to the ranks of the very happy and very tired club, Congratulations. Having survived the first 21 months, I will agree with a previous post that smart people do just fine. Since Lincoln has not arrived, I have some thoughts as you approach the finish line. All the baby classes you will attend are worth the time, make sure you attend together. Pack a bag for Leo, he will be at the hospital for a long time. I will post more in the other categories. This is the beginning of a fun ride.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJo and Leo,
ReplyDeleteHaving just watched 2 infants for the first 8 months, I agree with Jax on all suggestions.
I found the Cloud B products to be extremely helpful. They run 45 mins at a time, and that white noise/heartbeat/music can really soothe. I also agree on the Gerber bottles. Ultimately, both babies were switched to these .99 cent bottles, from their $10 "gas proof" counterparts.
On a personal level, we did love the swing, the baby monitor, and the travel bed systems.
We love all of you! Miss you tons!!! xo!
A few thoughts...
ReplyDelete1) Read the "Girlfriends" guides -- you and Leo both. There's a shitload of books out there, and these are the best ones.
2) We experimented with every brand of diaper, and learned that the best fit changes over time. But when you find the best fit, buy a ton of them -- big boxes cost less.
3) If you decide on Pampers, join Pampers baby club, or whatever the online dealie is. Coupons and reward points for all of your diaper and wipes purchases. And buy your diapers with a card linked to rewards points, too -- might as well get something for yourselves out of this (besides love and affection, obvs).
4) Fisher-Price Aquarium Bouncer. It's a miracle worker, no moving parts, and easy to tote.
5) If you're going to be in the hospital more then 1-2 nights, send Leo home to sleep! There's no sense in both of you being tired and crabby, and unless you're in a swanky hospital, the dad's "bed" may be a fold-out chair, or a narrow couch.
6) If you get a stroller/car seat "system", pick up an extra base. For $30, it beats having to move the carseat base if you take a different car. Great for second cars, grandparents, friends cars, etc.
There's more, but that should be good for now. And everyone else is right...you're in for a hell of a ride!