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
Car Seats
I hear this one is pretty important. We were thinking bungee cords, but apparently you can go to jail for that kind of thing if you manage to sneak out of the hospital. Please no engineering diagrams here – they haven’t helped me so far. Just brand and model. I need to keep this one pretty black-and-white.
Transportation
I can come up with only 2 uses for a 4-in-1, and I couldn’t begin to guess what a stroller “system” is. I also need some reassurance that the baby slings are secure enough to hang onto the kid for all the times I cut corners and doorframes a little too close.
Furniture
We cleaned out of couple of drawers, but some kind people gently explained to us that that wasn’t really appropriate for the baby to sleep in, so we’ll be getting a nice padded cage shortly. Now we need to fill the rest of the empty room. Being my kid (see above entry), Lincoln will find a way to hurt himself the second he is able to move around on his own. I haven’t seen any round, corner-less furniture, so I’d settle for whatever he is least likely to roll off/knock over/fall out of.
Feeding
I come from a people who believe strongly in eating. Unfortunately, this whole category of products might as well be a list of rocket engine components for as much as I understand it. Can someone please help me translate pads/pillows/nipples/lotions/brushes/containers/wraps/warmers into something that doesn’t sound like a really unpleasant spa treatment?
Diapers/Bathtime/Sick kid care
These lists are almost as scary as the feeding accessories. What do I need to keep my keep my kid from getting swine flu or make him feel better if he does? (I know, Shannon, besides breastfeeding.) And – be honest – does anyone actually use special baby detergent?
Clothes/Layette
I dare you to convince me there is a difference between a bathrobe and a “wearable towel.” How many onesies/blankets should I expect will be thrown up on in a given day?
Toys/Activities
Is there anything the kid will play with that doesn’t feature sirens/animal sounds? (Just for a change of pace once in a while?) Am I really supposed to believe you need special equipment to get him to lie on his stomach? And what the @#(% is a “baby positioner”?
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