Clothing items? Some or none at all?

Lovin My L

Finishing touches on the baby registry. New parents what did you get or not get? I'm not putting a lot of clothes because I know people go crazy over baby clothes (including myself) but should I put socks, mittens, hats, sleep sacks, specific swaddle blankets or leave it to nothing? Your experience and advice?
Thanks!!

Answer
I found that not many people even used the registry and just got what they thought they should!
I got TONS of clothes (and accessories) and baby blankets and didn't put any clothes or blankets on the registry.
I think baby clothes are a big hit to buy.
If I were you though I would just put items on there because you will very likely still get some clothes but also because I find that with baby clothes people generally have different tastes.. I think you will find that you would rather pick em out yourself for the most part :).
Keep an eye out for baby clothes during season changes (like right now!) and you can get stuff SUPER cheap!
Anyways.. the best thing I got from my baby shower was a double stroller and car seats (for my twins).
Clothes were fun to open. Toys are nice to get. Diapers are convenient but you'd want people to buy larger sizes since babies grow fast (depending on how big baby is when they are born.. my daughter went through one box of newborn and one box of size 2 and has been in size 3 for awhile).

This is stuff I recommend having:
A few pacifiers, a bath for the sink, some baby body wash and shampoo, a baby book (the kind you write all about your baby in and record milestones/thoughts etc), a stroller, a car seat, a crib, a crib mattress, a crib sheet (I personally don't think bumpers are all that necessary), a baby carrier (the "backpack" type where you set the baby in it so you can carry the baby around with you), maybe a swing (the kind you push a button and it sways back and forth).. you only use it for about three months but it is very helpful!, maybe a bouncer (little chair type thing with a toy bar where when they move it bounces, some Tylenol to have on hand, a baby thermometer, a baby nail clipper, I really recommend a bumbo (after awhile laying down gets boring so it's nice to sit some too), an exersaucer, maybe a crib mobile, maybe a little floor gym where a toy bar goes over their head so they look up at the toys while they are laying on the floor, a bouncer where you "stand up" in it and jump.

Bumbo and exersaucer and the standing up jumper are things they use more around 3-4 months and the swing, floor gym, chair bouncer are things they use for about the first three months.

If you are breastfeeding a pump is great to have along with storage bags and nursing pads - you can get reusable, washable ones if you want which I didn't really know about til recently! I really strongly recommend this too: http://www.uddercovers.com/ (you can get them cheaper on ebay).

If you are bottle feeding you will need bottles and formula and if you need filtered water then make sure to have that figured out too. The tricky thing with bottles is that not all styles fit all babies so if you buy one kind your baby not be able to use it very well. So keep that in mind! My twins used the first type of bottle I offered them but my daughter has been pretty picky but she is mostly breastfed so it's not a big deal.

Well those are my suggestions for things for your registry!

Remember that whatever you don't get you can check for on craigslist, ebay, and garage sales (or ask friends/family who have had kids if you can borrow some of the stuff you don't use long or buy it or whatever). You can get baby stuff pretty cheap esp at garage sales and craigslist!

3 seater pram??

britjam

Im pregnant with baby number 3 and need a 3 seater pram as my daughter will be 3 and a half and my son 25 months when the new baby arrives. Just after some advice and whats good out there for a decent not to heavy 3 seater!!
Thanks

Answer
I have seen three seater prams before but they wouldn't be suitable for a newborn and 2 older toddlers. I would be going for a double stroller for the older kids if they still fit with their combined weight and put the baby in a carrier/harness/pouch on you. Or put the younger two in a double stroller/pram and get a walking harness/backpack for the oldest one to walk beside you without running off.

Phil and Teds prams make great double prams for babies and toddlers.
Or I found these.....
http://www.pocket-lint.co.uk/news/news.phtml/2798/3822/Inglesina-Domino-Triple-stroller-triplets.phtml
http://www.epinions.com/kifm-Twin_Strollers-Peg_Perego-Peg_Perego_Triplette/display_~reviews

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Do I still need to give her a gift at her baby shower?

baby backpack carrier for twins image

Blackberri

I'm co-hosting a baby shower for a friend who is having twins. It is a couple's shower, and I'm hosting along with 3 other women.

I have 2 kids and I'm giving my friend all of our hand-me-downs. She wants them, I checked first. :)

I'm giving her a $200 bassinet, $170 Graco swing, 2 bouncy infant chairs (the ones that recline), baby clothes, a diaper bag, bottles, 1 infant sling (the one you put over your shoulder and it cradles the baby by your chest, 1 infant backpack carrier, and a booster seat. There might be more stuff, I just can't remember now.

This is all stuff my husband and I would have sold if we weren't giving it to them. Do we still need to get them baby shower gifts?

Answer
No, all that plus hosting the shower is enough. When the baby is born, you could get her a little token thing if you want, but not necessary.

Things you wished you registered for/bought?

Loving Bab

I'm finishing up my registries (two), mostly because I am bored and have already rearranged the baby's room, lol.....and was just wondering if there was anything you ladies forgot to register for or something that you bought later on that you wish you had earlier...thanks :)

Answer
Well my oldest is now 7 years old. I had a small medium sized diaper bag, and a large diaper bag. Honestly you would be better off getting a sturdy backpack, because you're going to have a diaper bag for at least 2-3 years. I got tired of hauling my purse and the diaper bag around, so I just got a really nice backpack to keep everything in. You're going to carry around diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, possibly bottles & formula, toys, to keep your bub happy while your out and about. It's better to just keep it in one bag (IMO).

2: A good quality swing. I was stupid and bought a battery operated one. It ate up D cell batteries like you wouldn't believe. I would invest in a good quality electric baby swing. My advice is to get one that swings from side to side instead of backward & forward. It's the "natural" movement of the side to side that is most soothing to babies.

3: Invest in onesies, sleepers, t-shirts, pants & shorts with an elastic waist versus snaps. They will be your very best friend. During the first year of life, babies don't really wear very much.

4:Bibs! Invest in some non-cloth bibs. They will stain your child's clothing. Something similar to this:http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2827339
These catch food, and they are really easy to clean. These we're a life saver for me. Please don't get bibs with a tie back, get one with a velcro enclosure. The ties can be a choking hazard.

5: If you're making the choice to formula feed I HIGHLY recommend anti-colic & gas bottle. Don't go cheap on these. I used Dr. Brown's bottles for my child, and he did great with them. The only con that I saw was that there we're tons of parts to clean. I also recommend the Playtex Vent Aire. Less expensive, and easier to clean. My friend used these with her multiples. If your making the choice to breast feed, then I highly recommend called: The Mommy Cover (I know I will get thumbs down). http://www.joiaproducts.com/ My other friend has one of these, and she LOVES it.

6: Invest in used books, music & cd's and toys for sensory development. My friend with the multiples HIGHLY recommends the "Your Baby Can Read". Her twins are 14 months old, and doing really well with this product. They love their music time, and reading time before bed.
Their language, motor skills, and receptive language skills are off the charts. (She's sitting right next to me as I am typing this).

7: A good stroller. I can't stress the words A GOOD STROLLER. This will be your best friend when your shopping, walking in the mall, toting your babies in the airport etc. Don't be afraid to buy a more expensive one. I recommend this one: http://www.target.com/Kolcraft-Universal-Infant-Seat-Carrier/dp/B001FCM24E/ref=br_1_4?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&qid=1278382792&searchView=grid5&sr=1-4&node=13691271&searchRank=pmrank&searchPage=1&rh=&searchSize=30&id=Kolcraft%20Universal%20Infant%20Seat%20Carrier&searchBinNameList=style_name%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Cprice
This one is light weight, and you can fit just about any car seat on there. I loved mine.

Well I hope I've helped you with your question. Good luck!

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Things you wished you registered for/bought?

baby backpack carrier for twins image

Loving Bab

I'm finishing up my registries (two), mostly because I am bored and have already rearranged the baby's room, lol.....and was just wondering if there was anything you ladies forgot to register for or something that you bought later on that you wish you had earlier...thanks :)

Answer
Well my oldest is now 7 years old. I had a small medium sized diaper bag, and a large diaper bag. Honestly you would be better off getting a sturdy backpack, because you're going to have a diaper bag for at least 2-3 years. I got tired of hauling my purse and the diaper bag around, so I just got a really nice backpack to keep everything in. You're going to carry around diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, possibly bottles & formula, toys, to keep your bub happy while your out and about. It's better to just keep it in one bag (IMO).

2: A good quality swing. I was stupid and bought a battery operated one. It ate up D cell batteries like you wouldn't believe. I would invest in a good quality electric baby swing. My advice is to get one that swings from side to side instead of backward & forward. It's the "natural" movement of the side to side that is most soothing to babies.

3: Invest in onesies, sleepers, t-shirts, pants & shorts with an elastic waist versus snaps. They will be your very best friend. During the first year of life, babies don't really wear very much.

4:Bibs! Invest in some non-cloth bibs. They will stain your child's clothing. Something similar to this:http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2827339
These catch food, and they are really easy to clean. These we're a life saver for me. Please don't get bibs with a tie back, get one with a velcro enclosure. The ties can be a choking hazard.

5: If you're making the choice to formula feed I HIGHLY recommend anti-colic & gas bottle. Don't go cheap on these. I used Dr. Brown's bottles for my child, and he did great with them. The only con that I saw was that there we're tons of parts to clean. I also recommend the Playtex Vent Aire. Less expensive, and easier to clean. My friend used these with her multiples. If your making the choice to breast feed, then I highly recommend called: The Mommy Cover (I know I will get thumbs down). http://www.joiaproducts.com/ My other friend has one of these, and she LOVES it.

6: Invest in used books, music & cd's and toys for sensory development. My friend with the multiples HIGHLY recommends the "Your Baby Can Read". Her twins are 14 months old, and doing really well with this product. They love their music time, and reading time before bed.
Their language, motor skills, and receptive language skills are off the charts. (She's sitting right next to me as I am typing this).

7: A good stroller. I can't stress the words A GOOD STROLLER. This will be your best friend when your shopping, walking in the mall, toting your babies in the airport etc. Don't be afraid to buy a more expensive one. I recommend this one: http://www.target.com/Kolcraft-Universal-Infant-Seat-Carrier/dp/B001FCM24E/ref=br_1_4?ie=UTF8&frombrowse=1&qid=1278382792&searchView=grid5&sr=1-4&node=13691271&searchRank=pmrank&searchPage=1&rh=&searchSize=30&id=Kolcraft%20Universal%20Infant%20Seat%20Carrier&searchBinNameList=style_name%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Cprice
This one is light weight, and you can fit just about any car seat on there. I loved mine.

Well I hope I've helped you with your question. Good luck!

Have you had an "old school" parent express regret about how they did something?

dmg

I know a lot of people struggle with old school parents and grandparents telling them to wean early, or give solids early or whatever. But I wondered if anyone else had an "old school" parent express regret or jealousy about how things are handled now - say, essentially, that standard practice at the time went against their own instincts.

(background: my sister and I are twins, born via emergency c-section in 1973, and there were a lot of complications. This was considered an impossible breastfeeding situation at the time (and would be pretty challenging even today) so we were bottle fed from birth.)

My mother asked me how I was weaning my son from the bottle and I explained my slow, compassionate approach. She said that she had abruptly taken the bottles from us at age one year, as was the recommendation, but in retrospect she regretted that and wishes (particularly, to her, in the case of my sister who was more attached) that she'd done it more slowly and thought that a few more months of some bottles wouldn't have been a big deal.

I just found it interesting - she didn't follow her instincts at the time, but 35 or so years later, she realizes she was wrong.

Has anyone else had a parent or grandparent express regret over the standard practice of child-rearing at the time (or, alternatively, admit that they didn't follow their doctors advice and actually wound up doing something more in line with current thinking.)

The only other one I can think of is that my father *constantly* is jealous of the various baby carriers and backpacks that are available now, because the only option for the two of us as newborns was two enormous prams and later, the world's biggest, unportable, double stroller.

Answer
Honestly, it is my mom who told me to trust my gut more, and not to necessarily listen to all that the doctors tell me about my kids. That is some of the best advice I have ever been given...not just about child rearing, but ever. But my mom isn't so "old-school".

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Men with baby carrier?

baby backpack carrier for twins image

chicabonit

My husband has no problem with wearing a baby carrier (with one of our babies in it of course) in public. He prefers type with the baby on the front because he can't see the baby when it is in the "backpack" style carrier. We have twins and went to a housewarming for a friend. We live in New York, so we took the subway - each of us with one of our boys in the carrier on the front. When we arrived, I noticed a few women snickering about something, but thought nothing of it. Later, my friend told me they were commenting about how "stupid" my husband looked with the baby carrier, and they are only for women?? Personally, I find it cute - and it is the most convenient - and safest - way to transport our children on the subway. What do you think of men wearing a baby carrier?

Answer
I think the people at the party need to grow up. Men are just a nurturing as women. We are always pushed into roles of violence and disregard. A carrier is a great way to bond with the baby. Not only is it safe as you mentioned, its hands free living. Why is it both parents created the baby, but only one is allowed to care for him/her? I hope you won't continue to surround yourself with these negative neanderthals. Congrats on the twins also.

Do I still need to give her a gift at her baby shower?

Blackberri

I'm co-hosting a baby shower for a friend who is having twins. It is a couple's shower, and I'm hosting along with 3 other women.

I have 2 kids and I'm giving my friend all of our hand-me-downs. She wants them, I checked first. :)

I'm giving her a $200 bassinet, $170 Graco swing, 2 bouncy infant chairs (the ones that recline), baby clothes, a diaper bag, bottles, 1 infant sling (the one you put over your shoulder and it cradles the baby by your chest, 1 infant backpack carrier, and a booster seat. There might be more stuff, I just can't remember now.

This is all stuff my husband and I would have sold if we weren't giving it to them. Do we still need to get them baby shower gifts?

Answer
No, all that plus hosting the shower is enough. When the baby is born, you could get her a little token thing if you want, but not necessary.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers