Baby stuff. All baby stuff. This is a list for myself that now acts as a personal registry...

[ellenmillion]

Skip this, if you are sick of baby stuff...



This is a list I started for myself that now acts as a personal registry... :)

Stuff I have (or have coming)

Musical swing
Bouncer/toddler chair
Toddler toys... and toys in general
Cradle
Clothing 0-24 months
Newborn diapers*
Carrywrap
Diaper bag(?) (We have a wide assortment of various bags - one of them could be made to work, I'm sure...)
Nursing pillows
Diaper rash cream
Folding playpen
baby backpack
Changing pad for dresser
cradle mattresses and bedding
glider rocker
Carseat/stroller
Heavy-duty stroller - !!!
Wipes
Baby powder, cotton swabs, shampoo and whathaveyous
Baby monitor
Diaper pail
Diapers post-newborn*

Stuff I need

(I should note that just about everything listed here except for diapers would be fine - preferred, even! - as second-hand.)

Crib?? May have alternatives - would need bedding with crib.
Bottles and accessories (Planning to breastfeed, but will need a few for backup/pumping)
Baby tub (countertop, not tub-spanning... we don't have a tub!)
Baby grooming kit
Ear and rectal thermometers, digital
Ear sucker, recommended: http://www.fridababy.com/shop/nosefrida/
Warm cover for carseat - 1 coming! Probably need 2! I have a Graco Snugride22 on order, I think that's a standard size?
Pacifiers
nursing bras and pads - I have one bra, so far, but who knows what size I'll settle on. Have pads.
Cradle/crib sheets - 36" x 18". We've got a few on order, but they are plain and few. And the company muffed up our order - twice - so they may get here quite late...

Books

Because you can't have enough books, really.

Wookie the Chew!!
(The original Winnie the Pooh)
Rain Makes Applesauce - I used to check this out of the library over and over and over and over again.
The Gruffalo
Your favorite childhood book.

Other things I won't turn down...

Various geek baby things. Because we are undoubtedly raising a geek baby.
(I don't think they make one, but a StarGate teething ring would make me squeal in joy. Other fandoms of delight include Star Trek, various superheros [Batman, particularly]... science humor is always good.)

Flashcards

Workbooks. (Obviously young for these yet, but worth stocking up on.)

Music - science songs! Fun kid songs!

DVDs - I will not be a TV mom, but I would LOVE to get my hands on some old-fashioned kids programming. If the ORIGINAL seasons of Sesame Street come out on DVD, I want those. There's one 'best of' DVD available, I would like that very much if the full set is not an option! Electric Company and 3-2-1 Contact are other shows I'd love to share with her when she's older. I am not 'up' on contemporary shows.

Also, food. Not for Guppy, necessarily, but for meeeee. (I'm ALWAYS hungry, even when I'm full.)


*Despite being relatively green hippy-types, we are going with disposable diapers because we haul our own water, and live where there is no pick-up service. We sometimes have to ration water in the winter when the driveway is bad and we can't get water in. Cloth diapers, though appealing, are not particularly practical for us.

Comments

[ariestess]

Good list to keep track of...

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

It was too much to hold in my head any longer! I even forgot a few things!

[ariestess]

Completely understandable!

[puffbird.livejournal.com]

For the record, we never got an honest-to-goodness crib. When my first son was born, my work gave us a portable crib. It's been great, because we can fold it up and take it with us when we go on vacation; and it fits in a smaller footprint than a regular crib. (Plus, I suspect it was FAR less expensive.)

(Part of my heart kind of wishes we had a real crib. But for where we live right now, a porta-crib is the best option.)

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

I am all about the smaller footprint! I wish we could use the cradle longer and just go from that to a bed. *sighs* A portable crib doesn't sound bad, actually..

[puffbird.livejournal.com]

We sure like ours! The advantage of a real crib, though, is that often they can transform into a toddler bed. No such luck with a porta-crib.

Oh, and if you're breastfeeding, you can expect to get sore nipples at first. My doctor recommended applying PureLan (or some other pure lanolin ointment), because it's safe for baby to ingest. it was a big help to me.

[wyld-dandelyon.livejournal.com]

This isn't "baby stuff" this is just "stuff for baby"! LOL

[marrael.livejournal.com]

I have tubes and tubes of unused diaper rash cream. Mail me that high-res photo of yourself already and I'll send the cream together with your painting (and maybe a few other baby things)!

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

Ee! I still need to do that! I did find some better ones at a large enough size - shall pick one and get it up today, hotel wireless willing.

[pers1stence.livejournal.com]

Re: diapers - are you going cloth or disposable? If cloth, clean ones make good burprags

Re: diaper cream - the Burts Bees baby diaper cream worked really well for my niece and nephew

re: bottles, etc - and you will likely want Jake to take a few turns with feedings (he might want the bonding experience too). ;)

re: changing table - since space may be at a premium, I know a few folks who have gotten dressers of the correct height then gotten really nice changing pads that go on top (super thick, removable cover and with a slight upward curve on the long edges)

feel free to ignore any and all of the above.... ;)

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

Disposable. I love the idea of cloth, but we haul water. That would get... expensive and time consuming.

Everything Burts Bees that I've tried has been exceptional! Thank you for that recommendation. :)

Mm... I have a dresser that would be a good height for this! I didn't realize that was an option, but it totally makes sense.

[pers1stence.livejournal.com]

Totally no judging on my part re: disposable/cloth..... :)

the nice thing about dresser with padding rather than changing table is a)still usable post-diapers, and b)great place to store changing supplies/clothes out of the way of felines and handy to access without having to take baby with you.....my housemates used something like this (amazon had a whole bunch using "changing table pad dresser" as a search term)
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&tag=mozilla-20&index=blended&link_code=qs&field-keywords=changing%20table%20pad%20dresser&sourceid=Mozilla-search

[pers1stence.livejournal.com]

also -- a sling seemed to be a must for both my niece and nephew (especially niece), because they could be close to mom but mom could also have her hands free.

and as a doting auntie, even i found a boppy pillow handy for when I was holding one of them for longer periods of time.....being able to cuddle/hold them at the height that felt right, but without fatiguing my arms....

there are also crib-type things that you can get that are meant to keep them within arms reach of mom & dad's bed, for ease of middle of the night feedings and to allow a certain amount of co-sleeping while still addressing concerns about SIDS and fears of rolling over on top of baby, if those are issues for you.

[headchef.livejournal.com]

Have you set her up a gmail account yet and started emailing it with thoughts and pictures and stuff and t hen hand over the pwd on her 18th?

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

Oh, that's an awesome idea! I must do that!

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

Did not know that! *files*

[jenny_evergreen]

Changing table: We got a kitchen cabinet unit (two doors and two drawers) and stained it ourselves. It's higher than most changing tables, which has been awesome for my back (I'm 5'8") and will still be useful when we're done with diapers. (We plan to put it in the workshop.) It also has the advantage of being extremely solid and stable. The dresser option is your next best bet. A nice quality changing pad is all you really need.

Be warned: Pumping is not always as easy as it sounds. We had literally the best you can buy (as in, the ridiculously expensive one the hospitals use) and I still couldn't pump enough to be useful. Of course, Finn flat out refused bottles anyway. Breastfeeding is usually a LOT harder (especially at first) than people realize going in, and most people end up bottle-feeding, ime. So either be really strong on breastfeeding or be prepared to jump ship quickly and switch to bottle-feeding. Either way, your kid will be fine...but I have much, much more positive memories and feelings associated with breastfeeding, for the record.

A couple dozen burp rags should do you if you will be doing weekly laundry (and you probably will be!); Will spit up CONSTANTLY, Finn hardly at all. Babies vary, but be prepared! Cloth diapers make good burp rags. Don't get flimsy ones! You want a good thickness.

If you are using disposable diapers, don't overstock on sizes one and two; you'll go through a lot of 3 and 4, though, so don't hesitate to buy them now!
Also, there is no such thing as too many baby wipes; you will use them for everything, constantly. They are amazing. Have a box in the kitchen as well as at the changing table!

Babies outgrow the sink tub pretty quickly. I hope she likes showers! (Alternatively, they sell larger plastic tubs that you could use till she was two or so, on the floor in or next to the shower.)

I prefer A&D diaper cream. YMMV! I did not use or need petroleum jelly or baby powder. Lotion you will want. (Don't bath her every day and you won't need as much of it; they don't really need bathing nearly as often as people do it.) Get the special extra fat cotton swaps so you don't have to stress about poking her eardrum or up her nose. Babies wiggle a LOT. Try a three-in-one wash to save space and cash. Suave makes one that we like.

Buy a couple of all the varieties of pacifier; it's a highly individual preference and you'll have to see which kind she likes best. My mom swore by the Gerber ones that are hard to find (they have this really long nipple); it's what Will used, but Finn refused all pacifiers, to my dismay!

By my lights, you hardly post about baby stuff at all! :)

[jenny_evergreen]

Speaking of bathing, baby necks need special attention; because they don't lift their heads the way they do, the skin doesn't get to breathe and is a magnet for spit-up/milk leaks. Gently clean the neck daily, if not more often, with a fresh wipe. (Told you you'd be using a lot of them!) Dry with a clean rag. That and the diaper region are really the only parts of the baby that get seriously dirty for a long time. The rest of their skin needs a light wash maybe once a week.

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

This is gold information!!

(Why can't babies be uniform! It's hard to prepare if they're going to be all INDIVIDUAL about everything... :P)

I hope she likes showers, too! I don't know how willing we will be to replumb the bathroom for her... :P I was thinking we'd graduate to a big laundry tub on the shower floor once she outgrew the little tubs.

[jenny_evergreen]

I do what I can. ;)

*laugh* Tell me about it! Please note that if you have another one, it is STILL totally up for grabs. Most annoying. ;)

We got this tub as a hand me down from my sister. You use the side with all the support when she's a baby, then put her sitting up on the other side when she's older. We used it with both boys till they were past 2...I think 3 with Will. It might be a good option for you, too. :) If you will be kneeling to bath her (as you would with this tub or with a laundry tub on the shower floor), make sure to invest in a good thick foam pad to save your knees. :)

P.S. In our house, because of my back and knees, bath time has always been Daddy's job; I consider it a nice way to help Daddy be an involved parent. (And give Mommy a break at the same time. ;))

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

I totally got Jake enthused about the idea of bathtime being his... that's a stroke of brilliance!

[jenny_evergreen]

Yay! I went so far as to make bedtime Daddy-time, too, but you might prefer alternating or doing it together. Whatever you do, make a point to involve him as much as possible. Tom is an awesome dad with an awesome relationship with his kids, and it started with me being determined to involve him and refusing to believe he couldn't or wouldn't do anything I could, apart from breastfeeding, that is!

[pixiewildflower.livejournal.com]

:)

[browngirl.livejournal.com]

*takes notes*

Also, damp paper towels make very good baby wipes, at a fraction of the cost. Both my little roommates were sensitive to the baby wipe chemicals, so we've been using dampened paper towels on them ever since.

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

*takes notes, too!*

[brownkitty.livejournal.com]

Side comment, how are you doing for nursing bras and pads? I started leaking about three weeks before both of my children were born, so started using the nursing bras and pads a wee bit before I had anticipated.

Also speaking of nursing: nursing chaps nipples. I used Bag Balm on mine (make sure to clean off thoroughly before nursing, as that's not something you want the baby to eat).

Back to Guppy! One of the things I used a lot of was the waffle-weave baby blankets. Folded diagonally, they weren't a bad size for me to fake a shawl with if need be.

Also, are you attached to the idea of stroller as opposed to frontpack/backpack/baby sling of some sort?

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

I have one nursing bra right now, no pads! *adds to list* I have upgraded to 'bras that fit,' at least - that was a needed improvement. :P

We've got some Bag Balm on hand, so good to go there. And my mom is making us scads of blankets.

I put down stroller because I'm not sure how long I'll be able to carry - I broke my back years ago, and it's never been quite right since then. I have a wrap coming, and I have a really nice sporty backpack that I'll be able to use for a window after they're self-supporting until I can't lift them easily. But I suspect a stroller after that will get them out with me more after that.

[brownkitty.livejournal.com]

You know, backpacks and wraps are unisex...

[jenny_evergreen]

Best plan for nursing bras; set aside a fund. Buying several now could backfire if you have problems nursing; just have a couple to get you through till a proper shipment can come once you are sure you'll use them.

YMMV; I used lanolin for my nipples, but I didn't really need it in the end. No idea why; I'm the unusual one, I gather.

Blankets: Have mom make them 40 by 40, not 30 by 30. You will appreciate the extra length, especially if you swaddle (which I highly recommend).

[raventhourne.livejournal.com]

Baby Stuff you can't have enough of towels and washcloths. I wouldn't worry about the baby bath so to speak but get the sling thing for when they are really little...after that stage just use the kitchen sink or a plastic tub in the shower...way easier.

Nursing takes practice for you and the baby and have a lactation consultant on speed dial for any questions...most hospitals have them and most midwives are good with it too. I was uber lucky and my boy latched on right after birth and has only now at 8mos been annoying about nursing.

Also, put a bunch of pre-made meals in the freezer or get a bunch of lean cuisines and protein shakes. Nursing and the lack of sleep mean that cooking is hard for you and the dad and easy to nuke stuff works great. Also, protein shakes are great for the 2am feeding and you will be starving especially the first few weeks after delivery.

If you have a packnplay that can be your crib for a good long time...until they learn to climb which is some where around a year or so for most kids (so I've been told).

For baby monitors I highly recommend the Angelcare monitor...it has motion sensors and catches them and alerts you when they stop breathing..its to combat SIDS and help with your piece of mind. Its really nice but expensive but I was happy to get it.

Also, if you are having the baby in your room for a while realize that babies are loud...they snore, snuffle, get the hiccups 24/7 and breath pretty loudly at times and when its almost time to wake for feeding they smack lips etc. They are loud and when you are trying to sleep that blissful hour between feedings its hard to sleep cause you are listening to them. The monitor helps with that too so if you do tuck them in another room you don't have to listen to all of it...though its cute.

Bibs are good during feedings later with bottles and when teething starts cause kids are drool factories.

A good stain stick/oxy clean etc. Baby poo stains. I tend to soak a load of laundry for a least a few hours in oxyclean and that helps a lot.

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

I've got some awesome resources for nursing - the lactation nurse in the area comes REALLY highly recommended, and I've been reading up on it a bunch and plan to take a class, too.

I shall stock up on Ensure and other quick snacks! Good advice!

I have a folding playpen - will that work for a crib? It's fairly roomy and sturdy, with a slightly padded bottom. I hate to get ANOTHER piece of furniture if I don't need it.

Fabulous info - thank you so much!!

[raventhourne.livejournal.com]

The folding play pen should work, see if it has an "infant level" which will help when they are small and you are uber sore from having to bend way down to put them to bed.

See the picture with this one showing the "bassinet" feature (http://amzn.com/B001GQ2PLE), it basically brings the floor up to a comfortable level until the kid gets to sitting up and you have to lower it.

If you don't have that...no worries...have your husband put the baby down for you until you feel you can bend (it might take a few weeks..trust me on this one).

[shellstar-art.livejournal.com]

must send clothes! I have put some aside, including some very Aussie brands....

[polarbee.livejournal.com]

This is my favorite baby accessory simply because it is so effective. Cribs, Cradles & Things carries them. I give you the baby nose sucker .

[shellstar-art.livejournal.com]

Thought of something else that I have found invaluable.... particularly after 6mo when I dropped night feeds - a comforter! Willow attached to hers at around 8mo, and has used it since to self-settle back to sleep - no more getting up at night for me or Jamie. We now take it on long car trips and overnight visits, she loves it. Not all babies like them, but if they do it is awesome :). Willow's fav is a knitted square around 30cm sq with a plush bunny head in one corner, which I started putting in her cot from a few weeks old (only recommended if well swaddled). She has two others which I'm trying to get her used to, in case the precious Bunnyrug is ever lost.

I second any comments about using lactation nurses! The day I was to leave the hospital I was despairing about breastfeeding but determined to perservere, so went to the breastfeeding class before discharge - turns out we were doing it wrong.... or at least not well. Once I followed the steps outlined in the class it was so much easier, and then when I got the hang of feeding in different positions with the help of a visiting midwife(I had only been successful lying down) it was smooth sailing. 10 months in we are still going strong and I love the bonding that goes with it. I hope to continue until 18mo.

Expressing milk is one of the stranger things I have done, I find it a weird experience. Took a while to get Willow to take a bottle, but once Jamie figured out the magic trick (with Will it was all about temperature) the problems dissappeared. I managed to go out with friends Sunday night while Jamie did the whole bath, feed, bed routine with complete success :D I use a manual pump, haven't really had any problems except a sore hand and vague annoyance at having to do it. Will be interesting next year when I'm back at Uni and expressing more often for her lunch feed at day care. The joys of motherhood :)

For changing time, we have a portable pad sitting on a table given by my parents as it was just the right height and size :) Terry towelling nappy squares are brilliant to lay underneath while changing to catch anything that happens in the seconds it takes to change (babies have great timing in that regard lol), and are also fantastic as burp rags, play mats during nappy free time, mops for projectile vomit and as a nappy if you ever run out of disposables (babies can go through nappies at an alarming rate some days!).

Thats all I can think of for now. Smooches to you all :)

[draken-art.livejournal.com]

Especially for first time breast feeders, lactation nurses/consultants are invaluable! I broke down in tears the first night home, and had so much trouble getting him to latch on that I used some of the free formula sample bottles the hospital sent home with me just to be sure he was getting nutrition.

This mucked me up a bit as he had a better time with a bottle nipple. :P The one bit of advice I was given that helped me keep trying was that - even with the instinct on both mother and child's part, it's a new experience for both and something that also needs to be learned.

Also be sure to enforce with the hospital that you want to breastfeed! Talk to them about their policies about feeding baby and nursery rules. Otherwise they might bottle-feed baby while in the nursery w/out your knowledge/consent. This can also make it harder to breastfeed. //every hospital is different//.

[draken-art.livejournal.com]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6pMrqY9nPM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UYcpkYrOPBE <-- I've done this with Iona, and it shocked me to be sure at how well this worked. She wiggled her way down, even only DAYS old to find the nipple for herself.

This I found inspiring and motivational. ;) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh_SQOhmzCI

Book!

[haunted-blood.livejournal.com]

You need to get the Gruffalo!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gruffalo-Julia-Donaldson/dp/0333710932/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324615156&sr=8-1

Re: Book!

[ellenmillion.livejournal.com]

How have I never heard of this?! *adds to list*

Re: Book!

[haunted-blood.livejournal.com]

There is also a little short film of it, you might be able to find it on youtube. I watch it at Christmas :D

[draken-art.livejournal.com]

Burp rag substitutes = cheaper too. Receiving blankets. I use the extra receiving blankets for my little girl as she is gassy and spits up a lot. ;)

Zinc Oxide is what diaper rash cream is usually made of, often at a 10% or 14% amount. Often diaper rash cream can get stupid expensive, so knowing what it's made of helps. Having "Gripe Water" ie gas-relief for babies is a good idea. Just in case.

Also, and I don't kid on this one, Hit up the "Baby stuff people" like Huggies, Pampers, etc. Often they have "new mom" freebies. Every little freebie is a good thing. Formula people too! Breastfeeding is important yes, but especially with where you guys live, having powder formula could be a life saver as a just in case, and it really doesn't go "bad" for a long time.

Also, switch between bottles and breast if you can so she doesn't go nipple-exclusive. I'm having that issue now with my daughter, she refuses a bottle. It's natural or nothing for her! LOL.

Do you /have/ a electric-powered breast pump? If not, I can send you mine for the cost of shipping alone. A friend gave me one, then I inherited a second. You may need to get the suction cup attachment for it, but the hose and power base, as well as the freezer pack and extra bottles w/tops come with it. I'd have to check but I do believe it's a mandela(sp) brand.

I know you have newborn clothes, do you need more? Goodness knows my daughter is out grown hers. Otherwise is there specific outfits/style of outfit you are looking for?

[draken-art.livejournal.com]

Links:
http://www.gerber.com/allstages/special_offers/backpack.aspx
http://freebies4mom.com/
https://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/pampers/brandsampler-login.jsp
http://www.beechnut.com/strongmoms7/index.asp?sourceID=86
http://www.exederm.com/
http://www.pull-ups.com/na/potty_training_dvd.aspx
http://links.mkt2106.com/servlet/SignUpForm?f=216330
http://www.mypreciouskid.com/free-gift-new-baby.html

[draken-art.livejournal.com]

Changing diapers tip: Something I learned from my son and daughter. Have the new diaper unfolded/opened, and ready to go. Stick it under butt ASAP or risk being peed/pooed on. ;) If you can manage it, try to put it under her bottom BEFORE you open the old one. This takes a bit of eye-hand coordination. ;)

[samanthagms.livejournal.com]

I probably won't have kids for several more years...but I just sat and read all of these comments and feel like I've just learned more about baby-wrangling than I have until this point. And it was interesting. :)

[faebyl.livejournal.com]

I can't help you Ellen...since I know nothing about babies but learned so much from everyone here, wow! but i wish you all the best to you and your little one! BIG HUGS! and make sure you take some pics of your cutie when she arrives:)