A friend of mine at church told me a while ago that there are 3 big kids consignment sales at 3 different churches in the area during this time of year. At these sales people can bring their clothing and equipment and tag their prices themselves, as well as get a percentage of the sale back. Since I do not yet know what we are having (boy or girl), I really am not in the market for clothing, but certainly for equipment. The great thing about these sales is that they do not take anything that is too worn, stained, or out of code (like car seats). So, I have just a few big equipment items on my list to look for and one of them is a Pack n' Play. I have always thought these were handy, especially since we travel to see family often, and have dogs inside the house (it keeps baby off the floor when very small). Last weekend I went to the sale with my mother-in-law, who happened to be in town (yea! a shopping partner!), and found just what I wanted--a Pack n' Play in perfect condition for only $20! Amazingly, I have also mastered how to put it up and take it down (practice makes perfect :) ). I LOVE finding great bargains, and just wanted to share my victory! I also found a super quality baby carrier, that can carry baby in 3 different ways for only $5! All this equipment talk also begs the question--what have you experienced mommies found that is the one or two things you have for your babies that you would not want to live without? Thanks!
6 comments:
Great post! For me the number one item is the swing. It is a lifesaver for me. When my babies are very young, they do most of their sleeping in it during the day, and if they are a little fussy, the rocking soothes them right to sleep. It also gets them off the floor. They also learn to sleep peacefully amidst the noises of the home, not tucked away in a silent bedroom where everyone has to whisper and tiptoe.. and heaven forbid the phone should ring.
Item number two.... hmmmm.... a small beside cradle or bassinett, I suppose. I like to have my babies very close when they are young and nursing, but I don't prefer them to actually be IN my bed, I don't sleep as well if they are. Other items that are must haves for me are good nursing pads, good nursing bras and for all babies except Malachi, gerber Nuk pacifiers. Those also saved my life with the other kids when they wanted to suck but were not actually hungry. :) I hope you get some other awesome answers!
The most important baby item for us to have is a vibrating bouncy seat. All of my kids have loved these. Also I have discovered with Chloe is Gripe Water (health food stores). It helps relieve colic. It really works and is a must have. Some other important items for us is Desitin (cake this on at night as thick as cake frosting so when they are super new and go stinky every feeding your not up all night changing baby then having to feed him when he wakes up from changing - a nurse told me this and it has helped), baby tylenol, infant gowns (look like night gowns with elastic at feet) - these make for quick diaper changes in the middle of the night with minimal disturbance to infant, disposable nursing pads with no plastic liners, lots of pads for me, alcohol for umbilical cord, and I think those are th essentials.
We also invest in really good car seats. I have a Graco super seat that is a little bigger and heavier than most - it allows for 30lb babies instead of the normal 20 - 25lb babies. It also allows for taller babies. This way your child isn't growing out of infant seat before age one. This may be a good idea for you guys since your both tall. I also love my BABY BJORN frontpack carrier for walking, and easier packing than strollers. I only use strollers when absolutley necessary. I think they are big and bulky to deal with. Hope that helps.
Everyone's baby is different in regards to what "equipment" they will favor. Mine have all LOVED the swing and not prefered being in their bouncy seat so much. My babies also took their naps during the day in the swing. I also like the little play gym things you lay on the floor with toys hanging down. Right now my favorite piece of equipment is the Exersaucer. I've never used walkers as I like my baby staying in one place. One piece of equipment I thought I absoulutely needed but realize now I could do without is the Bumbo seat. Macy doesn't like hers and tends to wriggle her way out of it. Hope that helps! OH! Charrissa mentioned gowns for nighttime. I have a BUNCH of gowns that are like new if you want I can mail them to you. They are great for changing babies bum with ease. I prefer A&D ointment for rash but each mommy and baby are different and you'll have your own preferences as well. One last thing I thought of...digital thermometer!
I also agree on the swing!! A time saver for me. Keeps babies content while you get some much needed stuff done. At the hospital, they may tell you not to use the alcohol on the umbilical cord, but USE it!! It speeds up the drying process so it won't get all stinky!! I find it funny that with my first babies they told us to use it, and since then, they say not to. I've done both and regretted not using it. I've never used gripe water (hadn't heard of it when I needed it) but Hyland's Colic Tablets were a God send for me when Anna had colic really bad! These are all natural herbs for colic. they melt on the tongue and it never took more than a couple of tablets to relieve her. I also like to have a small bassinet next to my side of the bed. Maybe I'm just lazy, but I don't like to have to get out of bed at 3 am to get a hungry baby, esp. when I know the next morning I'll have a bunch of wide eyed little ones looking to me to get them breakfast and do school with them. I try pacifiers (they are preferred over the thumb) but if they won't take one, I just pray and pray they will find the thumb! Lol! I don't have time to be a pacifier. Plus, I have problems with my nipples tearing. (sorry if this is offensive) I have dermatitis and so my skin is weak. I have a special ointment that is prescribed for me just so I can breastfeed. It is called the "all purpose nipple ointment" if you ever need it. It is several meds combined that will help in treating most things. You can look it up on line. I love Pampers diapers and have found for my babies, these are the best at not leaking through onto all the clothes and blankets. Huggies have always popped open on my babies, but there will be many who like them as well. I don't like the store brands because I go through more of them and there is a lot more laundry when they leak!!
~Emily H.
I just want to thank you ladies SO MUCH for all your wonderful wisdom and tips! I need them! I am going to put them into word and print them for future reference. You are wonderful and I relish every word of your wisdom. THANK YOU!!
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