Will I Ever Think About Anything Else Again? I'm Starting To Bore Myself
Good lord I'm tired. Like first trimester tired. Is it wrong I'm hoping to welcome the shrimp a couple of weeks early? I mean, as long as he's ready I think 38 weeks is an excellent time to make an arrival. Last weekend I had my husband all to myself for the first time in, well I can't remember when the last time was. It was amazingly wonderful! I even got him to help come up me with a budget and put our new bassinet/co sleeper together.
The budgeting was quite informative and has me thinking even more about ways we can cut back so that I can quit that god forsaken job of mine. Many of which I won't bore you with here (I'm boring myself just thinking about all of this shit). But I do have some baby gear questions for you moms. (This means you too, people who never comment but have young babies!!)
1. Anyone know anything about cloth vs. disposable diapers (like, are they cheaper and if they are are they worth the hastle)
2. I purchased this because it looks really snuggly for the baby. But it got here and WTF? It's just one big long piece of fabric. You have to watch a fucking instructional video to learn how to wrap it right. Will I learn to do it quickly enough or should I get something else? Any suggestions?
3. We have a crib, the bassinet/co sleeper thingy, travel system (car seat and stroller), a weeks worth of onesies, a big box of newborn diapers, a baby bathtub, and three bottles. Can anyone think of anything else that we need to get before the baby comes? I just have no clue what is really helpful and what is a waste of money.
And now for the best part, on Saturday Osh Kosh was having going out of business sale so we got this outfit for the shrimp. He's going to look just like his daddy!
The budgeting was quite informative and has me thinking even more about ways we can cut back so that I can quit that god forsaken job of mine. Many of which I won't bore you with here (I'm boring myself just thinking about all of this shit). But I do have some baby gear questions for you moms. (This means you too, people who never comment but have young babies!!)
1. Anyone know anything about cloth vs. disposable diapers (like, are they cheaper and if they are are they worth the hastle)
2. I purchased this because it looks really snuggly for the baby. But it got here and WTF? It's just one big long piece of fabric. You have to watch a fucking instructional video to learn how to wrap it right. Will I learn to do it quickly enough or should I get something else? Any suggestions?
3. We have a crib, the bassinet/co sleeper thingy, travel system (car seat and stroller), a weeks worth of onesies, a big box of newborn diapers, a baby bathtub, and three bottles. Can anyone think of anything else that we need to get before the baby comes? I just have no clue what is really helpful and what is a waste of money.
And now for the best part, on Saturday Osh Kosh was having going out of business sale so we got this outfit for the shrimp. He's going to look just like his daddy!
posted by Kathryn @ 10:40 AM
14 Comments:
At 11:36 AM,
hazel said…
you're not boring me. I love it. babies babies babies! I prayed for an early delivery. I think most people do. 38 weeks sounds just fine.
that wrap thing...well...I guess if you got the hang of it, it would be great. I loved my baby bjorn. I had an inferior brand one and hated it and then I got the bjorn at a consignment shop for $15. I still use it.
what I found is that I spent less money and got better items when I waited until I needed something to purchase anything instead of trying to anticipate my needs. I still do it that way.
I think toys are pretty unnecessary. but one thing not on your list is a boppy - I used mine alot, sean used it alot when learning how to hold the baby, and lonna and nicole still use theirs to nurse. that may be a good investment.
okay, and the cloth diapers? a nice thought in theory but in reality you really have to be committed.
At 12:29 PM,
beanspot said…
I don't want to be obvious, but a baby monitor is really nice to have.
We also went through a lot of towels/washcloths/cloth diapers to wipe up spitup, bathe etc. Cloth diapers are great to have around just to clean up stuff, but we never used them because it's just easier to throw those things away when dirty.
There is all sorts of other stuff that is nice, but Dermot really loved a little chair to sit in to watch things and sleep in (they also vibrate)- a Kick and Play Bouncer.
I agree with Patrice that you can buy all sorts of things that you never use- plus everyone has a list of things they think are necessary that you might not agree with.
Lonna will probably think of more stuff and probably correct me that Dermot may not have used the chair until a few months old.
At 1:44 PM,
Katy said…
K, I realize I'm not a mommy but I'm an auntie so I do I have some limited knowledge here. I'm also LDS and therefore EVERYONE around me is having babies so I observe a lot. First of all, I am a big fan figuring out how to do it yourself. Just a long piece of fabric you say? Watch the instructional video and then send the whole thing back then hit your local fabric store and do it all for 10 bucks instead of 40. Just a suggestion. Also, when I read the weeks worth of onesies bit I must admit my jaw dropped a little. Once when I was babysitting Sophie...maybe Zach...maybe Madeline, ANYWAY, once, when I was babysitting one of them, I went through a weeks worth of onesies in like two hours. Also my friend who just had a baby told me that every time she got a new onesie before she had the baby she thought "What the hell am I going to do with all these?" Then when he got there she figured it out. I have no idea about the cloth diaper thing, seeing as I've never diapered in cloth but it doesn't sound pleasant. I do however agree that they're excellent to have around in case of messes because they're gentle for baby and good and absorbent. Whenever someone I know has a baby I give them a package of cloth diapers cuz my mom says they're indispensable and I know I used them a lot when the Niec-ews were tiny and I tended. Also, do you have any of those nice light flannel recieving blankets? I hear they're the bomb as well. Other than that I say go with what the others said and buy when the need arises.
At 2:41 PM,
Anonymous said…
Okeedokee girl..being an aging hippy and with a vast affection for our dear ol Mother Earth. I will try to meet you half way on the diaper deal.
I personally think that you could use the diposable for the initial time when the babe is pooping what seems like every nano second..so, you won't be overwhelmed with the cloth around to clean .
As the poop slows I would consider cloth if I were you..I mean its your babes world too and those plastic marvels of the 21st century do not decompose very well in the ye old land fill.I am amazed at what a throw away world we live in now.
Consider looking into a diaper service and compare the cost. Those services not only provide the diapers..they come to your house and take away the dirty ones.Geez I do hope those services are still around
Really if you are on a budget..and have a washing machine ..buy your own cotton ones and wash them yourself that is the most practical thing to do.
Since it is an unknown about the cost I wonder how much you put in your budget for the plastic diaper thing.
Just a nother consideration..what would you like better against your skin?
I also highly recommend thrift stores and baby consignment stores. Thrift stores that contribute to hospitals and churches are really good ones.
I am sure you will figure all this out..not too worry. Love and Peace, Auntie C*
At 2:53 PM,
NME said…
What I have learned is that what is indespensible to one mother can be useless to another. Babies are different from the word go. For instance everyone told me I needed a swing and Noah never enjoyed it, so it was a waste. But here are a list of some things you could probably use. Footie blanket sleepers - Noah wore nothing but for the first few months. Onesies - you need MORE. Some sort of bouncy chair or papasan to put Ellis in when you need to put him down. A towel and washcloth set. A few warm blankets. A boppy - if you intend to nurse or even if not, just to help support your arm while holding Ellis. I'd get the Naked Boppy and by the cover seperately so you can wash it. And pacifiers. Unless you intend to nurse and have that baby permanantly attached to your breast, you are gonna need a pacifier or a VERY iron will.
I had a Bjorn too and loved it. I think those wraps are very cool but I'm not coordinated enough to wear a scarf correctly, let alone wrap the baby in that thing.
Cloth diapers can be cheaper if you wash them yourself. However I cringe at the thought of washing waste in the same machine I wash my clothes i, but maybe that's just me. I have a friend who was adamant about using cloth, but now everytime I see her son he's in disposable. Cloth is a wonderful thng to do for our planet if you are committed enough.
That is all I can think of at the moment.
At 3:12 PM,
lonna said…
I have to agree with NME. A lot of the things that we were told we needed, we didn't use. Every baby is so different. We got a ton of receiving blankets at my shower and we were told that we would need even more. Babies are supposed to be swaddled for the first month. Well within a week, Dermot was kicking off all of the swaddling. He never even used a blanket until he was 19 months old. We used soft blankets on the floor for him, but that was it. We bought a Bjorn and never used it. I have never once used a sling with Dermot.
I agree about the Boppy too. We also use disposable diapers. The thought of putting waste in my washer disturbed me too.
We used our pack and play with the bassinet a lot. That way Dermot could be in the living room with us or we had somewhere to put him when he was little and we didn't want to hold him. Dermot was not a cuddly little boy, so we didn't hold him a lot.
We didn't use many onesies. Everyone has different ideas about how they like their kids dressed. I preferred to keep Dermot in one piece outfits until he could walk. it made changing him so much easier. All I had to do was unzip and then zip him back up. Taking their pants off and then putting them back on is a pain to me.
Dermot was always (and still is) pretty hot, so eventually he just slept in a onesie, but I didn't put them under his clothes because he would have been unhappy.
We used our bouncer a lot, and Dermot really loved his gym, but if you're creative you can make your own. They also make great registry gifts.
If you plan on breastfeeding don't buy any more bottles yet. Most people suggest that you don't offer a baby a bottle until they are 4-6 weeks old so that they don't have nipple confusion. We fought that here and it was a hard battle. It's also possible that Ellis won't like the ones that you bought. Some breastfed babies will only like one specific bottle by one specific brand. It's also important to get the right type of bottle for breastfeeding babies. They need a newborn nipple so that they have to work for the milk and they benefit from a nipple that most resembles your breast. We used the Playtex nurser, but some people swear by Avent bottles.
Keep asking questions. The more you know ahead of time, the better off you will be.
At 5:38 PM,
Anonymous said…
Hey Kat! Of course the monitor is important, and the Boppy too (or a cheaper Knock off)Take the boppy to the hospital, it helps! Also take flip flops to the hospital for the shower, that's important! (YUCK!) Camaryn LOVED her swing, she still uses it at almost 10 months, it goes to 25lbs. It is by Fisher Price, the baby papasan. Lays back and rocks in 2 directions with music, nature sounds, etc. FABULOUS, we could not have made it without that swing! It is more like a cradle. Kinda pricey, look at a second hand shop! Also, LOTS of diapers for the 1st few weeks, and WIPES! Don't forget those WIPES! You need alcohol swaps for the umbilical cord. Baby tylenol (buy generic), just in case, and for 1st shots (ask doctor first), gas drops (also buy generic), blankets, and outfits.....Remember it will be winter....We like the sleepers from The Childrens Place (3 for $25, look for a $10 coupon, then 3 for $15!), lanolin for your nipples if breast feeding, rectal thermometer (Better safe than sorry), cloth diapers for spit up, diaper cream (We like Palmer's Bottom Butter, but everyone has their own preference)....I'll keep thinking....Are you having a shower? I hope to see you the 2nd weekend in Nov., we will be in the Big D! Camaryn wants to meet her friend Ellis!!! :)
PS Great tip from my nurse at the hospital: wet disposable diapers and put in the freezer. Makes a great ice pack for your hootie hoo after the baby is born! Absorbent too!
At 7:05 PM,
amandak said…
Just remembering that time with a tiny baby around is fun. You got some good suggestions, and I only have a couple more things to add. I LOVED the little baby nightgowns. Perfect for frequent newbord diaper changes because you don't even have to unsnap them. My babies also loved to be swadled, so we went through lots of receiving blankets. I had a carrier and never used it, but know lots of people who LOVE theirs. (I wonder if I still have mine. If I do, do you want it? I don't think it's ever even been used.) The other post delivery thing that was good for me was Tuck's pads. They're pretty much just witchazel and water, and are good to help reduce swelling after a vaginal delivery, especially if you have any tearing or stitches. Our hopsital gave me some, and I had never heard of using them that way, but they really helped. You just layer a couple on top of your pad. TMI? Hope not. I was really unprepared for what happened to my body after delivery, so maybe this will help you to at least prepare. I even had to get a hemoroid pillow to sit on, I was so swollen. Ah, memories.
At 10:22 AM,
hazel said…
ooo - good tip from lonna on the bottle thing. I have like 16 kinds of bottles at home, all of which were super expensive and said "great for breastfeeding babies" on them. bella would, and still will, only take a bottle with a nuk nipple. they cost about $2, and a pack of the bottles that they fit is $3 for 6. of course, when you get bottles, you have to sterilize them, and therefore you can't return them. so I have all these expensive bottles that I can't use. frustrating.
I, too, was really unprepared for the week after childbirth the first time. so add to your list LOTS AND LOTS OF PADS. the biggest, bulkiest overnight pads. you might wear 2 at a time for a little while. it sucks.
At 2:51 PM,
NME said…
I heartily second the Pack n' Play - and the TUCKS! Excellent tip Amanda.
At 3:47 PM,
Kathryn said…
I honestly don't know how I would be doing this without your help. THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE!!!!
At 4:57 PM,
Anonymous said…
I would suggest you get a SlingEzee by Parenting Concepts instead of the one you chose. Just from use and from other mother's reviews, I think the Sling Ezee is better.
On the nursing pillow, I would get a My Breast Friend pillow instead of a boppy. I had a boppy and it is AWFUL compared to the My Breast friend pillow. Also, many lactation consultants recommend them.
A rocker or glider is also really nice to have. Don't waste money on a diaper genie. Get a simple diaper pail that uses regular trash bags so you don't waste money on the refills.
A swing is nice for some babies, but others don't like it. Try to find one at a consignment shop and you will save quite a bit. Then you can resell it when you are done with it.
Definitely need a pack n play (or arm's reach co-sleeper can be used as playpen/crib).
Nowhere in my area do we have a diaper service for cloth diapers, so I didn't ponder my decision too much. You have so much laundry to do as it is, I really think you are better off with disposable diapers.
I definitely used our bouncer A LOT. My daughter (first) didn't use it as much but my son used it until he was almost 7 months old. It really comes in handy when you need to get something done. For a while, that was the ONLY place he would sleep, no matter how hard I tried to get him to sleep in the basinet or crib.
I didn't use many bottles because I mostly nursed and I'm still nursing him now at 18 months. I think he's had maybe 7 bottles in his life. The Avent ones he seemed to like and the Dr. Brown's wide nurser he did too. That's all I can think of for now. I usually just read your blog, but don't comment.
At 2:27 PM,
Missuz J said…
Soph also LOVED the bouncy seat with the vibrator, and I couldn't have lived without it.
I can't remember if you're nursing or not, but if you are--NURSING PADS! Lots of them.
I second the baby nightgowns, never used my (cheap-ass) carrier, and feel like if you must, make a donation to green peace or something, but use disposable. You'll have enough on your hands without having poop on them too.
Do you have wipes? In abundance?Also--the Mylecon drops for gas are very nice to have on hand.
At 10:46 PM,
Kodi said…
Katy is right, receiving blankets are the bomb. Very handy in multiple ways.
There are a lot more things I could think of, like nail clippers, baby shampoo, 5 billion socks cuz they get lost soooo easy, but most of this you can buy after the baby is born. Have the basics on hand like wipes, diapers, blankets, bottles and buy the rest as you find you need it. I'm so excited for you!
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