pennquaker09
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Preggo stuff, Baby Stuff, Toddler Stuff...post your best finds here!!
- Thread starter TravelingGal
- Start date
Tacori E-ring
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Penn, do you have the laugh & learn house? EVERY baby LOVES it! T is also obsessed with her play kitchen, ball pit, PB like little sofa (it is her throne), bee bop (parent''s) band is still a hit, loves her little laptop, coloring stuff...she''s got a lot of stuff. Haha. Good luck! BTW I just got the single BOB. Love it!
pennquaker09
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No, we don''t have a laugh and learn house, but I''m going to look that up right now. I was thinking of a play kitchen, but Savannah is going to walk before Gray. He travels by dad (I pick him up, he doesn''t seem to want to try anything else). Savannah is standing, but she hasn''t tried taking a step yet. I''ve been trying to help her out, but she''s very independent, I know she will do it on her own time.
I''m glad you''re loving your BOB, what color did you get?
Tacori E-ring
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Penn, she has only started really playing with her kitchen the last few months. I like that she will use it for a few years (same with the ball pit). Do they have a table and chairs? T LOVES sitting and coloring on her table. I got the coolest kid's table fro Room & Board. Enjoy that they aren't walking yet. Life certainly gets more complicated. I had to buy a harness for T b/c she wanders away. Okay other good toys is the radio flyer trike with parent's handle. She doesn't have it but my neighbor's 14 month old twins LOVE their bikes. She has a crazy coupe car with a parent's handle which she loves and even tries to steer and honk the horn. A water table is also a hit. Do they have the playsckool walker/rider toy? It helped her learn to walk and now she uses it as a "car."
I got the chocolate brown/blue combo. It's very cool.
When is their birthday? Congrats dad! You all survived the first year!
I got the chocolate brown/blue combo. It's very cool.
When is their birthday? Congrats dad! You all survived the first year!
pennquaker09
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Tacori E-ring
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pennquaker09
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The decor . . . I really didn''t plan on decor because everyone is telling me that they''re going to be oblivious to it all. Plus, it was really going to be them and like 5 more kids. My SIL has two kids, and then, there are 2 neighbors that we have play dates with and one from my Dads group.
Should I rethink it?
Tacori E-ring
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gailrmv
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hi! So, I am a new mom! My son is a month old. I used to post a lot but haven't for the last year or so. But, PS has been so helpful when I was learning all about baby gear that I wanted to report back with some of my must haves from the first month.
One note, while pregnant I was really into the design AND function of our baby gear. Now I am all about the function! The looks really matter less than you'd think.
Baby Bargains book was extremely helpful - written by people who think like pricescopers
So, a few of my favorite things for newborns:
Receiving blankets - much better than the little burp cloths, and useful for all kinds of things, such as positioning his head while nursing, head support in carseat etc. We got through a lot of these.
Zip outfits with feet - we've only found these at Target, Gerber brand. Easier than keeping socks on him and much nicer than snapping a million snaps.
Breast pump - nice to express when engorged and so my DH can give a bottle sometimes. I have Medela Pump In Style. Other people like the Ameda one. We use Avent bottles and are happy with them. I am glad that I got this in advance because I needed it within the first week.
Pampers Swaddlers diapers - there is a line that changes color when it is wet.
Bob stroller - love it, love it, love it.
Snap and Go stroller - love the convenience!
I must pause to thank Tacori and TGal for all their stroller info that they have posted - really helped me.
"Chucks" or similar - this is a waterproof pad that they use in hospitals to put under the patient in case of accidents. They sell them in pharmacies too. We use them at home for on top of the changing pad (over the nice cloth cover). Saves me from washing the cover so often. Also can bring with me for a very compact changing pad on the go. Not very environmentally friendly though, so we'll stop using it when we have fewer spills.
Hand sanitizer near the changing area - for those times when you can't get to the sink to wash up immediately.
Ultimate Crib Sheet - goes on top of your cute sheet, easy to remove and put back, saves laundry.
Swaddle me blankets - so nice!! Keeps him cozy and secure.
Pack and Play - we have a two story house, this is where he naps and gets changed when we are downstairs.
Sony baby monitor - it's not one of the fancy ones, but works great and a bargain too.
Maclaren universal back of stroller organizer - helpful to not have to bring the full diaper bag everywhere. I put it on the BOB or snap and go and have our essentials (diapers, wipes etc) in there.
Dex wedge and infant positioner for the crib - helps him sleep better, I think!
Vibrate thingy for the crib. Ours is made by first years, got as a gift but have seen them at target.
Notebook and pen - I can't remember anything anymore, so I have to write down everything - shopping list, questions for doctor, etc.
For the nursing area - I keep a receiving blanket or two, water bottle, and boppy pillow right by my nursing chair.
Dwell studio for Target bedding - we did our whole nursery with this line, and have been thrilled with the quality for the price. It is really nice and we get tons of compliments on his room.
Itzbeen timer. Helps you keep track of feeding times, naptimes, medicines, etc. Can set an alarm for each function. Very useful in the beginning when you have to wake them up every 2-3 hours to eat. I broke my first one and rushed IMMEDIATELY to Target to replace it - no small feat with a newborn. I called it my "brain" there for a while! We aren't using it much now though.
Things that were not needed:
We have two infant car seats. I see now we really only needed one seat and an extra base for the other car. I did not realize that you bring the baby into the house in the infant seat, so there's little chance of needing the seat and realizing it is in the other car with your spouse at work. Oh well. Also, I should not have bought any clothes for him - we received more than we will ever need as gifts and hand me downs!
Other small bit of advice: The first few weeks are really hard but it does get better - take it a day at a time, or an hour at a time. Things are going so much better this week than they were the first week at home.
I was not sure if I wanted my out of town family to come help right away, but ultimately they did and I was really glad, especially since I had a C section and couldn't do much physically at first. They stayed in a hotel nearby so that they could sleep well at night and be fresh to help me during the days. This worked well for us. Delegate and ask for help when you need it!! I was afraid I would be a grump from the pain and lack of sleep, but was pleasantly surprised that I have had more patience than usual these first few weeks.
I think that's it for my quick product review and advice!!
One note, while pregnant I was really into the design AND function of our baby gear. Now I am all about the function! The looks really matter less than you'd think.
Baby Bargains book was extremely helpful - written by people who think like pricescopers
So, a few of my favorite things for newborns:
Receiving blankets - much better than the little burp cloths, and useful for all kinds of things, such as positioning his head while nursing, head support in carseat etc. We got through a lot of these.
Zip outfits with feet - we've only found these at Target, Gerber brand. Easier than keeping socks on him and much nicer than snapping a million snaps.
Breast pump - nice to express when engorged and so my DH can give a bottle sometimes. I have Medela Pump In Style. Other people like the Ameda one. We use Avent bottles and are happy with them. I am glad that I got this in advance because I needed it within the first week.
Pampers Swaddlers diapers - there is a line that changes color when it is wet.
Bob stroller - love it, love it, love it.
Snap and Go stroller - love the convenience!
I must pause to thank Tacori and TGal for all their stroller info that they have posted - really helped me.
"Chucks" or similar - this is a waterproof pad that they use in hospitals to put under the patient in case of accidents. They sell them in pharmacies too. We use them at home for on top of the changing pad (over the nice cloth cover). Saves me from washing the cover so often. Also can bring with me for a very compact changing pad on the go. Not very environmentally friendly though, so we'll stop using it when we have fewer spills.
Hand sanitizer near the changing area - for those times when you can't get to the sink to wash up immediately.
Ultimate Crib Sheet - goes on top of your cute sheet, easy to remove and put back, saves laundry.
Swaddle me blankets - so nice!! Keeps him cozy and secure.
Pack and Play - we have a two story house, this is where he naps and gets changed when we are downstairs.
Sony baby monitor - it's not one of the fancy ones, but works great and a bargain too.
Maclaren universal back of stroller organizer - helpful to not have to bring the full diaper bag everywhere. I put it on the BOB or snap and go and have our essentials (diapers, wipes etc) in there.
Dex wedge and infant positioner for the crib - helps him sleep better, I think!
Vibrate thingy for the crib. Ours is made by first years, got as a gift but have seen them at target.
Notebook and pen - I can't remember anything anymore, so I have to write down everything - shopping list, questions for doctor, etc.
For the nursing area - I keep a receiving blanket or two, water bottle, and boppy pillow right by my nursing chair.
Dwell studio for Target bedding - we did our whole nursery with this line, and have been thrilled with the quality for the price. It is really nice and we get tons of compliments on his room.
Itzbeen timer. Helps you keep track of feeding times, naptimes, medicines, etc. Can set an alarm for each function. Very useful in the beginning when you have to wake them up every 2-3 hours to eat. I broke my first one and rushed IMMEDIATELY to Target to replace it - no small feat with a newborn. I called it my "brain" there for a while! We aren't using it much now though.
Things that were not needed:
We have two infant car seats. I see now we really only needed one seat and an extra base for the other car. I did not realize that you bring the baby into the house in the infant seat, so there's little chance of needing the seat and realizing it is in the other car with your spouse at work. Oh well. Also, I should not have bought any clothes for him - we received more than we will ever need as gifts and hand me downs!
Other small bit of advice: The first few weeks are really hard but it does get better - take it a day at a time, or an hour at a time. Things are going so much better this week than they were the first week at home.
I was not sure if I wanted my out of town family to come help right away, but ultimately they did and I was really glad, especially since I had a C section and couldn't do much physically at first. They stayed in a hotel nearby so that they could sleep well at night and be fresh to help me during the days. This worked well for us. Delegate and ask for help when you need it!! I was afraid I would be a grump from the pain and lack of sleep, but was pleasantly surprised that I have had more patience than usual these first few weeks.
I think that's it for my quick product review and advice!!
gailrmv
Ideal_Rock
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- Nov 8, 2005
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OK, a few other random thoughts -
I cooked some extra meals and froze them ahead of time. This has been very useful.
Nuk pacifiers have been great for him.
Have extra thank you notes and stamps on hand for gifts!
We bought baby announcements from Tiny Prints - so pleased with how they came out.
We put an ipod dock in the nursery. nice to listen to music while nursing and play classical for my little guy when he sleeps.
Nursing bras - I am really liking the original style from Bravado. I also wear the Target tanks that many people on here rave about, but they don''t offer a lot of support or coverage for me, so I only wear them at home or as a layer under another shirt. The Bravado bras are really supportive for me - similar to a sportsbra. Avoid all underwire!
I hope to have time to post here once in a while - take care everyone!
I cooked some extra meals and froze them ahead of time. This has been very useful.
Nuk pacifiers have been great for him.
Have extra thank you notes and stamps on hand for gifts!
We bought baby announcements from Tiny Prints - so pleased with how they came out.
We put an ipod dock in the nursery. nice to listen to music while nursing and play classical for my little guy when he sleeps.
Nursing bras - I am really liking the original style from Bravado. I also wear the Target tanks that many people on here rave about, but they don''t offer a lot of support or coverage for me, so I only wear them at home or as a layer under another shirt. The Bravado bras are really supportive for me - similar to a sportsbra. Avoid all underwire!
I hope to have time to post here once in a while - take care everyone!
Dreamer_D
Super_Ideal_Rock
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TravelingGal
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TDM, congratulations! Thanks for coming back and posting such a great detailed post! And I am very glad you love your BOB.
Just a note, pampers swaddlers SENSITIVE has the stripe (unless they changed it for the regular). I wish I had known this when I first had Amelia. I wanted the stripe ones but thought it must be some special hospital brand. Amelia peed so little, we wasted a LOT of diapers. I would have paid extra for the sensitive with the stripe!!
Just a note, pampers swaddlers SENSITIVE has the stripe (unless they changed it for the regular). I wish I had known this when I first had Amelia. I wanted the stripe ones but thought it must be some special hospital brand. Amelia peed so little, we wasted a LOT of diapers. I would have paid extra for the sensitive with the stripe!!
gailrmv
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pennquaker09
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TravelingGal
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pennquaker09
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janinegirly
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TravelingGal
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janinegirly
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TravelingGal
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Middle is better. I was asking because the Boulevard has more side impact protection.
I think probably the Marathon would be fine. I love the boulevard because you can adjust the harness height without rethreading. I''ve heard so so things about the decathlon. But you really can''t go wrong with any of them.
qtiekiki
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Argh I write a big response and my phone ate it or something.
Anyways. Basically there are two sizes. The compact size ones are Roundabout and Diplomat. Full size are the ones Tgal listed/talked about. They differ in protection and other features. We have the Blvd in my car (mid-size SUV), and Diplomat in DH''s (his is a crossover). I don''t the Blvd would fit in DH''s car without him and the passenger sitting way up. We chose the Blvd and Diplomat b/c they both have true side impact protection.
Anyways. Basically there are two sizes. The compact size ones are Roundabout and Diplomat. Full size are the ones Tgal listed/talked about. They differ in protection and other features. We have the Blvd in my car (mid-size SUV), and Diplomat in DH''s (his is a crossover). I don''t the Blvd would fit in DH''s car without him and the passenger sitting way up. We chose the Blvd and Diplomat b/c they both have true side impact protection.
curlygirl
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janine, since we're twins on everything else, just thought I'd tell you that I have the Maxi Cosi Priori as my convertible carseat (we have two now!) and I love it! Much more stylish and streamlined than the others but also very very safe--the Europeans are good at this stuff! It also reclines in the forward facing position (do they all do that?) which comes in handy for those inevitable naps in the car. Just to add to your confusion!!!
janinegirly
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Qtiekiki and TGal: thanks! I think I''ll look at the Roundabout, Marathon and Blvd. The Roundabout since I don''t think C'' will be beyond the 40lbs limit for awhile (and probably could go to a booster at that point). The Blvd looks good b/c of those easy straps though, and comfy. But huge! So that''s where the Marathon comes in---something in the middle. Thanks for the tips and I''ll have to keep researching.
Thanks Curly--will take a look! We are twins since I''m probably going to go with the FP space saver. Was thinking of the FP full size high chair, but saw it at BRU and the base is huge and our kitchen is small! Bigger than our NYC kitchen, but not for a big ole highchair! And the booster for Grandma''s....I don''t know how I''d know what to buy without you!
Thanks Curly--will take a look! We are twins since I''m probably going to go with the FP space saver. Was thinking of the FP full size high chair, but saw it at BRU and the base is huge and our kitchen is small! Bigger than our NYC kitchen, but not for a big ole highchair! And the booster for Grandma''s....I don''t know how I''d know what to buy without you!
Tacori E-ring
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TravelingGal
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Thats awesome! Thought about the BOB, but since I''m only a recreational user
pennquaker09
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Tacori E-ring
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Mrs, we love ours...of course I cannot remember the name but I think it is on my list. Lots of toys, you can move them around, music, and kick toy thing she loved. She still plays with it sometimes. Haha.
I have a new favorite bib! Yes, I am excited enough to bold that. They are the JJ Cole ones from BRU. Thick, SUPER CUTE, and the snaps are SO much better than the velcro. She rips the other ones off and yells "all done!" which can be annoying sometimes. I need to buy more.
I have a new favorite bib! Yes, I am excited enough to bold that. They are the JJ Cole ones from BRU. Thick, SUPER CUTE, and the snaps are SO much better than the velcro. She rips the other ones off and yells "all done!" which can be annoying sometimes. I need to buy more.
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