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Preggo stuff, Baby Stuff, Toddler Stuff...post your best finds here!!

Ditto that people will buy your kid crazy amts of clothes. CRAZY amts. Our kiddos closet is FULL already. And most of them are going to be newborn or 0-3 months or maybe 3-6 months if you are lucky. Hardly anyone gets you older clothes even though you will need them too.

Take your season into mind for birth. Our boy is due in a week so obviously it's cold now. Long sleeve onesies and/or tshirts with mittens were what I focused on...and typically people didn't really buy us those. Footed sleepers too.

Little full-on cute outfits for NB and 0-3 months to me are useless. We got a few of these but I never bought any. But if he does need to be 'cute' for something we at least have a few outfits from people.

I have some new Mom friends who basically told me their babies are living in the onesies and snap shirts, diapers, and swaddled. Maybe socks too. But it's a pretty limited 'wardrobe' at first esp since the babies don't really go out at all at first anyway and they go through clothes like crazy (spit up, pee, poo etc).

I personally LOVE buying the kiddo clothes so I have the hardest time passing up great deals I have found, but definitely do not pay $15 or $20 for something for the kid... you will need like 5 of those not just 1, and it can add up. I found geat deals on a lot of basics at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross etc locally...Carters and Gerber and a lot of basic baby brands are sold here for like 1/2 price or less than what you'd find in stores. Also BRU has some great clearance deals. But if you CAN keep yourself from buying clothes, buy yourself some basics like burp clothes, waterproof pads, sheet savers and then see how many clothes you get then buy whatever you need.

ETA... I see you are going more for organic stuff. If you buy plain cotton items, you can get non-organic items and wash them in vinegar then in your hypoallergenic detergent of choice and basically it's organic at that point.
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My friend who is really into organic googled like crazy on this and found some suggestions.
 
Thanks, ladies. It sounds like my kiddo will not be under-dressed if I just keep her in onsies and socks at first...that''s what I was worried about - whether taking her out like that would be like taking her out in her underwear (i.e. not a full outfit). I''m all about practical and functional, so I like the idea of sticking to onsies (long or short sleeve) and rompers/sleepers for the most part, and sticking to solidly made (rather than flimsy) pieces that I could re-use again for future kiddos (and you''re right, Mara, I do prefer the organic cotton!).

Good point about not overpaying though, especially if I need multiples of an item for multiple daily changes. Most of the things I''m looking at now are for the registry (I''ve heard not to bother with clothes b/c people will already give them, but both b/c most of my friends don''t know too much about babies and b/c I do prefer the organic cotton, I''m including some options). When I shop on my own, I will probably be able to seek out deals a little better...especially when I figure out the "best" brands for quality. Next on my list is to check out the Carter''s brand -- I know they''re priced more reasonably and there''s an outlet nearby that might be great if the clothes seem substantial and like they''ll hold up well.
 
Date: 1/22/2010 6:05:37 PM
Author: Bella_mezzo
We live in Manhattan and take the subway or walk pretty much everywhere so our stroller needs are a little different, and I could care less if something fits in a car
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I'm planning to babywear on the subway when we get pregnant ,and when the kiddo gets to heavy I'll use a volo.

Other than that, I live in a really hilly part of the city with rough sidewalks and we love to walk/hike so I think we'd prefer the Bob for that.

Good to know about the infant seat adapter, we'll skip that all together.

On that note, two questions for city moms....

1. How do you handle car seats and cabs?

2. Do you use protective headphones for the baby's ears on the subway?

Most of my friends here are stay at home moms and don't leave our neightborhood with their babies. When we have a kid they'll need to come with me on the subway to the neighborhood where I work and that's like a 30 minute subway ride. We don't take cabs a lot, but do sometimes so I'm trying to figure that out...I don't want to be a prisoner in the city with a baby, I want to be able to enjoy all the things I love about NYC, just with another liitle person:-)
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I'm based in London, so my needs were for a very urban environment...

Baby-wearing - please research the Baby Bjorn before you buy one. I have one and it was a HUGE mistake - it's fine when they are teeny tiny, but once Daisy got over 10lbs I found it very painful to carry her in it. Plus, I have now discovered that it is not good for the baby's spine development as it lets them hang from their crotch rather than supporting their hips and pelvis properly and distributing their weight.

I now have an Ellaroo Mei Tai and I LOVE it. I've had several lots of surgery on my spine and yet I can carry Daisy at nearly 20lbs in it for a full day with almost no effort. It takes about 30 minutes with You-Tube and in front of a mirror to learn how to do the different carries and then it's super easy. I even have a coat that goes over us both! If I'd had this instead of the Bjorn I'd have used the stroller less than I have.

That said, my stroller is fantastic especially on public transport. One of the best things is that you can 'kick' the wheels in so that it becomes a 2 wheeler not a 4 wheeler and it's easy to get up and down steps - you can do this with the baby in it (best to practice without though!
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).

For cabs, in London we have the Black Taxis which children don't have to be in a carseat in. If 'm wearing her then I just put the seat belt on me, if she's in the stroller then I just wheel it into the cab and put the brake on and leave her in the stroller (it fits perfectly). I can't use mini-cabs though.

Why would you use headphones on a baby? Daisy has never been bothered in the least by the noise of the Tube - possibly because she heard it so much pre-birth?
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ETA:

- Some kids HATE the carseat in a big way. Even though my carseat goes onto my stroller I have only done so once in 8 months. Daisy is NEVER asleep in the carseat, but always screaming to get the heck out of it!

- I was concerned whether the lie-flat option on the Stokke was good enough for a new-born or whether I should have bought the bassinet that fits the system. Once I stuck my real live baby in it, I discovered that she screamed blue murder unless the seat was inclined at an angle where she had a decent view, so the lie-flat option was used for the first 5 minutes of the first walk when she was 10 days old and since then only if she is actually asleep. Lots of babies like to look out even when they are tiny, so not necessarily worth spending $$$ on carrycots/bassinets that they may well hate.
 
lovin i did put a fair amt of organic stuff on my registry, we got the organic mattress, organic waterproof pad etc. and i added a few organic outfits and organic hooded towels, but not too many. some people are really into organic too so they would love to buy you those options. but then for everyone else, they can get regular. tadpoles organic stuff is super cute btw.

i also found organic stuff even at marshalls and tj maxx etc. and i got some organic halo sleep sacks on clearance at BRU for $9! anyway have fun.
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On buying stuff off of Craigslist, I really don''t think it''s a problem for most things. We bought our BOB off of Craiglist, and just made sure to thoroughly inspect it and make sure that everything was in working order before giving them money. There are some things that you should not buy used for safety reasons (carseats and single-user breast pumps come to mind), but for the most part I think that buying used is a great option for baby stuff as there are so many things that you use for such a limited period of time that I just don''t see spending any more money on them than I have to.
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We also have some local consignment stores that have very strict conditions on what they''d accept, and you''d never know that some of the items aren''t new. In fact, some have original tags on them.

Our REI has all of the BOB colors in stock, IIRC.

Bella, I''m the other one who had that problem with the P&T. I kept trying to like it and my DH finally had to tell me not to force it. If it wasn''t right in the store, it certainly wouldn''t be right miles into a walk. The City Jogger Classic series has a jump seat that allows you to add a second kid (although I think that they say that the line''s not supposed to be used to jog). I think there''s some other stroller that does as well.
 
Ditto everything Pandora said. Our babies were very similar about hating the carseat and hating to be confined or stuck on their back. A carrycot would have been useless for me. My guy loved to be worn, though (still does). A sling at first, and later a front carrier (Ergo in my case) made all the difference in my being able to take him places or not. Those were the two pieces of gear I could not have lived without. But every baby is so different.

I agree with Blen too about buying certain things secondhand (or borrowing). Some things are indespensible for a few months and then no longer needed. I was happy to return things that I had borrowed, and pass the things I bought on to another friend to free up the space. I am trying to be minimalist about what I buy!

I feel like this thread is starting to repeat (since it is so long) but for the benefit of anyone who just started reading, I'll give another glowing recommendation to the BOB! Love it!

About clothes, I've gotten most of mine at the Carters Outlet and I am very happy with the quality and prices and selection. Get on their email list for 20% off coupons. They are almost aways going on, where you can save 20% off a purchase of $50. I wait til I need a lot of stuff at once to make sure I spend $50 and use the coupon, and I have gotten such cute clothes for so cheap. Also save your receipts and don't cut tags til you need the outfit, because they are great about returns.
 
Video Monitors

Through my own stupidy I now have a non-refundable store credit at a baby store so I thought I would buy a video monitor.

What brands do you recommend? I read TGals review of the Summer Day and Night monitor. Any others??
 
DD, we also have the summer one. Sorry about a credit. That''s too bad.

I agree. do not cut the tags off of all the clothes, blankets, etc Better to wait and see if baby needs it or regift them. Also I tape the receipts to the diaper boxes. Stores will let you exchange the size if you can prove you bought the box from them.
 
re video monitor, we got the mobi cam and so far i like it but we haven't used it on the kid yet lol. so i will report back later. but it had good reviews on target. and it has the SPY CAM option which is tacori's favorite.
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also re: receipts... i totally wish that i had taped receipts to people's gifts for returns, but now i can't remember who gave what etc. it's a great suggestion to tape them to whatever you can just in case you need to return something later! i also don't cut tags off anything past 3 months.
 
thanks Pandora and Blen!!! For baby wearing my plan is a sling or wrap at first and then an ergo, becco, or ellaroo (depending on if I want to buy or borrow) and I''ll figure something else out (maybe scootababy) for when they get heavy. I used the baby bjorns when I was nannying and HATED them, they killed my back!!!!

I''m leaning towards the Bob for a stroller (and most of my friends''s will be done wiht their volos in a year or so, so that might be perfect tiing for me to buy or borrow
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but we''ll see. The Skokke is really, really expensive here so I think that''s out of my budget.

Apparantley, the decibel levels in the subway are quite high and prolonged exposure can damage baby''s hearing so I''m just concerned if they are spending an hour a day on the subway with me.

Thanks again for the advice! I''ll be back for more later I am sure
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Bella, I would start paying attention to what other moms do on the subway. Talk to them. Ask questions. Maybe ask a Pedi. Not sure the BOB would be appropriate as an urban stroller. It has a pretty big footprint. You have time to figure all of this out.
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Mara, well knowing me I would forget to unhook it (or whatever) to the net and my ILs would catch me bitching about them
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I REFUSE to pay full price for diapers so I always end up with extra boxes/packages of a size she grows out of.
 
:-) My plan is to babywear on the subway at least until 6months and then use a volo when necessary. I would not take a Bob on the subway, no way:-)

Although...the Bob is not really any bigger than the ginormasaurus travel systems that people load up with shopping bags and park in a subway car, blocking the ENTIRE door!!!
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Uppa Baby and Bugaboo, also not ok on the subway. they''re just too big. I understand it''s hard to navigate the city with kids, and goodness knows I''m concerned (concerned enough to be researching gear before I''m even KTFU
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) but I really think the only strollers that are appropriate on the subway are small umbrella strollers, and those can be pushing it when it''s rush hour.

just my 2 cents...I''ll probably feel differently when I am dragging a grumpy kid all over the city
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Bella, I hope you''ll be able to wear your baby for much longer than 6 months if you have to take him/her on the subway every day. We find the biggest problem with the subway is that not all the stations have elevators! It''s a total PITA to try to get a stroller up and down the stairs unless you have help and if you''re traveling during rush hour, you will really have to rely on the kindness of strangers who are in a hurry and may not want to help you. If I ever see anyone in distress with a stroller, I always help but just something else to consider. You''ll definitely want a lightweight stroller (like the Volo) and a skinny kid too!
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Yep, my stop is one of the deepest ones in the subway system and doesn''t have an elevator...it''s like 6-8 flights of stairs from street level to the tracks and the escalators don''t always work
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Kids in my DHs family tend to be chunkers with giant heads
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but I am 5''8" and pretty strong so I would like to babywear as long as possible. There are people in my neighborhood who still stick their kids in the ergo and their kids are almost 4! So, I will happily follow in those footsteps if necessary.

Curly, I am sure I''ll be paging you a lot when we have an LO
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we got our baby monitor today. the philip avent, which is pretty darn pricey for an audio, but hubbs had a $100 amazon gift card, so we basically got it for free. plus we live in a town home so lots of close neighbirs, 3 others within 1-2 houses the also just had bebes, which makes for lots of baby monitors in the immediate area. not too mention all of hubby''s wireless signals (the an techno geek to the max). supposedly this is the one desperate parents go to when there are too many signals around. anyway, no bebe to test it out with yet, but so far we love the CRYSTAL clear sound, no interference, and the 2 way walkie talkie feature which lets us soothe the baby with our voice over the monitor. we did consider that for just a teeny bit more, we could have a video one, but the thought of someone being able to pick up an image of our LO creeps me out.

anyway, just a prelim review, will update once little gingerbaby makes his appearance
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Bella, the s''ng is VERY small and light if for some reason you cannot wear the baby you could always fold it and carry it with one hand and the infant car seat in the other.
 
Ladies, have any of you hear of the Englacha I Tomi stroller?

http://www.amazon.com/Award-Winning-Englacha-Black-Stroller/dp/B00134K98K?ie=UTF8&tag=34dea34ectmom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969

It looks interesting and the price is right...
 
hi all,

I''m in the market for a kitchen for my 16 month old (going on 10 haha). So far I''ve heard good things about Kidcraft and Step2. Anyone have other recommendations or specific pros / negatives on above?

thanks!
 
Janine~We have this kitchen. T loves it!
 
Date: 1/24/2010 5:47:47 PM
Author: dreamer_dachsie
Video Monitors


Through my own stupidy I now have a non-refundable store credit at a baby store so I thought I would buy a video monitor.


What brands do you recommend? I read TGals review of the Summer Day and Night monitor. Any others??
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DD~We also have a Summer monitor and love it. We have this one.
 
Date: 1/25/2010 12:11:43 PM
Author: Burk
Janine~We have this kitchen. T loves it!
Click to expand...
Thanks Burk--it''s really so cute (I know Tacori has it in red too). I would have to buy the accessories though, right (food, pots/pans,etc)?
 
Date: 1/25/2010 11:49:48 AM
Author: janinegirly
hi all,

I''m in the market for a kitchen for my 16 month old (going on 10 haha). So far I''ve heard good things about Kidcraft and Step2. Anyone have other recommendations or specific pros / negatives on above?

thanks!
Click to expand...
Janine, I think you know which kitchen Amelia has. It''s awesome. I''ll post a vid on FB once I edit the length and render it.
 
Date: 1/25/2010 12:35:39 PM
Author: janinegirly
Date: 1/25/2010 12:11:43 PM

Author: Burk

Janine~We have this kitchen. T loves it!
Click to expand...
Thanks Burk--it''s really so cute (I know Tacori has it in red too). I would have to buy the accessories though, right (food, pots/pans,etc)?
Click to expand...
Yes, all the accessories are separate.
 
Date: 1/25/2010 8:19:32 AM
Author: Hudson_Hawk
Ladies, have any of you hear of the Englacha I Tomi stroller?

http://www.amazon.com/Award-Winning-Englacha-Black-Stroller/dp/B00134K98K?ie=UTF8&tag=34dea34ectmom-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969

It looks interesting and the price is right...
Click to expand...
It does look interesting, and a great price! But in reading some of the reviews, the front wheels don''t rotate, which could be a big PITA, even just on walks.
 
Date: 1/25/2010 12:35:39 PM
Author: janinegirly
Date: 1/25/2010 12:11:43 PM

Author: Burk

Janine~We have this kitchen. T loves it!
Click to expand...
Thanks Burk--it''s really so cute (I know Tacori has it in red too). I would have to buy the accessories though, right (food, pots/pans,etc)?
Click to expand...

Mine is actually a little different. The fridge is attached and there is a microwave. Regardless I love the retro look and T loves pretending to be an adult. Mine came with an apron, pot and spoon. Here is what we have.
 
OK, in the baby head support category, any thoughts whether I should go with Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support (very cute looking but maybe not for use in car seat?) versus Kiddopotamus Snuzzler (versus neither is necessary)?

Similarly, in the baby seat category, I''ve heard a lot about the Bumbo...any thoughts on that versus the competing Prince Lionheart Bebe Pod Plus. Both look cute.

Thanks!
 
Grobags are on mamabargains for $18.80 if anyone is looking for some.
 
Date: 1/25/2010 12:39:55 PM
Author: TravelingGal

Date: 1/25/2010 11:49:48 AM
Author: janinegirly
hi all,

I''m in the market for a kitchen for my 16 month old (going on 10 haha). So far I''ve heard good things about Kidcraft and Step2. Anyone have other recommendations or specific pros / negatives on above?

thanks!
Click to expand...
Janine, I think you know which kitchen Amelia has. It''s awesome. I''ll post a vid on FB once I edit the length and render it.
Click to expand...
Yours is an awesome kitchen! I think it''s Step 2 but can''t remember which one? Step 2 comes with accessories I believe.

Looking forward to the video! I tried to video a few times but had to abort since C just comes charging or gets stage fright. I need to find a stealth way to film...
 
i got the snuzzler because i saw someone using it and the kid looked so cute and comfy all nestled in (and silently sleeping). plus it was like $14 so pretty affordable. its in the car seat in the car now.

i also the jjcole bundle me which i know some moms don''t like, but i have other moms who swear by it. but it''s a little diff of a purpose IMO. and i don''t even know if we''d need it in our CA weather.
 
Date: 1/25/2010 3:43:25 PM
Author: qtiekiki
Grobags are on mamabargains for $18.80 if anyone is looking for some.
Click to expand...
speaking of Grobags...i have talked about the Grobag egg thermometer before but i love that thing!! we don''t have Grobag brand, but it''s basically like a Halo sleep sack. in the egg thermometer directions it actually tells you how warm/cool to keep the room PLUS how to dress the kid for that temp. aka 67 degrees + one long sleeved onesie + one fleece Grobag. it''s kind of a fun no-brainer for new moms if anyone is interested.
 
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