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

[qtiekiki]

We used the snuzzler, and liked it. It keeps Meena''s head upright in the convertible carseat.
We had the bumbo. I think it helps Meena with sitting on herself. Never used the Bebe Pod Plus, so I can''t compare. I think bumbo is a soft rubber, and bebe pod is a hard plastic. I think I''ve read that the leg holes are bigger on the bebe pod.

 

[fieryred33143]

Date: 1/25/2010 3:42:11 PM
Author: lovinsparkles
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!

I don''t think the snuzzler is really necessary unless you are getting a convertible instead of an infant seat or if the infant seat doesn''t come with the newborn attachment. Chicco came with one and it was comfy enough for Sophia. She was 7lbs2oz and didn''t need a thicker one.

I''d get the Bumbo over the Pod. The bumbo is much softer and more comfortable. But before registering or purchasing, wait until your LO gets to the point where they have good head control and then evaluate. I have a bumbo that I almost never use because now that Sophia has good head control, she''s sitting on her own and doesn''t need it. Plus, she has really thick thighs and doesn''t like things crowding her legs.

 

[qtiekiki]

Yeah Grobags are basically like sleep sacks. I like the grobags better b/c it comes in different weights, and the 2.5 tog is like a thin comforter.

 

[jcrow]

Date: 1/25/2010 3:46:33 PM
Author: Mara

Date: 1/25/2010 3:43:25 PM

Author: qtiekiki

Grobags are on mamabargains for $18.80 if anyone is looking for some.

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.

haha, i thought of you the other day... someone purchased our egg from our registry! [and not much has been purchased, so i was like hurmp, someone else that it was cool too :]

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 1/25/2010 3:43:28 PM
Author: janinegirly

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!

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.

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...

It''s a deluxe one...

http://www.amazon.com/Step2-7248KR-LifeStyle-Deluxe-Kitchen/dp/B00006JZCX/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1264452751&sr=8-1

And it was nowhere near that price when we got it around Christmas. Closer to $200.

 

[gailrmv]

Date: 1/25/2010 3:49:09 PM
Author: fiery

Date: 1/25/2010 3:42:11 PM

Author: lovinsparkles

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!

I don''t think the snuzzler is really necessary unless you are getting a convertible instead of an infant seat or if the infant seat doesn''t come with the newborn attachment. Chicco came with one and it was comfy enough for Sophia. She was 7lbs2oz and didn''t need a thicker one.


I''d get the Bumbo over the Pod. The bumbo is much softer and more comfortable. But before registering or purchasing, wait until your LO gets to the point where they have good head control and then evaluate. I have a bumbo that I almost never use because now that Sophia has good head control, she''s sitting on her own and doesn''t need it. Plus, she has really thick thighs and doesn''t like things crowding her legs.

We had the snuzzler and I liked it. Padded our jog stroller which didn''t have other head support. I had a Bumbo and my friend has the Pod. Looks to me like the Bumbo is more comfy. See if you can borrow one because it is super useful for a couple months only!

 

[Mara]

Date: 1/25/2010 3:56:09 PM
Author: jcrow

Date: 1/25/2010 3:46:33 PM
Author: Mara

Date: 1/25/2010 3:43:25 PM

Author: qtiekiki

Grobags are on mamabargains for $18.80 if anyone is looking for some.

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.

haha, i thought of you the other day... someone purchased our egg from our registry! [and not much has been purchased, so i was like hurmp, someone else that it was cool too :]

lol i love that stupid thing! it's still in our room, i am dreading moving it to the baby's.

for the snuzzler, i am a dork but i did not like the little infant head support thing that came with our graco snugride. i am not into crazy patterns on stuff and it had all these trees and designs on it, and it was scratchy plasticy vinyl-like material. so since someone gave us the snuzzler, i was more than happy to replace the one that came with the car seat.

if there is ever a petition to get less patterns and crazy colors on baby stuff, sign me up. not a fan of cartoos and 'eye catching' patterns that are on every mass-produced item we have here for kiddos in the US. european designs are so much more streamlined and cool.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Mara, I used the Bundleme and was a fan.

ETA: I just realized that my friend who borrowed one of my s'ngs (yes I have two!) kid is almost a year. I cannot believe she is still using it! Haha.

 

[curlygirl]

We love the BundleMe as well. We have one for each girl in the stroller but now in the toddler size.

 

[lovelylulu]

I''m up to page 25

. cutting and pasting away.

when I complete my baby stuff compliation and make some registry decisions, I''ll post a consolidated list in case it could help any other first-timers who are up to their eyeballs in comparision shopping...

Also, at the recommendation of a friend, I purchased a book called baby bargains and it is great. Basically reviews/rates all manner of baby items from cribs to highchairs and beyond. nice to have it as a reference.

onward.

 

[Pandora II]

Date: 1/25/2010 3:42:11 PM
Author: lovinsparkles
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!

Bumbo - see if you can borrow one before buying. Daisy learnt to go stiff and throw herself backwards and out in just under an hour... it became too dangerous to use plus she only wanted to escape so it''s never really been used again!

 

[MustangGal]

We have 2 Bumbos, they''re great for a few months. Kyle was able to use his at 2.5 months, but 3 months I think was the recommended age. The sitter still uses one to feed him at 11 months (he has skinny legs). I''d see if you can borrow one or get it on craigslist, no point in paying $40 for one.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 1/26/2010 9:12:03 AM
Author: Pandora II

Date: 1/25/2010 3:42:11 PM
Author: lovinsparkles
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!

Bumbo - see if you can borrow one before buying. Daisy learnt to go stiff and throw herself backwards and out in just under an hour... it became too dangerous to use plus she only wanted to escape so it''s never really been used again!

Agree. The bumbo was not a happy place for Amelia. We borrowed one and it got used about 4 times.

 

[MustangGal]

I have an alternative stroller to throw into the mix. I just purchased this one for my SIL (preggo with #2 right now) http://www.amazon.com/Delta-Childrens-Products-Simmons-Stroller/dp/B001888PU0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=baby-products&qid=1264526341&sr=8-3. It arrived last night, so we had to throw Kyle in it and push it around the house to try it out

.

This one would be a good alternative to take the place of a SNG and an umbrella stroller. It''s small and light enough that it wouldn''t be an issue to stick the infant seat on it when they''re little, then use as an umbrella stroller when they''re 3 months +. The suspension was nice, folded and unfolded easy, and it''s quite small and light (15 pounds) when folded, yet when it''s open it looks like much more than you would expect. We hung the diaper bag off the back and had no tiping issues and didn''t kick it either. The basket was Ok size, bigger than the one on my umbrella stroller, and the brake function was easy to use, push down on one wheel to engage both sides, push down on the other side to release. The only thing that could be better was the recline, it doesn''t go back very far, but I also don''t use the recline much on my other strollers, so it probably woudn''t be much of an issue. It would be great for trips to the mall, errands, and short-medium walks. You''d probably want something bigger/sturdier for long walks/jogging.

My SIL was looking for something smaller and lighter than the Graco travel system she had with baby #1, but still wanted to have one she could put her infant seat onto.

 

[lovinsparkles]

Date: 1/26/2010 8:24:52 AM
Author: lovelylulu
I''m up to page 25

. cutting and pasting away.

when I complete my baby stuff compliation and make some registry decisions, I''ll post a consolidated list in case it could help any other first-timers who are up to their eyeballs in comparision shopping...

Also, at the recommendation of a friend, I purchased a book called baby bargains and it is great. Basically reviews/rates all manner of baby items from cribs to highchairs and beyond. nice to have it as a reference.

onward.

Lovelylulu, I heartily agree on the Baby Bargains book recommendation. It is where I started and am, like you, now working my way through this thread from the beginning. Lots of knowledgeable folks here to learn from! Also, IIRC, someone posted several pages back on how to pinpoint search this thread for specific words -- of course I forgot to write it down, but sounds like another handy research tool.

Ladies, thanks for the advice on the Bumbo. The downside of being the first in my family/friend circle to have a kid is that borrowing options are quite limited, but the Craigslist suggestion is a good one.

 

[Mara]

lulu and other new moms creating registries, gingerb started a registry thread a few months ago, try searching for it, where a few moms posted their must have lists, it was def shorter than this whole thing and it had a lot of first time mom product tips in there too.

ETA here it is and my preggo brain must have put lists in there since i only see Kim's list lol. anyway, for research sake: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/baby-registry-help.127054/

china cat posted a great 'must have' list in the Preggo thread a few months ago, maybe she can repost it in here too. i used 4-5 of the recommends on there for ours and so far i like them.

 

[lovelylulu]

thanks mara!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Bumbo worked great for us. It was a lifesaver for the first few months of solid food feeding. Maybe buy one when your baby is 3 months and keep the box. Return it if (s)he seems to hate it. T had really good head control so maybe that made a difference.

 

[fieryred33143]

I bought Baby Bargains, went to their sample registry and copied it. That''s how I built my registry.

LOL

I remember FI asking me why I chose the swing I did (he thought it looked too "boyish"

) and I pointed to the page in BB and said "that''s why."

 

[lovelylulu]

fiery, believe me I''m tempted to copy it myself

, but I love to research . . .

I''m also trying to figure out what items I should hold off on (this bumboo talk has been enlightening) until the babe actually needs it. It seems like newer and better items are always coming out anyway.

 

[gailrmv]

Date: 1/26/2010 3:48:31 PM
Author: lovelylulu
fiery, believe me I''m tempted to copy it myself

, but I love to research . . .


I''m also trying to figure out what items I should hold off on (this bumboo talk has been enlightening) until the babe actually needs it. It seems like newer and better items are always coming out anyway.

So true! I got a few things ahead (like the Boon which my parents got us as our baby gift) and the Bob (so I could get it on sale). Most other things I''ve bought or borrowed as I''ve needed them. I''ve been surprised that some things I thought I''d need, I didnt and vice versa. Also if you wait you don''t have to store things for months til you need them.

For people who are not yet preggo or in the early stages, if it were me, I would hold off on the gear - you have plenty of time!

I thought that Baby Bargains book was super too.

I also really liked Tacori''s list which is close to the beginning of this thread, I think re-posted by TGal. Very helpful!

 

[Tacori E-ring]

Date: 1/26/2010 4:04:38 PM
Author: TanDogMom

I also really liked Tacori''s list which is close to the beginning of this thread, I think re-posted by TGal. Very helpful!

Thanks

 

[jcrow]

so, here's my registry list. hopefully it will be helpful to someone. it's still a bit of a work in progress.

// LAYETTE //

kimono style Tee 0-3 month. White Snap 3pc
kimono style Tee 6-9 month. White Snap 3pc
Carter's® White Side-Snap Undershirts (Set of 5) - Size 3 Months
Organic SwaddleSet® by Kiddopotamus® 100% Cotton
Miracle Blanket® - Natural/White
SleepSack™ Cream Small Wearable Blanket, 100% Cotton by Halo®
Aden and Anais Muslin Wraps 47 x 47 (Set of 4)

// SAFETY //

Nail File Gentle Vibes
Safety 1st® Essentials Childproofing Kit
Safety 1st® Spring 'n Release Latches (10-Pack)
Push Snap Lock 1pk
Safety 1st Clear Outlet Plugs (12-Pack)
Braun ThermoScan® Electronic Ear Thermometer
Vicks Baby Rectal Thermometer
BebeSounds® NasalClear® Battery Operated Nasal Aspirator
American Red Cross Infant to Toddler Oral Care Kit
Summer Infant Day & Night™ Pink 2.5" Handheld Color Video Monitor System
grobag® egg™ Color Changing Digital Room Thermometer
Itzbeen - pink

// FEEDING //

Dr. Brown's® 4-Ounce Baby Bottle, BPA Free
The First Years™ Breastflow™ BPA Free 5-Ounce Slow Flow Nurser Bottle
Medela® Freestyle™ Hands-Free Breast Pump, BPA Free
Medela® 5-Ounce Breastmilk Bottle (Set of 3)
Boppy® Miracle Middle Pillow
Boppy® Organic Bare Naked Pillow Slipcover - Bird Song
Bumkins® SuperBib® in Element Pink 3-Pack
Baby Cubes™ 1-Ounce Food Storage Containers with Tray
Baby Cubes™ 2-Ounce Food Storage Containers with Tray
Avent® Express Microwave Sterilizer
The First Years Spinning Drying Rack and Organizer
Munchkin Bottle and Nipple Brush
BEABA Multiportion Freezer Tray - Pink
BEABA Babycook Baby Food Maker

// BATH & CLOSET //

Summer Infant Comfort Bath Support
Safety Bath Time Audible Thermometer and Alarm by Aquatopia
Bumkins® Organic Hooded Towel Set - Natural
Baby Buddy® Natural Bath Sponge
Dreft Detergent

// BEDDING //

Baby Natura Chemical Free Organic Crib Sheet, 100% Cotton, 250 Thread Count
Arm's Reach Original Co-Sleeper Bamboo Fitted Sheet
The Ultimate Crib Sheet, 100% Organic Cotton
Organic Lap Pads by TL Care®
Naturepedic® Contoured Changing Pad Cover

// FURNITURE //

Naturepedic® No-Compromise™ Organic Cotton Ultra Baby Crib/Toddler Mattress
Naturepedic Organic 4-Sided Contoured Changing Pad

// PLAYROOM //

The Universal Arm's Reach® Co-Sleeper® Bassinet
Brown Space Saver Highchair by Fisher Price®

// CARSEATS //

Graco® SnugRide® Platinum™ Infant Car Seat
Graco® SnugRide® Black Infant Car Seat Base
Elite DuoMat® Premium 2-in-1 Seat Protector by Kiddopotamus®
Deluxe PiddlePad™ Waterproof Seat Liner in Black by Kiddopotamus®

// STROLLERS //

Bugaboo Bee Black Stroller
Bugaboo Bee Adapter for Graco® SnugRide® Car Seat

// INFANT TOYS //

Fisher Price® Rainforest™ Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym™
Sophie The Giraffe

// MISCELLANEOUS //

Baby Trend® Diaper Champ Deluxe - Pink
Pampers® Swaddler Diapers - Newborn (36 Count)
Pampers® Swaddler Diapers - Size 1 (40 Count)
Huggies® Newborn Extra Sensitive Baby Wipes 184ct
Huggies® Newborn Extra Sensitive Baby Wipes Tub (72 Count)

 

[qtiekiki]

Jcrow
did you know that there is a tub inside the big box of Huggies sensitive wipes? So you don''t need to get the tub size to get a tub. Just FYI.

 

[jcrow]

Date: 1/26/2010 4:21:39 PM
Author: qtiekiki
Jcrow

did you know that there is a tub inside the big box of Huggies sensitive wipes? So you don''t need to get the tub size to get a tub. Just FYI.

nope, haha. i didn''t.. and the smaller one someone already bought off our registry. oh well :]

 

[lovelylulu]

thanks jcrow - we''ve got a lot of similar items

. Can you remind me where you registered at again. Thanks!

 

[jcrow]

Date: 1/26/2010 4:29:55 PM
Author: lovelylulu
thanks jcrow - we''ve got a lot of similar items

. Can you remind me where you registered at again. Thanks!

buy buy baby

 

[ChinaCat]

I''ll try and find that list I posted in the preggo thread- it was mostly what "must-haves" I needed/used in the first month or so, rather than a complete registry list.

I agree with whoever said that you can wait on a bunch of stuff. I was overwhelmed while preggo, but once kiddo gets here and you get through the first month or two, you start realizing what they need or are about to need.

We basically got a bunch of stuff at our showers that I had no idea what it was or if I would need, and so we just put it in his closet. Now every week or so I go "shopping" in the closet and find stuff that he''s ready for.

 

[Mara]

the other thing re: registry building, i started with just a bunch of 'basics' like stuff i knew we'd need. then i had a few Moms i respect look at it for me and give me their suggestions. i didn't add everything they suggested but if they said something was super helpful i def considered it.

aka some things are personal like swaddlers. some moms told me don't bother with the ones that have velcro because their kids always wiggled out. they said, use wraps like the A&A or similar because you can get a much tighter fit if you know how to swaddle correctly. but other moms loved the velcro option and never used the regular wraps.

we were trying not to get all crazy with baby stuff given space constraints too. then as we started to get more gifts, i kept adding to the reg because i know that people want 'options' for their gifts and didn't want to feel like they HAD to get something practical because it was there. over time, i added a fair amt of clothes to the reg because really that is what people TEND to buy. and then i would return some of the clothes from the reg too as time went on and just got gift cards OR would use it to buy stuff we really needed. like people don't want to buy you diapers. they want to buy you that cute outfit. but we NEED diapers! hehe.

also some stuff i didn't bother adding til later like bottles or breast feeding stuff because i was still getting more information and researching. so don't feel pressured to create this crazy complete registry on the first try either, ladies. a lot of the sites have 'private' settings you can set the reg to until you are done with it--but even though i kept adding stuff to it every few weeks, we pretty much got everything we needed in the end. the only things left on my reg are some random things...and things i can purchase myself if we really need them.

 

[ChargerGrrl]

I''m slowly but surely going through this thread and want to give a HUGE thanks for all the "lists". Now gotta go check out the Baby Bargains book

Lulu- my fingers have also been cutting and pasting away. I''m glad we still have a couple more months to go!