For New Moms to Be...

I have a few friends who are expecting babies right now, and one of them asked me for some advice on what to register for. Now, as you know, I'm no expert. I've only had one baby and he's only 8 months old, but here was what I came up with. If you have a baby and have things to add to this, or have different thoughts on various products, please comment so my other expecting friends can benefit from your experiences! Parker may not have liked something that your baby really enjoyed! :)

1. Diapers- are you planning to do disposable or cloth diapers?
We have only done disposable diapers mostly because we are a super busy working family and just couldn't imagine either laundering cloth diapers or being organized enough to manage a diaper service routine. If you want to be as earth friendly as possible and have time/energy to make it happen, go for cloth. I will note, however, that I read in one of my books that the amount of water used in laundering diapers may be as damaging as the waste created by disposables. Not sure how credible that is. If you choose disposable, pick a diaper receptacle you like to register for. Let people know exactly what kind of diapers you want (we really liked Pampers Swaddlers- ask for size 1 and up. If you have a bigger baby they won’t fit in NB size for long). If you have a small/average baby, you can buy the number of NB size w/ gift cards.
2. Feeding- are you planning to bottle feed or breast feed?
If planning to formula feed, even partially, ask for gift cards to places that sell formula. This is one of the most expensive baby items! You won’t know which formula is a best fit for your baby until you try a couple, but ask your doc for some suggestions. When we supplement we use Enfamil Lipil. Parker likes it, but it does give him more gas than breast milk. Also pick a bottle set to register for (we use Avent, and I know a number of people who swear by Dr. Brown’s).
If planning to try and breast feed, I would recommend waiting to buy an expensive pump. I know a few moms who planned on breast feeding, bought a $200 pump, and then it didn’t work out for some reason. They are easy enough to pick up once you know that feeding is going to work for you.
*Of course I have to include a plug encouraging you to breast feed! It is such a fulfilling experience and is great for baby! 

3. Where is baby going to sleep?
I knew I wanted Parker to be in the same room with us for the first few months, so we wanted the cuddle nest and a pack’n’play to have in our room. This is totally up to your parenting preferences. Some families choose to put baby in the crib from day one, which would be convenient for you since your room is right across the way. I would do a lot of reading about what your options are and what feels like a fit for you. I feel like my parenting style is a very close fit with the “attachment parenting model: Dr. Sears,” but there are lots of other books out there. Co-sleeping is not for everybody, but once again, we have definitely enjoyed the special bonding time it allows. 

4. Car seats/etc.-
-I don’t know that I would get a “travel system” again. I would get a nice, lightweight*, carseat and one of those handy metal frame buggies you can plop it into for the first 8 months when you need to. Make sure your carseat can fit into a grocery cart child seat! Mine weighs a ton and would not fit there so it was impossible to grocery shop! Then, pick a nice stroller to use from 6 months on with the following features: reclining seat, baby tray with space for sippy cup and cheerios, mommy tray with place for water bottle and keys, canopy. I haven’t found the perfect stroller with these features that will fold up and fit in a car trunk, but I’m sure its out there!  Definitely go on line and read customer ratings before buying anything.
-We LOVE our Britax roundabout convertible carseat. We began using this when Parker outgrew his infant seat. You could, technically, just use it from the beginning, but you couldn’t tote it around like an infant seat, which comes in pretty handy. I would definitely recommend this brand for the future even though it is more expensive. They are very well made and comfortable for baby.


Other things we like:

Evenflo Exersaucer- very entertaining and a good way to keep him busy in one spot while making dinner or doing laundry!
Canus Goats Milk baby products- very soothing on the skin and smell amazing!
Door Frame bouncer- endless entertainment for baby and parents!
Fisher Price portable booster seat- this is great when you are traveling to a place without a high chair. You could even use it on a picnic. Parker was able to use it starting at 6 months and it straps onto any normal kitchen chair and is only about $25.00. Great for grandma and grandpa’s house!

Those are the main areas, now, I can tell you a few things we didn’t use (and you’re welcome to them!):
1. Tummy Time mats…. Babies can have tummy time anywhere and aren’t old enough to care about the mat when they need to be doing “tummy time”.
2. Exercise mats with things that hang down to play with…. Once again, Parker usually just wanted to play on a blanket with toys he could really get a hold of. He did, however, like to watch a mobile in the crib.
3. Bumbo seat- some people swear by these, but for the price, I didn’t think it was all that great. At first he just sort of slumped over in it, and by the time he fit it better it just annoyed him to be so immobilized.
4. Baby Bjorn carrier- For heavens sake don’t spend $100 on one of these things. The other brands do exactly the same thing and you can find them anywhere for around $25.00!

I’m sure I’ll think of more later, but this is a start! 