Quote:
Originally Posted by cryfreedom4136
SO we went shopping for cribs, strollers, and car seats today...I have decided that shopping for car seats is by far the most overwhelming thing I have ever done
|
Is this your first child? We just had our first 3 weeks ago. Below is a list of things that have been GREAT, well worth the money, and would suggest them to anyone having a child (in no particular order):
baby bag: Get something that is big and LOTS of pockets. We have gone out about 4-5 times now and have overpacked b/c we are first timers. And the bag is GREAT. 3 outfits, 6 diapers, 4 bottles, blanket, wipes, pacifiers...ok, you get the picture.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=2307251
Storage bins: Cant get enough of these! Here is a link to some, but we got ours at Target for like 3 bucks each. You wont believe how handy these are.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=3066895
Long sleeved onesies: There legs are typically covered with a blanket. But there arms and hands always look cold. We bought about 3 dozen of these and she looks so much warmer and we feel like we are being much better parents.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=2666350
Swaddle blankets: WOW. One of the best gifts we have received. They have been in the belly for 9+months and have been confined. They love it. It is a shock to them to be able to move there arms and legs about. This helps in the transition and helps TREMENDOUSLY when its time to sleep. And that will help you out. AND it is true. Sleep when they sleep. Your baby, you, your husband, your health, and especially your milk will be MUCH better.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...llingItem=true
Bottles: Dont mess with the plastic ones. Get glass. SOOOO much better for your baby. Evenflow makes GREAT bottles that we have been using. Dont mess with all the BPA issues that have been surrounding the plastic bottles. And these bottles come with nipples that have a great 'technology' which modify themselves to how your baby drinks. Dont ask me...I dont know how it works, but I can say that our daughter was very gassy and spitting up a lot more with the avent and dr brown bottles. These have been GREAT.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=2864795
Bundle me sleeping bag/cover for the car seat: This has been a good buy. This keeps her warm and comfortable. There have been 2 times when we got in the car and there was a chill but this kept her very snug (as a bug!).
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=2266848
Pacifiers: MUST HAVE. Get atleast 4-6 of the smallest ones for your childs first few months.
Pack n Play: This has worked out very well, because of one major reason. It has a changing station with it. You wont believe how much this helps. You dont want to have to go back to the one room with a changing station. I would suggest having 2-3 'stations' set up. You hear they pee and poop all the time. WELL THEY DO IT...TIMES 12!!!! Have mini stations every where. It helps. So we have this in our living room for her to sleep in also.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=2959499
On the theme of diapers...GET THIS! Is the best price and works the best. We were told about this by other parents and after reading up on it, it was the best around. Period. Dont bother with the ones that you buy the insert scents and 'stuff'.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=2373422
Blankets: Cant get enough of these. We have about a dozen blankets. The fleece ones are GREAT. Leave a few of these in each room. Your baby will sleep anywhere and these help.
Sleep sack: Read up on these. They were invented by a mom who lost her child to SIDS. I know, you dont want to think about this. But it will be on your mind. This keeps her warm. And you shouldnt use blankets if you are not right with them. Use this and you will sleep well knowing your child is ok.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=2809119
Gowns: These come in handy when changing diapers. And you will be doing OFTEN. We try to put her in these every night. She is warm with a onesy under it during the day and with a sleep sack at night. And she just looks SOOOO adorable with this. If we had a boy, we would still use these. Mostly because I would take a million photos and share with everyone at his bachelor party and wedding.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=3126630
Books: we have bought two collections and I read to her every day. 1st is Shel Silverstein. Better than Dr Seuss (IMO). Sidenote, we do have dr seuss also, but I read her Shel.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw...rstein&x=0&y=0
And, Beatrice Potter collection (peter rabbit).
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw...sprefix=beatri
We actually decorated her room as a peter rabbit theme: Lamp, clock, height tracker, bumper/blankets, wallsies (get these...they are fun to put up!!!), as well as other items. Is very cute.
Ok, that is just my opinion. A little long winded and I could suggest other things that have helped over the last 3 weeks, so please ask. There are a number of us on here that will give you suggestions and advice. DONT LISTEN TO ANYONES ADVICE THOUGH! Just be a good parent and do what is right. It's worked for us...SO FAR!!! ANd have fun. Its a great day when you deliver and every day after gets better!