Holden is 10 weeks old today. The time is flying by and I am now an experienced mother who knows exactly what I'm doing. HA! I kid. I'm thinking I will never know what I'm doing, but I have realized something: You really don't need all of the stuff you thought you'd need. When we went to register at our ginormous baby store, we registered for everything because that's what "they" tell you to do. And we were modest in our registering...we thought we were being practical. Well, now, in my sage wisdom, I can tell you some of the shit you don't need (at least this is what I am finding...I'm sure it's not the same for all so please don't take offence) and some of the stuff you absolutely do need. Happy registering for the soon to be mommies out there- have fun with it. Hope you find my little list helpful (or at least fun:)
DON'T NEED:
-Those little mitts for your newborns hands. Most newborn shirts have fold over sleeves that work great, and those mitts fall off and disappear in your washing machine (much like baby socks. Yes, you need these...but the dryer eats them.)
- Really fancy butt creams. I have about 10 different butt creams that contain calendula, chamomile and lots of other wonderful ingredients for my little ones precious tush. It just so happens that he has the most sensitive skin in the world, so now we have a big 'ol tub of Aquafor that works wonders to keep his hiney rash free.
-Crib bumpers- I actually don't have one because I cancelled it from my custom crib bedding order.They are officially dubbed "dangerous" by the important people at the American Academy of Pediatrics. Don't take the risk of putting one in your baby's crib just so it looks nice. Not worth it.
-A bumbo (sorry Heather ; )- I was obsessed with getting one of these and I did! Holden hated it, and soon after, reports of baby's falling out of them and cracking their skulls were reported. Again, not worth the risk...but if you do use one, for goodness sake, watch your baby!
-Baby blankets- I love all of my baby blankets, and I use quite a few of them regularly. But, you do not have to register for them! It is inevitable that you will receive lots as gifts.
- Also, don't register for baby clothes. You will have more clothing in your baby's closet than Kim Kardashian has in her closet. Only wash a handful of items at a time, and keep receipts so you can exchange them for a bigger size if necessary.
- A huge stroller. Ok, I know this is like talking religion & politics in the baby world, and I may get flamed for this...but I see zero reason for a $1000 stroller. I think it is the biggest waste of money ever. I don't even think you need a big, heavy travel system. Get a Snap & Go and you will be set...donate the other $900 you would have spent on your Bugaboo to charity. Simplify people.
- Dr. Brown's bottles- Before you scream that I am psychotic and that Dr. Brown's bottles saved your life, hear me out. I hear they are fantastic and I registered for them, and got them with all their million accessories. BUT, if you don't have a colicky, fussy or gassy baby, why the hell would you want to wash 5 parts on each bottle?? If you are using a bottle, I say start with something a bit more simple (love my Avent bottles for pumped breastmilk) and switch to the Dr. Brown's if you need them. You spend about 1/4 of your day washing bottles when you have the simple bottles, so don't bump it up to 1/2 a day unless absolutely necessary.
Now, on the contrary- here are some things you (and your baby) cannot live without:
- A "gardeners" knee pad. If you have to kneel on your tiled bathroom floor to give Baby a bath- head to Home Depot and buy one of these for $4.00. Your knees will thank you.
-A Sound machine- We are in love with ours. It sounds natural and it really, truly helps Holden sleep a solid 6-8 hours at night. This one isn't pretty or fancy, but check out the reviews. Totally worth it!
-Sleep sacks- I love the ones that are sleeveless so you can still put a pj on Baby. They are much safer than a blanket and are super cuddly for your little one.
-Swaddlers- I, like all the other moms who read blogs and magazines, love my Aden & Anais swaddle blankets. They are big, and stretchy and great. But, I also love my Swaddle Me blanket sleepers. Yes, they are a bit pricey at about $20 each, but I have 2 and wash them often (what's the difference, I do laundry about 100 times a day anyway!). Holden sleeps great when he is swaddled tightly in one of these and the are really comfy cozy for the winter.
- A high grade breast pump. I'll keep this short and sweet... if you are pumping lots (like me, I am almost exclusively pumping) rent a medical grade pump. Let me know if you want info and I would love to give it to you.
- A baby sling- Like any hippie granola head mommie, I love my baby sling. I don't wear Holden all of the time, but for me, it is a wonderful tool to have him close to me while having my hands free to do some housework (like the bottle cleaning and laundry mentioned above).
- A My Brest Friend pillow- If you are Breastfeeding, get one. Love it.
- A Pack n Play- A total yes for all of the traveling parents. I got one with the newborn napper and the changing pad...didn't use either of those though. I also have a Pack n Play at my mom's house. Great idea to have the basics at Grandma's if you are there a lot!
- Swing/Bouncy chair- Love this for when I need to shower especially. Holden just chills out in the bathroom with me and listens to the water!
- Boppy changing pad covers for your changing pad cover. Yes, your new baby will poop and pee all over your fancy (in my case, custom made) changing pad cover. Get these little pads by Boppy to put on top of the cover and you will be washing your cover less and changing baby on a naked plastic changing pad less.
-A camera. And a camcorder. And a Shutterfly account.- Take lots of pictures. And now, is the time to buy that Kodak flipcam you've been eyeing. They are adorable and deserve to log hours of film on your videocam.
And lastly, LOVE (duh)!!! Cuddle that sweet baby of yours and he will not know if you have fancy baby stuff or the bare necessities. They are pretty non materialistic and low maintenance at this point!
No comments:
Post a Comment