Your Questions About Baby Care

The Expert answers:

Medela pump in style advanced breast pump

diaper champ is better than the genie (can use any bags for it)

changing table not really necessary

lots of undershirts and footed sleepers for the cold months

wipe warmer and bottle warmer are totally not necessary, the later especially if you are nursing

boppy is useful for breastfeeding, propping up baby after a feed and for when they learn supported sitting

get a convertible bath tub that has a newborn sling, infant seat, and toddler seat side (at bru or target) and lots of wash cloths

I recommend a baby sling or pouch carrier – maya sling is my favorite

an activity mat is good

a vibrating bouncy is nice or swing – we found we didn’t need both. If your swing vibrates you could use that for the first few months and then when they are older use it as a swing. We stopped using our bouncy at about 2.5 months and now she refuses to be in it at five months.

Lots of burp cloths and a few receiving blankets

Oh yeah – also one of those fleece covers for the car seat for the cold weather is nice too -no need for a snow suit then.

The Expert answers:

Yes, it happened at my shower. I had a registrywith everything I actually NEEDED and got hardly any of it, and got mostly only clothes. I had already had tons of clothes thatfriends had given me, and had no need for more and my son STILL has not even worn half of the clothes he got and grew out of them with the tags still on. You can maybe word it politely on the invitations that you don’t need clothes. My cousin (who was just inviting family, it may be different with friends and family-maybe considered rude) had something like this on herinvite:
“Although it is not required, if you would like to purchase a gift for the mommy-to-be please check her registry located at: Traget, Toys-r-us, etc (you get the idea)- for the items she is need for and would like your help in getting. Also of much need is gift cards for future needs of the baby. ”

Hope that helped, good luck!

The Expert answers:

Here are your must haves:
diapers
wipes
onsies
footed sleepers
blankets
something to feed them (pump for breastmilk, or formula)
something to feed them with (bottles, at least 6 small and 6 large)
somewhere for them to sleep that they can’t roll or climb out of

whattoexpect.com has a list of items for the layette, it’s pretty good about the realistic number of the different things you’ll want on hand.

That being said, I’ll give you the comprehensive list of what you can have, with stars next to the stuff that’s actually useful. Keep in mind that if you don’t get everything you will be just fine. Don’t buy anything that isn’t absolutely necessary for yourself, and ask close friends and family to help out with the big ticket items. It’s also a good idea to get stuff like cribs, swings, and the gear used. Since it doesn’t get used for very long it’s usually still il good shape, and you can save 50% or more.

Eating-
*Bottles
*a nipple for every bottle
*bottle liners if you’re using platex bottles
*a bottle/nipple brush
*an insulated bottle bag or lunch box
*reusable freezer packs
*rubber tipped baby spoons
high chair
boppy pillow

Washing
*baby shampoo/body wash
baby lotion
rubbing alcohol wipes for umbilical cord
baby oil for cradle cap
*12 baby washcloths
*3 hooded towels
baby comb
*nail care set
*nasal aspirator
*Qtips
baby bathtub

Diapering
changing table
*baby powder
*butt cream, your choice on brand

Medicine
*infant Tylenol
*digital thermometer
gas drops
cool mist humidifier
*orajel for teething

Sleeping/ Hanging Out
*Crib
*playpen
bassinet
sheets for all of the above
crib set
*receiving blankets
*warmer baby blankets
vibrating bouncy seat
Johnny Jump Up
Exersaucer
Swing
Walker
Snuggli
Baby Bjorn
Mobile

Going Places
*car seat
*snowsuit in winter, preferrably bag type
car seat cover
*stroller
window shades
rearview baby mirror

I think I got it all. If not I’m sure it’s nothing you’ll really need.

The Expert answers:

You will def need
at least 5 oneies
7 gowns
5 full jammies
some hats
mittens
a few socks since sometimes the dip them into a dirty diaper
light blankets and heavy ones
burp clothes
wash clothes
towels at least 3

oh yeah get 0-3 months newborn size doesnt last long

The Expert answers:

Burp cloths: get the Gerber (or similar) cloth diapers (packs of 12). The “pretty” ones aren’t as absorbent, and the Gerber ones can be bleached clean.

A few water-proof crib pads. I put mine on top of the matress pad, so if I need to change a wet sheet, I just change the pad along with it instead of the whole ordeal.

Don’t get too many mittens to start. I bought some to match a lot of outfits—I have a thumb sucker! So the mittens were always wet and then the cold made his hands colder than if they were bare.

Johnson & Johnson have these great Q-tips for babies. They are shaped in a way that makes them safer–they don’t go into the ear canal, they just clean the outer ear.

Diaper rash cream: get the really thick Desitin, not those creamy ones. You want the most zinc oxide you can find in the ingredients: 40% or better. Lansinoh also has a wonderful one. Cleared up my son’s rash over night!

You want to get a large diaper bag and also a small one for just quick trips to the store, etc. You don’t always need to lug everything but the kitchen sink everywhere you go. Sometimes you may just need to pack a diaper, wipes, and your “purse” items.

If you are going to get towels for your baby, make sure they are big. The cute ones are nice, but they grow out of them so quickly. Kohl’s has some nice ones that fit both my 11 month old and my 5 year old.

When your baby gets a little older (4 mos) get the Link a doos. They are great for attaching toys to stroller, car seat, etc.

We got the consumer reports guide to baby which was really helpful. They have tons of lists, too, like you made. With all the essentials and the stuff you don’t need.

If you are in a colder climate, get the Kiddopotomus Posh Pouch. I loved it because I didn’t have to get an uncomfortable and ackward snow suit for my baby. Just put a blanket on him and put him in his car set with the posh pouch on it. It fit his stroller, too.

I agree with Sarah S. The baby Bjorn was a life saver. I would have never gotten anything done around the house if I didn’t have it. I tried a few different slings, but the front carrier worked best. Now that he is older, he loves to face outward to check out his environment. Vacuum while wearing it for some great exercise. 🙂
Congrats and best of luck to you!!!