Baby List

[Trinique_Fire]

So, I have quite a bit of baby things accumulated already, including a stroller and diaper genie, but I'm almost positive I'm missing things. Lots of you have kids, so if you could, I'd love to know what you think I'm going to need. Don't get me wrong, I've got nieces and nephews and years of baby experience, but somewhere in the hustle and bustle of prepping for my OWN, I'm bound to forget something (or a few somethings).

Can you contribute suggestions to the ultimate baby list?

 

[Trinique_Fire]

At the top: Diapers.

 

[impressive]

IMO, you get inundated with newborn stuff -- but what gets really expensive is childproofing when baby starts to toddle. By that time, all the gift-givers have done their thing, and it all falls on you.

 

[Trinique_Fire]

IMO, you get inundated with newborn stuff -- but what gets really expensive is childproofing when baby starts to toddle. By that time, all the gift-givers have done their thing, and it all falls on you.

Child proofing!! That's a good reminder to add to my little lavender book! Thanks for that one.

 

[cloudy]

* at least three crib sheets, preferably more (sometimes they go through them damn fast)
* some old-fashioned cloth diapers (they make great burp cloths, and you can put them under an infants face when you put them to bed, so if they spit up, you don't have to change the crib sheet)
* onsies - especially if the baby is born in the spring or summer - they'll live in these
* stroller
* carseat
* punkin seat (the tiny carseat, for when they're itty-bitty)
* one of those head supporter thingys for the above car seat
* bibs - lots and lots of bibs
* socks - lots and lots of these, too. You'll lose about a third of them in the wash, they're so tiny
* you'll eventually need a high chair, but not right away
* receiving blankets - lots of these, too
* pacifiers - baby may not want one, but if they'll take it, it can be a godsend
* bottles, nipples, bottle brush, etc - if you're going this route
* some kind of music box or mobile that hangs over the crib. Even a box fan in the baby's room will work. DO NOT fall into the trap of having the house dead silent when it's time for the young'un to go to sleep, or the baby will wake up at the least creak of a floor.
* long terrycloth one-piece sleepers. Lots of these (they're thin enough even for the summer, and my kids constantly kicked the covers off)
* one of those window shade thingys for the car window. A baby's delicate skin will sunburn through the window in a split second

I'll keep thinking...

 

[Trinique_Fire]

* at least three crib sheets, preferably more (sometimes they go through them damn fast)
* some old-fashioned cloth diapers (they make great burp cloths, and you can put them under an infants face when you put them to bed, so if they spit up, you don't have to change the crib sheet)
* onsies - especially if the baby is born in the spring or summer - they'll live in these
* stroller
* carseat
* punkin seat (the tiny carseat, for when they're itty-bitty)
* one of those head supporter thingys for the above car seat
* bibs - lots and lots of bibs
* socks - lots and lots of these, too. You'll lose about a third of them in the wash, they're so tiny
* you'll eventually need a high chair, but not right away
* receiving blankets - lots of these, too
* pacifiers - baby may not want one, but if they'll take it, it can be a godsend
* bottles, nipples, bottle brush, etc - if you're going this route
* some kind of music box or mobile that hangs over the crib. Even a box fan in the baby's room will work. DO NOT fall into the trap of having the house dead silent when it's time for the young'un to go to sleep, or the baby will wake up at the least creak of a floor.
* long terrycloth one-piece sleepers. Lots of these (they're thin enough even for the summer, and my kids constantly kicked the covers off)
* one of those window shade thingys for the car window. A baby's delicate skin will sunburn through the window in a split second

I'll keep thinking...

I need better carseat education. I have one...how do I know what the hell size child it's for? It will rarely be used in a car, since I don't have one, but I can't avoid cars altogether, so I need one, obviously.

 

[Recidiva]

Congratulations!

Boppy Pillow.

Don't leave the uterus without it.

 

[Trinique_Fire]

Congratulations!

Boppy Pillow.

Don't leave the uterus without it.

Got it. One of the first things I received, actually.

I've heard it's a Godsend, and I'm not going to attempt this mommy thing without it!

 

[impressive]

Perhaps you could set up an account at MyRegistry.com

 

[Recidiva]

Got it. One of the first things I received, actually.

I've heard it's a Godsend, and I'm not going to attempt this mommy thing without it!

Definitely a Godsend. With the Boppy Pillow by your side (or wrapped around your waist, or propping up the baby...) you've got this mommy thing whipped already.

 

[Trinique_Fire]

Perhaps you could set up an account at MyRegistry.com

Hey...it looks good. I'll have to sign up and send said information to my less than enthusiastic family members, and of course, enthusiastic friends. It'll be good for those that don't live close too.

It'll be interesting to see how the (blood) family responds to this one. *straight face*

I love it Imp, thanks!

 

[cloudy]

I forgot the towels and washcloths, and one of those bathtubs with the foam insert thing is a real help if you're not used to bathing a tiny one...it'll keep them in one place, and not slipping out of your grasp. And, of course, some baby wash, etc.

It's good to keep some type of ointment around, just in case of diaper rash. I always used A & D, and it worked fine.

* You'll need safety nail clippers...you'll be surprised at how fast their fingernails grow.
* a digital thermometer, and some Infant Motrin/Tylenol
* baby wipes
* diaper bag, or some kind of large tote bag

I think that's pretty much the basics, although I probably forgot something.

 

[Trinique_Fire]

I forgot the towels and washcloths, and one of those bathtubs with the foam insert thing is a real help if you're not used to bathing a tiny one...it'll keep them in one place, and not slipping out of your grasp. And, of course, some baby wash, etc.

It's good to keep some type of ointment around, just in case of diaper rash. I always used A & D, and it worked fine.

* You'll need safety nail clippers...you'll be surprised at how fast their fingernails grow.
* a digital thermometer, and some Infant Motrin/Tylenol
* baby wipes
* diaper bag, or some kind of large tote bag

I think that's pretty much the basics, although I probably forgot something.

I've got the washcloths covered, as well as a baby bath. It's like a little mesh cradle type thing, very simple. I've got some baby wash. I've also got two diaper bags.

I still need the clippers, butt paste, baby wipes, thermometer, and meds...

Someplace around here gives away free breast pumps, but my question is, do you think it's wise to learn to pump and dump just in case? In that case, I'll need bottles, bottle warmer, inserts (if needed), nipples, etc. I've got the bottle brush...

 

[cheerful_deviant]

The list so far is quite good.

Things to stay away from dispite what Babies R Us says:

Crib bumpers. Big entanglement danger. No baby is going bump it's head on the slats hard enough to do anything. Also, once the baby gets older they make it easier to climb out.

Sleep positioners: Another entanglement danger. The manufacturers say they reduce the risk of sids but most experts and doctors say avoid them.

Wipe warmers: Fire and electrocution hazard from cheaply made products.



For what it's worth, I found this to be one of the best Baby Books on the market.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-12/1290194/BabyBook.jpg​

Very helpful for the first time parent. A good refrence for those 3am, "Is this normal? What do I do now?" moments.

Something every mother should have,

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-12/1290194/bijon.jpg​

A Baby Bijon (sp?) carrier. Other companies make similar carriers but we've found this one to be the best by a long shot. Try to get one with the lower back support. They are pretty expensive but well worth the money in the long run.

 

[Trinique_Fire]

The list so far is quite good.

Things to stay away from dispite what Babies R Us says:

Crib bumpers. Big entanglement danger. No baby is going bump it's head on the slats hard enough to do anything. Also, once the baby gets older they make it easier to climb out.

Sleep positioners: Another entanglement danger. The manufacturers say they reduce the risk of sids but most experts and doctors say avoid them.

Wipe warmers: Fire and electrocution hazard from cheaply made products.



For what it's worth, I found this to be one of the best Baby Books on the market.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-12/1290194/BabyBook.jpg​

Very helpful for the first time parent. A good refrence for those 3am, "Is this normal? What do I do now?" moments.

Something every mother should have,

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-12/1290194/bijon.jpg​

A Baby Bijon (sp?) carrier. Other companies make similar carriers but we've found this one to be the best by a long shot. Try to get one with the lower back support. They are pretty expensive but well worth the money in the long run.

I've got a Snugli...will that do for now? That's good to know about the wipe warmer...I was sort of back and forth on the issue of having one. Crib bumpers...? Really?? I have no idea what a sleep positioner is, so I won't worry about that at all.

I'm going to have to check out that book, if nothing else, my local library probably has it.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

I've got a Snugli...will that do for now? That's good to know about the wipe warmer...I was sort of back and forth on the issue of having one. Crib bumpers...? Really?? I have no idea what a sleep positioner is, so I won't worry about that at all.

I'm going to have to check out that book, if nothing else, my local library probably has it.

The Snugli is a little different. Some people like it more actually.We like the Bijon more but if you already have one don't spend the money, the Snugil will work just fine.

The sleep positioner is those little padsets they sell to keep the baby on it's back while it's sleeping. http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/leachco_1948_13129005
According to some research a baby sleeping on it's back has a lower risk of sids. But most Docs and experts agree the the risks of having more stuff in the crib outweigh the benifits.

 

[Trinique_Fire]

The Snugli is a little different. Some people like it more actually.We like the Bijon more but if you already have one don't spend the money, the Snugil will work just fine.

The sleep positioner is those little padsets they sell to keep the baby on it's back while it's sleeping. http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/leachco_1948_13129005
According to some research a baby sleeping on it's back has a lower risk of sids. But most Docs and experts agree the the risks of having more stuff in the crib outweigh the benifits.

Yep, never seen one of those. None of the kids in my family have used one, so I don't really have an opinion on a sleep positioner. SIDS terrifies me though, so anything I can do to avoid the issue is a thumbs up for me.

I was happy about the Snugli because I didn't realize I'd received one until I reached the bottom of the box.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

Yep, never seen one of those. None of the kids in my family have used one, so I don't really have an opinion on a sleep positioner. SIDS terrifies me though, so anything I can do to avoid the issue is a thumbs up for me.

I was happy about the Snugli because I didn't realize I'd received one until I reached the bottom of the box.

Unfortunatly they still don't know all that much about SIDS. They are working on it but no big breakthrus yet. Big things to remember:

Always put you baby to sleep on it's back.

No toys in the crib till they're older. They may look cute but a baby can't move well and can get smothered by them.

Make sure the mattress is firm. Some say a soft mattress makes for a higher risk. (Not sure how true that one is.)

For preverntion of SIDS, breast is best. Breastfeeding babys have a lower rate of SIDS than formula fed babies.

Use of a pacifier may help reduce to risk of sids as well but can cause problems with low milk supply if breastfeeding.

Check out this site for more info: SIDS

 

[logophile]

OK, I'm going out on a limb here, and I'm sure I'll be wildly unpopular because of it.

But!

I'm used to that.

What you really, really need for your baby is this:

Arms to hold her (going with one gender here, though I know you haven't found out yet).
Breasts to feed her.
A bed big enough for the two of you.
A few clothes to keep her warm.
Diapers for her sweet cheeks.
More patience on less sleep than you've ever known.

Seriously, Trini.
Everything else is just... things.
Women all over the world are fabulous moms raising brilliant, incredible, sensitive, loving babies.

We live in a country where we feel we must amass belongings before we can do ANYTHING. It just isn't so.

Yes, it's nice to have cute clothes and toys and diaper genies and exersaucers and johnny jump-ups and wipe warmers and and and - but it's so not necessary. When your baby is born, she will be programmed to want YOU. That's all. I might add to my incredibly short list that you should pick up a baby sling. Not a front pack, they're almost impossible to nurse in. A sling. There are many on the market. Contact your local LLL (La Leche League) group and get to a meeting BEFORE the baby comes. Ask about slings, the moms will help find the best ones. An LLL meeting before baby will also give you the chance to start building a support before you're desperate for support.

You know I'm here, on the other end of the computer. I'll talk you through whatever I can.

Believe in yourself. Your baby already does!

 

[starrkers]

Don't panic about the SIDS thing, Trini. I had three kids. With the first I was told not to let them sleep on their back, they had to sleep on their side to avoid SIDS. And NEVER but NEVER let them sleep on their stomach. Five years later, they weren't allowed on their sides, they had to sleep on their back because new research had shown that more babies were dying of SIDS on their sides than their backs.

Wonder if it occurred to them that this might be because they'd been telling people to put their kids on their sides, not their back, SO MORE KIDS WERE SLEEPING ON THEIR SIDES ANYWAY.

My personal take on it is this: babies die of SIDS because, basically, they fall so deep asleep they forget to breathe. They're in a cot alone with nothing to rouse them. My kids spent a goodly proportion of their sleeping time with their parents (no, you won't roll on your baby and kill it, I guarantee it - oh, of course, unless you're either drunk or whacked out of your skull and then you shouldn't be near a baby anyway). The noise and movement of other bodies was enough to keep them from sleeping too deep.

I also had crib bumpers on my cot for all three kids. I didn't have a bassinett (cradle) - they grow out of them too fast to warrant the expense. The bumpers have an enclosed feel, kept the breezes off sleeping babies. And I never had a problem with them at all. I took them out when the kids started pulling themselves up to stand in the cot.

 

[cloudy]

Don't panic about the SIDS thing, Trini. I had three kids. With the first I was told not to let them sleep on their back, they had to sleep on their side to avoid SIDS. And NEVER but NEVER let them sleep on their stomach. Five years later, they weren't allowed on their sides, they had to sleep on their back because new research had shown that more babies were dying of SIDS on their sides than their backs.

Wonder if it occurred to them that this might be because they'd been telling people to put their kids on their sides, not their back, SO MORE KIDS WERE SLEEPING ON THEIR SIDES ANYWAY.

My personal take on it is this: babies die of SIDS because, basically, they fall so deep asleep they forget to breathe. They're in a cot alone with nothing to rouse them. My kids spent a goodly proportion of their sleeping time with their parents (no, you won't roll on your baby and kill it, I guarantee it - oh, of course, unless you're either drunk or whacked out of your skull and then you shouldn't be near a baby anyway). The noise and movement of other bodies was enough to keep them from sleeping too deep.

I also had crib bumpers on my cot for all three kids. I didn't have a bassinett (cradle) - they grow out of them too fast to warrant the expense. The bumpers have an enclosed feel, kept the breezes off sleeping babies. And I never had a problem with them at all. I took them out when the kids started pulling themselves up to stand in the cot.

My first baby, they told me she absolutely had to be put to bed on her stomach.

My second, they told me that he absolutely had to be put to bed on his side.

My third baby, they told me that he absolutely had to be put to bed on his back.

*shrug*

They're all fine.

Logo: your list is perfect.

 

[cheerful_deviant]

I agree, Logo is spot on. (But some of the stuff still makes it easier. )

As for sleeping, all three of my daughters slept with me and my wife till they were at least 2. (The littlest deviant still does.) It goes against most or the recomendations by the 'experts' but oh well. All three made it just fine. But you do need to take some extra precautions for sleep. Keep away from the heavy blankets, good bedrails, etc.

 

[cloudy]

I agree, Logo is spot on. (But some of the stuff still makes it easier. )

As for sleeping, all three of my daughters slept with me and my wife till they were at least 2. (The littlest deviant still does.) It goes against most or the recomendations by the 'experts' but oh well. All three made it just fine. But you do need to take some extra precautions for sleep. Keep away from the heavy blankets, good bedrails, etc.

My youngest still sleeps with me, and he's almost eight. I don't think it hurts them at all. In fact, it's only fairly recently that families don't all pile in together to sleep. (Youngest had heart surgery when he was tiny, and had problems sleeping afterwards - I could either go into work after a sleepless night, or put him in bed with me. Guess which solution won out?)

 

[glynndah]

A rocking chair with arms at just the right height.

 

[christabelll]

A great advice

My little ones slept with me until they started getting their milk teeth and biting me anyway LOLOL.... I had a bassinet and a crib... mostly they were in those when I couldnt hold them - because I was in the shower or cooking
Dont let any one tell you will spoil your BABY by holding them.

If you were/are a heavy sleeper enjoy it- because once the baby is here - that ends.

CLOTH diapers - preferably green cotton ones... More than you think you could possibly need. You will use every last one of them!

Pacifiers if you must (I hated them LOL and my kids didnt much like them either LOL)

LLL provides a wonderful "breast ointment", this works on all things chapped and painful including babies bottoms...

Air is best for rash :> but LLL and A & D ( if your not allergic to its base materials) are great - and olive oil will work in a pinch if you are stranded with no way to get to the store.

A plain ole box of cornstarch for powder. Forget scented talcum powder - I failed to see how powdered stone was good for anything LOL-

Onesies and socks under the terry or fleece sleepers - The more the merrier- truly unless you plan on marketing baby to advertising agencies - they will live in onesies and footed sleepers... Those cute little outfits aside

And all the newborn stuff is fab - truly and just cute as heck - however -
get more stuff in the 3 6 10 and 12 sizes if you can... Like Imp expressed and implied its when they are older and more apt to get into mischief that the supplies and things you need tend to be lacking...

Look into midwifery agencies for where you are - and find a doctor you trust -

As for breastfeeding - it really is the best - and that first week - bar none - is crucial for the long term health of your child. Pumping is a way that if you must leave your child for any length of time - that they get all the breast fed goodness you can provide - sometimes it simply isnt convenient to pop a breast out, ya know?

If you chose to use formula - be aware - they are very constipating for a baby- and there is nothing worse than watching your baby crunt and strain and cry because its constipated. What my grandmother and cousins and mom all suggested and it worked like a charm! was KARO-DARK syrup in their formula. a teaspoon per 8 oz. I dont know why it works it just did. I breast fed both of mine for four months each - and they both began to refuse (omg that hurt) and wanted other things - I was forced to get them onto formula - after they wouldnt or couldnt eat for a few days- but thats my horror story

You will do just fine darling - some of its pure instinct and some of its figuring it out as you go

(ps yes I want the damned sewing machine! just color me fucking housebound!)