recommendations???

Question

Hey ftm here and I need help with everything I need to buy. So far I have a changing table and crib. But as far as a bassinet, stroller, car seat, swing or vibrating chair... I have no idea what to get. I've looked at reviews but still need help. What are the best brands and what did you other moms find was best for you? I'm really just trying to get the basics. I don't think babies really need that much stuff!!

Answer

FTM but I don't believe in turning my house into a baby nursery store/toy store. I like minimal but well-made items 👍🏼 I've actually had to stop my husband from overbuying 😂

Things we got in anticipation of baby's arrival:

- baby stroller w/ bassinet attachment & car seat (Nuna IVVI). We splurged a bit as I don't drive so the stroller will be my babymobile

- Nuna Sena pack & play w/ bassinet insert, no change table attachment: baby will sleep in it as we didn't bother with a crib. Can be set up and folded down with one hand, somewhat portable at 27lbs

- some change pads by Kushies as we didn't want a change table

- GoToobs by Humangear to fill with coconut oil etc and throw into diaper bag

- Skiphop's 3-stage Moby baby bathtub. Super cute and can be used from newborn - until baby can sit up by himself

- Spectra S1 breast pump. I'll be breastfeeding but husband wants to bottle feed at night. It's apparently quieter & hurts less than the Medela?

- como tomo bottles & kiinde bag system. They were husband's choice as I will just be Momma Human Cow 😊

- Baby Bjorn bouncer that friends gave us

- Ergobaby carrier as husband really wanted to use one. I couldn't care less as I have no intentions of using it.

- husband purchased a breastfeeding pillow even though I didn't want one (was just going to use some of the 38 regular pillows we have already)

That's pretty much it. I love my unborn child but I would rather our money go towards his education fund and annual family vacations vs unnecessary baby stuff that he won't even remember.

Answer

I have both the Boppy and MyBreastfriend pillows.  Boppy has multiple uses but it round and somewhat smaller circumference wise.  MyBreastfriend has a flatter and larger surface which may be easier for breastfeeding.
 
I have Dr Brown Options, Avent, Pigeon (Japanese brand, mine are glass), and Playtex Bottles.  4oz and 8oz.  I also have a drying rack and Dr Brown Sterilizer.  Neither of those two are essential, but they were a preference for me.
 
I DO have a convertible crib, but I will use the pack n play until he can sleep in his room on his own.  
 
TOYS:  until about 3 months toys are NOT essential.  Nice, but not required.  I do have some as I babysit my niece regularly, and also received a lot of hand me downs.  I like the Fisherprice and Baby Einstein toys personally.  Anything with lights and music is great when they are little in my experience, hahaha. 
 
I also have a few Baby books (clothe, plastic, and board books).
 
Get a baby safety kit which includes brushes, a bulb, and thermometer.  You will need all of those.  
 
Hooded towels are nice too, I preferred these over regular towels or robes, just because they were much easier to keep on the wet squirming baby.  Hehehe

Answer

I am a fan of Graco and Chicco (price, sturdy, quality, options, etc.).
 
I have the Graco Modes Click Connect Stroller with the Graco SnugRide infant seat (you can find this at Babies R Us and now Target as well).
 
I am using the Graco Pack n Play (with bassinet insert only, didn't need the mapper or changing thing).  I DO have a mattress (dream on me from Amazon) for the very bottom of the pack n play once he out grows the bassinet.
 
I also have the Graco bouncer/swing combo.  My experience with swings and even bouncers is that some babies love it and others HATE them.
 
I have a Chicco high chair (you will NOT need this any time soon.. maybe 6 months?!).
 
I also have the Chicco KeyFit30 infant seat with Keyfit stroller frame (as my Graco Modes functions similarly, a friend is borrowing this set for her baby due a couple months after mine).
 
I have the Fisherprice mat and a Baby Einstein jumper.  I also have a Fisherprice booster seat (for when we eat anywhere but at home).  
 
I am using Summer video baby monitor (I am hearing impaired, so this is more of a comfort than absolute need as our house is 1 story and not big).
 
I have a contoured Changing Pad but this is NOT essential, just nice to have sometimes.  I will use a normal diaper bag pad or even just a towel throughout the rest of the house.
 
I have the Diaper Genie as I live in Southern California and diapers get stinky FAST in this heat.  You can decide if the cost (the refills are very pricey) is worth it to you.
 
I have the Medela Pump in Style Advanced double electric breast pump, but I received it free of cost via my insurance.  Your OB can send a request around 28 weeks to your insurance who will then contact you in 1-3 weeks.

recommendations???

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey