Overwhelmed?

Question

I'm only 9w+3d so still early on but decided to go into a baby superstore today for a look around. I didn't expect to feel SO overwhelmed by everything. It feels like there's million different products needed,
a ridiculous amount of choice and so much to learn. How (and when) did you get started buying things? And how did you know where to start 😕

Answer

Just a tip, don't feel like up need to buy everything the people at the store tell you you need!  Also, you can get some stuff later on.  There is a lot you'll put on your registry that you will never use!!  Check blogs or ask other moms what's really necessary!!

Answer

Honestly, the baby needs a place to sleep, a place for her/his clothes, clothes, a car seat, stroller, and diapers. Aside from that, you won't need toys etc for a while. And you can buy them according to your little ones personality and needs.

Answer

Babies dont *need* awhole lot of things. It mainly depends on the type of lifestyle you want. For example, a baby bathtub. You dont need one because you can bathe a baby without one, but how important is that convenience to you? Do you need a changing table? Not really because you change baby on the floor or just add a changing pad to a dresser. 
When I was looking at items to get, I wanted items that would last awhile or had multiple uses. I got a pack and play with an infant sleeper attachment instead of a crib. I got a normal size dresser which baby will always use and put a changing pad on it. I got a bouncer/swing combo so i didnt have so much baby furniture(a plus for my small apartment). I got a lazy boy instead of a rockong chair because its way more comfortable and i wouldnt mind seeing it in the living room. 
There's alot of fancy new products that really arent necessary especially once you get the hang of parenting. So read mom blogs like the other commenter said to get an idea of what works for some other moms that you can relate to.

Answer

Often times stores have registry checklists. This is a great place to start. Also, if you have any friends who are pregnant you can try looking at their registry for ideas. You definitely don't need everything on the checklist, but it gives you an idea about the types of things you might want. 
Start by researching car seats. A travel system (infant car seat/stroller set that click together) is the way to go so you never have to wake your sleeping baby. You'll also need a bassinet or something for the baby to sleep in for the first few months. I was totally overwhelmed when I first got started as well, but rest assured, 9 months is a long time for research! I was obsessed with YouTube videos about "newborn must haves" and learned a lot from video reviews of products. Have fun!

Answer

I know it seems overwhelming in the beginning, but people will get a lot for you at the shower, and the rest I just kinda compiled the last 10 weeks and I was completely prepared. Make lists. Talk to moms. I'm a better safe than sorry type, so make sure to have medicine, some soothing tools like a rocker, a swing, a bouncer, a white noise machine, swaddles and binkys. Other than that, just think a lot of zippered pjs, a place to sleep, car seat and stroller, bath supplies, and a few toys and books to start engaging baby when he/she is ready. I'm sure I'm missing a few things, but you do not need everything in this stores!!!!

Answer

I had a few girlfriends with young babies send me the lists they worked off of to do their registries. It helped to see what the common things were that they used, didn't need, etc. It'll also help to decide where baby will sleep, how you'll feed, etc. because that will impact what you actually need. The store checklists are helpful as a jumping off point but their point is to get you to buy one of everything!

Answer

Worry about necessities like crib and car seat first. Figure out what you will want for other things and your own mom style. Some moms want to do all organic and green. Others worry about different things. Figure out your budget for stuff. Decide if you are going to breast feed. I strongly recommend consumer reports. 
I'm 24 weeks 4 days and I still don't have a decision made on some baby stuff by as long as I have it by the time she is born or by the time I needed I'm not stressing.

Answer

Someone suggested to us to do one thing at a time. Like travel systems/car seat/strollers. Do your research on one thing, go to the store to look at that one thing, register or buy that one thing. Couple weeks later do it again for something else like bassinet/crib/pack n play. Then bottles/feeding supplies. Then decor. Then diapering/bath supplies. It made it less overwhelming to break it up. Also, I did a lot online. Unless I really wanted to see/touch in person I just skipped the overwhelming store. Also, I found it good to just register for EVERYTHING. If I got it great, if not it made budgeting and keeping things organized a lot easier. Also most places give you a discount to complete your registry & if you register online they have list to check off and see what all is available in the category. I just used these categories when researching and shopping.

Answer

I felt the same way! Look at lucieslist.com, it narrows each category down to the top 2 or 3 so it's a little less overwhelming. Good luck!!

Answer

We also moved early in our pregnancy (now 21+2) so I wasn't expecting much help with getting things/having a shower. But don't underestimate family and friends, as I've learned since sharing the news! 😂 one thing I did was go through the list on Finnish baby box (designed to give you the key basics for first year of baby's life) and make that my base shopping list, alongside place to sleep and a travel system. We are nowhere near done, so don't worry too much just yet - you have time! Also, id suggest joining prenatal yoga in your area if you can to meet other future mamas for support xx

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