The great thing about having recently had a baby is that I have most of the baby essentials pretty much covered (especially if this next one is a girl!) Now, there are things that will have to be replaced--I will need a stroller that can accommodate two babies, for example! And I will probably want a new carseat, since the one I have only holds a baby up to 20 lbs or so and is a bit smaller than some of the current models. I will want one of the carrier varieties that is a bit larger so that I don't have to worry about another carseat until the baby is actually a year old. Hopefully, big sister will be ready for a smaller, booster-style by then, and we won't have to attach big brother to the luggage rack! So to make up for the fact that I have most of the basics covered, there are a number of things that I found that I would have loved to have with the last one, that I will probably be buying in increments while I wait for number 3! So I'm listing these so that I won't forget, and so that other parents can see the cool stuff that is out there to make our lives easier! I confess--I love baby gadgets!
Baby Shopping List
Duo stroller
Infant seat that holds up to 30 lbs
Crib futon (for the toddler bed, actually)
Nurse-N-Glow Lighted Nursing Pillow -or- The Nursing Nest (anyone have a favorite?)
Electronic Nasal Aspirator!!!
And one of those thermometers that takes a reading off of the forehead.
Actually, that's the list right now. I will also be buying more babyproofing things for the apartment, since the toddler will be able to roam pretty freely. For example:
Baby gates for either side of the walk-through kitchen
Door knob protectors (thinking of Anastasia's post)
Knob covers for the stove (if the knobs are on the front)
Power strip safety covers
And of course, I have my own list:
Momma Shopping List
Nursing Patterns: dress pattern, nursing twinset pattern
Sling Pattern
All manner of Earth Mama Angel Baby Products!
And look at this cool alternative to a hospital gown! (I won't buy this one--kinda frivolous)
I have already bought a very cute batik print to make the sling--it's creamy with light hints of greeny-blues, and has a purplish vine-pattern on it. I'm excited about it! I also bought a pattern to make a cute purse that will coordinate, but it has enough pockets & flaps and compartments to accommodate diapers & wipes--just a small to-go bag. There are other baby carrier patterns that interest me, too. Here are a couple with directions online:
Beth's Man Tai (silly name)
Mae Mei Tai
And here's an article about someone who's had almost as much trouble with baby carriers as I have! Clearly, the second trimester is here and I'm getting into baby-mode. Now if only I didn't have to grade, write, and prepare for a class that starts May 29th. Oh! And move! Anyone got a truck? ;)
6 comments:
On the double stroller... go to Babies 'R Us and try them out. Have your soon-to-be-not-the-youngest-anymore child sit in the front seat, and see which stroller is easiest to maneuver.
We have a Graco duo-glider and like it very much. Other friends have the Jeep stroller, which seems to work well also.
Thanks for the tip, Ray! We looked at the Sit 'n Stand at Target and were not overly impressed, though the concept seems neat. It looked complicated & felt cheap. I welcome any other feedback from people who have double strollers! I bought a new stroller that folds very compactly before finding out I was pregnant, but I guess the days of back-of-the-vehicle space are numbered! :P
Have you seen "My Brest Friend?" It's a pretty cool nursing pillow for when you are nursing from a sitting position. The website is www.mybrestfriend.com.
By the way, the lighted nursing pillow looks great! You would know that it can be quite challenging nursing a baby in the middle of the night with no light!
-C
I've always rather wondered if the "My Brest Friend" was any different from the Boppy, when all is said & done. It looks like it operates according to the same principle. I just never remember to use a pillow when I'm sitting up. Instead, I end up nursing with gorilla posture and hurting my back! I'll have to work on that with the next one...
My gosh...they have electronic aspirators now??
I feel like such a fossil.
I'm a sling purist myself. Never been much for the mei tai style carrier for babies, although I did have a rugged canvas with buckling nylon straps mei tai style toddler side carrier that was a boon when I had two walking kids under 3. Not sure if it's still being made.
I'm really excited about the electronic aspirator! It says the baby barely realizes you're doing anything before it's done! And the way I had to hold my poor little girl down & make her scream (and generate more snot) to clear her nose... I just have to get it!!
I'm curious about the mei tai. I would like to try it out with my toddler--I wanted one today so that I could have let her see what we were doing while we were packing & straightening things. I think a sling would be best for a little baby, and if I can get the baby used to it early, I think I will be able to use it for a while... Anyway, I've decided that I will make a few this time instead of buying & then selling again on eBay!! This trial-and-error can get expensive!
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