Totally agree to get the changing table. It will save your back. But don't buy the little changing table pad covers. Use pillowcases. Easy to pull off when it's messy, and believe me, you will see messes beyond your dreams.
I'd get a pad for changing at least. My guess is that Dad or Grandpa or other males will not be willing to change diapers on the floor.
As for swings, if I could do it over again I would buy one of those deluxe papasan swings for $100+. I had a used cheap swing that my baby hated.
I've never had a special diaper pail. But it'll stink if I don't take the trash out every few days.
Here's another thing that's can be totally useless: burp pads and receiving blankets. I'd wait to see if you have a puker before getting a whole bunch.
Something that you not only don't need, but will drive you crazy: any of the myriad of baby/toddler products that make electronic noises (beeping, songs, animal noises, repetitive phrases, announcing letters of the alphabet). Educational or not, these things are the inventions of satan. Plus, they cost money. Make sure relatives know such actively useless gifts are discouraged!
Another big waste of money for us: a nice crib. As the baby also slept in our room... for years, as it turned out.
You do need quite a few clothes for your baby, given that they will throw up and poop all over half a dozen outfits a day, for a while. The key is to get them in bigger sizes so they will last a few months. 6-12 mos. is good instead of newborn.
It's a lot of trial and error like someone said. Congrats on your pregnancy. I have a three month old and we live in a 2BR apartment in LA and we're going to be moving in the next 6 months, so we wanted minimal gear.
For the first two months, we changed our baby on the coffee table because I was nursing her on the couch and it seemed like that's where we were all the time. Now that she nurses a bit less frequently and my mother is no longer living with us, we change her on the bathroom counter. You'll figure out what works for you.
Co-sleeping didn't work for us because my husband is a light sleeper, but we got a pack n play with a bassinet. So far this has worked, although until this week when she has become more mobile, any clean, clear flat space would do as well.
What I don't have that I wish I had was a car seat that would sit on top of grocery carts. The baby can't sit up to ride in the kid compartment of the grocery cart yet. I shop very efficiently, so it feels like a waste of time to get her settled in a sling. What I end up doing is pushing her in her stroller with one arm and holding a basket in the other--awkward.
Someone gave us a baby tub, but it is backbreaking to use in our regular tub, and our kitchen sink spout doesn't have the height to clear the side of the baby tub. For now, I've been washing her in the bathroom sink. She'll be getting too big for that soon.
But the biggest help has been having friends who have infants a bit older than her. They've lent us more stuff than we can use. The most used thing right now is a "bouncy seat" (I don't know what it is really.) But unless you plan on wearing your child constantly, something like a swing or a seat where the child can be safely left for a bit is very helpful.
There's a book called Parenting, Inc. which I highly recommend just to remind oneself that all this baby stuff is being ridiculously marketed to worried parents the way wedding must-haves are marketed to brides.
Oh yea. After you have the kid and are thinking about making a purchase--hold off for a few days. I find that my baby changes many preferences every 3-7 days. Some stick around, but some don't.
With 4 children we used never used a changing table. I borrowed a swing from a friend for the 3rd child so she wouldn't get kicked in the head by her older siblings while I showered, but she hated it. i think a swing is one of those things you can pick up after the baby is born, if you have a fussy one and want to try it. Definitely go used.
Holy wow, did we ever use our swing. We picked it up used on Craigslist for $20, maybe, used it for 2 solid years with back-to-back babies, and then sold it on CL for $20. Worth every cent, even if we had paid $100 new and not resold. It saved my sanity more than once.
Same goes for the changing table. Sure, you CAN change your kid anywhere, and sometimes you probably will. But changing tables can be a big back saver, and it's also really nice to have all your diapering/cleaning/what-have-yous all in one spot that's easy to get to. I paid $17 brand new for mine on clearance, and we used it as a changing table/shelving unit for almost 3 years straight before giving it away.
I disagree about the wipes warmer. My baby wailed when we changed her diapers before we used the warmer. Splash your rear with room temperature water - feels pretty chilly on that very sensitive skin. It's about getting the right one though, you want the Munchkin brand. The others require you to put a moistened pad in the bottom. Lots of maintenance and if that pad dries out you scorch the wipes.
Did you see my registering guide that just went up on Parenting Squad? Most of my thots on essential vs nonessential are on there. But one thing on your list that i would consider essential is a swing. Swings are for soothing and while it would be nice if there were someone there to rock your baby every time he needs it, sometimes you need to make dinner or go pee. Trust me -- I thought I didn't need a swing when we had my first, and now that we just had our third, I have borrowed two extras in addition to the portable one we eventually bought with the first.
The great thing about baby gear is that 1) people will give it to you and 2) you can get what you don't receive very cheaply second hand. In your area, you've gotta hit the Mother of Twins Sale in GG Park this fall.
BTW--I SO agree with Hillary on the high chair. We had one, but rarely used it. We used the booster seat with removable tray, strapped to a regular chair. When your child is ready to sit at the table, you continue to use the seat without the tray.
I have to disagree on the changing table and possibly the swing. You're going to be changing the kid for about 3 years, several times a day. And you might use it for more than one kid. The table will save your back, is easy to clean, and also provides a place to store your diapers, wipes, etc. All those blankets you put down, etc. will end up with poo all over them, making more laundry, which will cost you more time and money. Look for a used one if you want to save money--a lot of people are even willing to give them away.
The swing thing depends on the kid. For some, it's a great way (sometimes the only way) to get them to sleep or to keep them happy for a while. And there are babies who don't like them at all.
I've been known to proclaim that new babies need nothing more than diapers, burp rags (aka cloth diapers) and blankets, as long as the blankets are the stretchy waffle-weave type that can be used to swaddle the wee dear. Swaddling saved my life. Seriously, look into it.
If you're going to be using cloth diapers, then a Genie/Champ/whatever isn't going to help you anyway. But if you're using disposables, you might change your mind. Or not. But maybe, especially when the babe starts solids...ew, boy.
And the wipe warmer may seem really, really crazy, but some babies scream bloody murder when anything cooler than body temp touches their body. Sure, we do fine with toilet paper, but we're not fresh-from-the-womb infants, either. I think warm wet washcloths are a better choice anyway.
I didn't buy a changing table for my son until he was 9 months old. We went with the floor/bed route until I realized that I had another possibly 2 years of diaper changing and I was already really tired of bending over. The changing table is just the right height, and I couldn't believe that I'd spent a whole 9 months without one. That's just me, though.
I'd say start with the minimum, and it sounds like that is your plan. Then, if (OK, when) you run into a dilemma, let your friends with kids know--they've either got a solution that they'll lend you or they know someone who does.
Congrats and good luck with the pregnancy! I have a few suggestions on your list. Like commenters #1 and #2 I agree that a swing is a good purchase especially when you use Craigslist. I have seen lots of lightly used swings selling for less than 50% retail. Your baby might not like it but if he/she does then it can be a sanity saver as it will buy you precious free minutes, calm a fussy baby, or even help put the baby to sleep.
We didn't buy a changing table either. Instead we bought one of those big plastic changing pads and strapped it to an existing sofa table. This gets the baby up to our level and we avoid having to crouch/kneel/squat to change diapers.
The Diaper Genie is a bad idea because you have to buy their expensive refills for it to work. Consider getting a Diaper Champ which uses regular grocery bags. It may not seem like a lot of trouble to dump the diaper outside but you are exhausted from lack of sleep and overwork, you will appreciate anything that saves you time.
I agree with Hillary's comment about the swing. Both of my kids loved them for over a year and I got mine at a yard sale for about $5. Someone actually offered to donate one to me right after I bought the yard sale one! Also, while I agree kids shouldn't watch regular TV in general... Baby Einstein videos are quiet, colorful and really hold the attention of a baby/toddler for when you need a bit of a break. (and you'll need it!) Another good yard sale or Craigslist find.
We never bought a crib for either baby, but did the "family bed" thing and then moved the kids into a toddler bed in the same room, then eventually their own bed in their own room. We borrowed a cradle for our first for a few months, but weren't really using it. Good luck!
I agree with you on most of these items, but it's all opinion born of experience. For example, I agree that baby can be changed on the floor, but since we have a 80# yellow lab who likes the smell of poo, it's easier to change the baby on a changing table (that I found for FREE out on the curb!) than to lock the dog up everytime I need to change baby's butt. And on of the items I would add to the 'don't need' list is a highchair. By the time baby is ready to eat solids (4-6months), he or she can sit in a $20 toddler booster chair with a seatbelt and tray. That's what we did with our daughter. Saved us $100 and a lot of space!
As for the swing, our baby loved the swing from day one and it's been a source of hours of entertainment and sanity-savings for us. She's a year old and still sits in it every morning while her dad showers.
It's all experience. Trial and error. Good luck to you and your husband!
High fructose corn syrup may have a complicated-sounding name, but it’s simply a kind of corn sugar that is nutritionally the same as table sugar.
High fructose corn syrup is not sweeter than sugar; and high fructose corn syrup, sugar and honey all contain the same number of calories (four calories per gram).
High fructose corn syrup is used in the food supply because of its many functional benefits. For example, it keeps food fresh, retains moisture in bran cereals, and helps keep breakfast and energy bars moist.
According to the American Dietetic Association, “High fructose corn syrup may be used as a sweetener in processed foods and beverages and is nutritionally equivalent to sucrose. Both sweeteners contain the same number of calories (4 per gram) and consist of about equal parts of fructose and glucose. Once absorbed into the blood stream, the two sweeteners are indistinguishable.”
Like table sugar and honey, high fructose corn syrup contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients or color additives.
Consumers can see the latest research and learn more about high fructose corn syrup at www.SweetSurprise.com.
Audrae Erickson
President
Corn Refiners Association
As a music student I used to attend or perform in A LOT of concerts and recitals. Every recital had a reception after and most concerts did as well. I would attend recitals and concerts on weekend and have at least 2 meals a day for free! The concerts and recitals were free as well (for the most part). It was educational, inspirational and provided meals for my weekends. Besides I was already in the music building practicing most of the weekend anyway, I just had to walk over to the recital hall.
As someone who has been forced, for current health reasons and to prevent future problems, to really monitor my food intake, I can somewhat understand your feelings.
It's like people who don't want to know the nutrition and calorie count for foods. It's way too scary and then they have to MAKE CHOICES! and be responsible!
Because that is what it comes down to.
Personally, I want to know as much as I can of accurate and timely information about what I eat. Does it make my life tougher? You bet. Just try finding stuff without HFCS and other awful stuff in ingredients. Even from "natural" and organic and "healthy" food makers.
I'd love to be able to never eat any processed food, but I'm not there yet and probably never will be. All I can do is really limit it and really check those labels.
I resent that we have lobbyists and industries really hiding information from us about our food. Because it affects our health and well-being.
There are millions who never want to know, about anything. That's not the answer in life. It's knowing. Making Choices. Acting on our knowledge.
I don't believe in putting your head in the sand just because you learn something that is unpleasant and doesn't make it easy to continue with your life as it was, before you knew.
Kudos for being honest. You're not alone with the "Ignorance is bliss" mantra. That's what's entirely wrong with our country as seen in finance, politics, etc.
The people who know and try to educate meet with a lot of grief. Unlike the cowards and thieves who want to keep us in the dark, most often for their direct profit.
By the way, I disagree. You don't necessarily need to spend more money (more like reallocating it. If you figure out how much you spend on junk food and unhealthy stuff and apply it, you'll eat less and eat better and often spend less overall. You'll also feel better and have more energy, which you can't buy.)
As for guilt, well, getting rid of it is simple: Act to the best of your ability on what you can do.
And FYI: not everyone feels any guilt once they "know better" about a lot of things. They just brush it off and pretend as if they didn't know. Again, why we have so many problems in the world today.
Everyone can make a difference and I look at any change you make based on new information to be a plus, to make you healthier.
Congrats!
Totally agree to get the changing table. It will save your back. But don't buy the little changing table pad covers. Use pillowcases. Easy to pull off when it's messy, and believe me, you will see messes beyond your dreams.
crib was a waste for co-sleeping parents. lol
everything was.
we should have gotten only: travel system, sling, onesies, dipes/wipes and bought the rest as we went.
I'd get a pad for changing at least. My guess is that Dad or Grandpa or other males will not be willing to change diapers on the floor.
As for swings, if I could do it over again I would buy one of those deluxe papasan swings for $100+. I had a used cheap swing that my baby hated.
I've never had a special diaper pail. But it'll stink if I don't take the trash out every few days.
Here's another thing that's can be totally useless: burp pads and receiving blankets. I'd wait to see if you have a puker before getting a whole bunch.
Something that you not only don't need, but will drive you crazy: any of the myriad of baby/toddler products that make electronic noises (beeping, songs, animal noises, repetitive phrases, announcing letters of the alphabet). Educational or not, these things are the inventions of satan. Plus, they cost money. Make sure relatives know such actively useless gifts are discouraged!
Another big waste of money for us: a nice crib. As the baby also slept in our room... for years, as it turned out.
You do need quite a few clothes for your baby, given that they will throw up and poop all over half a dozen outfits a day, for a while. The key is to get them in bigger sizes so they will last a few months. 6-12 mos. is good instead of newborn.
It's a lot of trial and error like someone said. Congrats on your pregnancy. I have a three month old and we live in a 2BR apartment in LA and we're going to be moving in the next 6 months, so we wanted minimal gear.
For the first two months, we changed our baby on the coffee table because I was nursing her on the couch and it seemed like that's where we were all the time. Now that she nurses a bit less frequently and my mother is no longer living with us, we change her on the bathroom counter. You'll figure out what works for you.
Co-sleeping didn't work for us because my husband is a light sleeper, but we got a pack n play with a bassinet. So far this has worked, although until this week when she has become more mobile, any clean, clear flat space would do as well.
What I don't have that I wish I had was a car seat that would sit on top of grocery carts. The baby can't sit up to ride in the kid compartment of the grocery cart yet. I shop very efficiently, so it feels like a waste of time to get her settled in a sling. What I end up doing is pushing her in her stroller with one arm and holding a basket in the other--awkward.
Someone gave us a baby tub, but it is backbreaking to use in our regular tub, and our kitchen sink spout doesn't have the height to clear the side of the baby tub. For now, I've been washing her in the bathroom sink. She'll be getting too big for that soon.
But the biggest help has been having friends who have infants a bit older than her. They've lent us more stuff than we can use. The most used thing right now is a "bouncy seat" (I don't know what it is really.) But unless you plan on wearing your child constantly, something like a swing or a seat where the child can be safely left for a bit is very helpful.
There's a book called Parenting, Inc. which I highly recommend just to remind oneself that all this baby stuff is being ridiculously marketed to worried parents the way wedding must-haves are marketed to brides.
Oh yea. After you have the kid and are thinking about making a purchase--hold off for a few days. I find that my baby changes many preferences every 3-7 days. Some stick around, but some don't.
Best wishes, it'll all work out.
For #8; does that really exist? I thought it was only on The Simpsons!!
With 4 children we used never used a changing table. I borrowed a swing from a friend for the 3rd child so she wouldn't get kicked in the head by her older siblings while I showered, but she hated it. i think a swing is one of those things you can pick up after the baby is born, if you have a fussy one and want to try it. Definitely go used.
A changing table will save your back!
Holy wow, did we ever use our swing. We picked it up used on Craigslist for $20, maybe, used it for 2 solid years with back-to-back babies, and then sold it on CL for $20. Worth every cent, even if we had paid $100 new and not resold. It saved my sanity more than once.
Same goes for the changing table. Sure, you CAN change your kid anywhere, and sometimes you probably will. But changing tables can be a big back saver, and it's also really nice to have all your diapering/cleaning/what-have-yous all in one spot that's easy to get to. I paid $17 brand new for mine on clearance, and we used it as a changing table/shelving unit for almost 3 years straight before giving it away.
I disagree about the wipes warmer. My baby wailed when we changed her diapers before we used the warmer. Splash your rear with room temperature water - feels pretty chilly on that very sensitive skin. It's about getting the right one though, you want the Munchkin brand. The others require you to put a moistened pad in the bottom. Lots of maintenance and if that pad dries out you scorch the wipes.
Did you see my registering guide that just went up on Parenting Squad? Most of my thots on essential vs nonessential are on there. But one thing on your list that i would consider essential is a swing. Swings are for soothing and while it would be nice if there were someone there to rock your baby every time he needs it, sometimes you need to make dinner or go pee. Trust me -- I thought I didn't need a swing when we had my first, and now that we just had our third, I have borrowed two extras in addition to the portable one we eventually bought with the first.
The great thing about baby gear is that 1) people will give it to you and 2) you can get what you don't receive very cheaply second hand. In your area, you've gotta hit the Mother of Twins Sale in GG Park this fall.
BTW--I SO agree with Hillary on the high chair. We had one, but rarely used it. We used the booster seat with removable tray, strapped to a regular chair. When your child is ready to sit at the table, you continue to use the seat without the tray.
I have to disagree on the changing table and possibly the swing. You're going to be changing the kid for about 3 years, several times a day. And you might use it for more than one kid. The table will save your back, is easy to clean, and also provides a place to store your diapers, wipes, etc. All those blankets you put down, etc. will end up with poo all over them, making more laundry, which will cost you more time and money. Look for a used one if you want to save money--a lot of people are even willing to give them away.
The swing thing depends on the kid. For some, it's a great way (sometimes the only way) to get them to sleep or to keep them happy for a while. And there are babies who don't like them at all.
I've been known to proclaim that new babies need nothing more than diapers, burp rags (aka cloth diapers) and blankets, as long as the blankets are the stretchy waffle-weave type that can be used to swaddle the wee dear. Swaddling saved my life. Seriously, look into it.
If you're going to be using cloth diapers, then a Genie/Champ/whatever isn't going to help you anyway. But if you're using disposables, you might change your mind. Or not. But maybe, especially when the babe starts solids...ew, boy.
And the wipe warmer may seem really, really crazy, but some babies scream bloody murder when anything cooler than body temp touches their body. Sure, we do fine with toilet paper, but we're not fresh-from-the-womb infants, either. I think warm wet washcloths are a better choice anyway.
I didn't buy a changing table for my son until he was 9 months old. We went with the floor/bed route until I realized that I had another possibly 2 years of diaper changing and I was already really tired of bending over. The changing table is just the right height, and I couldn't believe that I'd spent a whole 9 months without one. That's just me, though.
I'd say start with the minimum, and it sounds like that is your plan. Then, if (OK, when) you run into a dilemma, let your friends with kids know--they've either got a solution that they'll lend you or they know someone who does.
Good luck, and congratulations!
Hi Xin,
Congrats and good luck with the pregnancy! I have a few suggestions on your list. Like commenters #1 and #2 I agree that a swing is a good purchase especially when you use Craigslist. I have seen lots of lightly used swings selling for less than 50% retail. Your baby might not like it but if he/she does then it can be a sanity saver as it will buy you precious free minutes, calm a fussy baby, or even help put the baby to sleep.
We didn't buy a changing table either. Instead we bought one of those big plastic changing pads and strapped it to an existing sofa table. This gets the baby up to our level and we avoid having to crouch/kneel/squat to change diapers.
The Diaper Genie is a bad idea because you have to buy their expensive refills for it to work. Consider getting a Diaper Champ which uses regular grocery bags. It may not seem like a lot of trouble to dump the diaper outside but you are exhausted from lack of sleep and overwork, you will appreciate anything that saves you time.
I agree with Hillary's comment about the swing. Both of my kids loved them for over a year and I got mine at a yard sale for about $5. Someone actually offered to donate one to me right after I bought the yard sale one! Also, while I agree kids shouldn't watch regular TV in general... Baby Einstein videos are quiet, colorful and really hold the attention of a baby/toddler for when you need a bit of a break. (and you'll need it!) Another good yard sale or Craigslist find.
We never bought a crib for either baby, but did the "family bed" thing and then moved the kids into a toddler bed in the same room, then eventually their own bed in their own room. We borrowed a cradle for our first for a few months, but weren't really using it. Good luck!
I agree with you on most of these items, but it's all opinion born of experience. For example, I agree that baby can be changed on the floor, but since we have a 80# yellow lab who likes the smell of poo, it's easier to change the baby on a changing table (that I found for FREE out on the curb!) than to lock the dog up everytime I need to change baby's butt. And on of the items I would add to the 'don't need' list is a highchair. By the time baby is ready to eat solids (4-6months), he or she can sit in a $20 toddler booster chair with a seatbelt and tray. That's what we did with our daughter. Saved us $100 and a lot of space!
As for the swing, our baby loved the swing from day one and it's been a source of hours of entertainment and sanity-savings for us. She's a year old and still sits in it every morning while her dad showers.
It's all experience. Trial and error. Good luck to you and your husband!
High fructose corn syrup may have a complicated-sounding name, but it’s simply a kind of corn sugar that is nutritionally the same as table sugar.
High fructose corn syrup is not sweeter than sugar; and high fructose corn syrup, sugar and honey all contain the same number of calories (four calories per gram).
High fructose corn syrup is used in the food supply because of its many functional benefits. For example, it keeps food fresh, retains moisture in bran cereals, and helps keep breakfast and energy bars moist.
According to the American Dietetic Association, “High fructose corn syrup may be used as a sweetener in processed foods and beverages and is nutritionally equivalent to sucrose. Both sweeteners contain the same number of calories (4 per gram) and consist of about equal parts of fructose and glucose. Once absorbed into the blood stream, the two sweeteners are indistinguishable.”
Like table sugar and honey, high fructose corn syrup contains no artificial or synthetic ingredients or color additives.
Consumers can see the latest research and learn more about high fructose corn syrup at www.SweetSurprise.com.
Audrae Erickson
President
Corn Refiners Association
Agreed get off your high horse people
i do not barter but would not pass it up if i had an opportunity
an slowdown in economic activity. What goes up must come down.
As a music student I used to attend or perform in A LOT of concerts and recitals. Every recital had a reception after and most concerts did as well. I would attend recitals and concerts on weekend and have at least 2 meals a day for free! The concerts and recitals were free as well (for the most part). It was educational, inspirational and provided meals for my weekends. Besides I was already in the music building practicing most of the weekend anyway, I just had to walk over to the recital hall.
As someone who has been forced, for current health reasons and to prevent future problems, to really monitor my food intake, I can somewhat understand your feelings.
It's like people who don't want to know the nutrition and calorie count for foods. It's way too scary and then they have to MAKE CHOICES! and be responsible!
Because that is what it comes down to.
Personally, I want to know as much as I can of accurate and timely information about what I eat. Does it make my life tougher? You bet. Just try finding stuff without HFCS and other awful stuff in ingredients. Even from "natural" and organic and "healthy" food makers.
I'd love to be able to never eat any processed food, but I'm not there yet and probably never will be. All I can do is really limit it and really check those labels.
I resent that we have lobbyists and industries really hiding information from us about our food. Because it affects our health and well-being.
There are millions who never want to know, about anything. That's not the answer in life. It's knowing. Making Choices. Acting on our knowledge.
I don't believe in putting your head in the sand just because you learn something that is unpleasant and doesn't make it easy to continue with your life as it was, before you knew.
Kudos for being honest. You're not alone with the "Ignorance is bliss" mantra. That's what's entirely wrong with our country as seen in finance, politics, etc.
The people who know and try to educate meet with a lot of grief. Unlike the cowards and thieves who want to keep us in the dark, most often for their direct profit.
By the way, I disagree. You don't necessarily need to spend more money (more like reallocating it. If you figure out how much you spend on junk food and unhealthy stuff and apply it, you'll eat less and eat better and often spend less overall. You'll also feel better and have more energy, which you can't buy.)
As for guilt, well, getting rid of it is simple: Act to the best of your ability on what you can do.
And FYI: not everyone feels any guilt once they "know better" about a lot of things. They just brush it off and pretend as if they didn't know. Again, why we have so many problems in the world today.
Everyone can make a difference and I look at any change you make based on new information to be a plus, to make you healthier.
Your choice.
@terry zane - Excellent! Good to know. I like the sticky mouse pad idea - easily harnessed and customized with some of the techniques above too.
@judy - I love Avon Skin-so-soft very much for an off-the-shelf product that does the trick.
Do they make a converter for a 7 inch 12 volt TV. I one in my golf cart and now can't get local channels. Thanks, matt@matteck.com