posted on July 20, 2008 at 08:44PM
A few things you need to have USED:
- Bumbo - in the store it costs around $40. On Craigslist, try $10 - $20.
- Aghan (or new) - it's a great way to soothe a 6-month old without worrying about suffication.
A few things you could use NEW:
- Removable high chair seat - I forgot what they really called, but it's a highchair that straps into a normal chair. We've found that it's easiest to clean AND take with you when you visit family who aren't prepared for your little one. Plus it transitions well from infant to toddler.
- California Baby products - All natural products that are hypoallergenic for ALL babies and thsoe of us with sensitive skin. Most of the products can be found at Target in the baby section by the shampoos.
- Pack-and-Play - I can't tell you many times our has come in handy. You really don't need all the fancy gizmos on it, especially if you're going to be using it for travelling. The $50 version is just as good, and it works as a bassinet AND a temporary crib for older infants if needed.
- Soothie pacifiers - they are the hospital-recommended variety used for preemies. Seriously some of the best out there.
- Diaper genie (or the like) - I think they're facing out the Diaper Genie II, but having that luxury is REALLY nice.
- Any swing...just be sure you have the batteries - they have a swing now that plugs into the wall, but that also limits you to placement. There are some nice swings out there, and I can't really suggest one above the other though.
Here are some things that you really don't need:
- Bottle warmer - instead, try a small crockpot. Just fill with water, turn on and stick bottle in. Works the same way but costs less.
- Transition Crib/4-in-1 crib - it sounds like a great idea and really is...if you only have one child or space them out by 5-6 years. Most parents aren't really going to wait that long so shelling out $400 for a crib that won't do the job isn't going to be nice. We went with a lower-end but trusted crib ($100) and now are buying second-hand toddler beds. We're going to get our kids a nicer bedroom set when they get older. Just us though.
- Anything extravagent - there are bathtubs that have a little spa-like action, etc. Generally if it has additions to a basic concept, it's not worth it. There's just more to break.
- Rubber ducks with a temperature gauge on them - from a distance it seems like a cool idea. Oh look! We will know when it's too hot for our baby! After about a month of use, it just remains on the HOT. Great concept but not always reliable.
- Those cute little humidifiers that looks like frogs or pigs - they are adorable, but honestly they break far too easily. If you want a humidifier, check out your local Bed, Bath and Beyond and look into a basic warm and/or cool humidifier. Talk to your peditrician, but ours said that it really doesn't matter. Warm just heats the room and cool slightly cools the room. Some people swear by one or the other, so whatever works for you.
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Also, check out your local consignment sales. Try: Just Between Friends, Kids(or Kidz) Closet, and Mothers of Multiples. They each hold 2 sales each year and at Kids Closet, you'll find clothes for an amazing price.
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