new baby advice

[myself]

Things that we do now and we're on our fourth:
- We use disposables, and the "pee-pee only" ones go into the trash (after the normal wrapping of course). The poopy ones go into a Ziploc sandwich bag and then into the regular trash. Since we change our garbage about once every 1 1/2 days, there is very little smell. We have smelled the ones that have a large diaper pail that people try and stuff completely before throwing the bag out almost as soon as we get into someone's house.
- We already had a "mini-library" of our own, because friends/family bought books for the kids early on, but we do have a bookstore outing every 3-4 months (and try to buy the books that are on sale). Everyone in both of our families have noticed a difference in how fast our kids spoke with respect to the parents that didn't read as much as we did, which was 2-3 books every night while going to sleep with a bottle.
- We used the regular formula/milk bottles for all of our kids, and we're finally about done using them (about another 6 month or so left). Of course, we change the nipples about every 4-5 months, because none of our kids took to breastfeeding, and my wife tried to pump for a couple weeks to no avail.
- babies with gas have a tendency to be for 2 reasons. Either they get too much air when their drinking from their bottle and can't burp very well (causing some parents to purchase the "bag" type of bottles), or their bodies don't like the soy formula. Realize that the bag type of bottles can be pretty darn expensive.
- we have 2 bassinettes (because we started out with twins), and I'm glad that we talked my mother-in-law into buying the cheap but sturdy ones. And the only reason we let her buy them in the first place, is because we were having a house built when the babies were born and my mother-in-law's house wasn't big enough to fit 2 cribs. The night that we moved into our house, our daughters went into their 3-in-1 cribs that we bought for them (but eventually used for the younger 2 we have now).
- our kids were in a swing for a total time of 48 hours each (at the most!). We quite literally never had to change the original batteries for them through 4 kids, and it included different musical songs. Buy one of these only if you have the extra money.
- go to "gently used" clothing stores for the youngest baby clothes (up to about 2 years). They're considerably less expensive. We did however buy the t-shirts for our babies brand new.

[b4freedom]

Use disposible diapers. Believe it or not, studies have shown that they are better for the environment. Get the store brand ones on sale with a coupon. We like Target brand, but will settle for anything cheaper. Sign up for the baby registry at target so you get on their mailing list for all the coupons. The first few months you'll be to tired to want to deal with washing dirty diapers.

Breast feed as long as you can, if you can. Register with the formula companies, they'll mail you samples and coupons. Register even if you think you want to breast feed. You never know what will happen and it'll be "safe" just to have the free samples around. If you don't use it donate it. Same thing with baby food companies.

Yard sales! Don't buy years of clothing. Remember, next year there will be more yard sales. Be careful about toys and double check to make sure everything is safe and in working order.

This is something I wish someone told us and we tell everyone: The stuff at the hospital is for you, take it all! Seriously! The only hats that fit your infant are from the hospital. In fact, next time around, I'll ask for more. For example, the only hat that would fit our son the first month was from the hospital. We looked everywhere and couldn't find any that would fit him. And all the little outfits are just perfect for the first month or two, same with the wraps.

[PrincessPerky]

Originally Posted by b4freedom

Use disposible diapers. Believe it or not, studies have shown that they are better for the environment. Get the store brand ones on sale with a coupon. We like Target brand, but will settle for anything cheaper. Sign up for the baby registry at target so you get on their mailing list for all the coupons. The first few months you'll be to tired to want to deal with washing dirty diapers.

Do your own research, the results are stll debatable....I can find you an expert on both sides..and some in the middle, and so on, though I will ditto of all the conveineces to use, diapers are tops on my list! Course I also EC, so my 18 month old is in underware right now.

Yard sales! Don't buy years of clothing. Remember, next year there will be more yard sales. Be careful about toys and double check to make sure everything is safe and in working order.

Ditto, you will be amazed at how little your kid can need, and how 'wrong season' oh so cheap stuff can be...

This is something I wish someone told us and we tell everyone: The stuff at the hospital is for you, take it all! Seriously! The only hats that fit your infant are from the hospital. In fact, next time around, I'll ask for more. For example, the only hat that would fit our son the first month was from the hospital. We looked everywhere and couldn't find any that would fit him. And all the little outfits are just perfect for the first month or two, same with the wraps.

Not neccessarily, the hosptial we delivered said specifically NOT to take any for our second and third kid, fortunatly we had handme downs from our first kinda depends on the nurse, and how much they think you need it, however the 'free sample pack' often you can get one per company per kid, which is advertising for the company, and a free sample, stock up (most of our ice packs are from formula companies .)

[creditcardfree]

I never bought a changing table or matching dresser. A basic crib and several sheets was enough. We did get plenty of use out of our stroller and high chair. Didn't use the baby swing too much. They would much rather be held.

We did use formula for about 10 1/2 months. I would just buy them on sale or with coupons. I think doctor's offices often can give free samples or coupons. I would also sign up online with the formula company for any offers they might provide. If I remember correctly, Walmart was always the cheapest formula and diapers. My kids are 10 and 6, so things do change. Just remember to shop around.

[myself]

Originally Posted by creditcardfree

I never bought a changing table or matching dresser. A basic crib and several sheets was enough. We did get plenty of use out of our stroller and high chair. Didn't use the baby swing too much. They would much rather be held.

We did use formula for about 10 1/2 months. I would just buy them on sale or with coupons. I think doctor's offices often can give free samples or coupons. I would also sign up online with the formula company for any offers they might provide. If I remember correctly, Walmart was always the cheapest formula and diapers. My kids are 10 and 6, so things do change. Just remember to shop around.

Wow, even now, I forgot all about the baby swing.
We've used that quite often. Of course, out kids are a little crazy (they get it from their father ... which is me). They literally want to be swung so high that they're almost facing the ground when they're going back.

[My English Castle]

My other advice would be to put the word out among friends and acquaintences that you're expecting. Lots of people have lots of baby stuff gathering dust, or piles of clothes in boxes that they're happy to get rid of.

We got lamps, a highchair, potty chairs, swings and all sorts of stuff from people who wanted it out of their basement or garage.

Now if I could just find someone who wanted headless Polly Pocket dolls....

[alwaysbudget]

heya guys I am definatly taking notes on everything and discussing it with hubby... We have found some great deals so far on a crib *yeah* and I have a few friends who threw a little shower for me and I got some really nice handmedowns. I am greatful for every peice of advice and everything my friends have done for me so far.
Thank goodness I am getting my Tax return soon.. I am considering putting it away in a 529 savings plan for my babies school... orputting it to diapers... ect..?? i dunno..
I do have a question...
is it nessisary to buy the baby shampoo and body wash?? is the adult stuff just as good as the specialty stuff?? (of cource I would only buy store brands) I was curious as to what all you parents have to say about this out there??

[nanamom]

Baby's skin is rather tender and adult stuff rather harsh. Plus you want no more tears stuff for a baby. Check out carefully what is in the product you choose to use. There is some really bad cancer causing ingredients in body wash and shampoo. I had someone send me a website to check out ingredients and which ones are suspect but lost it. However it is on th eweb somewhere. I'm sure someone who is more web savvy than I (almost anyone) can find it for you.

[fairy74]

Originally Posted by alwaysbudget

I do have a question...
is it nessisary to buy the baby shampoo and body wash?? is the adult stuff just as good as the specialty stuff?? (of cource I would only buy store brands) I was curious as to what all you parents have to say about this out there??

I don't think so. I have had several friends recommend Dr. Bronner's, which we already use and it is completely natural and very gentle...

[PrincessPerky]

Originally Posted by alwaysbudget

I do have a question...
is it nessisary to buy the baby shampoo and body wash?? is the adult stuff just as good as the specialty stuff?? (of cource I would only buy store brands) I was curious as to what all you parents have to say about this out there??

In one way it depends on your kid (some infants are born more sensitive than others), in another way you really want 'no tears' stuff..soemthing that is gentle even if it does get in the baby's eyes, even though you are careful your baby will one day put his soapy lil fist in his eye, and while you are rushing to try and wash the soap off will look at you like you are crazy, if you use the gentle stuff (on the other hand your toddler will one day do the same with the same soap and freak out, or maybe just do it with water and freak out...you can't win em all)

Do read lables, and do try to keep it out of the eyes regardless

[34saving]

My 6 month old is still using up the sample size baby wash they gave us in the hospital, so don't buy too much

[luvnspnful]

the Aveeno baby products are really nice. I still use the butt cream on Little Dude as he tends to get slightly rashy from time to time. the baby wash/shampoo is really gentle and hypoallergenic. look for BOGO'S on those products at wallyworld, target, meijjer etc.

btw.......I was given about 15 bottles of Johnson's in various formulations at my shower and in the gift baskets from visitors at the hospital.......ended up donating most of it to the local women's shelter. one large bottle should last you at least the first year.

congrats on the great finds too!

[Elgin526]

Originally Posted by jeffrey

This article may help:

10 Baby Items You Think You Need, But Really Don’t - Personal Finance Advice

Wow, gotta say I disagree with many things on this list! No stroller? No playpen? No bibs? I can think of lots of reasons to have these items! Bibs to catch drool (my two nephews were drool monsters, it kept their shirts dry and my SIL just had to change the bib once an hour or so, once it became soaked), strollers so your little one doesn't run off while you aren't looking (it only takes a second!) and doesn't get tired after 15 minutes of walking. A playpen is usful if you need 10 minutes without the little rugrat underfoot, like while making dinner or answering the door.

There are many things you really don't need, but I think that list was way off base on some of those items.