Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

Lifestyle Parenting, Household Affairs and Cuisine corner
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I’ve been asked by everyone under the sun to get started on my registry and baby shopping (we really haven’t done a thing yet).

Before I start buying (or registering) like mad, I’d love some advice from the parents out there.

  1. What items is it important to spend a little extra on?
  2. What brands would you recommend as reliable and quality for these items?
  3. Where would you recommend registering?
  4. What were your favorite shops for baby buys?
  5. What stuff does every new parent need to have?
  6. What should I keep in mind that probably hasn’t even occurred to me yet?

We’re turning our study (a pretty tiny room) into a nursery.

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Re: Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

well i have a lot to say based on my own experience, you will get different advice from everybody.

one thing that i was not prepared for was breastfeeding problems. i did not have any bottles in the house and had only one small sample can of nestle goodstart (which was honestly a 'badstart' for my kid). so do have bottles and formula ready in case you have feeding problems.

best bottles, in my opinion, are bottles by dr. brown.

also, do find out where your local breastfeeding clinic is so you have the information ready in case you need it.

if you are able to breastfeed successfully, do have a feeding pillow and possibly one of those drape things that you can wear to cover your body adn baby while you feed.

have lots of onesies and sleepers on hand.

sign up on all the websites for huggies, pampers, enfamil, etc. so that they will mail you coupons. those coupons will come in handy cause diapers and formula are expensive.

i will add more as i think of it ...

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Re: Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

Sahar i think its important to remember that regardless of what you end up getting, your child may or may not like it. Keeping that in mind, here are my recommendations:

1) safety should come first at all times: we got what we thought was a reasonably priced car seat and a stroller frame (we got one of those graco snugriders).

2) Fisherprice, carters etc are well known good quality items.

3) i registered at Babie R Us but some people bought me stuff from other places that was similiar to waht was on my registry so i just marked it myself.

4) i just shopped for the best prices for the best products be at babiesrus or walmart or kohls. Ofcourse BRU has the best selection but dont underestimate other retailers.

5) Buy some new born clothes, diapers, wipes and those are the absolute essentials. I would say dont buy a lot of anything since it may or may not work out for your little one. As you gain experience and know your child better, you can always get more. For us the most important things were, a bouncer seat, breastpump, receiving blankets (we experimented iwth different sizes etc and found the velcro ones to be the best, homemade ones came second) etc. Ofcourse you need a car seat to bring the baby home.

As kanzah has gotten older, i have stopped using a lot of things. For example, the bouncer, the swing (she barely used it) but the kind we have, the seat comes out as a rocking chair so she uses that a lot etc.

6) always look for reviews before you buy. BRU website as well as amazon.com has reviews on everything imaginable. Also BRU has 15% off coupons so make sure to utilize those as well. It makes a lot of difference when you are buying the big ticket items. Like Mehnaz said sign up for formula and diaper coupons as well. Huggies has awesome coupons. I also use walgreens brand diapers and they are pretty decent quality. They regulalry go on sale so i buy in bulk.

Dont buy a lot of clothes, you will probably get quite a few as presents. We have barely bought her a few outfits since she got a lot of clothes at baby showers and her aqiqah. I think she has enough to last her the first year, MaashaAllah.

Also like Mehnaz said, if you plan on breastfeeding, keep the number of the lactation consultant handy. And still keep bottles at home. I started with DrBrowns and bought Born Free later on as needed. Since i didnt formula feed, i didnt need or use as many.

Time Pass - جولائی - رمضان کا مہینہ
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Re: Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

i was just thinking the same thing as Ira. each child is born with their own personality. you may love the product you have purchased, but your baby might not.

do your research and revies on all major purchases (car seat, stroller, etc).

Most of the stuff i got is from babies 'r us. they seem to have the best variety. it may be different in the states. i did search online for a diaper bag (baby bag) and found one that i really liked from australia, at a very reasonable price. i got a free bag afterwards from Nestle after i signed up on their website for formula coupons.

one thing i was not prepared for was my son's height. he outgrew his car seat well before 6 months, as well as his stroller. so do keep that in mind, if you and your spouse are tall, your child might be too ... and then you will need larger sizes of everything to accomodate your babies height.

oh and if you live in a house, i would advise against buying a diaper genie. just get some scented diaper bags and throw it in the bin outside.

do have some epsom salts handy (for you) in case you tear during your delivery.

Most misunderstood person in history?
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:eek:

:bummer:

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There are some essentials that you need to know before buying baby products
1) search and read reviews about car seat and stroller.For my girl I bought graco it was a good brand and for second one I bought Peg perego awsome brand.
2) Buy less new born clothes because babies out grow them soon so 0-3 mnths will be fine
3) Your hospital will give you new born diapers so you can start with size one diapers soon again depending upon the size of baby.
4) There are lot of varieties in cribs just make sure its good and reliable to last atleast 2 or 3 years.
5)Don't forget to register at babies r us they send you nice coupons :D
6) And can I ask you ask a question do you have costco membership it will help you a lot in diapers and baby wipes.
7)Dr Browns or Avent feeding bottles are enough for first time one ig and one small is enough because if baby starts drinking your milk its best and if not you can buy more later.
8)Diaper genie is a good option but you can go both ways atleast if you have appartment it helps a lot.
8) Get boppy pillow for breast feeding
9) Definately get help at your hospital while you are breast feeding
10)And you should have breast calming cream too it soothes you a lot after you breast feed.
11) Either buy bouncer or swing well swing helps a lot babies sleep in them.

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Re: Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

lol Sahar sometimes ignorance is bliss :D i didnt even thought abt tearing at all, for some reason i thought you dont tear with first babies. But i had a third degree tear, ALhamdulillah it wasnt bad at all while healing.

Pack up and move
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What items is it important to spend a little extra on?
Car seats & strollers.

What brands would you recommend as reliable and quality for these items?
Britax car seats are awesome but expensive too.... go for Graco, Eddie Bauer or higher-end Evenflo stuff. I wouldn't recommend the travel systems, they are too bulky and useless also. Buy an infant car seat separately, get a snap-n-go and get a compact stroller or umbrella stroller later.

Where would you recommend registering?
Babies R Us, Target.

What were your favorite shops for baby buys?
Target

What stuff does every new parent need to have?
At least a months' supply of diapers, wipes, a wipes warmers (they cry with cold wipes), boppy pillow for nursing, all necessary supplies for spongebaths and regular baths (baby shampoo, baby wash, towel, baby bath tub, washcloths, etc.), a crib/bassinet, blankets, crib sheets, blankets, the baby head support (people use it in car seats but I used it in the crib for shaping her head, helped a lot), baby oil for massages. I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff but thats all I can think of right now.

I also bought a breast pump which helped a lot when I got sore nipples, you also need a Lanolin cream for that. If you're planning on working after having the baby, then breast-pump is a MUST, Medela's breast pumps are really good. And Avent or Dr Brown's bottles for feeding.

**What should I keep in mind that probably hasn't even occurred to me yet?
**Get as much info as you can on breastfeeding, its not that easy.You might not be able to nurse properly in the beginning which is normal, keep trying... but if you can't do have alternatives on hand.... i.e. baby formula and bottles. If you're going back to work soon, you'll have to start up stocking on breastmilk a bit earlier than you're going back, so keep that in mind too.

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Re: Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

i’m not a parent yet but i couldn’t resist piping in! :slight_smile:

Strollers and Prams - Pram, Buggy, Pushchair and Stroller Reviews has user reviews on most of the stroller brands.
maybe toronto is particular in this area, but strollers are big, big deals here. i see so many of the $900 bugaboo’s on king street, its ridiculous. its very much a style statement but i find from reading reviews and suchlike most of the good ones that cost a bit more are also really well built and last a while. having said that, i only did the research, i’ve never actually bought one.
my best friend is preggo and these are the ones i looked into for her:
mutsy | baby mobility 4-rider light
Peg Perego Official Web Site skate 2009
www.gtbaby.com i’coo targo
UPPAbaby vista 2009/2010

youtube has a lot of demo videos for strollers too so you can check them out by brand.

walmart has surprisingly good baby furniture for the nursery too. their baby mod line is super cute Walmart.com: Baby Gear, Strollers, Car Seats, Nursery Furniture, Cribs & Bedding and Gifts for Baby

a lot of cribs now are convertibles too- from crib to toddler bed to even a double sized bed, depending on the brand. it might be worthwhile as an investment.

i’ve also read really good reviews of the ikea crib that’s only $99.

if you need custom nursery art, check etsy for lots of adorable details, or call me! i’ll do something personalized for your wee one :slight_smile:

www.ohdeedoh.com - lots of info and interesting bits, and tons of nursery decor inspiration.

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Re: Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

One thing I nearly purchased but didn't, and don't regret it ... is the wipes warmer. My baby was fine without it. That is one of those things that depends on the child's persona. Plus, we didn't really use them in the beginning. He was washed more with water, and still is, rather than using wipes.

Eddie Bauer ... I purchased their car seat/stroller and regret it only because the straps in the car seat are pathetic and it's not suitable for a tall child. Find something that can really be adjusted and has long straps in case you have a lengthy child.

You should invest in a sleeping blanket for newborns if your baby will be born in the winter months. The whole swaddle your baby thing didn't work as my son would break free! He kicks his blankets off too. So now he goes in a sleeping blanket where he can't escape.

Time Pass - جولائی - رمضان کا مہینہ
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Re: Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

oh i just read on health canada that dr. browns bottles have a toxic chemical in it when it was heated on certain temperature, so I just chucked all mine out, it was quiet shocking though

here is the link:
‘BPA-free’ baby bottle contains toxic chemical: Health Canada](http://www.canada.com/health/free+baby+bottle+contains+toxic+chemical+Health+Canada/1881628/story.html)

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Re: Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

anyway, back to the topic.

What items is it important to spend a little extra on?
Car seat safety is not an option - it is necessary
we got the preg preggo SIP (side impact protection). haven't had a single problem with it and it is much lighter than the other brands i have seen so far.
Stroller - you don't want to end with a stroller that will break in 4 months happened to some of my friends/co-workers - so in my parental opinion if you can spend the money before hand to avoid any surprises later. we tried so many strollers before but decided to go with the icoo targo travel system - i really wanted something light weight, reliable and for looks. there are many ugly strollers out there

What brands would you recommend as reliable and quality for these items?
I would highly recommend peg perego for safety wise, quality and looks - there isn't that much of a price difference in my opinion

Where would you recommend registering?
I never registered because I knew exactly what I wanted in terms of the bigger items so I really didn't want anyone to spend more than they actually wanted to

What were your favorite shops for baby buys?
dearborn baby - its located in richmond hill, ON - but I have ordered from the online many times too

What stuff does every new parent need to have?
just to what Mehnaz mentioned, baby bottles, make sure you have formula just in case
baby wipes, gripe water * i gave my daughter that since the day she was born, i was so scared of her becoming colic*, disposable change pads (for the times when you are out)

Thats all i can think of for now, you can pm me if you like :) - that way i can give more details

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Re: Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

Like Mehnaz said, I agree with not really needing a wipes warmer. If you really need a warm wipe in a hurry wet with hot water and wipe. Gets rid of wioe chemicals too :) Also I recommend washing baby with water after changings often and make sure to let baby air dry before closing in diaper, helps avoid a lot of diaper rash in my experience. Plus its cleaner esp after #2.

Aside from Babies R us, check out Target, Walmart, even Grocery stores for items like formula. I know Pathmark/Shoprite have baby point thing, where after you purchase a certain amount they always give you a discount...etc.... Also a lot of the same stuff is cheaper at Target like Baby food, bottle brushes, feeding bottles...etc....

Depending on when the baby is born, esp if winter definitely have little baby hats, baby gloves, socks etc on hand. I found the typical flannelr eceiving blanket to be a wee bit small to swaddle baby. Either go for a semi stretchy cotton blanket in larger size for swaddling or use the premade swaddling blankets to keep baby warm n cozy.

Buy the bare essentials for clothes, I would get 1-2 packs of onesies, 1 pack full sleeve onesies if its cold. In the beginning until the belly button heals, they have the full sleeve side snap shirts for newborn, they really come in handy the 1st few weeks as easier to dress baby. Also for any fleece/any fabric onesies, it realllly helps if they are zip up onesies (carter's, children's place has nice one's that cover the zipper on top)...so much easier to get a wailing baby in and out then to button up like 20 buttons.

Also I recommend a good play gym + a boppy pillow.....it's tons of fun for baby and good for tummy time for the baby as well. Best of luck.

Ohh also I would recommend that you do NOT stock up on baby cleaning supplies. Perhaps just 1 bottle of each like baby wash, lotion, baby oil etc. Typically Johnson & Johnson's is good but you do not know if it will suit YOUR baby. Sometimes babies have extra sensitive skin etc.....so you can always buy what suits your baby later.

I also like Dr. Brown's feed to minimize gas, but do keep in mind there are about 3-4 different parts you have to clean each time for 1 feeder. My 1st son did well with Evenflo curved bottles, so just buy 1 bottle and depending on your child you can switch and try other bottles...etc. Oh and don't forget the bottle brush :)

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Re: Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

Thank you ladies for the good advice! Keep it coming.

I guess I'm confused about the stroller/car seat stuff. I had thought a travel system would be good, so that if she is sleeping, we don't need to move her too much from one thing or another. Is it really too bulky and cumbersome or hard to use? Also, my MIL has a more basic simple stroller that she kept that could probably be used when she's bigger and more stable and doesn't require the extra cushioning.

I'm thinking of registering at Babys R Us, Target, Buy Buy Baby, and Great Beginnings. But that's way too many registries!

I'm not sure about the diaper genie. We've been getting scented bags ever since I was experiencing morning sickness. We are in a house but it's three-levels, the garage is in the basement, so I'm not sure how often I'll do all that up and down.

We're planning to get the Kendall Crib and Changing table/dresser from Pottery Barn (it's on sale). All other room storage items and decor will be from more affordable places.

Nani is here these days and she and Ammi have been busily knitting! It's super-cute. The baby already has several sweater/hat/booty sets :D.

Do you guys use glass bottles?

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Re: Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

I was just about to post about the bottles. :D I seriously considered buying glass bottles, but I wasn't sure if there would be pressure and weight applied onto the baby's mouth, so I got the BPA bottles instead.

Do you foresee yourself travelling a lot? Meaning going in and out in the first month or two? Travel systems are handy, but it depends on if you actually need it. I got the Eddie Bauer one and it's pointless cause I ended up not using it. He outgrew the carseat so fast, well before his time, and I had to buy a new one which will last probably until next year, and then I'll have to get another one.

Maybe you can assign your husband diaper duty, where he needs to go and throw the bags out. I think scented bags are a God send.

We use a pail, but it's a not a diaper genie. You can buy a pail, with a lid, at Wal-Mart and just put a scented/garbage bag in it and use that. If you have a sunroom, you can keep it in there in the winter so it doesn't stink up the place IF you don't choose to throw it outside immediately. It works just as good.

The thing is that in all these stores, there are so many products, and I seriously wanted to buy everything, but I had to be sensible and think about what I would actually use.

I did get the baby gym. He still uses the mat even though he's outgrown the toy attachment.

I got a bassinet too, but he didn't like it and preferred sleeping in bed. So just don't go overboard buying stuff cause you don't know if your baby will like it or not.

If you have a house on 3 levels, set up a mini change station on each level if you can (or the levels you use most). All you need is a change mat, and that's it. Just keep some diapers and other necessities there so you don't have to keep going up and down to change the diaper.

You'll probably get one mat with your diaper bag.

Do check whatever you have already in your house. I have extra exercise mats which came into handy and I used those as change mats. They are spongy so nice and soft for his back.

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Re: Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

We didnt buy wipe warmer and diaper genie either and we certainly didnt miss it. SInce we brought her home, i take out the bathroom garbage every night and it works out perfectly. Even every other day is fine too if you are in a house.

We had thought of getting a travel system too but i read reviews on how heavy it was. So we got a Snug ride that we can attach her car seat to. Its lightweight and i have had no problems with it so far, Alhamd (its been 7 months). Even my friends commented how easy it was to fold and put in the trunk, no wrestling with a heavy one. The downside is that it cannot be used after she outgrows her carseat and we will have to get another stroller but i truly dont mind since the snugrider wasnt that expensive to begin with.

Here is what we have:
Amazon.com: Graco SnugRider Infant Car Seat Stroller Frame: Baby

Oh and since you are in a house, like Mehnaz said, you will need more than one changing station. I am sure any basket would do, but i got this as a present from my b rother and totally love it:
Amazon.com: JJ Cole Diaper & Wipes Caddy - Green Stripe: Baby

For bottles, i used Dr Brown’s and Born Free ones and actually liked the Born Free ones better for some reason. We used all plastic. Why dont you get a packet of each plastic and glass and see which ones you like best and then buy more of those.

For diaper bag, i got Ju Ju Be and totally love it. It has various pockets to put different things in. This is the one i got:
Amazon.com: Ju Ju Be - Be All - Groovy Garden Diaper Bag: Baby

Some things we didnt spend a lot of money on since i didnt think it was necessary and some things we did and inshaAllah i will be using most of this stuff for the next kid(s) too. Hopefully it will last that long.

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Re: Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

oh another thing to think about if you wi ll be formula feeding:
bottle sterlizer and warmer.

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These things are great but it also depends on how much space you have to utilize. I was givena huge bottle warmer in my shower and it took up a lot of space. I had minimal space to begin with. Just so you know, you can also just take a cup half filled with hot water and dip the formula bottle in it for a little and bottle will heat up just fine enough for baby. Also I think you can always boil the bottle in a pot full of water to sterilize.

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Re: Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

^ Yup, you don't really need the sterilizer. The only thing about boiling bottles is that if you boil it too much or too regularly, the bits and pieces can become lose, and may leak. Other than that, we boil.

Sahar, do invest in a little thermos as well. If you are going to someone's house and you want to take food, you want to have water on hand for feedings (if you use formula) or even for food when they are a bit older. It is a bit of a hassle to have to boil water at someone else's house.

Cause I was using formula from the beginning, the nurse advised me to boil water in the morning and put it in the thermos. So water was boiled and ready for feedings throughout the day. We would boil more as needed but the thermos kept it at a good temperature.

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Re: Baby essentials, shopping, and registries

I am a little nervous about nursing. I asked my mother the other day and she said she wasn't able to nurse any of us much. We moved to formula pretty quickly (Abu even says he recalls me having to take soy but Ami doesn't remember that). So tho I want to nurse, I'll need to be prepared that I may not be able to.