Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
Congrats Wendy.. What did you have?
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
Here’s my tip on prepping for a baby, start small. Don’t go out and buy everything you THINK you’ll need or others tell you you need. Every baby is different, e.g. some babies LOVE to be in their receiving blankets, others couldn’t care less about them. So I would suggest that you start with the very basics, diaper, diaper cream, breast feeding supplies (yes there are supplies, scary hai na?), wipes, a receiving blanket or two, butt wipes, etc. Don’t over do it, remember, the baby store will still be open AFTER baby comes. Also, once you spend a week or two with your little one, you’ll have a better idea of what he/she needs and keep and active shopping list. Once or twice a week, have hubby or your friends make a run to babies r us or whatever. Otherwise you will end up with 2 dozen receiving blankets that you never use taking up your precious space.
Definitely get a pack n play if your space is limited. Those things are a marvel of engineering.
get a boppy pillow for breast feeding.
Most importantly, don’t sweat it, no matter how much you plan or prepare, you will be unprepared. Make sure you accept the help from friends and family when they offer it, don’t do takalluf.
All the best.
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
does diaper genie control odor well? i was looking at another diaper pail at Target called baby trend which will take any garbage bag and not only special bag like diaper genie. i hear that diaper genie isn’t all that great in containing the smell anyway. how have you liked it so far? how often did you have to empty it? how many diapers can it contain before the room starts smelling?
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
great info. what is the purpose of pack and play? i thought its to keep the child in their to play in a secure contained place when they start crawling or walking around. other than that, is there any other reason to have it?
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
congrats on your new baby.
did you get premade swaddling blanket or used regular blanket for swaddling? i registered for 2 swaddling blanket that are only for swaddling not regular blanket, is that better than regular ones? or should i register for receiving blankets? im having baby shower in less than a month and i am not done with the list yet for registry.
as far as the breast pump, is medela electric one good? my insurance covered it and i have placed the order for it. is it a good idea to pump if you exclusively BF? i read somewhere that pumping will decrease supply?
sorry i know too many questions, this baby thing is too much for me
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
Bella, pack and plays are sort of portable cribs that can collapse into a really small neat package the size of a small suitcase. So great for traveling or apartments with limited space.
Also, the swaddling blankets made for swaddling are better for swaddling.
Madela is a very good breast pump. Pumping will not decrease supply, it will increase supply.
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
There are many different make and models for pack n plays. I got more use of it then I did a crib (which we never used until we converted it to a headboard for my son’s big boy bed lol)
As you can see, pack n plays come with bassinet inserts, changing tables etc. They really are so versatile, and can go from room to room.
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
I got stretchy receiving blankets that I find perfect for swaddling. They are large and you get a super tight swaddle (baby loves it!)
I have medelas pump in style and never found that pumping decreased my supply. In fact it increased it when I felt my supply was getting lower.
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
what do you guys think on importance of having a diaper pail/genie? i have read mixed reviews about it online.
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
I got the diaper genie and IMO it was a total waste of money
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
I concur with Wendy, we had a Diaper Genie and then another different diaper pail and neither worked. The reality is that if you don’t take your diapers outside at least once or twice a day, your house is going to start stinking. Just get a nice garbage can that has a closeable lid. Look at Simple Human brand, they are very sturdy and the foot pump actually works and it seals nicely.
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
I have been drooling over the gorgeous traditional cribs but they’re useless to us right now I guess. What’s the point of just stuffing my tiny little place with furniture and then leave no room for him to play? 
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
I just put the diaper genie on my registry…if it makes no difference then what’s the point? I’ll stick to regular solid and well insulated can.
Essentials for First Time Parents
I used the diaper genie with my first and it worked great for the first 6 months. It really does contain the smell and you didn’t have to throw away diapers everyday. But after 6 months the plastic had this constant smell. I washed the can with bleach and even air dried it but the smell would not go so I threw it away. I started using a regular garbage bin with a lid and a liner after that and it was a lot better. Yeah you just empty it everyday but I think it’s a lot more hygienic that way. Plus the diaper genie refills can be quite costly.
In fact now that I think of it, I think it was gross that I just let the diapers sit for 3-4 days in the baby room when I used the diaper genie. Yeah it was a closed container but still I think it’s best to throw the diapers out at the end of the day.
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
I have one and I love mine. Have no smell issues, we have been using it for 2 yrs now.
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
seems to me either people love diaper genie or hate it. half my friends recommended it and other half said not to get it. i guess ill wait on that one, see how regular garbage can with lid works out first.
another question for expert moms and dads
which one is most useful:
Rock and Play
OR a swing
OR a bouncer?
cannot get all 3, we have a small apartment for now, wont be moving into a proper house for next 3 years.
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
we have all three, but if i had to pick i would say a rocker. Our rocker was easily movable and i could take it anyways i was. It now is a chair and my son still uses it (he is three.)
Essentials for First Time Parents
Isn’t the rock 'n play only used as a sleeper? You’ll get more use out of bouncer and a swing since they can take naps in it as well as be entertained in it for short periods of time.
I prefer a bouncer because it’s portable but I know a lot of people prefer a swing because their baby was able to take long naps in it.
The fisher price rainforest bouncer is very popular and so is the fisher price my little lamb swing.
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
My older son did not use any of the above. He did not like them. We got # 2 a bouncer, he likes it. You can wait and see what your baby’s need is. If you feel #1](http://www.paklinks.com/gs/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=1) is not working, return and try a different thing.
The one I have now turns into chair as well, my 2 yr old likes to sit on it as well.
Re: Essentials for First Time Parents
how much quantity required of below list for newborn?
- clothes or full set.( summer clothes )
2.diapers
3.feeding bottle (im thinking of avent bottles but what size should buy for newborn)
4.wipes.
5.shampoo ,lotion etc (anyone use Cussons product)
6.bath or face towels.