Pregnancy, Parenthood & Playtime

A lot of women when they are expecting their first baby waste a ton of money on all the baby gadgets and what we are really told we need to raise a baby and be a good parent. I was one of those women with my first child, I had everything and the kitchen sink, little did I know how much of it I would actually use, and what I would look at and regret buying as it was a huge waste of money. I decided to pick apart the “must have” list from the Babies R Us website, since that is where the vast majority of women go to set up their registry.

I went over to their website, and clicked on the Babies R Us “must have” quick start registry, and this is where it all began.

Infant Car seat – Well of course you need an infant catseat, and in most hospitals they will not discharge your baby without a proper infant car seat. Some also will go out to your car (if you live in an area where personal vehicle use is the common mode of transportation) and make sure your car seat is installed properly. You can have your car seat installed properly at most police stations or fire houses.
Second Car Seat Base – Some may need it, and some may not. If you are a one car household, you certainly will not need a second base for your car seat. We did without one for a good 2 months before investing in one.
Convertible Car Seat – While all babies are eventually going to need to move into a convertible car seat, it is not something you need to buy until that time really comes.
Booster Seat - Again, while every child is going to eventually move into a booster seat, it is going to be a while before this occasion comes, don’t worry about it till that time comes!
Car Seat Toys – Again another hit or miss. For the first 1-2 months, it is something you really don’t need, and even once your little one starts to get older, you can always get other portable toys that you can attach or your baby can just hold. They do not need to be specific car seat toys that attach to the car seat itself. I can tell you, we never used any of the actual car seat toys.
Shopping Cart Cover – I can say again, this is something I have never used with either of my children. I simply have used the anti-bacterial wipes provided at the cart area, wiped quick and off we went. Sure you can invest in one, I just seem to think they are ridiculously over priced for what they are.
Travel System – I highly recommend a travel system. It includes an infant car seat, car seat base, and a stroller. I loved it but the one thing you should be careful about when purchasing a stroller or travel system is the weight of the system itself. I was originally registered for a travel system that was incredibly heavy and would have made getting the baby in and out of the car and getting the stroller in and out of the car a huge pain!  Test them out. Go to the store, test them out, pick them up… see what the weight is. Believe me, you will be grateful you did!
Stroller – If you do not opt for a travel system set up, there are various kind of strollers you can get. Full size, Lightweight, Jogging strollers, double strollers.. With this it depends on the need that you have. I was so sad the day I had to trade my travel system stroller for a double stroller to fit both of my little ones.
Stroller Toys - Again, it goes back to your need. We never bought any we would just use the car seat toys, or whatever other hand held toys we had hanging out around the house.
Stroller Diaper Bag – I tried the multiple diaper bag business, but when it comes down to it. One diaper bag is all you really need. If you try to have too many in different places, you will forget something you need!  Just keep one, and make sure to have it well stocked, and make sure you double check before you leave the house!
Diaper Bag – See above…
Baby Carriers – SKIP THE BABY BJORN!!!!! If you are interested in baby wearing, go for a safer sling, mei tai, or some kind of baby carrier that is not designed to support the baby from their crotch. This has been shown to be linked to hip dysplasia issues in infants and toddlers. I do plan to write an in depth post about this in time, but let me tell you, save the money and skip them!
Playyard/Travel Crib - If you do not travel a ton, they are $150 you can keep right in your pocket. If you plan on using one for co-sleeping or rooming in, go for the arms reach co-sleeper. They are smaller, more affordable, and have rave reviews. I wish I could have the $150 we spend on our playyard back. We could have used it for something we would have actually used… DIAPERS!
Swing – LIFE SAVER!  I don’t think I could have made it through the first 6 months of either of my children’s lives without a baby swing. They are costly these days, but worth EVERY penny. My ONE suggestion on swings is… get a PLUG in one, and skip the battery powered ones, unless of course you have stock in a battery company.
Bouncer – Another must have. I found that it was not only helpful for getting chores done around the house, showering, but also traveling to family members homes. It was small enough to fit in our small VW, and it could be used as stationary entertainment, someplace to sleep, and someplace to just make sure the baby was safe. Totally spend the money on one!
Stationary Entertainers – We love ours, but there is a catch. With both of our children, we did not start using it until they were tall enough, and strong enough to stand in it and touch the ground without the seat supporting them by the crotch. It goes back up to the baby carriers and hip dysplasia.
Walker – DANGER DANGER! Stay away from baby walkers. Not only have they been banned in MANY states, but they aren’t worth the risks that they posses to your baby!
Door Jumper – Again… DANGER DANGER DANGER!  Skip the door jumpers. They have been reported several times for causing serious injury.
Gyms & Play Sets – I am torn on this one. I enjoyed them with both of my children, but I cant help but say they are WAY over priced for what they actually are, and how long your child will actually use it for!
Breastfeeding Accessories – Ok, instead of writing these all down in different categories, I will tackle them all at once. If you are deciding to breastfeed, and you do not have to go back to work, skip the electric breast pump! Get a small, cheap, hand held one. You will save hundreds of dollars and save yourself a lot of aggravation. Also, if you are planning on breastfeeding, only get a couple bottles, the more you have, the more tempted you will be to use them!   Must haves include lanolin for mom as well as breast pads, you might as well buy stock in both of them because they will become your best friend.

I will stop here for today, I don’t want the post to get too long so that no one wants to actually read it! LOL
Stay tuned for part 2 and part 3!