I’ve Never Had a Baby Before |

I’ve Never Had a Baby Before

May 13, 2010 at 8:33 am RootsAndRings 55 comments

There are approximately 43,928,827 baby books on the shelves at Barnes and Noble. There are at least 3 times that many baby websites here on the interwebs. And there are probably 100 times that many people in this world with opinions. So where is a girl to turn for some advice?

Her blog. Duh. I started this blog a year and a half ago so that whenever I got pregnant, I’d have people who I trust to give me advice.

Not really. I started this blog because I thought it would be fun to write things on the internet and make my family read them. Thanks family. Without you, R&R would have withered away and rotted away into the depths of the web.

Where was I going with that? I have no idea. Maybe we should have just let this site wither away…

So. You. Help. There is this thing about babies. They need stuff. You can’t just grow them in your uterus, scream for a painful 17 hours of labor, and then bring them home and continue living life as you were. Or so I’m told. And I assume that what I was told is true because the second I peed on that stick, people started giving me things.

I kept myself off the baby websites for 21 weeks. I knew there was no point trying to pick things out if I didn’t know the gender of the baby. But once we found out that we were having a little boy, I lost it. I have yet to spend a dime (thankyouverymuch) but I have found several things that Jansen has to have.

Like these. Oh Lord have mercy, distressed jeans.

Did you just die? Oh just wait. Jansen needs these too.

So cute. And then there is this onesie that Taryn makes.

Wouldn’t he be so handsome in that? Oh and check these out. All the cool kids have YELLOW BELTS!

I would put him in a little red or yellow polo and pop his collar. Yes I would, Stephen. YES I WOULD.

So do you see my problem? The only thing I care about is mini adult clothes. Mini adult clothes won’t help Jansen sleep or make him giggle or develop his brain. More importantly, these clothes won’t teach him how to play second base. Just kidding. My child will never play second base, he’ll be too tall.

But really. This is me, down on one knee, begging for your help…. My name is Chelsea. I am 25 years old and have no business raising a human. I watch Wheel of Fortune and eat Totino’s pizza. Will you please help my son be a functioning member of society?

I need your secrets. What do I need? What does Stephen need? What does Jansen need? What items got you through the tough times? Favorite toys, bedding, glidders, brands, bottles, etc. etc. etc. Stephen and I will be registering soon and I’d like to form an organized list of “Must Haves” so that I don’t get a migraine and scream in Babies R Us because of baby crap overload. Are you with me?

I know a lot of you have kids so you’ll have some advice. And I know some of you don’t have kids but you have opinions because you either know some babies or you are just that cocky to think you know best without any experience at all. Whatever your reason, please share your thoughts and feelings. Or else Jansen is only getting sweater vests and board shorts.

Thank you in advance for your help. I’ll be sure to give you all credit when Jansen is valedictorian of his kindergarten class. Oh, and if you’re like me and only NEED one of the above featured items, you can click on the picture to go to the website I found it. You’re welcome.

Entry filed under: Chelsea, Pregnancy. Tags: Baby Items, Baby Necessities, Newborn.

Loser 9.17: I Will Do Everything to Make You Proud Seven Quick Takes – WHAT A WEEK!

55 Comments Add your own

1. Southern Gal | May 13, 2010 at 9:08 am

Oh Chelsea. You’re brave, girl.

Love that baby. I know you do. That’s what he (and you) need more than anything else.

Then remember that people years ago didn’t have all the “stuff” that go along with babies nowadays. They did just fine. Rebekah and David are living in a small mother-in-law type cottage and are starting to be overrun with STUFF.

Here are some things I loved or love now that Rebekah is getting them:
A couple of good nursing bras, nursing gowns, pump for you if you’re planning on going that route.
Baby Sacks for newborn days (little gowns with drawstrings so you don’t have to maneuver little legs in and out of pants for the first few weeks.)
The Mom Sounds Bear (Buy rechargeable batteries or you’ll be broke)
A baby wrap or carrier. (Good for having free hands when Jansen won’t want to be put down.)
Some type of bouncy seat that the baby can move by kicking his legs.
Space Saver High Chair that fits onto your chair and converts to a booster seat. (Most ingenious invention.)
A good portable stroller.
A lightweight car seat.
A swaddle blanket (any blanket can fit this bill).
A play mat or quilt for tummy time.
A baby monitor.
Lots of bibs, burp cloths, pacifiers.

I know there are other items, but these are the ones that got used the most in our house. This is so exciting! Have fun picking out all your baby things.
2. Karen | May 13, 2010 at 9:13 am

Stop her Stephen, she has gone mad with the plaid shorts.

The only thing I know about the panicking of having your first baby is, for about the first two months you are going to try and do every thing right, until you run your self mad, then you will just put a passie in it and be done. LOL

This is not from any experience of my own, but from watching my sisters and nieces with theirs, it will happen just wait. lol

Remember the huggie commercials, where the mom starts out with how great she is going to be, then like a record scratching moment of reality she states, “who was I kidding” or some thing like that, I love those commercials.

You are going to be a great Mom, Chelsea, just relax.

And, baby shoes are what makes me go awwwww, look at that, aren’t those adorable.
3. Tabaitha | May 13, 2010 at 9:17 am

I loved all of the things you found for Jansen! Here are a few of my favs:

Medela Nursing Pump
Baby Bjorn – More for Dad than Mom
Miracle Blanket (http://www.miracleblanket.com/indexb.htm) – better than swaddle me anyday
We loved our Chico Travel System Stroller and Carseat.
If you get a jogging stroller, go for the double, so you don’t have to spend money later.
Sleepy Wrap Sling (http://www.sleepywrap.com/) – I wish I had it with Mason but I was so thankful to have it with Taylor. I used it more than my Baby Bjorn.
Swing
Bouncer
Pack n Play
Bumbo – Loved it for teaching them to sit up on their own and for keeping an eye on them when you are trying to do something. Also great for when you are first feeding them baby food.
Ice Cube Trays – If you plan to make your own baby food, they are great for serving sizes and freezing the puree’s .

Things you don’t reallly need:
Diaper Jeani – It doesn’t really mask the smell of the poopy diapers and I found taking that as long as you take out then you are good.
Bottle Sanitzer – As long as you wash them with hot water or put them in the dishwasher, you are good.
4. DebbieQ | May 13, 2010 at 9:18 am

Well, he just has to have the plaid shorts for sure. But I really think he needs a pair of high top Converse in red.

My only other “must” (and I wore out THREE of them) is a baby sling or carrier of some kind that you strap to your front. I wouldn’t have made it through the first 6 months without one.
5. Debbie | May 13, 2010 at 9:23 am

Whatever, you’ll be a fantastic Mom! Seriously, when in doubt…think about all the crackheads that have babies that turn out to be decent human beings. Jansen will be just fine and you guys will be great. 🙂

Things that we found to be most helpful: seriously a TON of burpcloths! and im talking about the cloth diaper size ones, not the slinky 2in wide “burp cloths” seriously…what do those protect you from?! lots of socks (we always lose ours), never can have enough diapers and wipes (i would register for sizes 2 and 3) most ppl that get you diapers will be newborn sizes…that way you’ll have some for later on. (ps – costco diapers are the best, target is a close 2nd)

a jumperoo, most amazing invention ever! a big durable stroller and a 2nd smaller, lightweight one. i wouldn’t register for more than 1 or 2 blankets. those seem to be a really popular gift to give….you’re not going to use all 25 that you receive.

a SWADDLE. actually 2 or 3 of them. i honestly believe that contributed greatly to jacob starting to sleep through the night at 3 months.

pacifiers (tip – get the ones without the “handlebar” on it. those make it so much easier to pull out! not recommended.

we had a baby bjorn carrier and probably only used it twice. waste of money for us but some ppl use them a lot.

you can never have enough onesies or bottles. as for bottles. dont buy/register for any of the 4 oz or smaller bottles. those are pointless. just get the bigger ones and fill them up with less milk. no point in buying new bottles every time your baby starts eating more.

a good baby monitor. for us, we didn’t want the video/tv monitor. if i had that, i would have stared at it all night and never slept…the ones with noise work just fine.

for later on, youll need outlet covers and cabinet locks.

i’d most definitely register for things like baby tylenol, mylicon, baby benadryl and lots of desitin. and, i think my rant is done. if i think of anything else…ill let you know. 🙂 glad you asked, there are so many things you can buy that are just such a waste of money that you never use but according to the stores are “completely necessary.” baha!
6. Katie | May 13, 2010 at 9:27 am

Oh how I have forgotten how frightening and exciting expecting your first baby is!!
Here are the things I found the best!!

A Boppy Nursing pillow with extra covers. Weather you nurse or not you can still use the pillow to help hold the baby and it’s great for when they get a bit older and can sit up in it. You need the extra covers for when it gets spit up on or wet or well you will find out what else.

Bumbo baby seat and get the tray too. This marvelous invention wasn’t around for my first but it was for my second and man did I wish I had. Anyway it lets little ones “sit” before they can do it themselves which the love and then the tray is great for toys and for eating. We actually used the bumbo and tray as a traveling high chair a few times.

Infant nightgowns. For the first few weeks they are great because you can change diapers really easily and you will be changing a lot of diapers.

Born Free bottles with the anti colic venting system. I nursed but I also pumped so I needed bottles and the whole BPA scare happened when my second was less than a year. So we had to switch over all our bottles. Anyway they are really good about getting gas out of the baby’s tummy.

Here is my best tip. Pick a blanket or safe stuffed toy that you would like you child to attach to. Make sure that they are machine washable and you have two of them. Then once they have been washed the first time start sleeping with them (at least 3 days). Yes I know sounds strange and you need to do this before the baby is born. But I swear it worked wonders for both kids. The blanket or toy will then have your scent and just place it next to or on your baby when they are fussy. Especially when trying to get them to sleep in their own crib by themselves.
7. Taryn M. Peine | May 13, 2010 at 9:27 am

Umm, oh my gosh I would obviously say he needs a bow tie onesie, for his more formal occasions, and THOSE TINY PLAID SHORTS just made my ovaries ache. I’m exactly the same as you…all I want to do is have a little boy and dress him just like Drew. Oh i just forgot! I have no advice to offer here. GOOD LUCK.
8. abby | May 13, 2010 at 9:31 am

I wish I had advice to give you…but no, I don’t. What I do want to say is how adorable those clothes are!!! I can’t resist mini-adult clothes. I have a fear that in a short 6 weeks I will be spending crap loads on these mini clothes!! And my hubby will be having a panic attack at how much$$ it all is! 🙂
9. That Married Couple | May 13, 2010 at 9:48 am

Love the little shoes! And Totino’s pizza…

I have no suggestions whatsoever, but can’t wait to come back and read everyone else’s!
10. Erin | May 13, 2010 at 9:52 am

Well, my advice is more about the registering process. I knew I would feel overwhelmed/unprepared/vulnerable in the store, so over a period of about 4 weeks I took the time to research (friends/family, Consumer Reports, products reviews, etc.) what I needed vs. what I didn’t…and then which brand was better than all the rest for all the must-haves.

Each time I settled on “the” bottles, “the” stroller, etc. I logged on to our registry and added it online. I created my registries at Target and Babies R us only setting foot in each store once (to test drive the stroller and see how sturdy the crib/changing table were). It was stress and pressure free and I loved being able to take my time and do it slowly…I still add and subtract items if I find something I like better 🙂
11. Kiki | May 13, 2010 at 10:14 am

I loathed registering and sat in my living room stunned and dazed at all the baby stuff, wondering wth to do with it all the first time around.

Now, with #3 (a mere 2 weeks old), I can say if you got breasts, use ’em and only them. Get a car seat. Clothes will arrive magically (leave the tags on, tape all gift receipts to the tags, then when babe outgrows something he didn’t even wear, you can exchange it for something else). You really don’t need much more than that (IMO).

I just blogged about this and what you might need on your babymoon….Ask. For. Food. trust me! Good luck!
12. Jenna | May 13, 2010 at 10:15 am

Love today’s blog! 🙂
The one thing that saved me when Ayla was a baby was this bouncy chair. http://www.sears.ca/product/fisher-price-newborn-to-toddler-rocker/32281100?ptag=1

That’s it. That’s my one thing you should definately have. 🙂 They come in a variety of colors/patterns, but that’s just the one Ayla has. 🙂
13. zburrows | May 13, 2010 at 10:16 am

This is a word on the street kind of thing… since i have no babbies either.

You NEED:
A wipe warmer – You can imagine that you wouldnt like a cold wet wipy on your rear either!

The Baby Einstein Jumper – There have been a lot of studies about these rolling walker things that say they are bad. This is safe. It adjusts for a lot of ages and it folds up.

Munchkin Sterilizer Bags – These bad boys are reusable, they take five minutes in the microwave, and you will still feel like you are a super mom.

A boppy pillow – This is helpful for about a million things, but Ive heard that it is most helpful when breast feeding…. no more tired arms.

A Baby Jjorn – These seem to be safer than the sling things. It also adjusts so you can use it for the first 6 months.

Bumbo seat- this thing is amazing! It will help Jansen sit up before he can actually sit up.

I pretty much want to buy it all!
14. Stacie | May 13, 2010 at 10:19 am

I have no babies. But I can have a long distance panic attack with you as the thought of all the the stuff you need really wigs me out.
15. Kathleen | May 13, 2010 at 10:36 am

I have no clue, and I can only imagine that I will share a similar feeling of panic when I (hopefully, eventually) get pregnant.
16. Katie 'eads' Drake | May 13, 2010 at 10:38 am

Chelsea, let me just say that boys are awesome, and so much fun! I know how you feel there are so many things that you want and feel you need, when in reality you won’t even use them once LD is here. All of the suggestions have been wonderful and true. There are a few things I have found that I use constantly. Dr. Brown bottles are the best! However, every baby is different. Hylands teething tablets are amazing!!! The BOON from target is a must have for on the go feedings when he starts to eat baby food. Another awesome invention that you may want but is not necessarily a ‘must have’ is a pacifeeder, it’s a hands free bottle ( also great for long car rides or shopping) I ordered mine off e-bay! Out of all the teethers we purchased only one was a big hit! She is called Sophie the giraffe, the number one teether since 1962. Hope some these suggestions help you. Congratulations and remember to have a rag ready during those diaper changes! 😉
17. ashnmatt2011 | May 13, 2010 at 10:40 am

i don’t have a baby…. and i don’t think i’m so cocky as to pretend i know what’s best…. but i have these cute baby penguin toys (i got them as a gift just because i like penguins). it’s like baby bowling, and someone matt knows (who is a mother) commented that her baby just adored them. anyway you can find them at target plus there is a picture of them on matt’s facebook (my mini-christmas tree had a penguin colony)
18. Samantha | May 13, 2010 at 10:43 am

The things I couldn’t do without through the first five months are:
BabyTrend jogging stroller
Baby wipe warmer
A ton of receiving blankets
A ton of onsies
I got several different pacifiers and let Lisa decide which she liked best. (It ended up being a Nuk)
A johnny jump up
A breast pump
Of course tylenol & mylicon drops
Scented bags to keep in the diaper bag for diapers and any clothes that get messy

And the one thing that has saved me time and again is a dvd a friend gave me called the praiseBaby collection. Its the sleepytime lullabies. I’ve played it while I was rocking her to sleep (just the music going with the tv off) and now when she’s fighting sleep and getting fussy I pop it in and she’s usually asleep by the third song.
19. Taryn E | May 13, 2010 at 10:45 am

i have a huge list compiled from other friends when i was preggo. I’ll just email it to you 🙂
20. Sister | May 13, 2010 at 10:49 am

If I find a pair of baby boat shoes, I’m buying them!
21. Sara | May 13, 2010 at 11:27 am

Jansen will definitely have to have a Savvy Stitcher hat, which he will get, but I need to know what color he {aka YOU} want. 🙂

I have no children, but I have lots of nephews. Here’s what I’ve been told:

You need a Boppy Pillow. Register for that plus some pillow covers.

Almost everyone registers for a wipe warmer, but I’ve never known anyone to actually use it. My SIL’s one is still in the box. I think it sounds good in theory, but you don’t neet it.

Umbrella stroller for when he gets bigger. It fits in the trunk well and is very compact. Not so annoying when in large crowds.

Bouncy seat, which is pretty much like a playpen for small babies. They can’t go anywhere and they usually just fall asleep right there while you go on doing other things that require use of your arms.

That’s all I’ve got right now, beisdes the basics such as bibs, burp cloths, onesies, pajamas, DIAPERS :), etc.
22. Nora | May 13, 2010 at 11:28 am

I love the little tiny loafers! I saw some on a little boy the other day and my heart melted.

I also can’t believe I’m saying this but little tiny pink crocs on girl toddlers/babies is pretty darn cute. I don’t even like crocs but on them? SO adorable.

Love the name, btw 🙂 I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone named Jansen.
23. Billie | May 13, 2010 at 11:39 am

It is all so overwhelming! I know, because I went through this last July as we were preparing for my little Eli to arrive. My husband and I took a stroll through both Target and Babies R Us prior to registering so that we would have an idea of what we would be faced with when it came time to register. Then we did some research to find out what was best. So to sum up what we have found most useful now that Eli is 6 mos. old…..
~ Oneseis with fold over cuffs….”mittens” if you will. These were so much easier to keep on him than little mittens which he would just wiggle out of
~ Sleep positioner (kept his little head elevated slightly and kept him in place until he had perfected the art of rolling over
~ A co-sleeper for the long nights when baby is either sick or really fussy.
~ Boppy or some sort of suppport pillow.
~ A blanket/quilt for the floor for tummy time….no need to get a tummy time mat.
~ A bouncer
~ Bottles…I use Dr. Brown’s and they have been wonderful. We also used Avent bottles and I loved those too (especially since there were far fewer pieces! I have yet to need anything greater than a 4oz. bottle.
~ Bibs and burp cloths
~ Breast pump if you go that route
~ A comfotable rocking chair (you’ll spend a lot of time in it the first few months. An ottaman, foot stool or reclining chair are a must too…especially when you’re first starting to nurse)
~ Nursing tanks and bras are a must! And if you happen to find any nursing tops that are actually cute I would love to know about it:) (The nursing tanks at target are decent, but they run a little bit short. Try the tanks from http://www.undercovermama.com)
~ Medela lanolin ointment (I find it to be soooo much better than the lansinol brand!!! …not as thick which makes application much easier for already sore nipples.)
~ Lily pads (silicone breast pads that are reusable, comfortable and stay in place well)
~ Diapers cloth or disposable
~ We tried pee pee tee pees but they really weren’t that useful…he wiggled around too much and it was a hassle to try to hold it in place while trying to wipe and put a new diaper on:)
~ and the list could go on and on….this is just the beginning. 😉 Good luck to you and your husband. The most important thing Jansen will need is your love and that just overflows naturally:)
24. Kari | May 13, 2010 at 11:43 am

Ok, so I found your website VIA YHL, so I know you know them…and they’re using bum genius cloth diapers. When I have kids, my kids will wear these diapers….you spend $400 now and save $2000+ over the first couple of years of Jansen’s life and then tuck them away for when baby Hurst #2 comes along….that’s what we’ll be doing! And for the record, you’ll get peed and pooed on either way, so a cloth diaper isn’t THAT bad..

And you also need glass bottles. All of my friend mommies tell me that the plastic ones get formula etched in them (from the microwave habit) and then you have icky formula etched plastic bottles….the glass ones don’t do this and are guaranteed to be BPA free…just make sure you register for the little cozies that go around them, too…ya know, for when you drop them at 2 in the morning because you’re sleep walking.

Those are my two biggest things! I’m sure I’ll have more after I have babies of my own, but for now it’s dogs for this girl!
25. Jessica | May 13, 2010 at 11:52 am

So, there was this time about 18 or 19 years ago, that I myself was a baby. I’m thinking it was a great time, but I don’t really remember it. Otherwise, I’m sure I could give you some awesome advice. I know my dad sang a lot to me when I was little and my crib was in their room so they wouldn’t have to go so far when I started screaming or they just wanted to look at me because I was so darn cute. I don’t know if that’s a good idea though. Especially since I was a very loud baby and didn’t sleep until I was 3. Other than that I got nothing for you. But you expected that.
26. Erin | May 13, 2010 at 11:59 am

When I got pregnant my older sister (who has 2 kids) gave me this list of things I’ll DEFINITELY need:

Swing (will really help!!)
Baby Gym (mat they lay on with dangly things above)
Sling or front carrier (i have both & definitely use the front carrier more)
Blankets
Bassinette
Bassinette sheets
Bumpers for bassinette
Burp Cloths
Bibs
Boppy and Cover (definitely a must!)
Bottles
Baby Tub
Baby Monitor
Crib
Crib Mattress
Crib Sheets
Bumper for crib
Diaper Cream
Diapers
Dresser
Diaper Bag
First Aid Kit
Hangers
Infant Car Seat
Pacifiers
Pack and Play (we have one, but don’t use it much. it’s handy if you go lots of places- parents’ houses, etc)
Towels
Toddler Car Seat
Wipes
Waterproof Crib Pad
Washcloths
Bouncy seat.
If you’re breastfeeding:
Lasinoh breast cream
Breastfeeding pads
Breastpump
One expensive thing we cut from the budget was a changing table. It was just expensive & we don’t have much room in our house so we’ve done without one. I have a washable changing pad that folds up that I take EVERYWHERE with me- if I’m at home I just unfold that onto the couch or bed or floor- anywhere.
Hopefully this wasn’t too long and it helps a little 🙂
27. Rachel | May 13, 2010 at 12:22 pm

Oh Chel. You opened a can of worms. Well intended worms, but a can nonetheless. 🙂
28. Rachel | May 13, 2010 at 12:29 pm

PS- I’ll add a few that haven’t been mentioned:
I sent you my biggest piece of advice. Babywise. A baby sleeping through the night is the best gift you can give yourself.
Robe – for the hospital
High chair play toy
Baby Einstein – my first signs and a baby signing book – great tools!
HooterHider (or a cheaper version – they have patterns if you know someone crafty)
I have more that I’ve been writing down for you.
29. Molly | May 13, 2010 at 1:08 pm

I’m a friend of Courtney’s and have 2 little ones. The youngest is 4 months. The biggest lifesaver I’ve run across is a nursing pillow called “My Breast Friend.” It is much more useful than the Boppy because it actually straps all the way around you. You can move around, walk around, whatever and the baby is supported and keeps eating all the while. Good luck!
30. Angela | May 13, 2010 at 1:09 pm

I’m not cocky enough too give you advice on what you need to be buying, but if you ever need advice on how to hire a nanny, I’m here for you 🙂
31. Angela | May 13, 2010 at 1:11 pm

Oh wait! I do have advice! Do you read Young House Love? Sherry is due to give birth any day now, so she just did a post about a few things they’ve done in anticipation of the baby’s arrival. I thought it was an excellent post:

http://www.younghouselove.com/2010/05/on-your-mark-get-set/
32. The Husband | May 13, 2010 at 1:11 pm

Wow That’s a lot of advise and lists! I’m with the first comment. Necessities not just stuff!
33. Aunt Bonnie | May 13, 2010 at 1:11 pm

Well,, quite a list you have going here! I know when Sophie was living with us we never had enough burp cloths, and I mean the diaper kind, not the itty, bitty ones. Really love her Bumbo chair. BOOKS! Can’t do without them:)
34. Jana (sidetrack'd) | May 13, 2010 at 1:11 pm

I’m on baby #3 and there are a lot less things on my must have list than what I thought I needed with #1 (take that for what you will).

If you plan to breastfeed:
My #1 recommendation is a good nursing bra like a Medela or Bravado. A nursing cover or shawl is great (much better than trying to use a blanket), and a nursing pillow (didn’t much like my boppy, I much prefer my Bosom Baby pillow from Luna Lullaby) especially for nighttime feedings.

In general:
As a babywearing mama, I highly recommend a good wrap or ring sling. (IMO the baby bjorn is a piece of junk; well made junk, but junk none the less – not comfy for you or baby and puts pressure on the femoral artery of the little guy). My favorite wraps are Sleepy Wrap and Sugar Sweet Baby Wrap; Moby Wrap is a great brand too. If you want a front carrier, look into a Mei Tai or Ergo. (I love my Mei Tai and use it all the time)

I second (or third or whatever) the Bumbo. We use it for what we term the “bored baby stage” from 4ish months until they begin to move on their own.

A good diaper bag. It doesn’t have to be large; really think through what you plan to carry and the pockets, compartments, etc that you will need.

A swing and/or bouncy seat. You might want to see if you can borrow on or both of these. Not all babies like both and some babies like neither.

I would also recommend not getting hung up on buying 0-6 months sized clothing. That’s what most people buy for you (because it’s so stinkin’ cute and tiny and oh so sweet) and it’s easy to end up with more than baby will wear before he outgrows it (especially if he is on the big side for height or weight).

The most important thing is to love on the little guy. Talk to him, hold him, wear him, play with him. There is a lot of hype for developmental toys for babies, but most of the hype comes from the companies trying to sell them to you.

You’ll do great. As I tell people all the time, we’re still parenting on a wing and a prayer! (sorry for the book masquerading as a comment)
35. Emily Jane | May 13, 2010 at 1:38 pm

Oh I loved this post! “So do you see my problem? The only thing I care about is mini adult clothes.” LOL 🙂 And I think I’m late to the party, but are we still accepting congratulations?? 😀

I don’t have a baby (you can tell, because I almost wrote “own”) but we have had several showers at work and people ALWAYS buy 0-6 month clothes. So don’t worry about that.

I think you should definitely make a stop here:

http://www.thinkgeek.com/geek-kids/newborn-infant/

Because every baby needs a “V 2.0” onesie and a vampire teeth pacifier. 🙂
36. Taryn E | May 13, 2010 at 1:39 pm

Couple of things I overlooked in my email….

-Bottles… we started with Avent ones that were given as a gift. I hated them. They leaked. Everywhere. It was almost the end of my marriage! We switched to the Playtex Drop-ins sytem…. SOOOOO much better. Plus, you just throw the liner away, so you’re not having to wash bottles, just the nipples and rings. Saves a lot of time, and the liners are BPA free. I also agree with whoever it was that said don’t mess with small bottles…. Just buy the 8 or 10oz ones and use less milk.

-Bumbo chair (with optional tray). Loved it!!!
– Some sort of white-noise machine. We have one that plugs in and has lik 8 or 10 different noises. Luke falls asleep to ocean waves every night.
– Cool mist humidifier. You may not need it right away, but we use it every night for Luke; helps keep the room a little moist, so he doesn’t get stuffed up.
– Cheap radio/CD player. We have one on luke’s dresser to play baby lullabies and stuff.
37. Taryn E | May 13, 2010 at 1:41 pm

For anyone who is planning a baby shower for the mommy-to-be….. One of the best things my girlfriends did for my shower was have everyone bring either wipes with a tube of diaper cream or a pack of diapers. They put a number on each item and gave the matching number to the girl who brought the item…. they did a couple of drawings throughout the shower for doorprizes with those numbers. I ended up with 20-some packs of diapers and probably 10-15 packs of wipes and cream. (And if you don’t like the brand, Wal-Mart will give you store credit for all unopened packs of diapers!)
38. timlinzrowland | May 13, 2010 at 1:41 pm

Being Jana’s best friend she has sold me on the sugar sweet baby wrap and the Mei Tai carrier (mine should be in the mail anyday now!! YAY!!!). I can’t wait to carry Adeline in them when she gets here.
I wouldn’t waste your money on a Daiper Genie….they don’t work. I wouldn’t waste your money on a changing table because you usually use the floor. I would invest in a good glider since alot of hours will be spent rocking your sweet boy while feeding him or getting him to sleep. I also say splurge and get a good stroller. Both my boys were hard on our strollers and broke them because they were on the cheaper scale. Check reviews for all your major purchases that helped me alot!
Also since your baby will be small at his first Christmas consider asking for things like High chairs, exersaucers and such that they won’t need right away, as Christmas gifts.
You will be amazed at how much you just know when he gets here. It is a God given thing!
39. Jill | May 13, 2010 at 2:34 pm

I’m not that cocky (or maybe just not as good as I thought I was) because I have no idea what you need. Other than all the baby clothes you just posted because they’re so cute!! 🙂

You will do great Chelsea! I just know it.
40. Veronica | May 13, 2010 at 2:43 pm

those jeans! i hope those are still around whenever jake and i have a baby 🙂

i think you’ll be set with all these comments with awesome lists of stuff to get!

only things i recommend (i only know from babysitting and my niece) are:
1. get little noses, little tummy’s, one of those booger suckers, and baby meds so you have them handy whenever you need them.
2. boppy pillows
3. the sleepy wrap thing that someone else put on a comment – those things are super cool.
4. a hooter hider – you can google them; lots of sites have them.
5. all the cute baby clothes you find. ha, it’s just fun to dress them cute 🙂
41. JBBurrows | May 13, 2010 at 2:45 pm

These ladies seem to have everything covered. I want to give you what you don’t need, but would like to have. I have already volunteered some type of woodwork item. I am sure Lyndsey can give you some assistance in coming up with something you really don’t need. I am glad there has been a name change from “parasite” to Jansen. God bless!!!
42. mrssjohnson | May 13, 2010 at 2:49 pm

From my new mom friend: LOTS of Burp rags, receiving swaddling blankets (her daughter doesn’t sleep without them), tucky ducky for bath, wear onesies under EVERYTHING to keep the crazy poops from staining clothes, baby nail files to keep their nails filed down because they scratch their face (or just wear socks on their fingers), bopee pillows, and the most helpful book has been “What to expect when you’re expecting: The first year.” Mylecon drops for when they’re gassy (and they just cry and cry- it doesn’t hurt to use it), pacifier clips for their clothes- she got a traveling system where the carrier turns into the stroller!
43. Maureen (MIL) aka Emmie | May 13, 2010 at 4:28 pm

I know what Jansen needs for sure, a Nana, a Gramps, an Emmie, and a Pops!!!!!!
44. Debbie | May 13, 2010 at 4:47 pm

oh yeah Boppy…for sure! and the cover. that thing is awesome. I would wrap it around myself and just relax with it without Jacob laying with me sometimes, haha. so comfortable! 🙂

and for the glider (which is friggin amazing and you need th ottoman with it!) we bought one off craigslist that’s basically brand new. it’s perfect and we didn’t have to refinance our house to buy one!
45. Tiffany | May 13, 2010 at 5:09 pm

Check out my post I wrote awhile back.

http://rileygracematthews.blogspot.com/2009/10/baby-gear-opinions.html

But I have to tell you you MUST read the Baby Bargains book, they just put out a new edition. It has reviews and rating for everything baby from parents! It really helped me not buy unneeded “stuff”

Have fun!!

tiffany
46. mom (Nana) | May 13, 2010 at 5:33 pm

Ditto to what Maureen said!!!! You are going to do fine. It is amazing how God just shows us how to be parents. We never feel ready but it just feels right when it happens. All you have to do is love on him, smooch on him, and read. read, read to him. Oh and go away for short weekend trips with your husband so the grandparents can bond with Jansen!

LOTS AND LOTS of cloth diapers for burp rags….
Johnny Jump Up – yall LIVED IN IT
swing – great place to sleep while you are getting things done
Oh, I read several places above about microwaving the milk…
DO NOT microwave your formula/breastmilk 🙂
47. Darla Baerg | May 13, 2010 at 7:50 pm

I agree with everyone else. 🙂
48. Molly | May 13, 2010 at 8:58 pm

So I haven’t read the other comments so this might be redundant…. But here’s my two cents:
we like the medela bottles that cone with the medela breastpump. Also like playtex ventaire and dr browns. A vibrating bouncy chair and a swing are a must. Mam pacifiers… But don’t use them till Jansen has mastered breastfeeding. Summer swaddle me for the night….. So much better than a blanket. Kids WILL wiggle out of the blanket and they love to be swaddled. Lots of receiving blankets…can’t have too many of those bc you can use them as towels and burp cloths. I love our summer video baby monitor. It was worth every penny…granted I have a baby that chokes all the time but it has been awesome. That’s all I can think of now but seriously don’t hesitate to email
and say “do I really need this?” I did that with my friend and it was invaluable. Sorry about my horrible typing …. On johns fancy iphone
49. Molly | May 13, 2010 at 9:13 pm

Ok. Now I went And read the comments and have more to add: I got a boppy but used a breast friend pillow atthe lactaction center and thought it was much easier to use because it was firmer and kept him still and up where he was supposed to be. Also get boudreauxs butt paste. That stuff is soooo much better than desatin
50. Kim | May 13, 2010 at 9:35 pm

Okay. I didn’t read the comments before responding so if I repeat here, I apologize.

Register for at least 2 types of pacifiers, get at least 2 of each ones. Here’s why. you will finally find a pacifier your baby likes (Amelia has always been an Avent baby, she took to everything Avent, good brand by the way), and you won’t be able to find it again.

Read the Happiest baby on the block, that book helped Greg and I immensely, out of the 10 or so I read, that’s the one I highly recommend.

Register for Baby Talk (I think that’s the name of the magazine) it’s free for the first year for new moms.

Even if you plan on breast feeding, God has a way of laughing sometimes at this. Register and have everyone you know at different addresses register at Enfamil and Similac, they often send out free cans of formula.

The items I couldn’t live without when Ame was an infant (and this is taking into consideration Greg’s input of things he told me)
1. Bassinet/co sleeper that VIBRATED.
2. Bouncy chair that VIBRATES
3. Swing
4. Blankets to swaddle
5. Bumpo chair (this is great when they start taking cereal cos it’ll hold them upright).
6. I found little nighties the best when Ame was teeny tiny, so much easier to change her diaper on a hour of sleep when she had one of those on.
7. Bottle warmer. This was great as you don’t want to microwave bottles, and it was easy to use, again with the lack of sleep.
8. My mom who would let me nap when I went over to her house with Amelia.

Good luck!!! you will end up getting stuff that you wonder later why you ever thought you needed it, and you will find yourself running out when he’s a coupla weeks old buying stuff wondering why you didn’t think you needed it. Everyone does this, it’s normal!
51. Lindsay Miller | May 13, 2010 at 10:42 pm

Well, I thought I was going to read through the comments you’ve already gotten so I wouldn’t duplicate anything, but there are WAY too many comments for that business! So, sorry if I say the same things the others have said. 🙂

Here are my must-haves:
(Oh and I have 3 kids. 2 girls and 1 boy. My boy is less than a year, so I am still in the midst of all of the baby gear and such.)

http://www.adenandanais.com/
Oh, how I LOVE these swaddling blankets. I only had them with my 3rd, but they are heaven! They’re lightweight, huge in size (which makes it much easier to get a good, tight swaddle) and super adorable.

If I may suggest one thing. I know being a first time parent, you want to have all of the bells & whistles, so I completely understand if you don’t take my advice on this one. With that said, I would NOT get a travel system with the infant seat, stroller all in one. The strollers that come with travel systems have to accomodate the infant seat and then a toddler later on. They are bulky and heavy. My suggestion would be to register for this: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2327597
It is SUPER lightweight and so, so easy and convenient. I never used another thing to snap my infant seat into with my 2nd & 3rd babies. Then also register for a lightweight stroller for when the baby is out of the infant seat. I use this one and love it: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3957336

Not sure what your house is like, but we have 2 stories and the baby’s room is upstairs, so I love this handy thing: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3743180
Even if you don’t have a second story it is nice to have everything you need for diapering all in one place and then since it’s in a basket, you can grab the handle and carry it around wherever you need it. I even love traveling with mine (if we’re not flying) because it keeps all my diapering things organized where I’m staying.

If you plan on nursing for a little while, this is a great thing to have: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3916759
I even said before I had my 3rd, that I thought this was a little much. “Why not just use a blanket?” But my Mom got me one and I tried it. I never nursed in public again without it! It is SO much easier than a blanket and especially helpful when you’re learning how to nurse and it’s not all that easy in the beginning. It can be awkward and difficult and being able to see what you & the baby are doing (because of that little wire loop at the top) while being discreet is so, so helpful.

One more nursing item. These are a serious, serious MUST have if you’re going to try nursing. http://www.selfexpressions.com/soothies.html
I don’t know if you can get these at Babies R Us, but I think HEB actually sells them. And most of the nursing stores in the hospital will have them. If you’re nursing, put them on after every time you nurse, from the very beginning. And wear them as long as you have soreness or tenderness. I think I wore mine always for a few weeks until the tenderness went away and everything sort of leveled out. They saved my life with my second baby. I tried to nurse my first and was unsuccessful for various reasons, but one of those reasons was I coudn’t take the pain. I didn’t know about these then. But I firmly believe they played a key part in me being able to nurse my second baby successfully.

One thing I wouldn’t use: Avent bottles. I use them and they leak. All the time. My baby will be a year pretty soon, so it’s not worth it to me to switch now when we’ll be done with bottles so soon. And I’m not sure why I put up with them this entire time, but I would not reccommend them.

I could probably go on and on, but this comment is already verging on ridiculously long, so I’ll stop at that. 🙂
If you have any questions about any of this, please don’t hesitate to email me.
52. osarah | May 14, 2010 at 9:00 am

Sorry if this is repetitive. I didn’t go through and read all the other comments to be sure I wasn’t just repeating what others have said, because wow! 50 comments! I’m sure you have some great advice in there, and one day, when John and I have children, I’ll probably comb through your archives to find this post.

Anyway, I have two pieces of advice gained from our nieces and nephews: you need a bobby. Apparently they’re a live saver (and an arm saver). I used my sister-in-law’s when we went to take care of Kinsley when she was born, and I agree, it’s fantastic. Also, we have heard good things about the Miracle Blanket, but I also think they’re a little too heavy for Texas weather.
53. Rachel | May 15, 2010 at 9:08 am

I highly recommend Super duper diaper doo… While a tad sticky, it is actually what my doctor recommended when Caden had a horrible diaper rash. However, i could only find it at our pharmacy… you can get it online, I’m sure. As a a bonus tip… It is actually made of lanolin, the same thing in breast cream. So if you’re in a pinch with bad diaper rash and want to see it gone fast, apply a the lanolin – it works!
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