Things we love:
Boppy
Bumbo
Pack-n-play or bassinet (The pack-n-play will serve multiple purposes, but you can't deny the cuteness of a bassinet).
Dr. Brown Bottles (The pieces are a little tedious to wash, but these bottles are great).
Plain Bibs (There are really cute options out there, but they won't stay nice)
Swing (stock up on batteries)
Bouncer (ours didn't actually bounce, it vibrated)
Stationary jumper (Walkers actually delay walking, fyi)
Tummy-time mat (We got a lot of use out of ours prior to the girls being able to sit-up/crawl)
Infant bath seat
Diapers and wipes (a small stock-pile is nice to have)
Infant carrier
Stroller, Car Seat, etc
Medela Pump
Booster/travel seat w/tray
Diaper Genie & Refills
Shopping cart cover
Baby Monitor
Rethink these items:
Changing Table- Ours has only been used a handful of times so far.
Blankets- I received so many beautiful embroidered or handmade blankets after the girls were born. You won't need to register for any because the ones people give/make are nicer than any in the stores. Maybe register for a set of receiving blankets or a blanket you absolutely love, but don't over do it.
Bumpers/Bedding Set. The only pieces I actually use in the girls' room are the bedskirt, fitted sheet and curtains. I use the bumpers and heavy blankets around our living room coffee table (homemade baby-proofing). We love the pattern and organic material, but the new sleep standards make a lot of these sets a waste.
Things I didn't have, but would have liked:
Car mirror (Helpful while baby is rear-facing)
Baby proofing supplies
Bottle warmer. We have an insta-hot faucet, so we were able to bypass the need for a warmer. If you pump and store milk in the fridge/freezer, something that heats the bottle quickly is nice.
The thing about clothes:
I think one of the best parts about shopping for a baby is picking out clothing. People can't resist the cuteness of tiny outfits, so be prepared for gift bags filled with this item. You'll get them at the shower and after the baby is born. I appreciate all the outfits we receive and love giving clothing as a gift, too. Outfits are like blankets, you'll get them...lots of them...I promise. A closet filled to capacity can be exciting to look at, but don't be surprised if things only get worn once or twice. I know (and appreciate) that we are going to get new outfits from family/friends, so I don't buy that much for the girls and money isn't wasted.
At our shower, we avoided being overwhelmed with a complete wardrobe by not finding out the gender of the twins. It's one of the best perks of saving the surprise. People don't get as excited over gender-neutral stuff. My girls spent the first few months of their lives in sleepers, anyway. I only dressed them up when we went out or had visitors. Even with only a few outfits each, I would say nothing was worn more than a handful of times. This has changed a bit now that the girls are older and we venture out more, but if we're home all day, the girls stay in their pajamas.
Other parents may love dressing their children up in an adorable outfit everyday, so this advice may not be for you. This is just my experience, which I've been asked to share. My favorite thing to tell mommies-to-be is that they will know exactly what to do for their child. Advice can be helpful, but in the end, do what you think is best. Don't worry if your way looks different. The happiest and healthiest children have parents who are confident and calm. Go with you gut.
I welcome anyone and everyone to add to the lists of must-haves and not-needed. I know I've left things out and other/differing opinions may be helpful for future parents.
No comments:
Post a Comment