Help! My brain is going a mile a minute with baby related thoughts and questions. Things are getting down to the wire - or so it seems to this first time mom-to-be. The reality is that we have 45 days until baby girl's due date and LOTS still to be done. Heaven help me if she decides to come early. Or late for that matter. I honestly can't decide which is scarier at this point.
Anyway, I need advice.
I was given a beautiful baby shower this weekend (a post to come as soon as I get pictures from my amazingly talented friend Jenny, who photographed the shower). We were given so many generous, beautiful gifts and I am beyond grateful. However, a few things remain which we have not yet purchased or been given. Problem is, I'm not sure which of those things are necessities and which I should wait to purchase to see whether I'll actually need them. I know there's no right or wrong answer but if you have any advice from your own experience, please share it. I'd be grateful for the opinions.
Things to buy (or not):
- Swing
- Nursing Cover
- Breast pump - Some say buy it and bring it to the hospital, others say wait and see how nursing goes. What's your advice?
- Nursing bras - How on earth do I know what size to buy?!?! I'm guessing they'll get bigger. (GAH!)Should I buy one or two to get started or wait?
- Diaper changing pad cover - I know it's a must but how many do I need?
- Crib sheets - I have two. How many more do I need?
- Toys - How early will she be entertained by toys hanging from her car seat or stroller? When will she need/want toys to grasp? How many do I need to start?
Is there anything you needed right away but didn't think of before hand? Babies R Us is right around the corner but I'd like to be as prepared as possible.
On a different note, what is your opinion on taking a childbirth class? We've heard from some friends that it wasn't very helpful or informative and had decided to skip it. I've read lots of baby books and figure the doctors and nurses at the hospital will help us through the process. But now I'm starting to feel like a loser parent. For $100 and a Saturday, maybe we should just suck it up and go on the off chance we learn something. Did you go? Was it helpful?
I've been warned that being pregnant comes with lots of unsolicited advice, but in this case it is very much wanted. Please send your opinions & advice my way. Thanks for the help!
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31 comments:
Hi Melissa!
Here is my 2 cents!
I didn't have a swing so I don't really see the need for it right away.
I would go ahead and get the pump, it helps when your milk comes in to relieve that pain.
I would buy the nursing tank tops first and then move on to the bra...your not going to be leaving the house for awhile and the tank is easy!
I suggest having 3 changing pad covers and 3 sets of sheets...you will have to change them and you will be too tired to wait to wash them
Toys aren't huge, you could wait a month. The main one would be the playmat.
Our birthing class was free so I chose to do it, I am not sure if I would have paid $100.
Good Luck!
Well, you know that I definitely don't have any advice for you!! HA!
Just wanted to say hi :) Can't wait to see pictures from the shower!!
Hope you get lots of good advice!
Hey! You're almost there... :)
I would get the swing and two diaper pad covers... and call it a day.
Everything else can wait for your first shopping trip out!
We loved our swing, but breaking the habit has been REALLY hard. Maybe start with a small bouncer and only get the swing if you're having sleeping problems?
I used my nursing cover, particularly when we were traveling, and a couple of other times in a pinch when I couldn't find somewhere more private to nurse. I think it's a good thing to keep in the diaper bag.
I bought my breast pump and am glad that I did, however, if you get one maybe wait to open it until you are 100% ready to use it.
I guesstimated my size and bought one, then bought another at Target (their Gilligan & O'Malley ones are awesome) once we were acclimated to nursing.
I have two diaper changing covers and that's all I've needed. I do, however, have the small little white pads to place on top that were particularly handy in the NB phase.
I have two crib sheets and it's all I've needed, but we don't have many blowouts (knock on wood).
Hanging toys for us were pointless until around 4 months or so? I still had them hanging up there for him to look at anywho since he hated the carseat. It never hurts to stock up on some toys in advance though, for later.
Also, I can't recommend our Sophie the Giraffe enough - it's HUT's toy of choice and been great with teething!
I don't have anything to offer, but I wanted to say YAY! 45 days!! You are going to be an amazing mom. So excited for you.
I remember being in your shoes almost exactly a year ago!! Ahhhh it's gone by WAY too fast!!
Please take everything that I say (and really everyone else) with a grain of salt. Everyone is different, every mom, every baby ends up liking different things. You WILL figure it all out! And in the mean time you have lots of blog and twitter friends to help guide you along. :)
1. Swing - I bought it - Trey HATED that thing. $180 down the drain. Other babies LOVE them and want to be in them all of the time. Grrr. I have heard of this amazing thing called the MamaRoo - it simulates a car ride. And lots of babies LOVE the car. Maybe something to look into? Also I know everyone wants new things but this is a great thing to get off Craigslist or consignment stores bc of people like me. Trey tried it no more than 5 times and screamed each time. Trust me - my swing is in MINT condition. :)
2. Nursing cover. Yes, people will come visit you in the beginning. It's nice to be able to nurse with them there and not have to go to your room. (Of course, that's always an awesome excuse when people have outstayed their welcome). And if you end up nursing for a while you will use it more than you can imagine. I nursed for 6 months and I wore mine out!! :)
3. Pump - yes if you want to bf go ahead and get it. It will help with the engorgement when your milk comes in and it will be good to start pumping and saving milk that way your DH can do a night feeding when your little one is ready for a bottle. You'll need the sleep! :)
4.Nursing Bras. Hated them. Then found these bravado bras and LOVED them. They also come in S, M, L, XL which makes sizing SO much easier.
Here's where I talked about them on my blog:
http://beachbumandbaby.blogspot.com/2010/09/mama-must-haves-part-one.html
5. Diaper changing pad cover - just 2 is enough :)
6. Crib sheets - 3 at most. We have 4 and I really only feel like I need 2 - one in the wash and one on the bed!
7. Toys - the only toy that Trey loved immediately was his activity mat (gym) thing. We had the baby Einstein one and it was such a fun toy. I was really sad the day we put it away! The rest of the toys will come - you can totally wait to buy them - it will be a great thing to with the baby when you want to get out and about.
As far as the childbirth class. Mine seemed to be a waste as well. $150 and 8 weeks of sitting on the ground in a chiropractor office and I ended up with a c/s. Boo. I DID order a breastfeeding class type DVD on netflix and it was awesome! I felt like it was the same as going to a class but free and I got to lay on my sofa!
The lactation consultants at the hospital are amazing and really want to help you suceed at BF and free! They usually have samples of lanolin cream too and that really helps!
Sorry for such a long post!! :) I hope some of it helps. Feel free to email me with any questions at all!! BeachBumandBaby@gmail.com
Hi! I have 2 kids 3 and 1 years old and I would have been lost without my swing. The both loved it and both tired of it by about 6 months but it was a LIFE SAVER at the beginning. Breast pump and nursing bras (super comfy) were also must have purchases. The maternity store helped me with the bra sizing. I took child birthing classes with my first one and HATED it. It didn't help at all, and it felt like a waste of time but it was my first baby and I felt like I had to take it otherwise I was being a bad mama. I know we've never met but I love your blog (I got the Mexican Caesar salad recipe from here and now am checking it all the time) and wish you all the best with you sweet baby girl!
I really don't have any advice since I am in the same boat. We took the childbirth class this weekend and the best part was the hospital tour. ( which you already did, so I wouldn't worry too much about it)
I obviously don't have any advice to add, but I've enjoyed reading the comments from others! I will say that our hospital is offering a 6-week childbirth class starting in mid-July. We're taking it and hope it will be helpful!
45 days ... WOW :)
Swing - we love ours to pieces, but it seems like babies either love them or hate them. If you get one, I highly recommend one that plugs into the wall (it's a life saver not having to find batteries when she's fussy).
Nursing bra - I like the poster's suggestion on nursing tanks at first. I bought nursing bras my last month of pregnancy and they fit at first, but I've lost weight now and they're looking big.
Nursing cover - get a cheapie and see how you like it. I keep mine stowed in the diaper bag for any unplanned nursing while we're out and about.
Breast pump - I use mine a ton and would highly recommend it (love, love, love the Medela Pump in Style). We ended up with thrush and it was REALLY painful to nurse her, but I could pump with no pain. Check with your insurance, sometimes pumps are covered if you are going back to work (mine ended up being delivered to my door and covered 100%).
Changing pad cover - I think I have 3?
Sheets - I have 3
Toys - we have an activity mat and she's eh about it. Other than that she'll hold stuff in her fist and gum it (she's almost 3 months now), but that's about it. She's far more entertained by bright lights;)
Good luck!!!
If you want to save money on a swing I'll come over and hold her while I run around your living room. Should do the trick! =) I should stop joking about these things or you might never let me watch her. I'm still serious about Baby Rumba though.
I can't believe Blaire is so close to being here!
Okay so here's my 2 cents because I know you're dying for it:
Swing - we didn't have one. C had a papasan (Fisher Price) that we loved but if I had to do it over, I would get the swing version. His vibrated and played music, which he loved.
Nursing cover - not sure what that is... and I breastfed for 2 years.
Breast pump - if you're going to get one, get an electric one. Don't bother with the manual one; they don't work and are a waste of money. And even if you get it and decide not to breastfeed, I'm sure you can return it unopened.
Nursing bras - YES YES YES. These will be your saving grace. Also get nursing camis. I think I got both at Target.
Diaper changing pad cover - I think I had 2 and that was plenty.
Crib sheets - 2 sounds perfect to me!
Toys - She is not going to play with toys until at least 2-3 months. Make sure you have some hanging toys to clip onto her stroller/infant carrier, she'll love to look at those (bright colors). Also, in the car, I had a mirror on the back of the seat that C's infant seat sat on that way they have something to look at. Around 4-6 months, she'll really start playing with things so save your money for toys that are appropriate for that age group.
One thing to make sure and have - DIAPERS. Lots and lots of diapers! And wipes. If I had to do it all over again, that's all I'd ask for!
Childbirth classes - I didn't take any and I had C naturally, with no problems. If you think you and hubs will feel better taking them, then go for it but don't stress if you can't/don't want to.
And this post makes me sad thinking that I was in your same spot 6 years ago! My biggest piece of unsolicited advice would be to savor every minute. It really does go by too damn fast. :) Congrats again, sooooo excited for you!
Oh and I forgot one, very important thing! Boppy pillow - ESPECIALLY if you're going to breastfeed. I wouldn't have survived without it! (I think we got ours at Target.)
Wow, I can't believe how close you are - so exciting! Here's my 2 cents, but just remember everyone's going to have a different opinion on this stuff so just decide whatever YOU think is best for YOU guys and go with it in the end! :)
Buy the swing now - we used ours from day 1 and wouldn't have survived without it!
You can definitely wait on a nursing cover. Early on you really won't want to use it because you (and her) will still be learning how to BF so you'll need to see her.
The breast pump is probably the biggest thing that you'll have to decide what you think will be best for you. I went ahead and bought mine and was glad that I did, but my best friend waited and used the hospital pump for a few weeks to make sure BFing was going to work for them.
I would wait on the nursing bras as long as you have some nursing tanks to get you through the first few days until your milk comes in. Otherwise, you could just get one of the sleeping ones that come in S, M, L instead of actual sizes until you know.
We only have one changing pad cover and then I have 6 of the Boppy changing pad liners that I use on top of it. This has worked well for us.
We only have 2 crib sheets and I've never felt like I needed more yet.
It will probably be at least a month before she really starts to pay attention to toys and grab at things so you can definitely wait on these. Also, as far as the stuff that hangs from the carseat handle goes you may decide not to get any of these because you can't actually use them in the car (the handle has to be pushed all the way back when in the car for safety reasons - I didn't know this until we were leaving the hospital).
And as far as childbirth classes go I felt the same way originally and then we decided to take one and I'm so glad we did. My husband (who's a paramedic and has actually delivered several babies on his own) said after the fact that he was so glad we took the class because he felt a lot more at ease about things like when to actually go to the hospital and what to expect on actual delivery day (since every hospital's process is probably going to be slightly different).
Sorry, that was a lot longer than I planned! :) If you have any other questions, feel free to ask, and again don't stress too much because whatever you decide about all of it will totally be fine in the end! :) Good luck with everything and enjoy these last few weeks as a family of 2! :)
a) Yay for 45 days!
b) thanks for writing this post, we were registering this weekend and I have MANY of the same questions! Especially about the pump, I want BF, but if it doesn't work for us that is A LOT of money!
Our birthing classes are free or I'd have probably skipped it!
yay for bravado nursing bras--I'm a small b cup and wear a small.
Carsyn loved her swing!! The swing and little vibrating seat were things I used almost immediately after coming home.
You'll be fine with a couple of crib sheets and changing pad covers I think.
I ordered my medela pump when Carsyn was about 4 weeks old...she took a bottle (dr browns) immediately so I guess I could have been pumping earlier than that. Love the medela pump in advance? backpack.
I remember when Carsyn was about 2-3 months buying her a playmat and little toys to hang from her carseat- no rush on those.
Hope that was helpful...yipeee, the final countdown!!!!!
I am giving you second hand advice, but you ask and you shall receive.
Breast pump - heard a friend say recently that she had trouble nursing her first (low supply), so when she had her second she started off pumping and breast feeding (in one sitting... didn't really pick up all the deets but maybe a google search will work)... guess something about the baby not being a great eater at first so the pumping helps stimulate your supply?? no idea, but that's what i know. so, get a pump or rent one maybe, especially if you're serious about breast feeding.
bed sheets - 2 sheets okay but you have to get the sheet cover thing that you can easily remove without taking the mattress out of the crib for those easy bedding changes when you have a 2am blowout or vomit session... don't ask me how i know this just go buy at least two
toys - i'd wait, based on my experience with babies, you have some time
xo!
Good questions! You are smart for asking and not just assuming you know the answers, like I did!
1) Neither of my kids liked their swing. I'd hold off and see if you need it. I sure would like to have that $80 back!
2) Never had a nursing cover because I never felt comfortable nursing in public. There was no sheet large enough that I would want to whip it out in Target! I nurse all the time in the car but I have tinted windows and that's good enough for me.
3) I borrowed my pump but I can definitely see the advantages of waiting to make sure it's going to work for you.
4) Definitely wait. At first you'll be around your house and you won't have to worry about it. Your size probably will change and again, you want to make sure you're still nursing.
5) I'd say you'll need at least 2 changing pad covers in case you have a blow out. We have 3 and that seems to be perfect.
6) 2 should be fine. Changing the sheets is not the easiest chore and they're usually swaddled in a blanket anyway. If somethings going to get dirty, it's probably the blanket.
7) I'm probably not the best person to give advice on toys. I have found my kids like non-traditional things like Tupperware, plastic measuring spoons, etc!
I can't think of anything that I needed and didn't have. I did take a childbirthing class but it was free through my OB's office. I'm not sure it'd be worth it to pay $100, then again I probably did learn from it. As long as you know where to go when you get to the hospital, I think the rest will fall into place!
Good luck!!
I just had my first baby 7 weeks ago (a boy) so this is all very familiar to me! I couldn't nurse so I cant comment on that. As far as everything else, we have 2 changing pad covers and that is fine. And like another person who posted, we got some white thin pads that we lay on top of that that have been great to have. With the sheets, we have 4 of them. Maybe because we have a boy, but our baby seems to leak through his diaper quite a bit and having 4 sheets has really saved us from doing that laundry every few days. The swing is great to have but not a must. With toys, I would just get a few things that light up and make some noise. I would also get a floor mirror. These are all great things to have for tummy time to catch a baby's attention.
Grayson rarely used the swing. He would fall asleep in it and I didn't want it to become a nap habit.
We have 2 changing pad covers. You do so much laundry that you will almost always have a clean one!
We go through lots of crib sheets. I had to have 5 for daycare...one for each weekday. I had 4 at home. Geesh. Now that I have 9...it's a little excessive:)
I bought a cheap nursing bra before he was born. He was so high in my ribs that my normal underwire bras hurt me starting around week 36. I waited until I was nursing to buy 2 nice ones!
Oh girl... First, take a deep breath. Whether you have all of your "necessities" ready or not - it will DEFINITELY be OK. You'll figure out what you need as you go. That's what I am doing right now! HAHA! Anyway, here's my two cents...
-Swing: I did not register for one, but I am about to invest in one of these bad boys. We put Elena in one when we were visiting our friends recently, and she LOVED it. She was so content. Her bouncy seat just doesn't do it for her. It's not entertaining enough. SO, my advice: wait until little Blaire arrives, then decide whether she prefers a swing, bouncy seat, whatever. Every baby is different.
-I bought a breast pump before Elena came, and it was very nice to have. Even though we're now exclusively bottle feeding with formula (long story), the pump was essential for me. The pump will help your milk "come in" sooner too, so that's something to consider. My milk didn't come until we were already home from the hospital!
-Nursing bras: buy a couple of nursing sleep tanks at Target (they're actually really cute) until you know what you need.
-Toys: If you get a good answer for this, let me know! Sometimes I think Elena is bored out of her mind!! HAHA!
Seriously though - even if you don't have all this stuff, it will be FINE! Blaire won't know the difference.
Oh yea - we didn't take child birth classes. I'm sure class is helpful... but certainly not essential!
Ok-my opinions: swing is good, but since you didn't get one, buy a cheaper one-Emna never liked hers, but Harrison digs it. Breast pump hell yeah if you want to nurse-I borrowed one with Emna and used it for a year-while breastfeeding and pumping so others could help. Toys, no. Classes, we did it but it was a waste-you're gonna figure it out in actual labor. You're gonna be sooo prepared!
Here goes...
swing- Yes, but don't be afraid to ask to borrow one from a friend that may have one available. We are using a big (and awesome) swing from a friend whose baby didn't like it. The swing was my saving grace when Preston was 4 months and younger... he wouldn't sleep anywhere but in his swing or in my arms.
nursing cover- I say yes, but a less expensive one from Target will work just as well as the more expensive ones. I used it for covering up while pumping too.
breast pump- Wait and see. If you want to leave the hospital with one then rent it for the first month. Oh, and be sure to take home and keep all the extra parts they give you (for free) at the hospital to use with your own if you buy one.
nursing bra- Wait until your milk comes in, but do get a comfortable and stretchy nursing bra to wear while in the hospital or a nursing camisole that you can wear in the hospital that will stretch and be comfortable while your milk is coming in. I loved this one http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/184-1511461-5239245?asin=B000JK0FOW&AFID=Froogle_df&LNM=%7CB000JK0FOW&CPNG=women&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B000JK0FOW&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001
And then get professional measured for the bras.
I would buy a hands-free pumping bra ahead of time to have at the hospital. My hospital sold them there, but I remember the price be awfully high. You may not use it, but I can't imagine anything worse than having to sit there and hold the breast shields while pumping. If you do pump then you can have your hands free (so you can blog and show us cute pics of that baby girl! :)
Crib sheets- I say two is enough.
Toys- wait on them for a couple of months.
Sorry for writing you a novel.
Okay...here goes! I have a 4 month old baby girl, so I feel like I was in your shoes a short time ago...
Swing - must buy. we had the fisher price 'my little lamb' one. our baby hated it at first but then came to love it...many a nights and naps were spent in it during the latter part of the first month through month three. life saver.
Nursing Cover - i am still nursing exclusively and haven't found the need for this. i am not the type to bust out in public to nurse, but using something like this in my own house is cumbersome and annoying.
Breast pump - i didn't use mine until the end of the first month. i would buy it but keep it in the box so you can take it back in case you end up having issues and not nursing. i have the medela handsfree one...best thing EVER! i can get ready to go and pump at the same time..all handsfree!
Nursing bras - i stressed big time about this pre-baby. would highly recommend the nursing camisoles from Target and I had a couple of comfy ones from Motherhood. i would also just buy a couple of the nursing sports bras from motherhood to get you through the beginning (dont judge...yes, i shopped there for this stuff..couldn't bring myself to spend lots of $$ other places). i lived in all of these the first month and then bought bras.
Diaper changing pad cover - I have one nice one that stays on permanently but the BEST thing I bought was disposable changing pads from Babies R Us that lay on top of your pretty one. when there is an accident, you just throw it away instead of having to wash your pretty cover. when company comes over, i just put the disposable one away.
Crib sheets - buy the 'ultimate crib sheet'. best invention ever. i have a dupioni silk crib sheet, so this is what i have over the top of it.
Toys - don't worry about this right now...between 3-4 months is when they really start getting into this stuff.
Sorry if any of this has been said already but I didn't read what everyone else wrote.
I got awesome advice on pumps last week from my midwife. She said don't buy one, rent one from the hospital. Seems strange I know, but she said that most insurance companies will cover all or part of the rental fee. That will end up saving you lots! I ended up taking the pump off my registry and plan on renting.
I've been wearing a sleep bra since week 12. I got it at a Motherhood store and its just like a sports bra. I think it was $15 and it can be used when you start nursing too. I wear the bra every night while I sleep and it helped my sore boobs so much! I would wait on a nursing bra and when you do get one go to Target for something cheap.
I'd definitely get a nursing cover up. If you don't want to be confined to your house to nurse then you'll need one. If you have a friend that sews you can have them make it for you for cheap?
Oh yea, I just added those pads to my registry to put on the changing pad cover and crib sheet. I think I got a pack of 3 for like 20 bucks. Less laundry is muy bueno!
Both of my sons loved a swing...it was an awesome lifesaver when you're trying to get stuff done around the house.
Constantly used the breastpump. I din't take it to the hospital though. They have ones you can use if you need one.
Nursing bras. I think I bought up one size and used them till I thought they'd fall apart! So comfortable. Yes, your boobs will feel huge, lol.
I'm surprised to see so many people saying 2 sheets is enough. Especially if you're breatfeeding...you won't believe the number of outfits, blankets, sheets you can go thru in one day's time. Get more, you'll be glad you did. Newborns especially have such loose nasty stools when you breastfeed them.
Took 1 childbirth class and it was just OK. I'd probably skip it. The one thing I learned (not to push with a full bladder)I totally did the opposite anyway...
Good luck with everything!
I would wait on a swing. My first hated it, but my second loved it. They are expensive, so wait to see if you need one.
I never use the nursing cover. A swaddle blanket (or burp cloth) covers plenty. Just another thing to carry with you. Easy to use something you already carry.
Definitely a pump if you plan to pump back at work. With my first I was going back to work and could store up a ton of milk at the beginning when they don't eat as much.
Nursing tank tops are a million times better than the bras, plus you can layer with a sweater or shirt when it gets cooler. I have yet to find a great nursing bra (found a good one, but not great) through two children.
I would wait on extra crib sheets and changing pad covers. With my first we couldn't have enough. he would eat, eat, eat and spit up, spit up. My second does not spit up at ALL and never pees when we change him.
Wait on toys, except play mat.
I would definitely recommend a birth class. If for nothing else than to understand what your body is going through to relieve some anxiety. I had an unmedicated birth, so I benefited from them, but I think either way it helps to understand the process :)
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy and delivery!
my 2 Cents:
You must have a swing! MUST.
Skip the class!
Multiple changing pad covers! at
least 3
wait on the toys. They dont care about them for months.
Skip nursing bras, you will be nekkid almost constantly for 1st few weeks!
I think the pump is a must...
Dont worry about sheets yet. That baby wont be in the crib for a while anyway! ha
Alright chica. Here's my advice:
Swing: Natalie hated her swing at first. In fact, I put her in it fairly early and she just looked so small. I've kept trying her in it and she still hates it. It is, however, compatible with our car seat...so I have started putting her in there after we get into the house and it's been a wonderful place for her to continue a nap. But I wouldn't rush out and buy one.
Perhaps you could wait on the nursing cover and breast pump until you see how things go. I'm not sure what your plans are for breast feeding. I was (am) all about it but I wasn't all about doing it in public right away. I bought the nursing cover when Natalie was maybe 2-3 months and I knew I was going to be somewhere when she needed to eat. I personally waited on the pump, but I did end up buying one after maybe a month. I only pump once a day (right before I go to bed). Natalie was eating so frequently when she was a newborn that I didn't really have time or a need to pump.
Nursing bras: I have one and like you I had no idea what size to buy. I think they are necessary but I would maybe buy one and then see from there which size to get.
We have two diaper changing pad covers and that is plenty. We usually put a cheapo towel down under her booty when we change her so it keeps the pad pretty clean. She does have the occasional accident on there though so we're prepared with two.
We had two crib sheets at the beginning but ended up buying two more. She went through a phase where she spit up at night all the time and my laundry couldn't keep up. But now she hardly ever does. In fact, I have to remember to change the sheets because they really don't get dirty.
Don't worry about toys now. Do you have an activity mat? I think that is so perfect and it will tell you when she becomes interested in toys when she starts going after the hanging ones on there. Natalie has a few rattles and little stuffed toys but that's about it. She's just interested in putting things in her mouth now. I did get her a thing of spinnable toys that hangs across her car seat and that has been wonderful. But again, there is no rush for that. She won't even know it's there for a few months.
Matt and I took a few childbirth classes. My particular labor went very quickly so I'm not sure we used many of the techniques they taught but I felt a bit more prepared. I don't think you're a bad parent for not going. The nurses will talk you through everything. We did take a class called Baby Basics which showed you how to put on diapers, give baths...stuff like that. I think that was helpful, especially for Matt who I don't think had ever held a baby before Natalie was born :)
Sorry for leaving you the world's longest comment :) Let me know if you have any questions!!
My two cents, as a mom of a 2 week old -
Swing - this has been super helpful for naps, and during her "awake" periods, when I really need to get things done around the house. But, assuming you have a vibrating bouncing chair, she likes them equally much, so you could pass on this if you have one of those.
Nursing cover - The few times I've needed to nurse in public, I've just used a baby blanket. Pass.
Breast pump - you will really want one of these, even if you get a $40 cheapo from Target. You do not need it in the hospital though, only when your milk comes in.
Nursing bras - buy camis or sleep bras - you have no way of knowing what size you will need for an actual bra. Those will fit a good range of whatever size you end up.
Diaper changing pad cover - i have one actual cover, and then Boppy brand changing cover pads - i got a 3 pack at Babies R Us for like $10 - they are waterproof and lay on top the pad, and are much easier to change when she pees on the pad as I change her.
Crib sheets - i have 2, but haven't had to change it yet.
Toys - Don't hang them from her car seat - its not recommended in the event of an accident. I have a fair amount of hand me down toys, but haven't brought any out yet. Pass.
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Good questions Melissa; I remember freaking out about what to buy and what not too!
Our little boy arrived three weeks and five days ago and I think the best things that got for him are two wool lambskins ~ great in summer and in winter for lying the baby on. And lots of swaddling clothes. You'll be surprised at how dirty baby's clothes and blankets get. My boy spits up a lot, so that why his are in the wash a lot.
Swing - I do not have one, but I am thinking I would like one for later on, so I would probably buy one, but maybe not until the baby is older.
Nursing Cover - I use these out in public as I prefer to be covered up, but you do have to practice because I am just getting the hang of feeding and throwing a cover into the mix can be a pain!
Breast pump - I used one two or three times in hospital because my boy was in the NCIU for two days, but I haven't used one since. I think it depends if you are planning to BF exclusively or express & use a bottle as well as BF. I do not want to use a bottle at all because I have heard that babies can get 'nipple' confusion and end up rejecting the breast. I want to BF exclusively for a year, no solids, no liquids other that BM, so that's why I am not using a bottle at all.
Nursing Bras - I am wearing the ones that I bought while I was pregnant and so far they are doing just fine! I have two, but would prefer three.
Diaper Changing Pad Cover - I just use a small towel on top the change table! But then again, I do not have a fancy table at all. It is easy to deal with though chuck it in the wash when it needs cleaning. You need do to change the cover/towel fairly often as mess happens and you do not want have a wet cover when baby needs changing.
Crib Sheets - Get a few; same thing as above. Babies spit up, and sometime pee leaks and you don't want to be waiting on wet washing.
Toys - I wouldn't worry about these. My baby only sleeps, eats and stares at you. He's not interested in toys.
Hope that you find this helpful.
: ) Good luck with it, and remember that if you find you do need something you've forgotten, you can always get someone to buy it for you!
xox,
bonita of Depict This!
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