What Should You Register For (That You Actually Need) Part 2

Last week I gave you Part 1 of my sample registry with the idea being to include only things that a first time parent actually needs (not wants, not might use once). I covered the categories of furniture, sleeping, gear and diapering. Today, I'm covering feeding, bathing and health & safety.

FEEDING

• Nursing Pillow - Nursing pillows are useful whether breastfeeding or not. They make feeding time comfortable for you and for the baby. And some nursing pillows (like the Boppy) are also great for tummy time and learning to sit.
• Burp Clothes/Cloth Diapers (12+) - Some babies spit up more than others, but all babies dribble and gurgle and drool at least a little. Burp clothes handle the clean up and they can also be used as wipes (for those against disposable wipes) and as tissues (they're softer on those tiny noses).
• Bibs (2+) - Why do you need burp clothes and bibs? The burp cloth protects your outfit and the bib protects the baby's outfit. Don't register for a dozen bibs because you'll undoubtedly receive many "non-registry" bibs that say things like "If you think I'm handsome you should see my uncle" or "Grandma's Little Angel". Remember, the tackier the phrase, the less you'll care when it's covered in cheesy spit up.
• Bottles (2+) - How many bottles you need depends on whether you intend to breastfeed and for how long. Don't register for a set of Dr. Brown's because that's what everyone does. Really consider your plan and know that these are not high cost or rare items, so you can always pick up more bottles after the baby arrives.
• Bottle Brush - It's damn near impossible to properly clean the inside of a bottle without one.
• High chair - You don't need this (or the next two items) right away, but you do need it.
• Spoons (2+)
• Sippy Cups (2+) 

If You're Breastfeeding...

• Breast Pump
• Breastmilk Storage - A combination of plastic/glass/metal containers and plastic bags is a good idea until you know what works best for you.
• Nursing Pads - You can go with disposable pads or reusable pads (check Etsy for makers of reusable pads).
• Nipple Cream

TIP: Nursing pillows are easy to borrow. Most people only use them for the first 6 months or so. Rather than register for the pillow, just register for an extra cover (Boppy and Breast Friend nursing pillows both sell extra covers separately) and use it with your borrowed pillow.

I love this sippy cup, if you want to go stainless steal.
(image source)

BATHING

• Bathtub - Trying to hold or dip your baby in water sounds uncomfortable and really dangerous. So, yes, I think this is a necessity.
• Baby Wash - This is an all-in-one shampoo and soap that won't sting eyes and is extra sensitive on that delicate skin.

TIP: Hooded towels, baby washcloths and Aquaphor are not necessities, but they're really useful and also make things easier because they're sized and designed for mini people.

Baby wash in a pump container (like Little Twig) is so convenient.
You can get a cheap pump container from Target and fill it with your favorite brand.
(image source)

HEALTH & SAFETY

• Ointment (2) - There are so many options out there. A+D, Desitin, Balmex, Butt Paste (that's not a joke) name a few. Register for one or two different (standard size) kinds and see what jives with your little one before you go economy.
• Comb and Brush - A lot of babies are hairless at birth. But, if yours happens to have a full coif, you'll be grateful for these.
• Nail Clipper - Research this product well because cutting baby nails is really hard and you don't need a product that's going to make it harder. (Tip: nail files are the way to go once the baby's nails are strong enough and you can use your standard nail file, no special baby nail file needed)
• Nasal Aspirator - You'll get one from the hospital, so (technically) it's not a necessity. But, it's nice to have two (one for the nose, one for the mouth or just an extra when one is dirty).
• Thermometer - If you already have a standard digital thermometer at home, then you're all set. You will stick that under your baby's armpit to get your read. Some people prefer rectal thermometers because they're more accurate. It's your call. It's personal. It's between you, your baby's tush and the thermometer.
• Outlet covers - This and the next 2 items are needed for the mobile months (and years).
• Cabinet locks
• Gate

TIP: Monitors aren't a necessity in that you and your baby will be okay without one. BUT, I strongly recommend one. Having a visual monitor (not just an audio monitor), let's you make a more educated decision about whether you are actually needed in the nursery. Without the extra bit of info that a visual monitor provides, you're bound to go into the nursery when you're not actually needed. This means that you'll be getting out of bed for no reason (boo) and by entering the nursery you risk waking up your baby, who might be just tossing and turning (double boo). Visual monitors help everyone in the house sleep better.

The Nose Frida (aka the snot sucker) is a favorite of many moms. The idea is gross, but it really works.
(image source)

If you're wondering about the best place to register for all these great products, here are links to a few old posts to help with that (here, here and here). And HERE is a post about where I chose to register.

What Should You Register For (That You'll Actually Need)

Back when I was pregnant...two years ago...I had almost no knowledge of baby gear. Some people say that, but it my case it was the truth. So, I borrowed a book (Baby Bargains, loved it), scoured the internet for reviews and, mostly, relied on friend's recommendations. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most thoroughly researched purchases, I hit an 11 on most items. I over did it a tad.

Yet, even with all that prep, I still made a couple bad picks. But, more than bad picks, I got things that I didn't end up needing. My daughter is well into toddlerhood and I still have unused baby shower gifts. I know, shameful. I should have returned or regifted or donated by now.

Between looking at those medicine dosage kits that are still in the original packaging and a recent slew of newly pregnant friends who have asked me for advice (full circle moment), I was inspired to write a sample registry. My sample registry includes the necessities, not the luxuries and not the fun stuff like clothes, books and toys (though I'll address that at some point). Because just the necessities are plentiful, this will be a two part post with today's part handling the Furniture, Sleeping, Gear and Diapering needs. Part Two will include Feeding, Bathing, Health & Safety needs.

FURNITURE

• Crib - I've previously written posts about choosing the right crib for your needs (here) and about the crib that I chose (here).
• Crib Mattress - Considerations here are the materials that it's made of and how much it weighs. By total and awesome accident, I got a lightweight mattress. Changing the sheets, whether at 3 am or 3 pm, is a piece of cake.
• Changing Table or Dresser - You don't need a piece of furniture that is specifically called or designed to be a changing table. You do need a piece of furniture that can store the babies clothes, diapers, ointments, sheets, towels, blankets, etc., and possibly be a surface for diaper changing.
• Changing Pad - You can change your baby's diaper anywhere: on your bed, on the couch, on the floor, on your dog...wherever. Nowadays, I almost exclusively change my daughter's diaper on the floor because she's too big and wiggly to do it at any elevation. But, in the beginning, we used a changing pad on a dresser. Changing a diaper at dresser height is so much easier on the back than other options. If you plan to use a dresser or changing table, you'll want a changing pad to cushion the baby on the flat surface and because changing pads are curved to help prevent the little guy from rolling off. 
• Changing Pad Cover (2+)

TIP: Bassinets and co-sleepers are not necessities in my opinion. You can set up a crib in your bedroom, you can use the bassinet that comes with your stroller (if your stroller comes with one) or you can use a portable crib (which I do think is a necessity).

The Bugaboo Donkey comes with a bassinet that's perfect for strolling and perfect for bedside sleeping.
(image source)

SLEEPING

• Mattress Pad - You don't need a fancy one, but an extra absorbent layer is a good idea. The mattress will be waterproof, which is great, but it is the multiple layers of absorbing fabrics will help prevent the baby from actually sleeping in a puddle of her pee or spit up.
• Crib Sheets (2+)
• Portable Crib Sheets (2)
• Wearable Blanket/Swaddle Blanket (2+) - Some like to swaddle, some don't. Some like to be swaddled, some don't. Whatever yours and your baby's preference, you'll probably need to give the baby layer of warmth while she's sleeping. I say probably (and not definitely) because it'll depend on the weather in your part of the world and because I have friends who just layered their little ones with more or less clothes and never used a blanket. 

TIP: White noise machines are great, for some babies. If you think you want to use one, borrow before buying to make sure that it'll be worth the money.

Cloud b makes this plush sheep sound machine as well as a giraffe, monkey, sea turtle and a bunch of others.
(image source)

GEAR

• Car Seat - Assuming you have a car, you'll need a car seat. It's the law. Most kids will be in a car seat until 4 years old and then in a booster seat until 8 years old.
• Car Seat Stroller Adaptor - This is a bar that allows you to attach your car seat to your stroller. Technically this isn't a necessity because you can just remove your baby from the car seat and put him/her into the stroller. But, 9 times out of 10 your baby will fall asleep in the car seat and 9 times out of 10 when you make this transition you will wake up your sleeping baby (*statistics are based on personal experience and not scientific research). The adaptor lets the baby stay put, and sleeping, in the car seat while you get on your way with the stroller.
• Stroller - Whether you live in the city or the country, the north or the south, the mountains or the ocean, you probably want a stroller. For some, it'll be your primary means of traveling with the baby. For others, you'll stroll for leisure or weekend trips. Either way, it's a great parenting tool. If you are one of the parents who will be using it day in and out for everything from grocery shopping to daycare drop offs, you will probably want to spring for a pricier model that has some bells and whistles. If you will use it once or twice a week or mostly in the summer, then a modest model will be fine.
• Rain Canopy for Stroller - This is only a necessity for those city dwellers and individuals who plan to stroll on a daily basis. But, even if you think you'll use the canopy sparingly, it's a pretty cheap buy (as low as $9). If you end up using it just once, it'll be the best $9 you ever spent. Check before registering because many strollers come with this accessory.
• Carrier - I think it is a necessity, but I might lose a debate on the topic. Whether to hike or shop in stroller-unfriendly places or be hands free around the house while enjoying some snuggle time, carriers are great. There are many different kinds of carriers with many different prices points, so think about your needs before automatically registering for the Baby Bjorn. 
• Portable Crib - If you plan to travel with your baby overnight, you'll need one of these. Again, you can use the bassinet that comes with your stroller (if you stroller comes with one), but that'll only be good for a few months. 

TIP: Certain strollers are more (and less) compatible with certain car seats. For example, the Graco Snugride and the Baby Jogger City Mini don't work well together. Do your research for these items in tandem.

This is the Graco Snugride in Pasadena (Pasadena refers to the the fabric pattern). If you're shopping on Amazon always check the cost of each fabric pattern, some are inevitably less expensive than others.
(image source)

DIAPERING

• Diapers - People are shy to register for diapers. Why? Whether you're going the reusable route, the semi-resuable route (i.e. gDiapers) or the disposable route, you will need diapers. Actually, I take that back. I recently heard of a potty training method that begins at birth, it's called Infant Potting Training or Elimination Communication. 
• Wipes - These might be wash clothes or pre-moistened packaged wipes. Either way, you'll need a bunch.
• Ointments - This include Aquaphor, A+D, Balmex, Desitin, Butt Paste and a host of others. You don't need all of them because you don't know which will work best for your baby. Start with one or two options.
• Diaper Pail - Any old trash can will do, but a diaper pail is designed to be odor blocking and, sometimes, it actually is. If you go with a diaper pail (i.e. Diaper Genie or Diaper Dekor), make sure to stock up on the special bags/liners that fit in them.

TIP: Not all disposable diapers are the same. I was very surprised to learn that disposable diapers "work" very differently brand to brand. Talk to friends about their preferred brands before buying any economy sized box.

These are gDiapers. If you're thinking of reusables, but a little intimidated, check these out. They are a hybrid.
(image source)

That's all for today. I'll finish this up later in the week. Happy registering!

What other products do you consider 100%, absolutely necessary? Your credibility is shot if you say Sophie the Giraffe...even though I kinda agree. 

The Perfect Double Stroller

If you're doubling down on the number of kiddos in your family, you may need to double down on the size of your stroller as well. So, which double stroller should you get? Well, I have no idea. But I'm willing to compile a bunch of stats for you so that you can make an educated decision. There are a many, many, many options out there, but I've narrowed it down to a list of strollers that I've seen in action.

BOB Revolution

This is a jogging stroller. A big, sturdy, can-handle-the-bumps-in-the-road jogging stroller. Amazon reviewers love it (4+ stars) and so do the friends I have who own it. The quality holds up over time and it's a nice ride for the pusher and the pushee. It's not a great stroller for cruising the aisles of Target because of its width, but it'll kick ass on your stroll around the neighborhood. I've also read that it's not ideal for tall kids because it can feel a little squished and cave-like. 

Specs for SE Duallie Model

Cost: $459 on Amazon.com

Weight: 34 lb.

Dimensions: 58.3 x 30.6 x 40 inches

image source

Baby Jogger City Mini Double Stroller

People be loving this stroller. For starters, the 2014 model weighs almost 10 lbs less than most other double strollers. TEN POUNDS. And it stores in relatively small spaces by folding in half. And it's kinda sorta narrow, so it can fit through most doorways, making it a great stroller for outdoor and indoor cruising. While there were very few complaints amongst Amazon reviewers, a common mention was problems with the wheels - breaking, locking, wobbling. It's also not truly compatible with the Snugride infant car seat (even with the adapter), and people also be loving the Snugride.

Specs for the 2014 Model
Cost: $449 on the Baby Jogger website 

Weight: 26.6 lb.

Dimensions: 38.5 x 29.75 x 41.5 inches

image source

Phil and Teds Classic Stroller with Double Kit

This stroller is loved by city dwellers. It is the narrowest model in today's post (by a long shot). It has the footprint of a single stroller because the seating is front to back. And, the Classic model weighs even less than the City Mini above, making it a winner for shopping in tiny urban boutiques and hauling up and down subway stairs. Although, nothing is truly light enough to haul up and down subway stairs. On negative side, I've repeatedly heard from friends that they dislike the front to back seating. The back seat is, well, the back seat - smaller and less comfortable with a worse view - and siblings can't interact easily (or at all).

Specs for the Classic Model
Cost: $399 on the Amazon.com 

Weight: 26.6 lb.

Dimensions: 38.5 x 29.75 x 41.5 inches

image source

Bumbleride Indie Twin Stroller

This is the Cadillac of double strollers. The positive is that it's an all-around awesome stroller. The (predictable) negative is that you'll need to drop some serious cash to own one of these puppies. Owners rave about the massive, full-coverage canopy, the comfortable seating, the smooth ride and the general quality and attention to detail. It also fits through a standard doorway despite the side-by-side seating. Like I said, this one has all the bells and whistles, but you'll spend upwards of $800 for a new one with minimal accessories. Amazon reviewers complained about bad customer service should you get a lemon. And don't try to jog with it because the smooth ride will immediately become treacherous. 

Specs for the Indie Twin

Cost: $729 on the Amazon.com or Bumbleride.com

Weight: 30 lb.

Dimensions: 36 x 29.5 x 34.5 inches

image source

Bottom line: these are all great strollers. It's a matter of your needs, your lifestyle and your budget. 

Do you own one of these double strollers and have a review to add? Or maybe you own a different brand and can share your experience? Fill us in.

Shoulda Included This on My Registry

Shoulda, woulda, coulda.  I registered for a lot of stuff for my baby shower (at Amazon.com and Buy Buy Baby).  At some point, I will share an abbreviated version of that long list.  But first, here's a short list of items that I should have registered for, but didn't.  I own them all now.

Mittens - All babies rub their eyes when they're tired.  According to my baby's pediatrician, it's instinctive and it can't be prevented.  Some babies rub more than others...mine rubs like a professional.  Mittens are a simple solution.  I registered for one set of two mittens.  Within a week, I lost a mitten.  They're so damn tiny.  Do yourself a favor and get more than two sets of mittens.  Do yourself another favor and don't get the brand I did (here) because they sucked.  The elasticity around the wrists stretched out quickly and the mittens would fall off.  Useless.  I ended up buying extra sets made by Gerber and they are fantastic.

Nose Frida - Okay, this is a pretty gross product in concept.  It's called a "snot sucker" because it's a tool for sucking snot out of the baby's nose...literally.  Mom's mouth goes on one end of the tube and baby's nostril is at the other end with a filter in between.  Once you get over the sucking concept, you get on the sucking wagon.  It works much better than the bulb syringe you get in the hospital or whatever nasal aspirator you get at your baby shower.  It's much more gentle and much more productive.

Cloth Diapers - I do not use cloth diapers on my baby's bum...maybe next time.  But, I do use cloth diapers as burp clothes.  This is a staple usage for cloth diapers and for good reason - they're soft and absorbent.  I registered for them, but not nearly enough.  Cloth diapers/burp clothes are good for everything.  They soak up spit up, wipe off drool and are the perfect tool to remedy a diaper disaster.  So, get a lot.  I got a dozen.  I wish I got two dozen.

Wipe Dispenser - I didn't register for this because I thought it was unnecessary.  I was wrong.  The plastic containers that the wipes come in are cheap and don't work.  I frequently found myself wrist deep in poop with my naked, screaming cherub on the changing table as I tried to pull out another wipe that just wouldn't come.  Finally, I got on board and it's been smooth sailing ever since.  I went with the OXO wipe dispenser on the recommendation of a friend, it's great.

What products should you have included on your registry?  

What did you discover to be indispensable after the little one arrived?

Registration Locations

The title of this post made me think of Conjunction Junction.

Moving on.  Today is all about where I registered.  I wanted to register at two (or more) stores to give people options and to give myself options.  After very little deliberation (unlike my crib choice, more on that here) I registered at Amazon.com and Buy Buy Baby.

My first choice was Amazon because, simply, I'm a huge fan.  I do a lot of Amazon shopping, so I knew the ropes and liked the ropes.  It's convenient and the prices generally can't be beat.  But, I knew that not all shoppers are into the online forum, especially when it comes to baby stuff.  People love to touch and feel baby stuff.

With an online option selected, I went with Buy Buy Baby for a brick and mortar option.  The reason for my Buy Buy Baby choice was proximity and coupons.  Other big retailers like Target and Kohl's aren't easily accessible in NYC and I'd been warned against Target in particular for bad registry policies.  While Babies R' Us and Buy Buy Baby stores are equally accessible in NYC, I preferred the feel of Buy Buy Baby.  I also loved that Buy Buy Baby accepts the 20% off Bed Bath and Beyond coupons as well as its own coupons.

How did my choices pan out?

AMAZON

Amazon.com was a mixed bag.  Amazon itself was great, but friends and family were (as I had feared) wary to buy gifts for a baby shower via the interweb.  Even the young, technology savvy folks shied away from online shopping.  I had taken advantage of the universal registry feature, which allows you to add items to the registry from any website online (awesome feature).  I chose a couple things from LLBean.com and some other online stores.  Those items were especially avoided by gift givers.  And, when people did take a leap and purchase a universal registry item, it wasn't marked as "purchased" on my Amazon registry.  Huge downer.  That's the whole point of a registry.

Just like gift givers were weary to purchase items without seeing them, I was weary to register for items without seeing them.  I hadn't anticipated this draw back.  I ended up checking out a lot of items in Buy Buy Baby and then registering for them on Amazon because they were less expensive (even with a 20% discount coupon at Buy Buy Baby).

One major positive about Amazon is the incredible diversity of their merchandise.  Amazon sells everything that Buy Buy Baby sells, and a lot more.  There were many things I wanted for my baby-to-be that were only available on Amazon (more on that in the weeks to come).

The last comment I'll make about Amazon is that it offers 10% off unpurchased registry items, which is great.  But, there are a couple catches here that I didn't realize.  One, it's not all unpurchased items, it's unpurchased items sold by Amazon.com itself and not an outside vendor.  Two, it's a one time deal so you have to use the 10% in single purchase.

Overall - the best prices, the best selection...if you can convince people (yourself included) to use this registry


BUY BUY BABY

Buy Buy Baby was all around great.  My husband and I went to the store and did most of our registering in person and then I added and changed a few things online.  The staff in the NYC Buy Buy Baby were incredibly helpful each and every time we went, which was only twice because it was overwhelming.  Every square foot of wall is covered with baby merchandise and nearly every square foot of floor is covered with shoppers.

The prices at Buy Buy Baby were comparable to Babies R' Us, Target and other major baby registry stores, though they were generally higher than Amazon.com.  With a 20% discount coupon, most items were less than competitors and Buy Buy Baby does price matching.  So, one could price match and use a 20% discount coupon for a double savings whammy.

And now the cons.  Unfortunately, in talking to friends and family, most people didn't end up using coupons.  I think people didn't know they could use Bed Bath and Beyond coupons.  Also, I have a lot of friends and family outside the tri-state area who didn't have easy access to a Buy Buy Baby store - there aren't a lot.  Many baby shower recipients actually purchased Buy Buy Baby items online rather than going to the store itself because it was easier, which totally defeated my intent of it being a brick and mortar option.

Overall - If you can get to an actual store, it has great customer service, good product selection and good prices, especially with price matching and coupons.

Where did you register?  How did it turn out?

Where to Register for Your Baby Shower (Revisited)

A relatively long time ago (February 17, 2011), I wrote a post about the most popular places for an expectant mother to register for her baby shower.  That post included the following stores:

Pottery Barn Kids
Buy Buy Baby
Target
Kohl's
Babies 'R' Us
Giggle
The Land of Nod
Baby & Child (by Restoration Hardware)
Serena & Lily

I broke out the pros and cons of each store, quite succinctly I might add...so check out the post (here).  But, after 1.5 years of baby shower attending, I have some important real life experience to share.

First, that list is really two separate lists: the regular stuff stores (sell regular baby stuff) and the fancy stuff stores (sell fancy baby stuff).  Although, some of the regular stuff stores carry fancy stuff.

Regular Stuff Stores:

Buy Buy Baby

Target

Kohl's

Babies 'R' Us

Fancy Stuff Stores:

Pottery Barn Kids

Giggle

The Land of Nod

Baby & Child

Serena & Lily

The average lady should choose one of the regular stuff stores for her registry.  She can also choose one (or more) of the fancy stuff stores, but not only a fancy stuff store.  The fancy stuff stores are good for bedding, specialty toys, nursery furniture, etc., but not the basics.  Not the essentials.  They don't carry the diaper pails, breast pumps and bottles. 

Second, the regular stuff stores, in addition to being less expensive than the fancy stuff stores, also accept coupons.  And, not just that, they give out tons of coupons.  So they actively assist in bringing down the cost of their items.  This is fabulous for the shower guests, who get more bang for their buck, and fabulous for the mother-to-be who is likely to get more swag because money goes farther.

Here are some great resources and strategies for getting coupons for the regular stuff stores:

Buy Buy Baby - First and foremost, Buy Buy Baby is an affiliate of Bed Bath and Beyond and it accepts Bed Bath and Beyond coupons.  So, get on the Bed Bath and Beyond mailing list to start collecting those 20% off coupons that are accepted at both stores.  Next, Buy Buy Baby advertises (with coupons) in most pregnancy and parenting magazines.  You can peruse some of these type magazines in Barnes and Noble and when you come across one of these awesome coupons, spend $3 on the magazine and save yourself 20% (probably more than $3) on the baby shower gift.  Buy Buy Baby also price matches. 

Target - Did you know that Target has a whole section of its website dedicated to printable coupons?  Now you do.  That section (here) has a separate section of baby product related coupons.  Bing!  Target also has in-store circulars (those flimsy magazines with all the current steals and deals of the day) and Sunday newspaper circulars.  Both types of circulars often include Target coupons.

Kohl's - I'm not as aware of Kohl's having any paper coupons, but the Kohl's website is constantly running promotions for 15% off everything...sometimes 30%, so check.  Especially on weekends and holiday weekends, Kohl's prices can't be beat.  Kohl's also does price matching.

Babies 'R' Us - Get on the Babies 'R' Us email list asap (via the website) and find yourself the recipient of all the up-to-the-moment deals and printable coupons.  Also search the internet.  Websites like retailmenot.com and savings.com often carry Babies 'R' Us printable coupons.  Google the phrase "Babies R Us coupons" and look at the image results (versus the web results).

Last, there is one major regular stuff store that I didn't put on my original list: Amazon.com.  It's not a regular stuff store in the sense that there are no brick and mortar locations.  But, it is a regular stuff store in the sense that it has all the baby essentials...and some.  Amazon.com also hosts a universal registry, so you can add items to your baby registry from ANY website and include those items in the single Amazon.com registry so shower guests go to one website and see it all.

Any experience registering at any of the stores that you'd like to share?  Good, bad or ugly?

Receiving versus Swaddling

A non-mother, non-pregnant lady looks at a baby shower registry with a spending limit in mind and finds something cute and that stays within the limit.  It's pretty simple.  She doesn't necessarily prioritize practicality because she doesn't know what's practical.  There's probably a lot of stuff on the registry that's totally unknown to her.  Before a woman is pregnant herself or has her own baby, she typically doesn't know jack about baby stuff.

A woman starts to become familiar with baby gear by attending other women's baby showers.  The more showers she attends the more familiar she becomes, especially when showering a close friend or family member.  Her baby brand vocabulary gradually expands from Huggies and BabyBjorn (which she learned from watching Knocked Up) to Dr. Browns and Graco.  She starts to become familiar with certain products like the boppy and the pack n' play.  But, for the most part, the nitty gritty of what a baby needs and what a mommy wants remain unknown until she goes through the process herself.

"Think we'll ever be as happy as the BabyBjorn couple?"

For example, does a non-mother know the difference between a receiving blanket and a swaddling blanket?  Ummm, no, she doesn't.  I'd be willing to bet that some first time pregnant ladies can't easily answer that one.   But I can...because I googled it.

Swaddling blankets and receiving blankets are both baby blankets.  Everyone probably figured out that much.  One is for swaddling the baby (the swaddling blanket...in case you hadn't guessed) and one is for keeping the baby warm (the receiving blanket).  A swaddling blanket is specifically shaped to create the perfect swaddle.  Basic swaddle blankets are squares and more complex swaddle blankets have pockets and folds and velcro.  A receiving blanket has no specific function other than to keep the baby warm.  Its rectangle shape is perfect for snuggling the baby in a stroller, car seat or wherever.  In sum, there is very little difference between a basic swaddling blanket and a receiving blanket.  Some argue (some = commenters on thenest.com, yahoo.com, etc.) that swaddling blankets are better because they're made to swaddle, but can also be used as a regular blanket.  Others argue that receiving blankets are better because they're simple, old school and easily double as a swaddling blanket.  I imagine that it would take a bit of a pro to "easily" swaddle without some design assistance, but that's me.

Aden + anais makes the very popular swaddling blankets (above).
Prices range from $35-$50 on Amazon.com for a 4-pack.

Carter's makes the receiving blankets above.
Pricing is much lower than the swaddling blankets above ($15-$25 for a 4-pack).

      
What questions did you/do you have about baby gear as a non-pregnant, non-mother?  What baby shower registry item completed stumped you?  Did you know the difference between a receiving blanket and a swaddling blanket?

Top 10 List - Baby Chair/Swing/Bouncer

A while back...a long while back...I began collecting advice about the most essential baby accoutrement.  I wrote a post specifically soliciting such advice (here).  When a lady like me has a baby, she is limited to the bare essentials because there simply isn't enough room in her NY apartment to get greedy.  So, I wanted to figure out what was essential (versus helpful). 

Based on NSB comments and some general surveying of friends, I started writing posts about the "Top 10" most essential baby products for someone living in a small space.  First, I covered places to sleep.  Next, I covered baby carriers.  After many moons, I'm revisiting the Top 10 list with a post about things that hold the baby while mom is cooking dinner, taking a shower or doing random stuff around the home.  Just because baby's awake, doesn't mean mom can reasonably and logistically hold baby.  In comes vibrating chairs, swings and bouncers.  Each is slightly different in concept, but all three provide the baby with some stimulation while mom is zipping around. 

Today's products, as always, work well in small spaces.  They are light weight, compact and mobile.  In the world of baby chairs, swings and bouncers, those words are rarely used.  In fact, I found the opposite is true.  These type products are more often heavy and bulky with limited mobility.  Despite this, I managed to hunt down a few good men options.  Note that all prices listed below were found on Amazon.com shortly before I posted.

Graco Swing By Me 2-in-1 Portable Swing ($69.98).  This swing got mixed reviews on Amazon.  The overall consensus was that it is in fact small and portable, but it eats batteries.  Several people also complained that the swinging motion is pretty noisy.

Bright Starts Ingenuity Portable Swing ($58.99).  I was simultaneously impressed by the low cost and depressed by the use of "Ingenuity" in the product title.  Baby swinging isn't all that serious (or ingenious).  Amazon reviewers had great things to say with rare exceptions.

BABYBJORN Babysitter Balance ($149).  Yes, this is the high roller choice.  But this is also the most compact choice, it literally folds flat.  And, it's not battery operated, so no burning through costly AAAs.  The vibration comes from the baby's natural movement and the unique design of the chair.   

Fisher Price Playtime Bouncer ($38.69).  This is the least expensive product that I found and it is truly compact.  That's the good news.  The bad news is that more than one reviewer used the word dangerous (or some synonym) in the review...

 

Infantino Fold and Go Bouncer ($65.99).  The reviews were overall good.  But, the consensus was that it wasn't great for newborns because there is only one reclining position that is fairly upright.  It was also noted that this product is more of a chair than a bouncer despite it's title.

 Have you used any of these products?  Anything to add about their functionality in a small space?  Any other recommendations for compact baby bouncers/swings/chairs?

Top 10 List - Baby Carriers

It's time for another item on the Top 10 Most Essential Baby Products List (longest list title ever).  A month ago I asked for your thoughts on the truly, seriously, absolutely most essential baby products (here is that post).  The idea behind my inquiry was that when my baby craze turns into baby mama I'm going to need to get some baby stuff.  BUT, I live in a tiny apartment and I won't have much space to store said stuff.  Hence the list.  I'm on a mission to find the most compact versions of the most essential baby products.

A baby carrier is today's essential product.  It's second on the list and no, you're not crazy, I've never posted the entire list.  If you give away the cow for free, nobody is going to buy the milk.  And, truth be told, the list is sort of a work in progress.

The List so far (in no particular order):
1. Place to Sleep
2. Carrier

At first I wondered if a baby carrier is in fact essential.  Why can't one just carry her baby in her arms? From my non-mother point of view, a baby carrier seemed like a convenience, a bonus gadget.   Realizing that I couldn't rely on my outsider perspective, I asked some new moms about baby carriers.  Did they have one?  How often did they use it?  Is it really essential?  Every new mom (without exception) told me that she had a carrier and she used it often.  The moms unanimously agreed that carriers are essential.  I also started to notice how many baby carriers I see on a daily basis.  They're everywhere.  I would wager that carriers are used just as much as strollers, if not more.

Why are baby carriers essential?  Because there are a lot of activities that require two hands.  The carrier keeps the baby warm, cozy and peaceful while the mom can grocery shopping, get a coffee at Starbucks and travel on the subway.  You know how I feel about strollers on the subway (more on that here).  Carriers, however, are welcome on the subway.  And, for apartment dwellers, carriers are far more compact than strollers.

La Stella Blu ($45)

Maya Wrap ($74.95)

Belle ($109.95)

Top 10 List - Somewhere to Sleep

When your entire home is under one thousand square feet, you use each foot wisely.  Space conservation is a way of life.  This becomes difficult with the addition of a baby and all those baby things.  However, a baby in an apartment puts space conservation directly at odds with baby product acquisition.  A serious dilemma.  The best way to face this obstacle is to choose baby products intelligently - the most compact versions of only essential baby products.  By essential I mean diapers, not Sofie the Giraffe.

A couple weeks ago I solicited some ideas, advice and thoughts on truly essential baby products (here is the post).  Today kicks off the first of a series of ten posts about essential baby products for those of us who live in small miniature spaces.  The first edition of the series will be all about a place for the little one to sleep, an essential that quite a few New Stop Baby followers listed as a true essential.  Makes sense.

Mini Cribs   

Stokke makes a unique, oval-shaped mini crib.  It grows with the baby by adding wooden pieces to lengthen the sides ($725 - $1,000).

DaVinci makes four styles of mini cribs (Kalani below) each less than 40" in length (versus standard cribs that are closer to 55").  The prices range from $165-$199 (at BabyEarth.com).

Bloom makes an entire set of euro (aka mini) furniture for a small nursery.  The crib below sells for $400, but check Amazon.com because I found it listed for as low as $360.

Bassinet (with frame)

Eddie Bauer makes this reasonably priced (approximately $130), highly rated bassinet.  It can gently rock your baby to sleep or be locked into place.  

Monte makes the Ninna-Nanna Bassinet ($395).  There are two color combinations in its cool, contemporary shape.  

Moses Basket (bassinet without frame)

Serena & Lily makes this canvas basket in six different color combinations, each for $250.

Giggle - This organic Moses Basket sold at Giggle ($230) is made of palm and lined with 100% organic fleece that is filled with hypoallergenic fill.

Bumper Alert

Being a baby blogger has inspired all sorts of people to send me photos, products, news articles and ideas about babies.  Not a day goes by that I don't find some baby blog related idea in my email inbox.  It's fabulous.  It sort of feels like group blogging.  I love it.

It's probably an appropriate moment to thank everyone who sends me all the wonderful tidbits - THANK YOU!  Keep 'em coming!

And now, an important baby topic that I discovered thanks to multiple lovely friends: bumpers.  Not the bumpers on the backs of cars that look like scrap metal after a couple years living in NYC (writing from personal experience).  Not bumpers as in the rubber strips along the sides of a bowling lane and prevent your big ball from sliding into the gutter.  Bumpers as in the padding that lines the inner sides of a crib.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics - crib bumpers are bad.  Bad as in get them out of your baby's crib and throw them in the garbage.  Just yesterday I was directed to an article on cnn.com (thanks friend!) that explained the potential dangers of crib bumpers.  They can injure or even kill (by suffocation or strangulation) a baby.  While I can't explain the medicine or the science better than CNN already has (so check out the article here), I can point you in the direction of crib bedding that doesn't include bumpers...which is somewhat hard to find.  Typically crib bedding comes in three or four piece sets: sheets, crib skirt, bumper and sometimes a quilt.  But now that we know bumpers are bad, let's not waste money on them, right?

If you avoid the "collections" and check out the nursery basics, 

you can purchase the crib skirt and sheets separately.  

Everything can be purchased a la carte a Pottery Barn Kids.  

Only the sheets come on there own (here), everything else is packaged in a bedding set.  Boo.

Everything comes separate at Babies R Us, fantastic.  But...the cuteness options are slim pickins.  

Where did you get your bedding?  Did you get a set or separate pieces?  Did you read about the bumper news?  Thoughts?

What's So Great About Sophie?

Sophie the Giraffe is THE most popular baby toy.  EVER.

I have no proof of this (none whatsoever), but I'm making a very educated guess that she's in the top 10.  I spot this damn giraffe everywhere.  She's in the hands of nearly every baby I see, drool covered and dopey looking.  I swear I see her every day.  Sometimes more than once a day (I live in a highly baby populated neighborhood).  If Sophie the Giraffe were to rob me, I would have no problem describing her in perfect detail to the assigned detective and if she were in a line up with several other like sized rubber giraffes, I would have no problem pointing her out.  I could identify those rosy cheeks and that showy pose anywhere.

Have you seen her?  Do you know who I'm talking about?  

Sophie.
She's been around the block
in a stroller or two...

Little known facts about Sophie the Giraffe:

• She's French (Sophie La Girafe)
• She's 50 (Born in 1961)
• She competes with Freddie the Firefly for top teether, but there really is no competition

Where to Register - Eco-friendly options

In our Inconvenient Truth era (remember Al Gore was the environment lover before he became the poodle lover), ecological friendliness is all the rage.  Tree-loving, recycling passionate, organic and free trade supporting people are all around us.  The eco-friendly movement has found it's way to baby products.  For parents-to-be who want to start their offspring off with the smallest carbon footprint possible, I am pleased to list the following registry options:



Baby Earth

• Pros - The website offers pre-made registry lists, one of which is the "eco-friendly" registry list.  With the click of a button a full registry is created full of all the organic essentials.
• Cons - Not everything on the website is eco-friendly, so you have to check each individual product.

Naturally Trendy - update (9/22/11): Naturally Trendy is no longer supporting registries, sad.

• Pros - This is a 360 degree eco-friendly baby boutique.  ALL of their items are fair trade, organic, upcycled and sustainable.  (Upcycled = the fancy way of saying recycling, the technical definition being something along the lines of taking something old and making it into something of greater value)
• Cons - Be prepared for upcycled prices.  Pacifiers for example, a two-pack at one of the larger baby registry stores will cost about $5 and here it will cost $7-8 for one.

Wild Dill - Note that the registry is called a "wish list" (the kinder and more eco-friendly way is to wish for rather than straight up ask)

• Pros - The user-friendly website is adorable in and of itself, the products are truly unique.  I'm fully smitten with the Vegesaurus onesie and hat!!!
• Cons - The products are limited, almost exclusively, to clothes and toys

UrthChild

• Pros - Lots and lots and lots of stuff to choose and good sale items too.  There is a rating system so you can identify which products are organic, safe & non-toxic, eco-friendly, good value, baby basic and any combination thereof.
• Cons - It's almost too much, I got a little overwhelmed looking through the many pages of organic baby goodness

MyRegistry.com has paired with all of the following eco-friendly stores for your registering pleasure:

• Atlantis Natural - Specializes in products for newborns through 4T (which I just learned means 4 Toddler and, roughly, is meant to fit a 4 year old)
• Baby Coo - Lots and lots of stuff, but, again with the oddly set up website that makes it hard to find what you want and woah expensive
• Green Baby Bliss - Shipping is always free with a purchase over $39
• Kidbean.com - Eco-friendly and VEGAN stuff
• Robbie Adrian Luxury Organics - Eco-friendly and LUXURY stuff ($$$$)

Where to Register - The Usual Suspects

Where can you register? Where should you register?  I don't know.  What I do know is the choices are plentiful and growing by the baby bump.

Pottery Barn Kids

• Pros - 10% completion discount for up to 6 months after the baby is born and monogramming on just about anything if you're into that
• Cons - You are not going to find essentials like diapers, bottles and clothes and the toy options are limited

Buy Buy Baby (affiliated with Bed Bath & Beyond)

• Pros - 10% completion discount and if you sign up for email and direct mail you get coupons...allegedly
• Cons - Stores are located in only 20 states and the stores themselves are chaotically packed with baby everything from floor to 40 foot ceiling, or at least this was true of the store on 7th Avenue in Manhattan.  I was stressed for the first 30 minutes I tried to buy a shower gift and fully traumatizing for the second 30 minutes.  Only after the third employee assisted me was I able to find 1 of the 10 things I was looking for.

Target

• Pros - They sell everything and are located everywhere, the different online tips and tools make registering a pleasure and there is a 10% completion discount
• Cons - There is a high product turn over rate so if you register too far in advance you may find that some of your gift requests are out of stock by shower time and you have only 90 days from your baby's due date to make returns so be sure to work that into your baby's diaper changing and feeding schedule.  Plus, they seem to have a bad reputation on some reviewer/rating websites (like my3cents.com)

Kohl's Little Ones 

• Pros - Stores are everywhere, returning registry items is easy, like all regrettable Kohl's purchases, 15% completion discount (greater than the average %10) and better (read: cheaper) pricing than many competitors

Babies 'R' Us (invision the backwards R)  

• Pros - With each item purchased off your registry you earn "R" rewards that include free diapers and formula, money toward future purchases and super special "member-only" discounts

Giggle

• Pros - 10% completion discount and 10% "multiples" discount when you buy more than one of the same item, all sorts of products and a very cool and user-friendly website
• Cons - Slim pickings on the brick and mortar store locations with only 7 states bragging a Giggle store and most of those states having only 1 location

The Land of Nod (affiliated with Crate and Barrel)

• Pros - 15% completion discount (along with Kohl's, the biggest completion discount out there), good selection of sale items
• Cons - There are a total of 5 stores in all of the US, 4 of which are in Illinois, leaving online shopping the only option for most

Baby & Child (by Restoration Hardware)

• Pros - 10% completion discount, you will be given a $100 gift card toward a single purchase of at least $500
• Cons - Online only for the moment, though stores should be popping up in Spring 2011

Serena & Lily

• Pros - Upon registering you will received a $50 gift card toward a purchase of $200 or more, unique and high quality products as compared to some of the more mass merchants (i.e. target, kohl's, etc)
• Cons - There is no store specific registry, rather Serena & Lily has partnered with myregistry.com so you can include their products in your universal registry, I'm not sure that this is actually a "con", the prices are what you would expect with "unique" and "high quality" products