[Guatemomtobe]

OK everyone. I am a first time, single mom. Still pretty early in the process (just had DNA done). I have been blessed to have friends who have given me a lot of clothes and baby furniture (crib, changing table, exersaucers, porta crib, baby bjorn). However, I really need a lot of the basic everyday stuff (not sure exactly what all that is .

I went to one of those baby stores a few weeks ago and started doing a registry but got pretty overwhelmed. I went again tonight and didn't buy anything just walked around thinking OMG what should I buy? What do I need?

I hate to put it all off because I would like to budget it over the next several months. I know I will get some things from a shower that my friends are throwing me but don't want to count on the shower to supply with all the basics.

What do I REALLY need? Should I start buying it now or wait until I get closer to bringing my little one home? Should I buy the car seat and stroller now or wait?

Any suggestions/lists would be greatly appreciated. I want to keep busy and feel like I am doing something while I am waiting (nursery is pretty much done except for moving in the borrowed furniture).

Thanks!
Susan

[jeannecr]

If you think there will be a baby shower, I would hold off on the big things like car seat and stroller. If you register, you'll get a lot of those necessities. There are a lot of things in the baby store that aren't necessities!! And, since our babies aren't newborns when they get home, some items like a bassinette are not needed.

Here are some things I bought to take with me on the visit trip, that could also be used later: some outfits, receiving blankets, bibs, a few bottles, a bottle brush, a grooming kit (brush, clippers, etc.), baby soap/shampoo/lotion, diaper rash cream, 2 small soft toys, a Snugli.

I have also been stocking up on diapers and wipes when they are on sale!

[saranbr]

I agree-- there is TONS of stuff at the baby store. I left thinking the only thing I knew for sure was that I couldn't possibly need all of it!! So just a couple tips from me...

First, depending on how your shower hose phrases your list of needs, you may or may not get much other than cute outfits. If you want the shower to supply a fair number of basics then register for them and have your friend emphasize that you need LOTS of baby supplies.

As for the stroller and carseat: now is a fine time if it's something you're excited about. I wouldn't bother with an infant carseat-- just go straight to the infant/toddler or 3way convertable type since she will likely be a few months at home coming. I LOVE my Britax (spendy, but worth every penny). The only stroller I have is a jogger since we live in the country on a gravel road. However, I have to take the SUV to even get it into the car and it would be horribly awkward in the store (I don't mall shop and just use the carts at the grocery store, costco, etc so haven't bothered investing in anything else). I have a Dreamer Design and love it, but would recommend spending less unless you're really serious about using it. Also, if you want something to throw in the car get something light and compact.

Other stuff:
a cheap under the arm digital thermometer works just fine
bottle warmers take up space and cost money when you already have a micro
you may need a real comb and brush if your babe has hair (never used my baby ones)
you can save a bunch of money by buying the 4oz ziploc storage containers for baby food rather than the name brand ones
those are also good for freezing parts of a larger portion and work well as dishes
use my diaper genie but probably wouldn't bother if I had quick access to my outside trash can (fillers get expensive)
Kirkland Select formula is equivilent to and half the price of name brands if you have Costco

Have fun shopping!!!
Sara

[starryeyes]

(mom of 4 just aching to give someone advice)

The above advice is great. Stock up on onesies, pajamas, and diapers, especially in the bigger sizes like what the baby will wear at one year. It's nice to have new stuff to get into as the baby grows! Don't feel like you have to get everything at once, either. You would be suprised at how little babies actually end up needing besides love (and a car seat).

There are also plastic spoons that are colored, but turn white when the baby's food is too hot. Get two packs of those, IMHO.

good luck!

(PS -- Hi Jeanne!)

[kemaus]

Just thought I'd add one thing...a rocking chair (or glider/rocker)...even better if it's been handed down to you and comes with some memories!!! We still rock occasionaly and my kids are 4 and 3!!!
Also, don't forget to register for or get a nice diaper bag...I have one that looks more like a stylish bag rather than a baby bag and I LOVED it!

Kris

[keltsalazar]

We used Baby Bargains. The authors are a married couple with the last name Fields. The give the skinny on must haves and what is totally unnecessary.

Allison
mom to Daniel home 1/14/04 and Ruth home 9/24/05

[tybeemuffin]

The best thing I did was have a freind who's baby was 6 months older than mine walk through the store with me to do the baby registry. It was invaluable. She told me the best bittles, sippy cups, etc. Stuff I would have had to figure out by trial and error.

[kcbailey777]

When I registerd I just went up every isle one at a time and chose what I knew I would need and a few things I just wanted. The store will have a list of what they would like you to buy. Of course you only need about half. You can break it down to the basics eating, diapering, bathing, playing, child proofing, and medicine. I would choose an inexpensive umbrella stroller and only but a large stroller if you see the need later.

If you plan to visit you will need to by many of the items a head of time. For a visit you will need wipes, diapers, bottles, medicine (tylenol, gas, teething), baby wash, a few toys, clothes, and comb. When planing for homecoming I would have baby food, plain yogurt, oatmeal, spoons, formula, diapers, baby lotion and bath at home already and carseat installed at the fire station.

Some things you might not think about that I find useful, a boppy pillow (props baby up while eating when you are in a rush), little plastic bags for diapers (You can find them at the dollar store. The ones for dogs are exactly the same just a different color. It cuts down on smell and they are the perfect size.) Jumperroo, digital and video camera, photo album, frames, plastic mat to put under highchair, and clorox wipes for cleaning changing table and high chair.

Have fun shopping.

Lisa

[sseymou1]

Susan,

I felt the SAME way, except I'm not close enough for a shower. However, I went in a huge baby store and left almost immediately. I felt like I did not belong and I certainly did not know what most things were.

I guess when my time gets closer, I'll go back.

-Selena

[2bASingleMom]

Another single mom who gets it...

I live in a condo and not only don't need a bunch of stuff, but don't have the space for it. My girlfriend threw a shower and helped guide people with sticking to what is needed. A few thoughts:
a) above is great advice...I'd stay away from anything 'infant'ish. Swings, bouncy seats, etc isn't much use.
b) I did buy one of those Fisher Price vibrating chairs that can be locked into position OR be a rocker. My son is 18mos and still loves it. It will grow with them.
c) I registered for gift cards - this is great for all the incidentals and can be used at Toys R Us if you wind up not needing it.
d) I registered for toys that he could grow into (one of the Radio Flyer tricycles with the stick up the back, an activity table, etc.). I just got a few toys in different age groups - DEFINITELY don't put many toys on your registry as you'll get a bunch.
e) think about things like cabinet locks and outlet covers
f) bottles and sippy cups are good too, but I'd ask around. Everyone has preferences (especially bottles - babies might have strong preferences based on the different nipples and how much air is allowed). Keep in mind that you can always return stuff! For sippy cups, I've found Playtex to have the best/non leak valves.

If you don't know how to use something or what you'd use it for - don't register for it!

Good luck!

[2bASingleMom]

two more things...
I know what you mean about feeling like you don't belong! Believe me, you'll be in those types of stores so much after the baby comes home that you'll quickly get over that!

Consider taking a friend or family member (that is reasonable and won't have you buying useless gadgets) that is a mom. They have great insight! My three sisters and my mom came with me. Oyyyy!

[cerca]

Don't forget baby gates!! We have one at the top of the stairs and at the 2 doors to the kitchen (we hate cabinent locks). It sounds like you have most of the basics already though. The only other thing I would suggest is a port-o-crib. If you travel a lot they are great!

Good luck and try not to freak out in the baby store (it is made to make you feel like you need everything).

Jess

[CareBears82]

One thing that may help is look up online at Amazon, Target, or BabiesRus the ratings of the larger items you are going to need (carseat, stroller, highchair, ect...). My friend asked me to look up that stuff for her so when we went shopping we knew what to put on there.

That looking up helped a couple last night while I was shopping. They were looking at an Evenflo highchair. I had done research (looking up ratings) and all the EF highchairs I looked up didn't have that great of ratings. And on one site there was out of 100 ratings 5-10 reports of babies arms getting stuck. They were buying it for their first neice being born. So the guy called his brother (soon to be father) and told him what I had said. The guy and his brother both thanked me and they changed to a better highchair that had better ratings.

As for basics.... here are a few questions to ask yourself along with ratings look ups
bottles- Do you want terditional, wide nipped, or drop in
Care Products- wipes, diapers, onsies, sleepers, diaper cream, lotions, medications, & baby wash
pacifiers (if you choose to use them)
carseat- Do you want a carrier or a convertable (rear and foward facing)
stroller- How much are you going to be using it and will it fit in your vehical
highchair- How much space do you have, colapable or one that sits on a dinning room chair
bouncer/ play gym- a regular bouncer or one that converts for later use
swing- a basic swing or the fancy ones
baby bathtub- A tub that can be used in the bath or sink, the mesny type, portabe/collapsable

[Guatemomtobe]

Great tips! Thanks everyone. I started a list in a little notebook (actually one I bought in Antigua 11 years ago to use as a journal during my trip). Glad I didn't use it all up! I think I am going to adopt it as my adoption journal/list book.

Glad to know I'm not the only one who has felt overwhelmed in those stores

Susan

[cbpwife]

Don't forget a good camera and lots of film!!