Hellobee Boards

@RKitty: since I'm planning on doing zero prep for this baby, here's the real basics: diapers, some clothes, swaddles, white noise, a place to sleep, a baby carrier, pacifiers, a car seat, boobs, nipple cream, maybe a pump and a few bottles, maybe a stroller. They really don't need much!

@RKitty: If you look on pintrest you can find way too many. That being said, I looked just now and this is one that is neat. They actually go through rational and give advice on brands and stuff for each one. And I think for the most part I agree with it. Some stuff you might not need, but other people do (ie I hated the boppy, and we never bought a baby bathtub). So keep your receipts and return stuff as needed. This is a "minimalists" one but it isn't that extreme.

http://blog.totscoop.com/the-minimalists-new-baby-checklist/

@MrsKRB: It looks like you probably will but just not as long because the part between the legs is thick like a Bumppo and not like a high chair. I have this one and I've loved it. It's really easy to take with us, but I didn't get it till DS was 1. We're hoping to use it for ds2 though.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00CSAWIOQ/ref=pd_aw_vtph_75_tr_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=072W6MRM2G2GBC2GND7Y

Yep. It won't keep them upright like a bumpo and it doesn't give any neck support or recline like others, but it is perfect for starting solids around 6 months. I love it and wish I had found it sooner.

@pastemoo: it looks like that's a mini crib?

@brownepiano: Thanks! I like that link! All the one I found on Pinterest were like the 5 most critical newborn and such and such.

Some advice needed:
DH will be doing baby's drop off at daycare and I will be doing pick up. My MIL bought an infant car seat. Would you buy an extra base and switch the car seat between cars, or would you buy a convertible car seat for one car to save some money? I'm leaning towards just getting a base for ease, but I wasn't sure what second/third time moms thought about this.

@MrsKRB: we didn't have two bases last time, but did have an infant seat and a convertible. This time I bought two bases.

This might just be my friends, but I do like having an extra convertible seat so I can give my friend (and kid) a ride to hang out with me. But we tend to have one car and so do several friends of mine so that is kind of special circumstances.

@MrsKRB: I'd just get another base for the infant seat. I found it easier to carry them around in the bucket seat when they're little since you have bottles and things in your hands too.

@MrsKRB: A first time mom here... but we got an infant seat with two bases. Plus some of the infant seats also can be used a car seat with out a base which ours can so we kind of have three bases. My husband and I both wanted two seats, one of each of cars. As we've had experiences in the past dealing having a baby/kid but missing part of the car seat so can't leave the house....

@MrsKRB: Another option is to just use a seatbelt install with the infant seat in your husband's car. We were surprised how easy it was to get a good install. This could prevent the extra purchase if you aren't going to use it that often.

@MrsKRB: Yep, we had the Keyfit. You can look up a video how-to on Youtube. It's not as easy as having a base, but for short-term or infrequent trips, it's a good option.

@MrsKRB: Yes, like FutureMama said the Chicco Keyfit is safe with out the base. You can see it in the manual here - http://www.chiccousa.com/Files/pdf/product-manuals/KeyFit-Instructions-08.pdf (pg37). That's the same one we got.

Also shop around and check local baby boutiques. We had a local store have 20% off their bases so got a second one for around $65.

One of my cats has decided that my Halo Bassinet box is a great scratching post.... two corners are now shredded... so I guess I'm getting a bonus use of my Bassinet? Does that count as an extra deal - Free scratching post?

Also my local cloth diaper store is doing Blueberry Diaper release this Friday so I'm planning to go there to check them out!

@starlitsky: No experience, but I registered for the Exergen temporal thermometer. They're offering a $20 rebate on their website http://www.exergen.com/babythermometer/

@MrsKRB: ooh thanks! I like this:

-Accuracy comparable to rectal thermometer
-#1 preferred by pediatricians

and I like the idea of not having to measure rectally! lol

@starlitsky: we use the exergen temporal. I can't stick anything up my kids butt, I just can't! It wa accurate enough for me. I'd test it first on myself, plus it's what they always used at my peds office - if it's good enough for them it's good enough for me!

We used a cool mist humidifier for a week or two when DD was stuffy as a newborn. Didn't think it made a difference and it was one more thing I had to clean. I couldn't handle that so just got rid of it. Haven't had a need for it in 2 years.

I have the Samsung baby view and no complaints. I know people with the Motorola like that, too. I think the three are pretty comparable and you can't go wrong either way.

Haven't tried a solly myself but hear great things! I just can't with wraps - ring slings and ktans were hard enough for me to figure out haha!

@starlitsky: I liked the ease of the temporal, just go with a good brand (like the one your looking at) and not a cheap one. I tried to get too many cheap things and wound up having to replace/return them (monitor, thermometer, pump).

I have a homemade moby wrap. I wanted to love it but it never felt secure. I think I needed more practice, DS just fought it the whole time unless I was actively moving. I'm going to try again this time and might do better out of necessity. If there is someone you can borrow from that'd be a great way to try before you commit! You might only want it in the beginning and then switch to the Ergo when the baby is bigger.