https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:42:26 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-475804 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 15:08:39 +0000 Bao 475804@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I got most of the postpartum supplies from the hospital, so I would hold off on that. The hand mittens you may not need, we just used socks, they actually stayed on better, we used the longer ones. Could you look at consignment shops for some of these items, to save you money? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-475793 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 15:05:00 +0000 ladyfingers 475793@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We had a similar list, and here's what I deemed "nonessential" and am putting off. Can't comment on the cloth items because we're not CD'ing. Also, caveat, I"m still pregnant so I can't speak to what's actually useful once baby is here.</p> <p>Free + Clear Laundry Detergent - we always use free and clear regular detergent because I have sensitive skin so we're just using what we already have.<br /> Perineal Healing Spray - on my Amazon list in case I end up needing it, but I have some bottom balm from hemorrhoids that I used already on hand<br /> Perineal Irrigation Bottle - but I'm doing a hospital birth<br /> Tucks Medicated Hemorrhoid Cooling Pads - already had these on hand from my hemorrhoid experience earlier in pregnancy<br /> Dermoplast - already have from a previous female issue a couple of years ago<br /> The Windi - in the back of my mind if LO has severe gas issues, otherwise plan to do the "windmill legs" technique<br /> Manual Breast Pump - I'm getting an electric because I'll be WOHM and LO will be in daycare at 12 weeks, but I'm waiting to purchase it until I know BF'ing will work for me.<br /> Boppy Pillow - a friend gave me hers.<br /> Cotton Mittens - I was told these don't stay on so instead we looked at long-sleeved onesies with attached mittens. I'm glad to hear the sock option, that's a great idea!<br /> Nursing Bras - Already have one that I bought when my boobs got huge in pregnancy and I couldn't stand the idea of buying anything with a cup. Otherwise I'm sticking with one and bought 4 nursing tanks, since I'll be at home for 12 weeks before returning to work and don't need a ton of support.<br /> Swing - this was a hand-me-down, otherwise I wouldn't have bought one/would have bought one on Craigslist.<br /> Bouncer - looking for one on Craigslist instead<br /> Rock n Play - gifted to us, otherwise would have looked on Craigslist<br /> Stroller Frame - We bought a full stroller because a relative offered to give us money for it, otherwise I was planning to wait until later to buy one.<br /> Baby Bathtub - We got this as a hand-me-down, otherwise we would have just bathed with the baby in our regular bathtub.<br /> White noise machine - I had deemed it nonessential but bought one anyway. Fail. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-475288 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 12:34:26 +0000 Minnie_Girl 475288@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll keep this brief, as you've gotten lots of comments and opinions already! Like others have said, many things on your list you can take a wait-and-see approach on. For the first few weeks of her life my LO has only *needed* a few onesies, diapers/wipes, swaddling blankets, and a full boob! </p> <p>As for the A+A blankets, you can get super cheap swaddling blankets from home birth supply websites like inhishands.com. We got a ton for $3/ea! </p> <p>Also, it would make life easier to use one cloth diaper-friendly detergent for all of your laundry. I use Charlie's Soap with vinegar and wool dryer balls. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474863 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 10:07:49 +0000 Weagle 474863@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>These are things you wouldn't need right away and some general comments:</p> <p>Cloth Wipes (you can use cheaper baby washcloths or cut up cheap flannel receiving blankets)<br /> Diaper Detergent (you probably want this, but maybe get samples... we have a giant tub of Charlie's just gathering dust now)<br /> Perineal Healing Spray (nice, but not necessary)<br /> Dermoplast (never used it, never missed it)<br /> Biokleen Bac-Out (we didn't use ours until LO started solids)<br /> NoseFrieda (nice to have, but we're almost 8 months in and the bulb the hospital gave us works just fine)<br /> The Windi (unnecessary. bicycle her legs)<br /> Baby Rectal Thermometer (I've never taken her temp this way)<br /> Baby Nail Scissors (these are a pita. clippers, biting, or filing works way better)<br /> Diaper Liners (you don't really need these ever, but definitely can wait until solids. I cut up a yard of microfleece from JoAnn's to use as liners - $5)<br /> Odorless Cloth Diaper Pail (A cheaper step-can works perfectly. We use a Hefty from Target)<br /> Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle Single Pack + Lansinoh mOmma Feeding Bottle (I would try a cheaper bottle first. That said, LO would only take the mOmma for the first 4-5 months)<br /> Aden + Anais 4 Pack Muslin Swaddle Wrap (I did like having these, but I don't consider them a must-have)<br /> Miracle Blanket (This. Get 2 of them.)<br /> Summer Infant Newborn Swaddlepod (If you're going to get A+A, just use those)<br /> Cotton Mittens (never used them)<br /> Swing (try to borrow or get on consignment...we never used ours)<br /> Bouncer (same as swing)<br /> Rock n Play (this is on my baby #2 list!)<br /> Baby Bathtub<br /> Changing pad (I LOVE our $7 Ikea inflatable changing pad!)<br /> White noise machine (probably not necessary in the beginning. We didn't need to use white noise until 4-5 months, and now we use an app on our iPhone or Kindle.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474795 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 09:39:13 +0000 T.H.O.U. 474795@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: Here is what I would cut out or wait</p> <p>- Nipple Nurture Butter - You could use coconut oil or lanolin. I would get something for your nipples but air drying with some BM is a great (free) solution too.<br /> - Biokleen Bac-Out - I would wait on this. BM poo is water soluble so it washes out really easily.<br /> - I would get a nose bulb instead of the NoseFrieda. We have both and as an infant the bulb is nice because you can also use it to clear out their mouth/throat if they have mucus there. Plus the bulbs are cheaper. Get the NoseFrieda later if you still want it.<br /> - I have lived just fine without the Windi. Get it if you need it later.<br /> - Diaper Liners - You can wait until you start solids to use these.<br /> - We use a snap on Planet Wise bag instead of a pail/liner. It just hooks to our changing table. If you want a cheaper option you could use that.<br /> - I would say 100% splurge for the A+A blankets but skip the swaddle and miracle blanket until you think you need them. The swaddles are all you need for a while.<br /> - The swing and the bouncer you could maybe wait on for a few weeks. We used our swing around 4 weeks and the bouncer not until much later.<br /> - We never needed mittens. If you want some just get a cheap 2 pack and see if you can live with just that. </p> <p>The bottom line is you will forget something and need to run out to the store. If you dont' have it but need it you can usually find a way to get it! </p> <p>- </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474775 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 09:27:40 +0000 hilsy85 474775@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My LO is 10.5wks old and I just commented on some of your list. I agree with waiting to buy stuff until LO is here, especially if you have amazon prime, which gets most stuff to you in 2 days. </p> <p>Nipple Nurture Butter--you can also use olive oil on your nipples, or expressed breastmilk (which is free, yay!)<br /> Cotton Nursing Pads--I used cut up squares of a receiving blanket for a while, althogh the disposable lanisoh ones are really the best I've found<br /> Perineal Irrigation Bottle--this is like a regular squeeze bottle--shouldn't be too expensive.<br /> Tucks Medicated Hemorrhoid Cooling Pads--didn't use this<br /> Dermoplast--didn't use this--for this and the above, you might want to see if it's necessary before you buy it.<br /> Diaper Ointment--you can use coconut oil or aquaphor, which are cheaper than medicated ones like triple paste. </p> <p>The Windi--haven't needed this<br /> Baby Rectal Thermometer<br /> Baby Nail Scissors--you can use a nail file or just bite LO's nails<br /> Diaper Liners<br /> Manual Breast Pump--maybe insurance will cover this?</p> <p>Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle Single Pack<br /> Lansinoh mOmma Feeding Bottle--is there a reason you picked these two bottles? They seem to be expensive, and your LO might not have a preference (mine does fine with Avent, which are pretty cheap, and we've had no nipple confusion)<br /> Miracle Blanket--we have a swaddle me which is basically the same but half the price<br /> Cotton Mittens--never used these<br /> Nursing Bras--I would wait to buy these until your supply regulates, about 6-8wks pp</p> <p>Bouncer--we don't have one and haven't missed it<br /> Rock n Play--we don't have one and haven't missed it</p> <p>Changing pad--if you can get one that wipes down (like a jelly baby or coshee), you don't need covers </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474750 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 09:05:49 +0000 sorrycharlie 474750@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I survived with basic lanolin ($7) and dermaplast/tucks (target brand tucks were only 1.44!). I didn't use the special healing things (earth mama angel baby etc) and I'm just fine :) I'm sure they work, but for the sake of budgeting, the regular kinds work fine.</p> <p>I agree w @autumnlove that socks can double as mittens</p> <p>Also, I haven't used a bottle since ~6 weeks but my LO takes the basic evenflo nipple and bottles (nipples also fit the pump bottles!). They sell glass if you're concerned but a heck of a lot cheaper than the pricey bottles. You don't know what LO will use til they arrive so I vote for starting cheaper! They might be fine.</p> <p>Not sure what windi is but I don't have that or the nosefrieda and LO is fine - even having been congested for a month now.</p> <p>I know I'm the odd one out but I don't love the A+A blankets as much as some. I used them for a month or so to swaddle and now use swaddle sleep sacks because she could break out of them. Miracle blanket def swaddled her in but again, for the price, many do just fine with the swaddle sack. You might even get a baby who hates to be swaddled!</p> <p>I hope this doesn't sound too negative! Lol. But a lot of the things we read about or hear about aren't 100% necessary, just nice to have, and if you're trying to save money you can totally survive without them! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474689 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 07:31:48 +0000 heffalump 474689@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I use baby wash cloths as cloth wipes. Much cheaper, just as good. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474673 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 05:19:47 +0000 emg86 474673@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Have you thought about making your own laundry detergent? There are a ton of free and easy recipes you can find with great reviews that are baby friendly. You can also usually use the same detergent you use for CD. I took a cloth diapering class where the instructor told us the cheapest and easiest pail was using a regular cheap kitchen trash can with a step open lid. Why do you need diaper liners so early? If it's for meconium I've heard you can use an old rag or cloth wipe or piece of an old cut up tshirt during that phase. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474669 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 05:00:05 +0000 Sweet T 474669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you have any children's consignment stores near you? They can really be a wonderful resource. It would be a great place to find a swing, bouncer, or RnP! I would skip the cloth wipes. You can cut receiving blankets into squares and use those instead. We used a small trash can for dirty diapers and it worked just fine.</p> <p>If you're interested, I swaddled DS using an A+A blanket and a receiving blanket. It works the same way as the miracle blanket. I'd be more than happy to send the links your way and you might be able to eliminate the miracle blanket purchase...or at least postpone it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474661 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 04:31:39 +0000 shopaholic 474661@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just wanted to let you know that I got my Boppy w/cover @ TJ Maxx for $25. I've also seen baby bathtubs (~$12), mittens, swings, bouncers, and baby first aid kits there pretty cheap. hth! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474658 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 04:06:41 +0000 MamaMoose 474658@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There are a lot of things on there that you won't need right away so if you looking to delay costs in addition to getting rid of them completely there are plenty of opportunities. My LO is 5 weeks and here in a list of your items that we either dont have or haven't used yet: Diaper ointment, nose Frieda, windi, nail scissor (I peel her nails), swaddle pod, mittens, swing (JUST started using it in the last couple days), baby bath tub (it's so much easier to just use the big tub and get in with her!). Also we don't cloth diaper so I dont know if the supplies for that are all necessary. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474655 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 03:48:45 +0000 London Mama 474655@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There are white noise apps and you can buy white noise tracks (fans, washing machines, hair dryers, nature sounds, waves) on iTunes.</p> <p>I would check for items on eBay, Craigslist and similar places. We bought our stroller frame used for about a third of retail price, we've also got a used bouncer and baby bath tub. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474652 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 03:36:45 +0000 T-Mom 474652@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: ah ok I see. Re: the white noise, if you have a loud humidifier or fan that could work too. We use a loud humidifier and never bought a specific white noise maker. And we have used a white noise app while traveling :-). And radio static. Haha. We should have prolly just gotten a noise machine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474651 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 03:34:10 +0000 immabeetoo 474651@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Arden: what about making cloth wipes? I'd just try one bottle and get the other kind if it doesn't work. My little guy had no qualms so I'm glad I didn't get other types to experiment! We've also not used the baby mittens. I couldn't tell a difference using biokleen on ebf cloth so that could maybe wait until you start solids?? Could also try just one of swing/rock play/bouncer to see if only one will work first too! I like country save detergent for cloth and clothes all together. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474648 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 03:31:32 +0000 matador84 474648@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We played white noise from day 1 and DS can sleep through anything! List looks good to me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474647 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 03:28:46 +0000 Arden 474647@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T-Mom: I'm not giving birth at a hospital, so I have to buy my postpartum supplies myself.<br /> I wonder if I could just play some sort of white noise off my ipod with a speaker if I really need it... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474646 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 03:25:18 +0000 T-Mom 474646@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do any of your post partum supplies come with the hospital stay? Peri bottle, tucks, etc? I didn't need any additional of that stuff other than what I brought home... Also I don't know how much white noise helped us in the early days since we were waking up so often to feed and LO slept easily without it until later. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474640 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 03:08:15 +0000 autumnlove 474640@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You might be able to cut the mittens because socks can do double duty as mittens. I just use a Simple Human trash can with a lid as my CD pail...not sure if that would be cheaper. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-tame-my-shopping-list#post-474639 Wed, 02 Jan 2013 03:04:06 +0000 Arden 474639@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a very long list of things to buy before the baby arrives. It's a little more than our budget can bear at the moment, especially when you add in the cost of newborn photography, so I need to cut it down a little. </p> <p>Can anyone read through my list and let me know if there is anything on it that I don't REALLY need before baby arrives? </p> <p>Cloth Wipes<br /> Diaper Detergent<br /> Free + Clear Laundry Detergent<br /> Perineal Healing Spray<br /> Nipple Nurture Butter<br /> Cotton Nursing Pads,<br /> Perineal Irrigation Bottle<br /> Tucks Medicated Hemorrhoid Cooling Pads<br /> Dermoplast<br /> Diaper Ointment<br /> Biokleen Bac-Out<br /> NoseFrieda<br /> The Windi<br /> Baby Rectal Thermometer<br /> Baby Nail Scissors<br /> Diaper Liners<br /> Manual Breast Pump<br /> Boppy Pillow<br /> Boppy Slipcover<br /> Infant Car Seat<br /> Odorless Cloth Diaper Pail<br /> Planet Wise Diaper Pail Liners<br /> Comotomo Natural Feel Baby Bottle Single Pack<br /> Lansinoh mOmma Feeding Bottle<br /> Aden + Anais 4 Pack Muslin Swaddle Wrap<br /> Miracle Blanket<br /> Summer Infant Newborn Swaddlepod<br /> Cotton Mittens<br /> Nursing Bras<br /> Nursing Tanks<br /> Swing<br /> Bouncer<br /> Rock n Play<br /> Stroller Frame<br /> Baby Bathtub<br /> Changing pad<br /> Changing pad covers<br /> Wet bags<br /> White noise machine<br /> Breastmilk storage set</p> <p>Anything I can reasonably cut from that? </p>