https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 01 May 2026 06:46:59 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-171112 Mon, 28 May 2012 14:25:19 +0000 lavender 171112@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hands down- her plug in swing! I would cry if that broke. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-171029 Mon, 28 May 2012 12:37:10 +0000 HLK208 171029@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@stiffaknee: scratch and dent sales?! I would love a double bob but DS has almost out grown the stroller so I'd rather not pay full retail...but I don't want to give up jogging! Thanks for the info :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-171020 Mon, 28 May 2012 12:25:56 +0000 obxwife 171020@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just did a blog post!! &lt;- Oops, sorry Mr. bee :)<br /> I can't link my blog post but I really love our soothe and glow seahorse, our Graco lite stroller and my cousin LOVES her Baby Trend stroller. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170891 Mon, 28 May 2012 09:12:00 +0000 stiffaknee 170891@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm only a month in, but here's my must-haves:</p> <p>-Wubbanub Pacifier (Since DD is still so little, she has trouble keeping her paci in her mouth...this helps!)<br /> -A+A Blankets (DD stays swaddled pretty much all the time, she'll fuss otherwise)<br /> -Miracle Blanket (because Husband has not figured out how to swaddle from scratch!)<br /> -Bouncy/Vibrating Chair<br /> -Ultimate Crib Sheets<br /> -Fisher-Price Tub-We do baths every night (as a part of her nighttime routine) and, I don't know if its the bath, but DD is sleeping 10-5:30 already!<br /> Last, but not least, the BOB stroller. I'm sure any stroller would work (I just happen to have the BOB) but when DD is particularly fussy, a nice walk always calms her down! If you have an REI store, they do scratch and dent sales like once a quarter...I got my BOB for $170. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170796 Mon, 28 May 2012 01:00:32 +0000 lemondrop 170796@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I second a plug in swing! You will be changing enough batteries as it is. </p> <p>I researched this for a while and only found the Graco and Snug a Bunny that plugged in- and my husband hated the look of the bunny one. So we got the Graco one, we use it every day- but every baby is different, so register for one and if you don't get one as a gift, look for a used one.</p> <p>I figured even if our son didn't like the swing, a future kid might. But he loves it, easy way to get a nap in :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170792 Mon, 28 May 2012 00:45:53 +0000 StbHisMrs 170792@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd been out of the game for 10 years, I was so overwhelmed with all the new stuff!</p> <p>Don't waste your money on a puj tub, we used it for a few weeks but she outgrew it very quickly and it flooded our bathroom counter.<br /> Our house isn't big enough for a video monitor (1700 sq ft) I can hear her from every room.<br /> We bought a Fisher Price zen swing used for $100 , definetely look for one that plugs in vs using batteries. The zen and snug-a-bunny ones plug in.<br /> Bought a fisher price jumper and zen bouncer at about 3 months. A highchair at 4 months. The bumbo got hardly any use, she's strong and could arch out.<br /> We bought a safety first onboard air 35 carseat and a jeep stroller. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170724 Sun, 27 May 2012 20:28:14 +0000 mrs. wagon 170724@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sorrycharlie: Honestly that would definitely have been enough to keep Wagon Jr. entertained! That's only a little bit less than what was on the splash exersaucer. I think for $20 you can't go wrong! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170372 Sun, 27 May 2012 08:58:52 +0000 heffalump 170372@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I thought I could live without a video monitor, but after 9 1/2 months realized it just couldn't happen. LO kept getting her feet stuck in the crib (she would pull her breathable bumpers down) so I ended up staying up all night worrying about her. Now she's in a sleep sack and we have the monitor to see her. </p> <p>But every baby is different so all of our must haves will be different. LO slept in her swing for months and it was a lifesaver.... but that doesn't mean your LO will love it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170364 Sun, 27 May 2012 08:44:24 +0000 sorrycharlie 170364@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: I saw the splash one too! I think it's similar - but not as many 'things' - <a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4460096" rel="nofollow">http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4460096</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170350 Sun, 27 May 2012 08:10:05 +0000 mrs. wagon 170350@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sorrycharlie: is it the splash one? Either blue and orange or pink? If so that's the one we have (no music or sounds) and wagon jr. Loved it til past 1 year old :-) no bells or whistles needed! And $20 is such an awesome deal!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170343 Sun, 27 May 2012 07:39:44 +0000 chopsuey 170343@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>video monitor, white noise machine, swing, nose frieda, saline spray, breast pump (only used for 2.5 months though) and ergo! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170340 Sun, 27 May 2012 07:29:42 +0000 sorrycharlie 170340@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrs. wagon: I picked up an exersaucer recently from Target (appeared to be an online return - it was only $20!) by evenflo that doesn't have any music/sound. is this worth it do you think? I registered for one by baby einstein for $90 that has music/lights/etc just in case (and i can return/swap for dipes, wipes etc.) I know that usually babies don't *need* the extra electrical stimulation, lol, but I'm worried she won't be entertained by no sounds! what do you think? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170336 Sun, 27 May 2012 07:10:13 +0000 chrispygal 170336@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Making up our registry was one of the toughest things we did no doubt! I read a TON of other people's posts on key items they love, use the most, and what people registered for. This and reading lots of online reviews is how we made progress. It took us a while though!</p> <p>For our stroller, we went with the Britax B-Agile because it was mid-priced ($250 in store but I got on Amazon for $182), folded easily, and was not as big and bulky as some others. It handles really well too. We were leaning towards the B-Ready stroller, because it can convert to a two child stroller, but opted against it was bigger than we wanted. I really recommend going and testing some styles out. We couldn't justify a $500-$600 stroller but you may be able to. It's all what you're comfortable with.</p> <p>Our registry had our "must haves" (strollers, car seats, etc) as well as a bunch of other little items necessity items like changing pad, covers, crib sheets (p.s. I've heard AWESOME things about the Ultimate Crib Sheets from multiple moms), etc. We were cautious of putting to many high-price items on our registry so we went for more affordable bouncer seats, play mats, etc. We also skipped the swing for now since they are big and we've heard that some babies love them and some don't. Same with the baby carrier. We figure we can always go out and get these if we find we need one. Our shower is next weekend and a lot of items, including our big items, have definitely been bought for us but we will seriously be spending a lot of dough to complete the registry and get what we really want.</p> <p>It definitely took a few visits to the store and a ton of online work for me to finish up the registry so don't fret if it takes you a while. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170282 Sun, 27 May 2012 00:59:14 +0000 loveisstrange 170282@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My daughter is 8 weeks and, so far, these are mine:</p> <p>Bouncer and swing: We have the Snug-A-Bunny bouncer and swing and they were worth the money. She naps during the day in the swing and now that she notices it, the is obsessed with the little bird mobile on it. She smiles and talks to it all the time. The swing is also the only place she will fall asleep on her own. The vibrate function on the bouncer saved our lives the first few weeks she was home.</p> <p>Carrier: I have a Moby wrap, which I LOVE. I don't go grocery shopping without it. Even if she's hungry or crabby, she will fall asleep in it and let me get stuff done. We're going to be buying an Ergo so DH can wear her too.</p> <p>Swaddle blankets: LO loves to be swaddled and we do it both at night and during naps. It's a sure-fire way to calm her down if she's over-tired. We use the Aden + Anais blankets, which are expensive but worth it. I have a few others and they are my favorite by far.</p> <p>If pumping or BFing, Motherlove nipple cream.</p> <p>Boppy is super useful.</p> <p>White noise machine is a lifesaver. We have the "Sleep Sheep".</p> <p>Fleece sleepers. If you're 12 weeks now, you're having a winter baby too? LO was born April 3rd and in England, that's still pretty much winter. She lived in fleece/terry sleepers until the last week or so. I prefer the ones that snap so you don't have to expose the top half of their body when you change them but the sipper ones are fine too. I also recommend buying a few jackets, sweaters and a pram/snowsuit.</p> <p>We bought a travel system (we have the Graco Alano Flip-It system, ) but I also recommend getting a smaller stroller or a carseat frame too. I have a small Graco Mosaic Logan stroller that the carseat can snap onto and it's so much more manageable when it's just me running errands. DH prefers the big stroller.</p> <p>Nosefrida. LO got a cold when she was about 2 weeks old and this thing earned it's keep. It's awkward and a little gross the first time you use it but boy, oh boy... it works.</p> <p>I agree with finding clothes and things used. I have a friend whose daughter is 7 months older than mine and we've gotten so many clothes and things from her. She even gave me her Bumbo and playmat. You can also look into renting a breastpump if you need one. I have a Medela Symphony from the military hospital here on base and it's a beast.</p> <p>We honestly could have done without our Pack N Play. Thank God we got a cheap, basic one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170274 Sun, 27 May 2012 00:41:45 +0000 Mrs. Superhero 170274@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ergo<br /> Diapers (because if you're going to do cloth, don't do cheap cloth and set yourself up to hate it)<br /> Pump.</p> <p>Everything else was second hand or cheapies (for a newborn, we needed other things later) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170255 Sun, 27 May 2012 00:02:26 +0000 Zuzu2and11 170255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are living in a small apartment before we move into a house in the fall so we were committed to only getting what is essential since we have no space! Most if our essentials were gifts from our baby showers [car seat, cosleeper, bathtub (not really an essential since we did just fine without it before it was sent to us), clothes)]. We considered the pricey Medela Freestyle because we want to have more kids, and I knew if would be such a timesaver. The other two must haves for us were a baby carrier (the only way I got things done when he wants to be held all the time) and a white noise app...I never knew "Extreme Rain Pouring" would be magic. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170223 Sat, 26 May 2012 23:35:35 +0000 HLK208 170223@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For me, it was a BOB stroller (even though it's an off roading/jogging stroller, it's do easy to use everywhere instead of bulky one's), medela breast pump, a good swing and the angelcare monitor (not the video monitor type). Those were our main splurges that didn't feel excessive with DS. It might change with the second baby arriving soon though...</p> <p>We could have done without: a play mat/gym, a pack n' play, a really nice rocker/recliner (I thought I would sleep in it some nights but...it was never THAT comfortable. I like my bed too much), a projection mobile (by fisherprice), a high chair at first since they don't eat solids until 6 months, probably the sealy posterpedic crib mattress, a crib that converts into a full size bed...a toddler doesn't need a full size mattress. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170163 Sat, 26 May 2012 22:06:34 +0000 PrincessBaby 170163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jacks: @mrs. wagon: Wow wow wow! That's an awesome compilation! SOOO helpful!!! </p> <p>@mediagirl: Yard saling is a great idea!</p> <p> @lydg: Oooh- I will check with my insurance!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170159 Sat, 26 May 2012 22:00:18 +0000 matador84 170159@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>it really is overwhelming all the "stuff" that is out there. we have a tiny house and i don't want it cluttered with baby stuff everywhere! </p> <p>as far as must have stuff--i was going to register for a pump but then i found out my insurance will cover with a dr. rx! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170158 Sat, 26 May 2012 21:58:20 +0000 mediagirl 170158@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We found a lot of things work just fine used. I'm pretty cheap but I spent money on a breast pump (medela PISA). We registered for a great infant car seat and the mid-range stroller that worked with it. Those were purchased for us, thankfully. Our stroller was $200 and the infant car seat was $150 + $75 for the extra base. </p> <p>Our crib was $100 from Ikea. Clothes were gifted to us or purchased used. We bought a black and white video monitor at a yard sale for $10. Mattresses aren't cheap, you can get a good one used or spend $100 and you're good. </p> <p>So many baby things are used for a few months and then you're done with them that it's crazy to pay retail for them! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170148 Sat, 26 May 2012 21:46:51 +0000 mrs. wagon 170148@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@jholler25: @Mrs. Jacks: thanks! this is actually what I used to compile the list above:</p> <p><a href="http://www.hellobee.com/tag/gear/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/tag/gear/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170147 Sat, 26 May 2012 21:46:14 +0000 mrs. wagon 170147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>oh my.... I know how you feel though... the first few times we walked into a Babies R Us (the only baby superstore in the area at the time) we walked right back out. Too much. But here are the things I think are TOTALLY worth splurging on:</p> <p>- video monitor (if you're like me and like to be totally aware at all times of all your baby's movements!)<br /> - stroller (this depends on where you live, how often you'll use it, and if you want it to last through several kids.... we got an Uppababy Vista)<br /> - baby carrier (we didn't use ours because he didn't like carriers, but it's SO comfy, it's an ergo baby)<br /> - breastpump (I could not imagine using anything less than a double electric)<br /> - high chair (only because you'll be using it so often and for so long)<br /> - convertible carseat (safety is important, and you'll be using it for years)<br /> - swing (we tried using a travel swing and it was a no go... returned it for an expensive one (fisher price papasan swing) and it's one of my favorite items ever)</p> <p>Things I think you could skimp on and get a cheaper version:<br /> - bouncy chair (we love our Fisher Price one)<br /> - exersaucer (we got the cheapest one we could find and he LIVED in it for like a year)<br /> - crib (as long as it's sturdy and you have a good firm mattress, that's all you need)<br /> - bassinet/ pack n play (all they really need is a safe surface)<br /> - infant carseat (you only use it for a few months, so as long as it's safe, you should be fine)<br /> - changing table (all you really need is the pad! some people even just use the pad on the ground!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170140 Sat, 26 May 2012 21:37:51 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 170140@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Check out the baby must-haves by Mrs. Bee, Wagon and tic tac toe. (Hopefully I haven't left anyone out). I'm also writing my top must haves for a blog post today. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-are-your-must-have-baby-items#post-170135 Sat, 26 May 2012 21:34:49 +0000 PrincessBaby 170135@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I did not enter a baby store for the whole first trimester until my mom came in town at 11weeks and we went to a Buy Buy Baby. I was overwhelmed with how much stuff there was, and how expensive it is! I don't know anything about strollers, or why I should pay $500 for one, but it looks like that's pretty normal! And baby monitors have tv screens on them now and are like home security systems! I also saw an electronic bouncy chair (Mamaroo bouncy chair) that looked like something from the future! And cost over $200!</p> <p>Soooo, what are the must-have items that I should justify splurging on? And what are some items that you've found that you can't live without, but would never have known about before you had your baby? </p>