Hi June 2016 mamas!
Here is a place to talk gear.
Deals, sales, cool new gadgets, cute outfits, whatever ...
Now I can shop vicariously and 18x more window shopping done!
You might also enjoy...
-
1. Babies R Us gear trade in --today is the last day (25% off for the trade in--buy a crappy, expired $5 car seat off craigslist and turn it in if you don't have something unsafe and unusable leftover!) It is 30% off instead of 25% off if you use the BRU card. And if you never had a BRU card, you end up with a total of 41.5% off.
*there is a bunch of small print, and it is a one item for one item trade in.2. Registries. Have you made any? Any good completion stuff, or great coupons in your bag? Trying to decide where to register for a few little things.
3. Hospital bag. Thinking about it? Buying anything?
So far the plan is: 1. Labor mantras (found 4 different ones, going to print and laminate this week). 2. Boppy. 3. going home outfit for baby. Figure out the rest later.Other stuff?
-
@pastemoo: We picked up our carseat/stroller combo that retails at 379.99 for like 240 due to stacking the trade-in with opening a card! And while the trade in event excludes the Halo Bassinet you can still use the 15% when you open a card for it!
My Toys R Us is really tiny so we're getting delivered straight to the house too! (we don't have a Baby R Us specific store locally)
-
@RKitty: Score!!
-
Does anybody have recommendations for bottles? I plan to breastfeed but I want to introduce a bottle pretty early so that I don't have issue when I return to work.
-
@RKitty: I don't have experience yet, but I've heard good things about Tommee Tippee.
-
@RKitty: we used Dr. brown bottles. They have like 4 parts to clean, but DS never had an issue with them.
-
@RKitty: we tried avent (leaked, faster flow than DD could handle, long nipple that choked her), nuk (took a few times and rejected) and gerber first essential (these were the winners - bonus they're cheap and fit my medela pump!) anyways, it's just kind of trial and error. I'd buy a single bottle of a few brands and see what works. I think rather than looking for reviews, look for one that's shaped most like your breast - that ultimately seemed to work for us. I have tiny boobs so the wider ones just didn't seem to work for us.
-
1. Registries: we have a baby list-- nobody has mentioned throwing me a sprinkle this time so... I'm not registering for real- our baby list is more so I can keep track of crap I want hehe. If someone asks I'll give it to them but that's about it
2. Hospital bag: going home outfit for baby (still in the market haha)... I want to selfishly buy a cute robe because I will only wear hospital gowns post c-section and I like having a cozy robe. My old one has lived it's life! Also... we're bringing our own binkies and 2 different bottles we used with DD "just incase" ... I also need to obtain a boppy. Otherwise just our phones and chargers will probably be enough- and our good camera, which I'll charge and pack before we head in for scheduled c-section
We didn't use ANYTHING else we brought last time haha
-
@RKitty: we initially bought Tommy Tippy but LO developed a preference for fast flowing nipples in the hospital so we didn't end up using them... we ended up mostly using the cheapie gerber bottles that you can buy in a pack at Target. I'm bringing both to the hospital with us, just incase BF doesn't work out again...
-
Mind if this May mommy plays along?!
-
@RKitty: I had good luck with tommee tippee with my first. We introduced a bottle at around one week and she went back and forth between breast and bottle just fine.
-
Registries: I have made mine because I have two showers coming up. :)) Basic large items we registered for; pack-n-play, bouncer, swing, high chair, play mat, mini portable crib (we decided not to get a "normal" crib for nursery), mmmh I think that is it for the large stuff. I also added some small necessities to it the registry just for people who like to only buy off registries & then for others to just see our style in blankets & such.
Hospital Bag: I have picked up a few night shirts/dresses for the hospital. TJ Maxx had them on sale & I paid $5 a piece for them. They have a v neck so I'm hoping they'll work for nursing too. Besides that, nothing. I have started a list though based of "Hospital Bag Boards".
-
@RKitty: I plan on picking up a small pack (1 or 2) of the following;
Tommee Tippee
Comotomo
Dr. Brown
Avent
I will be returning to work after 8 weeks & these are best reviewed for breastfed babies. I will see which one he likes best. -
@RKitty: We used Tommee Tippee with DS. But I would say, make your life easier and start by trying whatever bottle fits with your pump then go from there. We have several bottles because I'd heard some kids are picky but my kid would drink out of anything and he'd even drink it cold sometimes.
-
Registry: I have an Amazon one to keep track of a few things. I'm secretly hoping my in-laws will buy me a glider which is the only big thing on there but it probably is just wishful thinking.
Hospital bag: I haven't even thought about pecking yet! I know last time I didn't like the boppy so I won't bother. I'll probably just bring clothes, toiletries, an outfit or two for baby, a charger, and snacks. And pads. Last time the hospital would only let me have a certain amount of the massive ones and I didn't like their other option.
-
Second time moms: has anyone tried using depends instead of pads? I've seen a lot of blog posts that they're good to use, so I'm thinking of picking up a pack of them for the hospital.
-
Thank you for all the bottle advise! Sounds like I'll get a couple of a few brands then see what works best for us!
@Purpledaisy: That's my hope. I had a friend who breastfeed exclusively for the first few months and when she had to switch to bottles it was a constant fight and I'd like to avoid that.
@catomd00: So big and squishy... got it! LOL That actually makes a lot a sense to get them where they're similar to your breast.
@brownepiano: I'll have to call my insurance and see what pump I can get through them and start there!
@Autumnmama79: Welcome! I know our June group appears to be pretty active on here compared to the surrounding months!
-
@MrsKRB: I bought some depends and didn't use. I think c section bleeding is less bad? I bought overnight pads, extra length, and changed every 2-3 hrs instead.
Bottles.... Trying one of everything is the plan.
Breastfed and went back to work late so I didn't need to figure out bottles.
@Autumnmama bring me deals and I'm happy.
@MMcAlli: good idea on tjmaxx! -
@pastemoo: No registry as I don't think I'm getting a shower this time around but I do have a running list of baby items that I'm chipping away at with generous donations from my parents
@Mrs. Pink: Also looking for a going home outfit, today actually! Its got to be all white as we are TG
@RKitty: No bottle recs as LO1 refused the bottle
@MMcAlli: Good call on the TJ maxi for hospital dresses and such, nows a good time with spring/summer stuff hitting stores. I want to get a nice, thin, short robe for hospital and home too.
@MrsKRB: No advice about the pads/depends as LO1 was a c/s but following as I'm going for a vbac this time. Are you making the padcicles?
Big item that I've yet to decide on is a glider. I got a TON of use out of ours with LO1 but I sold it long ago. Going to look at a couple this evening, the nice ones are expensive though!
-
Registry: no registry as it's baby #3. I've actually never had a baby shower as I was living overseas and far, far away from all of our family and close friends when we had both of our girls
Sad I missed out but also didn't mind as we were always planning on moving internationally again after having our girls so we didn't load up on much stuff anyway, just the basics.As for bottles - neither of my girls ever took to a bottle, EVER. We had a bit of luck with the Playtex drop in liner bottles for a few weeks when we were giving DD1 probiotics at 3-4 months old, but she only took about half an ounce in them and then got the milk straight from the source right after. DD2 has never in her life taken a bottle. Hoping for better luck with this one as I would like to BF for at least a year again but would also like a tiny bit of freedom....
@MrsKRB: I'd get one pack of maternity pads and see how you go from there. With both girls I only had heavy bleeding for a couple of days and then it tapered off to a moderate period for another week, and then spotting for a week or so after that. I never did the mesh underwear or tucks pads or any of those things as I didn't need them. If your DH can run out and buy you what you need, I'd get the bare essentials and wait to see how it goes for you.
As for hospital bag, I'm not packing much as I'm hoping to go home again straight after the birth. With DD2 I was home four hours after she was born - it was amazing and I'm hoping for the same this time. With DD1, I just wore black yoga pants and a tank top the whole time I was in the hospital (2 nights), I hated being in pyjamas after about 9:00 am and wanted to be showered and dressed, even if it was only in yoga pants. I had only packed nursing tanks but absolutely hated them so I wish I had just packed a couple of looser shirts that could be pulled up easily for BF'ing.
On a different note, our new pram just arrived today and I love it! We got the City Mini GT in teal (the single this time as we already have the double) and I'm tempted to go wake my girls up from their nap so we can take it out for a walk! I love my double so much and am so excited to now have the single as well. I was worried it would be too big for a newborn, but I just tried the straps with DD's Bitty Baby, which is significantly smaller than any baby I think I would have, and the straps go tight enough around it so I'm pretty happy. We'll be using an infant insert in the pram anyway so I think it will be fine. Super, super happy with it and whilst this is about the 12th pram we've bought, I think we are once and for all, finally done shopping for prams (we have to be or DH might seriously kill me!)
-
I scored a Chicco Keyfit 30 infant car seat and extra base for $50 at a consignment sale!
I almost got an awesome umbrella stroller too, but it had a bent visor. I can't decided whether I want a double stroller, a sit and stand, an umbrella stroller, or just use the one we already have. I've been working with DS for 6 months trying to teach him to walk more, and we're finally making progress.
-
I picked up my first outfit today!! Haha. It reminded me of my great aunt and I keep welling up when I pretend she gave it to my babies!
I scoped out a consignment sale that was in the area nothing major there - I did pick up one of those dishwasher containers for nipples and small things for $1. Figured that we'll have plenty of small things to put in the dishwasher and it won't hurt to have two!
-
@Ree723: do you have the city mini GT double as well? I want it!
We want a double stroller. I think another crib since ds won't be ready for a big bed (he's wild).
Clothes since this baby is a girl and being born in summer and ds was born in Canadian winter. All his sleepers are fleece! I also need a new bfing pillow because the dog ate mine.
-
I lent out a lot of stuff and some things (like our big snugamonkey swing...) I'm not even bothering to get back and just replacing-- though I've pretty much only got 2nd hand gear this time from friends/family (again)- which certainly makes it cheaper LOL
We acquired:
- an infant seat (so now I don't need to buy convertible for awhile)
- a mamaroo (ditched the big bulky swing because I was always tripping over the stupid base legs)
- arms reach cosleeper (hubby doesn't want to bed share with another kiddo... this is the next best thing for me)
- Ju-Ju-Be BFF diaper bag and some accessories (I'd sold my other diaper bags and started using little grocery totes for running around this summer not expecting another babe)
I already had a City Mini stroller, which we actually never used when DD was smaller-- we use it occasionally now-- I really like it for when we're at the park etc. and I don't feel like dragging out the wraps. I plan to babywear from the start this go round, so it'll be nice to throw the newbie in a wrap and push the toddler when she's tired of walking.
-
For 2nd time moms: are you doing a small gift for #1? I want to but haven't decided what, nothing big- but something "from the baby" -- she already has a doll that she's been carrying around for awhile now, treating like a real baby (she's really careful with it compared to her other dolls LOL) so I can't think of what to get!
-
@Mrs. Pink: I have no idea. I feel like I need to do something but I have no idea what. My boy will turn 4 at the end of May though, so he will have a ton of birthday gifts (in laws spoil him!)--I might just hold one back?
I recently made him a baby pouch sling for his lovey. Might work for the doll?
What do you think of the new diaper bag? I sold/got rid of my old ones.
@Mrs. Champagne: Cool! Are you looking for stroller deals?Also, found that you can get a Kroger coupon for 20% on a gift card from the Gap family of stores (if you have Kroger)--so you can baby or maternity shop from there... You can put $25-$500 on the card.
@brownepiano: score!
@Autumnmama79 and @Ree723: I am waffling on the shower (didn't do one the first time either... but feeling weird about doing it this time).
@meadow:
-
@pastemoo: yes- it's like $899 in Canada plus hst (13%) but I think $460 in the states (on sale in teal). Even with the exchange it's still way cheaper to order in the US so I might do that! (We have family there I can ship to. Free shipping and no tax).
-
@Mrs. Champagne: Nice steal!
If you need a pack n play type thing:
WOOT! kids today has a 4Moms Playpen for $140 (60% off of $350). http://kids.woot.com/?ref=w_gh_kd_8 -
@pastemoo: holding a gift back would probably work perfectly!!
I haven't started using the diaper bag yet-- I've kind of had it put away... which is kind of silly considering I actually still have a kid in diapers LOL
If I go anywhere this week (I've been lazy, lazy...) I'll test pack it! I bought mine on Zulily when they were having a sale which was nice- I saved probably over $100 on everything
-
@Mrs. Champagne: We do have the City Mini GT double and I'm happy to say, it's as awesome as the single. So easy to push and manoeuvre, and super comfy for the littles!
-
@Ree723: When ours came in the mail - I was tempted to sit in it myself it looked so comfy!!! Hahahahaha
-
@RKitty: I used TommeeTippee bottles with my first and liked them a lot. When my second was born we switched to Comotomo bottles (recommended by a friend) and we LOVE them! They have a wide nipple base like the TT bottles but Comotomo were way easier to clean because of the wide mouth. I also liked that the bottle itself was silicone instead of plastic - essentially, all parts actually in contact with milk is the silicone bottle and silicone nipple. We are having our third soon and will just be buying new nipples to use with the bottles we have.
-
@littleveesmommy: I actually found the Comotomo bottles randomly when search and I've already added it my registry. I love the silicone vs plastic so I'm hoping kiddo likes them!
-
@RKitty:
I hope so too! The only thing that was quirky is I had to make sure the nipple vents were dry (no water in the vent valve) otherwise the silicone bottle would begin to collapse during feeding from suction. Though it doesn't bother the baby during feeding and squeezing the bottle allowed me to prevent the nipple from collapsing, which would happen in other solid material bottles since only the nipple is flexible in those.
-
I just had to share because they're so cute-- even if they're silly because newborns don't really need shoes in the summer
I got them in a Facebook co-op-- they didn't have hard sole ones for DD so I skipped getting her a pair but i might have to reconsider next buy-in haha (they're ballet slipper pink with a slightly metallic design)
-
@Mrs. Pink: those are definitely too cute not to buy!
Is anyone stalking their registries like me? My shower invites went out about 2 weeks ago, and I'm constantly checking to see what people have bought. I am the WORST lol.
-
@MrsKRB: I'm exercising serious amounts of self control not peeking! I have logged in to see the very top of the registry page where it says how many things have been bought....but I promise myself not to look at the list itself.
-
Can anyone recommend a good list of things you actually need for the first couple months of bringing home a little one? I've found lots of little lists but nothing really in depth that I can check off. I have no clue what I need to get!
Even better if the list leans towards the orangic/crunchy life style approach.
-
@MrsKRB: I am guilty of this as well.... Glad I'm not the only one!! :))))
We didn't use ANYTHING else we brought last time haha
Sad I missed out but also didn't mind as we were always planning on moving internationally again after having our girls so we didn't load up on much stuff anyway, just the basics.Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
142 comments