Thursday, August 09, 2007

I need your help!

I was reminded last night that my last post was a while ago so I figured I needed to update something. So ... I'm here to ask for your help ... if you're a mom anyways. Or a really good babysitter type. Or have ever been around babies. Whatever. I'm hopeless and clueless and it's about time for us to register for the baby. If it were up to me, I'd be pointing that registry gun down the beer and wine aisle at Target but somehow I don't think my little Megan Elizabeth (yep - that's her name!!!) will appreciate that, at least not until she's an official Aggie in 18 years, God help us! ANYWAYS! I printed a great guide list off Target's website that wasn't too crazy and I know I have one at home from Babies R Us but I also know how stores work. I'm pretty sure I won't need half the junk they have on their lists as "must haves" -- they just want me to register for it so people will buy it! So, I pose the following questions to you and please feel free to leave any other comments about stuff I have not asked about that you found exceptionally helpful, or ridiculously worthless. Seriously, I'm a blank slate so any advice is appreciated, about baby gear anyways. :-) I know every baby is different but ... I got nothing so far! ha ha ha

1. Diapers - are the more expensive ones worth it?
2. Wipes - again, see above.
3. Diaper disposal system - genie? champ? trash can lined with stick ups?
4. Diaper rash ointment/cream?
5. Wipe warmer - really necessary? Winter baby make a difference?
6. Bath stuff - Johnson's still it?
7. Bottles and Nipples - aren't there a million kinds? Any suggestions?
8. Laundry detergent - Other than Dreft? Anything better? Cheaper?

Also, I'm really thinking I'm going to give this breastfeeding a whirl. I always said I wasn't going to do it and it's one of those things that's really shoved down your throat by everyone you encounter in pregnancy-land, which only increased my stubborn resistance, but I guess I'm going to give it a try. SO, that being said, any advice on creams, pumps and that sort of thing would be much appreciated as well.

I know I've had conversations about these things with many people but my I'm doing good to know what day it is, let alone remember something important like stuff for my baby.

And I have to vent a little. I read an article that said the amniotic fluid that my 21 week fetus is surrounded by, and consuming, takes on the characteristics of the food I eat. Thus, if I'm not eating veggies I can assume my child won't care for them either. Right, because my daughter is going to be born tattling to the doctors all she wants are enchiladas and tacos because that's all her mommy ate. How do they think they know this? Really. People will say anything to get you to eat some broccoli and brussel sprouts. The nerve.

Thanks for sticking with my ramblings and feel free to post a comment if you have a wonder-product that you recommend! Or a terrible thing to stay away from! Until next time ... :-)

5 comments:

wish_on_a_star said...

I am one of Melissa's friends and came across your blog. I am due in Dec also with Baby #1. I bought the book "Best Baby Bargains" that has a ton of baby products rated by consumer reports. We based our registry off it. It goes over everything from car seats to strollers to monitors. Very useful info. One of the best rated bottles are Dr. Browns, but it depends on what your baby will take. Have fun!

Mel :-) said...

OK-
Diapers we liked were Pampers swaddles then cruisers. The Huggies leaked like crazy. I do think it is worth it to pay a little more for diapers and not get generic b/c we found that the others are just not as absorbant.
Wipes- get the natural/ unscented. The brand doesn't really matter though Huggies wipes are a lot thicker an softer for the newborn hineys.
We used the diaper Genie but some people hate them. It stinks to high Heaven when you change it out!!
Diaper cream- Vaseline or Balmex.
No on the wipe warmer.
Johnsons has the shampooo/body wash covered pretty well. Though walmart great value is ok too.
Bottles- Avent or Gerber(?)nuk, sorry it has been a while!!
Breastfeeding- YES it is worth the soreness in the beginning. You can do it- it is so worth it! The Medela pump in style will help with going back to work and pumping.
Laundry detergent- Dreft isn't the only option- just get one that says free and clear.
Hope that helps some... :-)
PS just eat the veggies, they aren't that bad, ha ha!! ;-)

TEXASEGGLS said...

I am finally posting to your blog are you impressed??

We are a pampers diapers and Huggies wipes family, but I have boys so there might be a difference.

Bottles - I like the playtex drop in because it is less to clean, etc. Now everyone ravs about the Dr Browns but they are a pain to clean and I would say unless your baby really needs them not to go that route.

Diaper Pail - We use an old fashion trash can and take the poopy ones out immediatly. I change the trash often, I don't love the systems but that is me!

BF - You should try it and seriously if it doesn't work it doesn't work.

Travel System - I say get it because the first few months they can't sit up and unless you want to carry them. You guys like to eat out like us and the carrier is very nice!!

Pump - I have Medela PIS and love it and on second baby!

Anonymous said...

alright- probably too late to post cuz you already went shopping- but get the stroller and carseat thing! Its great when the baby is asleep and you dont want to disturb her when you get out of the car.
And pampers did work wonders for girls. My advice would be to get a Sams membership. Just buy diapers in bulk :) And before you buy 100 of 1 type bottle, buy 100 different bottles. Every one of kids liked a different bottle and refused the other ones. It took some doing to get my kids going back and forth between bf and bottles, but it eventually worked :)

stacy

Anonymous said...

Hey it's Sarah from ERAC. I hope I am doing this right but I love all the stories. I have been able to catch up what's been going with you and James since the two of you have left. I am so excted that your are having a baby and since I am still a new mom I love sharing ideas and tips about babies. Yes you will register for things that you really don't need but that is just part of the process.
Diapers - yes buy the good brands for yourself and the cheap ones for daycare especially wipes. They use them for everything. The stuffing in the cheap diapers will clump when they get wet. I have heard that Huggies do leak but I have never had a problem. I also use Pampers. I buy what is ever on sale or what I have a coupon for.
Diaper system - don't have one just throw the dirty ones in the trash outside.
Ointment - Desitin creamy. Anything that is really thick so when you put the diaper on it does not just wipe off right away.
Bottles - I use the Dr. B and love them except for the cleaning issue like texaseggls said. But hey that is why you have James. If you were having a boy I would tell you to use them no matter what because boys tend to have more acid reflux and colic issues. Avent always leaked and drove me crazy.
Pump - Medela dual pump. Saves time with the dual pump. I felt the same way about breast feeding but once I held her for the first time all my fears and weirdness went away. This was my time to bond and bring her close to me.
Detergent - ALL makes a baby detergent that is cheaper and Abigail has never had any skin problems.
It is a lot but hope it helps and good luck.