There is a lot of pressure to outfit the perfect nursery when you are pregnant. A simple visit to the local store can become a major dilemma—“oh, I didn’t know this existed… do we need it?”
And of course, new inexperienced parents like us are easy to put on a guilt trip. The media, society in general, and “helpful” salespeople will pressure you into buying items that are “safe,” “tested,” “eco-friendly,” “proven to keep baby happy,” etc.
Problem is, you only have so much room… and so much money.
We didn’t end up buying much before Mark was born. The pressure to buy actually put me off and I’m lucky to have great friends who lent us the basics, including a car seat and a stroller. We bought a playpen (ahem… Mark only slept in it during the first week), a few outfits (it was hard since we didn’t know the gender!) and a couple of cute toys (really, because *I* liked them).
“Let’s way and see what we actually need after the baby is born” became our motto.
And you know what? We were right.
Shopping before the baby is born is like walking in a mall with a blindfold on. You don’t know what you will actually need because every baby is different, and things can change fast. For instance, I bought some “nipple cream” I didn’t end up using because my breasts were doing just fine and I only breastfed for the first month. For the same reason, I never needed nursing pads, nursing bras, nursing pillows, etc.—I’m glad I didn’t invest in these.
But there are five items we bought before Mark was born that actually turned out to be very useful.
Stretchy wrap sling
I grew up in a cobblestone-paved city with a lot of steps and stairs and I clearly remember my younger brother and sister screaming because they hated the bumpy trips. I also remember how cumbersome strollers can be, especially these mini-SUV monsters parents seem to favour these days.
Sure, we needed a stroller (thanks to the friend that lent us hers!) but I wanted to carry the baby in a sling. I liked the idea of being able to keep a close eye on him, to keep him warm against my body, and I thought it would be a good bonding experience. Plus a sling is easy to carry. I can just throw the 5 metres of stretchy fabric into my purse and put it on when needed.
My green Maman Kangourou Amerigo wrap ($65) was an investment but it turned out to be a lifesaver. Mark spends a lot of time in the sling, at home and outside. It allows me to have both hands free, and he is safe and comfortable against me. I also credit the sling for helping him develop strong muscles, as he was able to turn and lift his head pretty early. Sure, people make dumb comments… but I love this way of carrying him!
Singing monkey
Babies don’t care much about toys at first, they’d rather stare at their parents’ face (that or I have a weird face because Mark keeps on staring at me).
I bought “Sam the singing monkey” one day at Walmart, thinking the music would soothe him. It became our ritual. Wvery time I change him, I put the monkey by his side. It was funny to see him paying attention to it for the first time and to actually see him trying to grab him. That $12 plush monkey is a cute toy that keeps him busy and focused during our photo sessions too.
Blanket
I bought this white and beige blanket at Winners last summer. The colour was neutral and I figured babies can always use blankets. It was also super soft and cuddly, and that sealed the deal.
Turned out we used that blanket a lot. It’s just the right size to cover him when he is in the car seat or when we put him on the couch at home. And the soft neutral colours make a great backdrop for pictures!
Pacifiers
I hate pacifiers. And I don’t even know why. I never had one as a kid (I think the French frown upon them) and neither did my brother and sister. But one of the nurses at the hospital gave one to Mark when he had some blood taken after he was born, so we came home with an orange pacifier.
It’s only a couple of weeks after Mark was born that I remembered we had actually bought a set of two blue pacifiers over the summer (it was on sale at Shoppers!), so we started using these as well. I always take one with me when we go out as it can be a great way to soothe a baby (I take it out after a while, it’s not a plug!) or help him go to sleep.
I’m trying to help Mark find his thumb or fingers instead (it’s more complex than it seems, babies don’t have much hand-to-mouth coordination!) because pacifiers always fall off, but meanwhile, it’s a good thing to have.
Changing pad
I didn’t want to buy a changing table because babies can fall off easily, plus it seemed like an unnecessary investment. We did buy a plastic changing pad at IKEA ($6.99) and a set of two covers ($6.99), one red and one blue. “Perfect,” we thought since we didn’t know Mark was going to be a little boy.
It turned out to be really useful. We simply put the changing pad on the bed and voilà! The covers are easy to wash and they do the job. No need for a fancy changing table!
He sure looks happy in the first picture! I’ve heard that baby that have been carried in slings learn to walk much quicker.
Oh, that would be an added benefit!
It’s not a plug, of course not! I find it amazing you can remember whether you used one or not, as well as for your siblings, because for me, I really cannot remember!
Really? That’s funny, I remember my childhood really well. Plus my parents like to remind me what we did/didn’t do.
That changing pad is a gooood idea! I’ve actually seen a baby fall off the changing table, and it’s a horrific sight, so I would definitely say invest in this one!
Mark looks like such a happy baby 🙂
Milsters
He is a little clown when he is in a good mood 😉
Your statement about the changing table surprised me so I check on the Internet and… what the hell, so many people drop their kid from these changing table ??!! Why do anyone use it then ?!! I just have a new phobia!
I know! Plus they are super expensive. I really think it’s not a great item to invest in. Changing a baby on the bed is much easier and safer.
well these items indeed might be useful 🙂
can your next blogging piece entertain the idea under the theme:\
500 useless baby items that i forgot about because i dont use them anymore
because i think I will relate with it much more 🙂
That’s a great idea actually, will do! Did you buy a lot of useless stuff?
The photo of him in the sling is so precious! He’s adorable 🙂 … The baby item I got the most use out of was the swing – my younger son spent hours in that thing and loved it. LOL
I’ve heard that a lot of babies like them!
I second the sling! I have both a ring sling and a wrap sling (like yours) and they make it so easy to go shopping and get things done around the house. Babies loooove being in them! Must be the warmth and the smell of mommy and the sound/feel of the heartbeat… puts my little one to sleep every time. 🙂
The one thing I would put on that list if I were making it is an automatic swing. They’re wonderful for babies to nap in, or just be put down for a bit when something needs to be done.
Yay, another sling lover! I have heard that some babies hate them but Mark like to snuggle in it. He is getting heavy though! I think they like to listen to our heartbeat, you are right. It reminds them of life “inside”!
I liked the baby carrier, especially needed with #3 while the twins were still in their double-stroller… AND I didn’t buy a changing table either, just the pad (and cover) too! 🙂
Another great buy (gifts) for me were the bouncy chairs (more for the “chair” part than the “bounce” — but that might be because I had three babies to take care of so close in age — I only have two hands !) and the Jolly Jumper (when the baby is not quite mobile yet but needs to burn off the energy!).
It’s so fun reading you and comparing baby stories ! 😀
I honestly don’t know how you “survived” with twins! Don’t get me wrong, they are super cute but you must have been exhausted! One baby is already tons of work, so two… Wow, you are super mom!
I always appreciate your experienced feedback, especially considering our babies are relatively close in age 😉
Be-still-my-beating-heart but he is so adorable!!
And this is a great post – more than any other life stage, I think expectant parents get conned into buying way too much stuff. Will be coming back to this post if I get pregnant 🙂
No worries! I wish you all the best for 2013… and a baby if that’s in your plans!
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