Thursday, August 21, 2008

What to Buy?

Back before I discovered I was pregnant, I had a dream. I was pregnant, and in labor, but very early. Josh kept saying that we needed to go to the hospital, but I was freaking out because we had not bought 1 thing for the baby. We didn't even have a car seat yet. So ever since I learned I was pregnant, I have been wanting to be prepared.

I decided to start buying little things - diapers, onesies, etc - little by little. I'll pick something up every time I'm in Target. I've got a few things now, but then I learn that people are pretty particular in EVERYTHING baby that they buy. People swear by one brand of diapers over the other. Some people have always used the same, and some people say it depends on the sex of the baby to know which brand of diaper to use. I've been buying Gerber onesies, because that's the brand that the white onesies are at Target, but then I read something that says that they shrink really badly. I'm really more confused now, more than ever, about what to buy for my baby. Do I just wait until the baby comes to test things out? I have newborn and size 1 diapers, and now I'm worried that I bought the "wrong" brand. Or maybe I'm simply reading too much and listening too much to so many opinions. I swear things couldn't have been this hard for our parents when they were preparing for us.

But here's my main question - what do I buy now? My sister mentioned something about throwing a baby shower, and this morning, Josh told me that his mom and sister-in-law want to throw me a shower. I figure we'll combine it into one, because really - I don't know enough people to invite to 2 showers. But I'm starting to make a list of all things baby that I want, and I don't know what to leave until after the shower, and what is ok to buy now. I'm almost to the halfway point, and that kind of freaks me out. My sister-in-law is giving me her crib, which I'm very grateful for, but it's the only "big" thing we have. So how do I get to the point where I feel more prepared, but where I'm not going overboard?

4 comments:

Cassie said...

That's a tough one. We ended up registering for everything, and then buying whatever we still needed and didn't get after the showers. But I wouldn't do that over again, because Andrew came early and we were really rushing to get things ready for him!

I would suggest DEFINITELY buying your car seat, because that needs to be installed early just in case little Josh/little Deborah decides to come early. We bought a Graco travel system that we love, but I know some people don't like them.

Unfortunately, the Gerber onesies DO shrink, but you should be all right for a month or so.

I don't think it matters what kind of diaper you use, honestly. We use Pampers because that's what the hospital used. Someone had bought us a pack of Huggies, which we used, but we went back to Pampers because the Huggies didn't quite fit right on Andrew, and they leaked.

I wouldn't stress out too much about the little things! Just make sure you have your car seat, a place for the baby to sleep, a few things for him/her to wear, and maybe a swing. Yes, I would definitely suggest a swing.

I can guarantee you, at your shower, most people will get you clothes!

(Sorry for writing a novel.)

Ryley @ That's My Family! said...

When you discover the answers to these questions please let me know!!! The freaking out doesnt get any better.
I told my husband that we need to start buying little things like onesies and diapers too.. but ummm.. we haven't. And what scares me even more is that we are hitting the point of "If your baby is born now, it will survive." Which translates in my mind to - "Your baby could be born at any time."

Cribs.. holy cow their expensive. Glad you found someone to give to one. I think we are buying one from IKEA! We found the car seat that we [heart]. It's one of the least expensive and rated in the top five for consumer reports. It's the baby trend brand with a triangle handle. They are only like $80 sometihng at walmart, and there is one that comes with a jogging stoller that is really nice!! Swings... hmm.. that is my next purchase.. but I have NO idea what kind to get. I know what I like (just by looking at them) So I guess I'm just hoping to find one on sale somewhere.. (I just wish the stupid back to school sales would end.. and the baby ones would begin!)
I read this blog and she writes a pregnancy blog. Around 22 weeks she starts to write a list of
buy now or buy later" It's worth reading.. (she continues it for a few weeks.) http://www.alphamom.com/pregnancy-calendar/week_22/

currrently.. we have 1 onesie with an alligator on it..and a rocker glider. .THAT'S IT!!! i freak out everyday....

The Waite Family said...

Don't freak out!!! you can never go over board to soon because sooner or later your baby will need everything!!! Diapers are tricky everyone told me to buy huggies because they were the best so I did and they gave brooke welps on her little butt so I have always used pampers and really they are the best!!! the wipies too the sensitive ones, my kids just have bum issues I guess:) Oh and if you are going to breastfeed and your naturaly a pro then more power to ya, but if your like me and I pray your not, my milk didn't come in for like a week after I had all of my kids so I always had to have formula on hand after they were born so they could eat something, everyone told me they were fine but when they are crying and a bottle of formula helps that, what can I say I would rather them eat than not!!

Tiffany @ Lattes And Life said...

I think it really depends on what you want. If you have your heart set on specific things, then you're better off buying them yourself. If you're more flexible, you can wait for a shower...or just wait and see what falls in your lap. The only thing we bought ourselves, brand new, was the carseat. Everything else was hand-me-downs, gifts, or bought used at places like Goodwill or Garage Sales. Oh yea, we had to buy a crib because the used one we were given didn't have the hardware :-/

Yep, those Gerber onesies shrink. But they grow so fast those early weeks/months, you don't get much use out of any clothing before it's too small.

I always liked Pampers Swaddlers for small sizes. Now we use Pampers Baby Dry. Pampers Cruisers give Aiden a rash.....Huggies Supreme are good too, but regular Huggies aren't (for us). Luvs are really good. And every other diaper we've tried leaked. I'd say to just get a few different ones to try on your baby.

Just don't get overwhlemed with STUFF. Babies don't need all these gadgets....and once your baby is here you'll find what works for your family. Both of my babies have LOVED swings, but some babies can't stand them. So you'll figure it all out as you go :-)