As my little one closes in on the year mark I have been noticing all the things that were thought to be 'necessities' are in fact not. Instead not much is really needed and what is nice to have wasn't even mentioned pre-baby. So, here is my guide, from my experience, of what is good to have for a new baby.
1. A carseat. No, not a travel system. That was a waste. I only use my stroller as something to hold purchases, like produce at the farmer's market. All the while Aurora is in a wrap or on my hip. It is big, bulky and expensive. It came with the infant carrier carseat. Let me tell you, not only is it not convenient to carry it isn't the safest way to carry your baby. I was too short to use it on the grocery cart (which is a safety hazard anyways). The only good was when she was napping on the way home we could bring her in without waking her up. Instead, invest in a good carseat that has high refacing weight and height limits so they can stay in the 500% safer way to sit for longer (AAP recommends at least 2).
2. Diapers. Ok, unless you are going to do 100% complete elimination communication you are going to need some diapers. Sure you could use receiving blankies as flats and use old sweaters to make woolies, but I honestly wouldn't do that unless I could afford nothing else. We tried several different kinds of cloth and spoies before deciding on Sunbabies pocket diapers, which are awesome! They grow with her, are snaps so she can't take them off, are easy to use, and quick to dry. And drying on the line is the best, something I am so glad to have now that I have a litle one.
3. Amber Necklace. OMG Aurora is in such a better mode when she wears this. No real issues with teething so far with it. It is weird that it works, but it does.
4. Shower Chair. We have a lovely baby SPA for LO, but what's used most of the time? The shower chair. It sits in the shower and attaches to the side so it won't move and keeps her in place. So much quicker and easier and she loves it. She just showers with me when she needs washed.
5. Shirts, oneies, and baby legs. The fancy clothes are adorable yes, just keep in mind ease to play and ease to clean. At home LO is diaper only and baby legs if the floor is cold. We had sooo many swaddlers, guess what, they serve no purpose.
6. Toddler fork and spoon. Aurora loves her independence. A toddler fork and spoon let her learn on her own, at her own pace. I don't have to worry about her poking her eyes out and she doesn't have to worry about me trying to make her eat anything.
7. Wraps. When Aurora was a newborn a homemade Moby, AKA several yards of jersey fabric, was the only wrap I needed. It covered her and kept her warm. She slept in it, snuggled in it, nursed in it while I went about my life. Now that she is bigger a ring sling works great for short trips and a mai tei for longer walks. So much easier then any stroller and she feels so much lighter than just carrying around.
8. Diaper bookbag. Plan diaper bags are silly to me. A travel bag makes much more sense. It is easier to carry, less 'girly' and more functional. Who needs a giant awkward diaper bag? What the heck are you carrying around in that thing?
10. Books and some plush and wooden toys. No plastic needed. Wooden teethers worked great, wordorf dolls are wonderful or just rag dolls you make at home. No only do handmade goods have more meaning, they support local and independent businesses, ethical practices, and don't have harmful chemicals in them. They also last so much longer which makes them a bargain. Aurora's favorite toys are homemade or upcycled.
What you don't need:
1. Travel system. Bought this, collects dust. Who really uses these bulky things?
2. Baby meds. They all have food coloring, HCFS, and artificial flavoring in them. Hello, a baby does not know what cherry flavor is!
3. Johnson and Johnson. Chemicals bleh! Aurora is no poo and then has some safety first organic body wash and lotion. We are slowly working her over to Dr.Bronners.
4. Baby foods. Google baby led weaning. It is pretty much the best!
5. Swaddlers. I got like a million of these, never used. She hated them.
6. Exersaucer, jumper etc. Just let them play! They don't need to be cooped up.
7. Crib. So many dangers so we never used it. Bedsharing is pretty much awesome. She sleeps better, we sleep better. We don't even have to wake up to nurse.
8. Pack and Play. Again, just let them play! I mean watch them, but let them explore.
9. Plastic crap. It is just going to break, fad, and expose you to chemicals. It harms the environment, it is not local, many times has lead in it, and the workers have very poor conditions. Buy America, or at least not for China.
10. Tennis shoes. Aurora is just now wearing shoes at one and only because it is winter. Who wants shoes weighing them down. I for one like my toes free!
I've seen friends use the pack and play as a place for their child to nap/sleep when they are over visiting family or friends. For example, a couple brought their baby over for a game night at our place and when they baby got tired they could still stay, they just set up the pack and play in a bedroom and let the baby sleep in there. So, for this reason, I could see it being useful, but yeah I guess if it was just to play around in, maybe not needed.
ReplyDeleteThe child was about one and a half at this point.
ReplyDeleteGood post though! I will have to remember this!
ReplyDelete