Baby stuff

[Bolli]

Since I'm now past the first trimester, I've started to think about the big baby stuff I'll need. This being my first I'll be needing basically everything.

So far I've just been browsing magazine's and the internet and thinking what I might like, I haven't actually made it into a baby shop yet :laughing:

I'm a bit worried that so far I seem to like the most expensive cots and prams :rolleyes: , and I have really simple tastes too, it just seems the most simple designs cost the mulah!

Since I'm sooo inexperienced I thought I start a thread asking . . . what has everyone else bought? or thinking of buying? or if you've already had kids, what did you have that you just loved?

[charlis_mum]

I looooove our Jeep 3-wheeler pram! It's so light, easy to fold & has easy access to the basket. BUT it doesn't fit a toddler seat, something we didn't think about when I was pregnant last time. So now we will be buying another pram that will fit a toddler seat (Jeep will be bringing one out next year - just in time!!). So if you are contemplating another bubs close in age - look into toddler seat/skateboard options for your pram.

I loved our Groyears cot - the mechanism for dropping the side seemed alot safer & quieter than a heap of others. If you don't use a bassinette (i didn't last time - might be this time, but still undecided) having a cot with a higher matress level for when bubs is not standing is a definate backsaver.

We used our baby bath for ages as DD was small & short - but friends didn't use theirs for long - so they can be a waste of money. The stand with drain staright into our normal bath was great for us - it fit in our bathroom perfectly.

[HollyHotLips]

Well, we dont have much money at all so I've been mostly buying second hand stuff, already got a pram and will be going to see a cot tonight.

We did buy a few bits new when a local shop had a sale on, a bassinette, car seat and bouncer. I've also bought new cot bedding, but most of the clothes will be second hand (although I couldnt resist a little sleeping bag that was $10 in Kmart...)

I have been astounded by the cost of some items, all the new cots I've seen seem to start around the $300 mark minimum and they were quite cheap and tatty looking too!

Must admit though I just love browsing through all the baby stuff in the various shops, I think Target is my fave, they have loads!! :yes:

[mysteeq]

We had already started buying everything and only really need to get another carseat and a pram and will just wait till we find out the sexes and get some new clothes i wanted to get everything early cause i knew i would be finishing work early and i couldnt be bothered shopping later in pregnancy and im glad that i did these days im just to tired to shop around.

[Pink73]

For me the things that are a must have are
A cot with 2 height levels
A change table (saves your back)
A baby bath (saves your back)
sleeping bags and only a fitted bottom sheet.
A 3 wheller pram.
The angel care monitor.
A baby sling thing.
the turn-a-tot car seat really good when bub is small as the seat turns to the side to get them in and out (again saves back)
And the most importantant thing of all the fisher price cradle swing this thing is worth its weight in gold.

All of the above apart from the car seat and a new cot matteress can be bought second hand.

[OopsieDaisy]

I think I have too much already. I went over board and have now stopped (until we know the sex hehe).
I think grow suits/rompers are a must for bed time. All in one singlets are better than a normal singlet as they don't creep up.
I already have a bassinette and highchair, need a new bouncer, baby bath and change mat. i don't worry with change tables. Also need a pram!

[Bolli]

I'd love to go over board, its just kind of lucky we have been way to busy to get to the shops. Luckily things are calming down so watch christmas and january sales, I'm a coming in:laughing: !

So far all I have is two cute outfits - but one has short sleeves and arms so may not work for a May bub:confused:

I have soo much to learn . . . .

target is definantly one of my favs for baby clothes too, I've gotten most of my pressies for nephews neices and friends there.

[OopsieDaisy]

I'd love to go over board, its just kind of lucky we have been way to busy to get to the shops. Luckily things are calming down so watch christmas and january sales, I'm a coming in:laughing: !

So far all I have is two cute outfits - but one has short sleeves and arms so may not work for a May bub:confused:

I have soo much to learn . . . .

target is definantly one of my favs for baby clothes too, I've gotten most of my pressies for nephews neices and friends there.

Yeah not a good time to buy for a may bub now.... maybe wait till the season changes.

[fozzie]

I've got everything to buy again as we sold everything when we moved here.

Luckily my friend is lending me a cot so I just need a new mattress. I know all the large items that I need my problem is I can't remember how many sleep suits etc I need for a newborn and all the little things. i'm starting to really stress out about it now I can't really afford to buy much now I've got a couple of little outfit that I found in the Target Sale but that's it and I'm not going to be able to start buying really till about February because DH is a brickie and the work dried up last year so I'm getting really worried.

We also live in the country so there isn't alot around here and it's at least an hours drive to get to the larger malls etc but my DS2 is a nightmare shopping so until he starts school in Feb I can't really go and have a real look at things either. I'm keeping my eyes open for a 2nd hand bassinette and swing. At the rate things are going I can see me having to use the baby bonus as soon as bub is born to go out and buy everything.

Oh sorry for wittering on this has got too long. I'm just so worried about it all.

[WeloveHarriet]

Well we already have the cradle set up in our room (as H slept in it until October this year when she finally moved into her own room) so bub will sleep in it until it is time to buy them a cot (hopefully will be around the 12mths mark as well so don't need to worry about it for a fair while!). We already have gorgeous furniture for H which will also be shared by new bub - as we are moving into a small 2 bedroom home whilst waiting to build a new home. Already have a change table / bath set up on wheels which was fantastic when H was little and will use this again for new bub. H had a pram / capsule combo that we imported from US - so we are doing the same this time getting the double pram. Won't need to worry about a car seat for at least 12mths which is great. Already have the FP swing which I agree is the best thing for soothing little ones at arsenic hour!!

The one thing that I would strongly recommend (although all bubs are different) is lots of wraps. Muslin, stretchy jersey etc - Harriet is 16mths old and still gets wrapped for her daytime naps. She was just put down 20mins ago then our lawnmower guy turned up and mowed under her bedroom window - didn't even wake her because she is so snug in her wrap. Loooooove wraps - I have squillions of them.

Haven't bought any clothes as we need winter ones and nothing is out yet. Plus since we aren't finding out what we are having I will just wash all H's white, lemon and mint coloured outfits ready for either sex.

[cjb/jbvd]

i got most of DS's stuff with the baby bonus
my list of essentials:
1 - boori forever cot. yes it's damned expensive, but if you get one at the seconds shop you save a little bit and you'll never have to buy a bed ever again.
2 - sunggle bed- not as expensive as a bassinet and alot more portable. DS loved his. so did i.
3 - a reverse handle pram. even now when i take DS walking i can turn it around and keep him out of the sun a bit.
4 - nappy bag with chill compartment. couldn't live without it.
5 - at least two sizes up of baby clothes from what bub needs. you'd be amazed how fast they grow.
6 - a couple of boxes of nappies
7 - wipes, lots of them.
8 - nappy cream, a couple of tubs.
9 - bottles and formula - even if you're planning to breastfeed, you just never know.
10 - bouncer - doesn't matter what kind
11 - play mat - one that has crinkly bits if you cn find one.

ok, that's about it. that was the stuff i used the most and still use even now. three grand goes a long way.

[HollyHotLips]

Well i had a good result, got myself a cot, change table with bath and sterliser for $210 :thumbsup:

Wasnt going to bother with a change table but she only wanted $40 for it and it's as new, so thought why not.

So all set now, just clothes and nappies to buy which I'll do nearer the time :D

[buzzing bee]

Hi
If your trying to keep costs down we have the
childcare kimberly cot and change table which is relatively cheap.
I love our steelcraft acclaim pram, we went against fashion and bought a 4 wheel, reversible handle pram.
Cheap bouncer to begin with, we were given a kick and play one which was good for later.
I love our play mat I bought from ebay, great for wooden floors.
A good monitor is useful
We have a safe and sound car seat which is good

We didn't buy a bassinet but should have, a good baby sling would be great to.

[Tanya1985]

I went to a baby shop and I have got nearly all my stuff there as they are doing me a package of all the stuff I want and I can direct deposit say $20 a week and pay it off slowly, also it lets people who want to buy me presents... ( this is going to be the first grandchild on both sides) they can also pay off part of the total. It was a privately owned shop so they really look after you well and Robyn's (owner) staff are really experienced and know what worked for them. I have only put things I will need straight away in the package, like I haven't bought a high chair or anything like that. Also I didn't buy a bath because my mum said that all of us (there are 5 kids in my family) HATED baths so we went in the shower with my dad, which we loved so I think I will do the same and see how I go. Hope this has helped.

[twitch]

I get so overwhelmed going into those baby shops. So far we've got a Bertini pram from Ebay (bargain), a change table given to us, a few clothes from mum and my step mum, that's about it. We went to K Mart on Sunday and bought some furniture for bubs room. We got a white blanket box that has a cushion on the top that I'll use to sit on and put toys in and a book shelf that I'll put all bubs bits and pieces in. I'm hoping for lots of Chrissie presents for bubs!

[Tanya1985]

Just a note too, Clothes.... I am not buying ANY until the baby comes only because my mum was given heaps before I was born and I was a size 0 to a size 1 when I was born, so all the clothes were a waste of money because everyone bought 000 and 00, so I thought I would just let everyone know.

[OopsieDaisy]

Wow 0 - 1 is HUGE!!!!! :eek:

[Tanya1985]

Kristy, my mum had me: 9lbs 6oz, Brother: 8 lbs 7oz, sister: 8lbs 6oz, sister: 10lbs 11 oz, and brother: 9lbs 12oz. So yes we were ALL big, and none of us were ever in less than a 00, my mum is amazed when she sees little babies she always says... I wish I had a small baby!!:laughing:

[WeloveHarriet]

Crikey you were a big baby. Harriet was only 6lb 6oz so was in five 0's for ages - in fact Mum had to go and buy some premmie dresses for her so she would have something to wear. Even now she is 16mths and still in 0 - size 1's just swamp her!!

[HollyHotLips]

Well, I have had a right result, in addition to the cot, sterliser and change table the lady also found a breast pump, bottle/food warmer and a few other bits - so for the princely sum of $260 got the lot.

And the best bit is looks like I have made a new friend as well :D

[OopsieDaisy]

Kristy, my mum had me: 9lbs 6oz, Brother: 8 lbs 7oz, sister: 8lbs 6oz, sister: 10lbs 11 oz, and brother: 9lbs 12oz. So yes we were ALL big, and none of us were ever in less than a 00, my mum is amazed when she sees little babies she always says... I wish I had a small baby!!:laughing:

Wow! I guess you were long in length too then?

[twitch]

:eek: Tanya! Were your mum and dad big babies? Both DH and I were over 9 pounders.

[SammieSnail]

H had a pram / capsule combo that we imported from US - so we are doing the same this time getting the double pram. Won't need to worry about a car seat for at least 12mths which is great.

Sorry to jump in on the Due in May thread :o
BUT I just thought you should know that I'm pretty sure a capsule imported from America will not meet Australian standards.... and is essentially illegal to use.

Good luck to you all :wave:

[motherlylove]

Girls just thought you might be interested in knowing some baby shops have nine month layby which is awesome

[Tanya1985]

My mum was only 6lbs something but all of my dad's family (7 kids) were all big, but my mum was borderline Gest. Diabetic, so just watch how much sugar you eat cause sugar makes big babies! Just Joking! Hehehe :laughing: . I am assuming that I will be having a big baby, my belly has already become huge ready for a huge baby......:laughing: Anyway I hope all is well with everyone and I hope everyone has a good day.

[WeloveHarriet]

Sorry to jump in on the Due in May thread :o
BUT I just thought you should know that I'm pretty sure a capsule imported from America will not meet Australian standards.... and is essentially illegal to use.

Good luck to you all :wave:

Whilst it doesn't meet official Australian guidelines it is fully endorsed within the US - which is more litigious society then we have here. It also has every safety feature that Australian seats have. At the end of the day it is my choice to have it - same as with DD1 - and since it will never be sold to anyone else and I fully am aware of any potential risks then it is solely my decision to use it.

No different from someone moving overseas and taking their existing stroller / carseat with them - they are hardly going to buy another one because they are moving to a different country. In fact the pram itself is sold within Australia and the company told me that it is only a matter of time before the capsules are released to the Australian market - more and more companies are catching onto the travel system set-up finally within Australia.

So at the end of the day - thanks for your concern but as with all decisions when it comes to raising our children, it will be mine and DH's right to make the final decision. :yes:

[charlis_mum]

I know when i was in the UK there were travel systems everywhere in the shops, they are much more the norm than a convertible car seat. But the UK ones were not anchored, they only used the car seat belt.

There are a few brands in Oz now that do have the capsule/pram travel systems, so it wouldn't surprise me if the one Harriet used is the same as one of those anyway.:thumbsup:

[HollyHotLips]

BUT I just thought you should know that I'm pretty sure a capsule imported from America will not meet Australian standards.... and is essentially illegal to use.



This is correct as I was going to get my inlaws to purchase a car seat in the UK and bring over with them (they are far, far cheaper over there) but when I investigated further I was told by the manufacturer that it would not be legal since it hasnt been tested against Aussie standards.

Also seemed a bit daft to me as at the end of the day the British Standards are very rigourous (and we're all supposed to be in the Commonwealth) but I'm not risking it, bought an Aussie one (at much more expense!!)

By all means bring your kids up as you want but not sure how you would fare if (heaven forbid) you were in an accident and they found the car seat didnt comply with regulations here.....

[Bolli]

Wow - I think I'm the only who hasn't really bought anything yet. I haven't even gone into a baby shop yet. I'm starting to feel a little unorganised.

But at least I won't feel like I'm shopping to early, does anyone know of anyone who is really superstious and doesn't set up the nursery until after bubs arrives safely? I've had a few people ask about that lately, but even if I'd picked everything out and it just had to be bought, it just sounds to stressfull:eek: and last minute to me, I think I'd like to be all sorted 4 to 6 weeks before bubs is due:thumbsup:

Roll on christmas holidays and time to shop!

[HollyHotLips]

I will probably set it up a couple of months before the due date, I like to be prepared!!!

:thumbsup:

[marlie]

Wow - I think I'm the only who hasn't really bought anything yet. I haven't even gone into a baby shop yet. I'm starting to feel a little unorganised.



:wave: Hiyya Bolli! Don't stress - you're not the only one who hasn't bought anything... Like you I haven't even started looking! This is my first too, and although I'm not (overly) superstitious, I still don't feel "quite right" with buying stuff too early. Plus my SIL is having her first bub any day now... and I want the hand-me-downs! :yes: :D

Once the bug is moving around a bit more (something more defo than possible gas, that is! :o ) then I'm sure I'll let myself be tempted....

[Tanya1985]

Marlie, you are not the only one who is superstitious although I have began looking and choosing NOTHING will be in my house until after the baby has been born..... my grandma won't let me, a Scottish tradition. So don't worry you are not the only one!!

[WeloveHarriet]

Bolli, don't worry about not buying anything. After losing our first I didn't buy a single thing for Harriet until I was 20wks. But this can backfire as when I ordered her furniture (Boori and Mali) they only arrived when I was 35wks - the week before she was born!!! So don't leave ordering your furniture any longer then around 25wks just in case (unless it is all instock which is fine). I haven't bought a single thing for this bub yet. Will wait another couple of weeks.

[Bolli]

Marlie, you are not the only one who is superstitious although I have began looking and choosing NOTHING will be in my house until after the baby has been born..... my grandma won't let me, a Scottish tradition. So don't worry you are not the only one!!


Wow - so how will you work it? laybuy, get your DH to buy up while your in hospital or is it all at someone elses house?

[mum2bubba]

Most of our stuff we borrowed from family and friends, the only thing we had to buy was a carseat and some clothes (though even clothes are cheap from second hand stores etc) if this baby is a girl we wont really have to buy any clothes coz I will just put her in Hayley's old stuff, but if its a boy thats another story. Hayley has a few boy clothes but not many. I am thinking about maybe buying a new pram (a tandem pram) I have one with the toddler seat but its really wide and can hardley go anywhere, but we'll see what happens, its not a bad pram, just a bit difficult to manouvere at times.

[Tanya1985]

We are working it by if I get given anything it goes straight to Grandma's house and we know the lady who owns the shop where I am buying all the baby stuff so she has siad she will store it all for me unitl the baby comes which is lovely of her. And as for clothes I think I will get DP to duck out to a shop and get a few things after the baby is born, just to be sure on size. My dad did the same for me and I still have the outfit he bought as my going home outfit from hospital and it is really special to me, so would like my bub to have the same thing.

[Bolli]

That's really sweet tanya

I was thinking of getting two going home outfits closer to the day (1 for a boy and 1 for a girl). Only thing is its only a 2 minute drive home from the hospital so it seems a bit silly - still its important to look your best for your first outing, and there will be the obligatory photos . . . .

[miss ani]

we've found the stroller we want - the mcclaren techno xt (or the 'doof doof' stroller, as DP calls it. lol!). it's fairly light, compact and the adjustable handles suit us both, as we're over 6ft tall.

everything we buy has to be of a decent height, so i don't know how much this will limit us. both grandmothers are taking me shopping for the big ticket items such as cot, changetable, carseat (we're getting a turn-a-tot as well) etc which is great.

as for clothes.. i haven't bought anything yet. my youngest sister visited last week though, and gave me 2 little jumpsuits she had bought. she's so excited about becoming an aunty, it's sweet! :) my mum is giving me a new sewing machine for chrstmas though, so i'lll be making a lot of clothing, wraps, etc.

[TheMamma]

I feel much better knowing that I am also not the only one who hasn't got anything! I'm 15 weeks and although I am excited about setting up the nursery for our first child - its so overwhelming! There is just SO much out there?

How do you know which is the right pram when there are hundreds to chose from? Or difference in cots - how can one be $800 and one be $200? Its all very confusing! :smiliedance:

I think after Christmas when everything settles down a bit - I might starting looking for things?

Bolli - good luck! :)

[miss ani]

lejay - it all confuses me a bit as well with so many uber-expensive items out there!! we decided more or less on the maclaren stroller because of the height factor (nice and fairly tall) and also my mum had maclarens for myself and my 3 sisters, so that did influence my opinion.

i'm wanting to wait until after christmas to buy the other big stuff.... it's just another stress i can do without today.

[twitch]

we've found the stroller we want - the mcclaren techno xt (or the 'doof doof' stroller, as DP calls it. lol!). it's fairly light, compact and the adjustable handles suit us both, as we're over 6ft tall.

everything we buy has to be of a decent height, so i don't know how much this will limit us. both grandmothers are taking me shopping for the big ticket items such as cot, changetable, carseat (we're getting a turn-a-tot as well) etc which is great.

as for clothes.. i haven't bought anything yet. my youngest sister visited last week though, and gave me 2 little jumpsuits she had bought. she's so excited about becoming an aunty, it's sweet! :) my mum is giving me a new sewing machine for chrstmas though, so i'lll be making a lot of clothing, wraps, etc.

I know how you feel about the height thing, DH and I are 6'2" and 6'5" and it is SO hard to find anything you don't have to hunch over to use. We got the Bertini Steerable pram, it's got really high handles and we can both use it comfortably, but things like change table and cot we're having issues with as everything is so low. Let me know if you find anything high!

[Rhys'Mum]

For me the things that are a must have are
A cot with 2 height levels
A change table (saves your back)
A baby bath (saves your back)
sleeping bags and only a fitted bottom sheet.
A 3 wheller pram.
The angel care monitor.
A baby sling thing.
the turn-a-tot car seat really good when bub is small as the seat turns to the side to get them in and out (again saves back)
And the most importantant thing of all the fisher price cradle swing this thing is worth its weight in gold.

All of the above apart from the car seat and a new cot matteress can be bought second hand.


I'm with you on almost all - While I hate our current 4 wheeler Jeep it has not put me off 4 wheeler prams (although I've eyed off plenty of my friend's now and my current favs are 3 wheelers) and we didn't use the cradle swing so much. Otherwise hear, hear!!!!!

Definately would not be without the angel care movement monitor (even though some nurses, OBS etc seem to be so anti) - it means I've kept my neurotic mother part at bay and I'm not constantly disturbing him by checking on him. Never had probs with false alarms and the night we really needed it more than warranted the cost.