Kelly's Tour---Baby Gear!

I actually did this post awhile ago (but I've updated it a little), because I had several requests through comments and emails to do a post about baby gear. I will gladly give you my opinions! I've tried to show pictures of the exact products that I have. I'll show a product and give my review and if it's a must or not.

Baby Books by Marci

I was so picky about what I wanted for a baby book! I FINALLY found Baby Books by Marci, and I adore the books. They are just the right amount of pages, and they are decorated beautifully. They are a little pricey, but maybe you could ask for one as a gift from your hostesses or put it in your registry information. WORTH IT!!!!!!!!

Boppy Pillow

This shows the bare pillow, and you can buy different slipcovers. It's supposed to be used for nursing, propping baby, tummy time, etc.
VERDICT: I never used this for nursing, except when Evy was JUST born. It was just too bulky to use regularly. We use it now to prop her up occasionally, and for tummy time, but I think it's slightly overrated. However, everyone has one, and you will probably wish you had one if you don't get it! So go for it.

Bumbo Seat

This helps babies "sit" and can be used in a variety of settings. We have a pink one :o) We've used it here and there. VERDICT: Still don't know. I think we'll use it more as Evy gets older.


Boppy Bouncy Seat

This is a bouncy seat that also has vibrating and music features. It obviously comes in a variety of colors.
VERDICT: A must!!!!! Evy slept in this seat for the first 4-5 weeks of her life. It comforted her because it's so cozy and secure. I am still using it for her to have a place to sit and see things. Note: You can't keep using this after babies become more mobile and active (so I've heard). You HAVE to have one of these!

Graco Pack n' Play

This is what a lot of people use as their bassinet when the baby is first born. The Graco models come with a bassinet insert (so the baby sleeps at a higher height) and a place to change diapers. Some come with a mobile and other features. The pack n play can be used for traveling, as it folds up easily. It can also be used eventually as a playpen (did you know this phrase is now politically incorrect? You're supposed to say "play yard" so the child doesn't feel "incarcerated." Yes, that's a quote. Ridiculous.).
VERDICT: We haven't gotten any use out of the pack n play yet, simply because Evy is not at a playing age where she needs a place to play safely. We were given a bassinet that someone wasn't using anymore which we kept in our room. However, we only used it to change diapers in the middle of the night; Evy never slept in it. This one is up to you. If you want to use it in your bedroom when the baby is first born, it would be great for that, and the portability is great. I would say overall that it's a good buy, because there are so many versatile uses. But it wasn't a MUST HAVE in our situation.

Fisher Price Papasan Cradle "Starlight" Swing

This was also given to us (what a blessing!). The "Papasan Cradle" model comes in a few different themes, and we have the Starlight one. It has a globe/mobile that casts really pretty starlight all over the room. It features different speeds, lots of songs, and nature sounds. You can also control the volume. This swing comes with an outlet plug in---NO BATTERIES!!!!!!!

VERDICT: This has become my BEST FRIEND. We actually thought this swing didn't work when it was first given to us, so we went and got the Graco Lovn' Hug swing. It didn't work AT ALL. We had a horrible time with it, and it ran on batteries. However, some people have had great luck with the Graco swing (like Kelly). Evy napped (and sometimes still does) in this wonderful swing. The absolute best feature is that you plug it into a wall outlet (double check that the swing you buy has this feature; some don't). We would have spent literally thousands of dollars on batteries by now. In our experience, Fisher Price swings are the best. Also, this swing is fabulous because the baby is cradled and reclines more. Evy doesn't like swings where she's more upright. You can tell it's very relaxing to her. However, since she got used to sleeping in the swing, we can't use it during the day just to entertain her; she thinks we're trying to get her to go to sleep! But this swing is meant to be soothing anyway, not stimulating. A MUST!!!!!

Chicco Cortina Travel System in "Discovery"

This is our fabulous stroller system. I'll be honest, I didn't do a TON of research about stroller systems. I knew I wanted an all-in-one system that would grow with Evy. But I basically just went to Babies R Us and tried different ones. The color is actually what sold me on this. The gray and green is perfect, in my opinion, and we can use it for any baby. The system comes with a full-size stroller that reclines or sits upright, a carseat base for your car, and the infant carrier.
VERDICT: This is a GREAT system! Some people use a bare-bones base that they click their infant carrier into (all bought separately). I, however, LOVE the convenience of purchasing an all-in-one system, and the only extra thing we might buy down the road is a lightweight umbrella stroller. The stroller is really easy to fold by myself (very important), and the carseat clicks into place SO EASILY in the car and stroller. It can be maneuvered with one hand, which is wonderful. I love this stroller, and Chicco has been a great brand!

Baby Bjorn Carrier

This was given to us, and the Baby Bjorn brand is famous for being "the best."
VERDICT: It IS the best!!!!! This supports Evy so well, and both Kurt and I can use it easily. It adjusts to any person that wants to use it, and Evy loves this thing. She really started to like it best once she could support her head. Worth the money!

Peanut Shell Sling by Amy Coe

I knew I wanted a sling, and I loved the funky pattern of this one. Plus, it seemed easy to use.
VERDICT: Evy didn't care for the sling the few times I've tried it. However, I think I am going to try it again and position her like the baby is in the picture. Positioning the sling on your body can be tricky...I don't know why; I just had to look at it a few times! I think this is one of those things that we'll like now or a little bit into the future.
UPDATE: Evy loved the sling once she got a bit older....I used it to soothe her when she was fussy. I think it felt like being in the womb to her :) So if your baby dislikes a sling at first, keep trying!!! We ended up loving this!

Medela Pump in Style Advanced

This the pump that I use. No explanation necessary!
VERDICT: I was advised by my friend Erin, who's a nurse and lactation consultant, that Medela is the best brand of pump to get. She was right! This is very easy to use and I've had no problems with it. My only problem is that my body knows the difference between Evy and a machine! The only thing I would do differently is to get a pump that only does one side at a time. Some people want the opposite, but I always want one hand free. I don't feel so chained to the pump that way. NOTE: As my friend Erin pointed out in the comments, you can use just one side at a time if you wish, which is what I did from almost the very beginning. There are many different styles and options to choose from. Overall, Medela is the way to go.

NOTE: If you're interested, one nursing product I couldn't live without was the Medela Nursing Shield. Starting in the hospital, Evy couldn't nurse without it. Some lactation consultants say this is "cheating" and you shouldn't use a "crutch" to nurse, but I say that's ridiculous. The point is, you want your child to get breastmilk, and however you do that is up to you. So if you're having trouble nursing or just want a barrier (of sorts) while nursing, definitely get one!

Safety First Infant Bathtub

VERDICT: This bathtub was too big! There was no notch in it so it would fit in the kitchen sink. Also, it expands, but also leaks. So we had to use it in the big bathtub, which meant I was leaning over and killing my back. NO FUN.

The First Years Infant Bathtub

VERDICT: I went to Target to get a second bathtub, and this is perfect!!! It fits in our sink, and has a little hammock that Evy can sit/lay in to feel more secure. It's just the right size, as Goldilocks would say :o)

Diaper Genie II

VERDICT: I really like the Diaper Genie, but Kurt prefers to just toss the diapers in the trash. I am able to install the refills by myself, so that means it's relatively easy. Sometimes the refills can be hard to figure out, though. I must say, it really helps with the smell: we have NO odors! There's no confusing twisting or knotting. One gripe: I have to use two hands to push the opening in and stick the diaper in. I don't like having to push really hard, because then the stuff in the diaper could come out on my hand. What needs to be invented is a motorized diaper pail. I'm going to get my brother-in-law (an engineer) in on this. If you steal my idea, I will be VERY VERY mad. Overall, it's a nice little thing to have, but not a necessity.


Graco Rittenhouse High Chair
This is the high chair that I recently ordered. I haven't gotten it in yet (it's on backorder), but I love the style. This is important to note: we personally didn't need a high chair until now, and Evy is almost 8 months. You can start feeding solids in the bumbo seat, boppy bouncy seat, etc. It's a great way to offset some expenses---just wait to buy one until your baby can sit up really well!

SafeFit Jumbo Car Mirror

I tried other car mirrors, but this one is the best!!! I can't imagine not being able to glance back and not check on Evy. I got mine on Amazon. Not expensive, and definitely worth it!


Exersaucer

This is a LIFESAVER!!!!!!!!!!!! Evy loves it and so do we! She can stand/sit and entertain herself. I recommend getting one that has the little overhead dangly things. Evy loves to reach and pull on them. Ours was given to us (what a blessing!), so this is not the exact colors, but this is the model we have and it's completely fabulous. I would be willing to spend lots of money on this product!

Graco Bumper Jumper

This is a great jumper because it has three "ropes" for steadying, so Evy isn't teetering from side to side. The tray is great. She likes the Exersaucer better, but this is nice for when we're in the kitchen (the only common area that we have a doorframe). Also, it's easily portable. But not a necessity.

Miscellaneous Tips

• You will try a million different pacifiers until you find which one your baby likes (if they like one at all). Evy likes MAM, and that's about it.
  
• Don't bother with those swaddling blankets. Just use a regular blanket. Some babies don't even like to be swaddled (i.e. my daughter).
  
• The monitor debate: video vs. just sound? We have Fisher Price sound-only monitors and I've been very pleased. The only time I use them is at night, and I've never had any trouble. They're small, and they were relatively inexpensive. I think if I had a video monitor I either wouldn't get my money's worth, or I would obsessively watch it 24/7. Neither are good. In my opinion, just go with your basic monitors.
  
• You will go through a LOT of burp cloths. Ask for them from people, or buy yourself some. I even use them for dusting (when I rarely feel like dusting...).
• Like I said earlier, Evy went straight from sleeping in her bouncy seat to her crib in her room. The only time we needed something next to our bed was when we were changing diapers. Note: in the weeks just after birth, you WILL need someone to get the baby for you, change his/her diaper, and hand him/her to you to nurse/feed. Granted, it might be different if you don't have a C-Section (which I did), but just be prepared. I nursed in bed for the first 3 weeks or so until I was mobile enough to get Evy and nurse her in the living room for night feedings.
  
• Speaking of; I have ended up nursing in my living room rocking chair 99.99% of the time, not in the nursery glider. Just personal preference, I guess. However, I know I will be glad I have a glider in Evy's room for reading, etc. at night. But if you can't afford a rocking chair for the nursery, don't worry. There are other places to nurse. I just have an anxiety attack if I don't rock in rocking chairs (seriously).
  
• You will get A TON of clothes as gifts in size 0-3 months. Do not buy anything in this size for yourself. Pace yourself and then you can shop in bigger sizes.
  
• Buy one outfit in a preemie size (I would suggest a gown). You just never know how small your baby will be. But only one outfit in that size.
  
• Only use zippered sleepers at night. Trust me on this one. Snaps are NOT your friend at 3:00 am. I LOVE the ones from Children's Place.
  
• Start your children's book collection. This, to me, is one of the most fun things about having a child. I LOVE adding to our library.
• Etsy.com is a great resource for handmade things for your baby. I got adorable crocheted booties and some other cute onesies.

Finally, one of my favorite baby books:



This book has been in my family for years. We all have it memorized. It's so simple, sweet, and special. Anything by the author Gyo Fujikawa is a must!!!

Comment or email me with any questions :o)