Bargain Babies

re: Bargain Babies

Liane — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 13:29:29 GMT

I agree that a baby bath tub was a must for us. They're contoured for an infant and, like a previous poster said, they save a ton of water. Besides, they're only $20 or so brand new.

I would, however, pass on the crib bedding set. $150-$300 is way too much to spend for a dust ruffle, bumper (which you really don't need), top sheet and a quilt (which you will never use).

re: Bargain Babies

Jane — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 13:12:18 GMT

white noise machines = waste

Use a box fan instead. Or a humidifier (if it's winter and dry).

re: Bargain Babies

Mom2Two — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 12:16:00 GMT

I love my sling too, especially when #2 was newborn and wanted to nurse 24-7, so I could actually get something done or spend time with my older child too. And my son never wore anything but socks until he was walking, and my daughter has been barefoot most of the summer, so I'd skip fancy shoes too.

re: Bargain Babies

vickiedc — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 04:39:12 GMT

As envious as I was of all my friends' babies' Robeez'd feet (or other similar brands that charge upward of $25/pair of soft-soled shoes), this was something I never spent on. I read that babies don't need shoes for the first year (or until they're steady on their feet while walking) so I skipped these...but would have happily accepted them as a gift!

re: Bargain Babies

mcglory13 — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 01:23:51 GMT

Eh. Each baby is an individual. My baby adores his sling. The problem is that it's impossible to tell what will be useless and what you will love before the baby comes. Craigslist, borrowing from friends, eBay, and lending libraries (we have them for toys, books, and slings here) are the cheap ways to go for sure. I don't know if there's any particular product you can avoid. Oh, except those Baby Einstein videos supposedly rot your kid's brain. So we'll avoid those.

re: Bargain Babies

Kristen — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 00:51:08 GMT

Umm... I bought one of those baby slings. I NEVER used it. i was so excited to have one... Come on what parent doesn't love the idea of cuddle time with the baby while getting things done with two hands??? That thing sounded freaking amazing to me... One thing my son HATED it!!! Even when he was a toddler to hold him on my hip... Nu-uh he wasn't having it. So save your money.

re: Bargain Babies

Mom2Two — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 21:06:31 GMT

It depends so much on the individual family. The only way i got any exercise was with my jogger, and we have a super deep jacuzzi bathtub, so the baby tub was a must to save my back. Plus it's also a toddler tub and I'm still bathing my three year old in it, and it saves tons of water. We have a changing table too and I wouldn't go without it. No closets in the kids room for storage, and it's simple enough that I can use it for something else when the kids are done with it.

The only thing I ever used out of the medical kit was the thermometer, and the huge pile of receiving blankets that people gave me ended up packed in my basement in just a couple of months.

My son adored the infant swing and my daughter hates it, so I'd recommend borrowing one first before buying.

If you are on a budget, there are reasonably priced versions of pretty much everything, no need to buy the super expensive (and super ugly) Bugaboo. But if you afford it, I don't see why anyone else cares how people spend their money.

re: Bargain Babies

missy — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 18:39:14 GMT

The baby bath tub, a clean kitchen sink is easier to handle a slippery baby.

re: Bargain Babies

SMama — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:59:38 GMT

I couldn't agree more. There is so much baby stuff out there that is so unnecessary. I think I stayed clear of a lot of it. Of course I have some of the unnecessary stuff but good old Craig's List will help me get rid of them. The money I saved on the junk allowed me splurge a little on cool art or handmade toys that will last for years and years.

re: Bargain Babies

aia — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 15:25:01 GMT

People buy baby-wipe warmers?? What planet are they on!