Baby Goodies

I always thought about making a list like this but never did. Didn't think anyone would benefit from it as most readers are way more experienced parents or in the know more than MSO and I are. Just wanted to provide additional commentary here and maybe add a few more.

The question "Bringing home a new baby?" made me think of a show I used to watch while out on maternity leave. Should've been walking instead of sitting on my fat arse watching TV...

SLEEPSACK

At home: Unlike a blanket, the SleepSack stays on, no matter how much your infant turns in his sleep (that means sounder and longer sleep for baby and you). Part sack, part shirt, it zips from the top down. Baby can wear it over pajamas or by itself.

We actually used this with baby and it was great! Got our's from Toys R Us but I've seen it at other places.


DIAPER RASH OINTMENT

Anytime: A chaffed bottom makes for an uncomfortable (read: crying) baby.

Although diaper rash was not too much of a problem with baby, we did use Burt's Bees Diaper Ointment. 94.65% natural and it has a nice smell.


ONESIES

Anytime: New dad DeMattos loves 'em: "They're great! Unsnap, roll up, change the diaper, good to go. It was like a sleeping bag, or a pocketknife — it's all self-contained and perfect."

Note: You can make them from old T-shirts; buy the snaps at a craft store that sells fabrics.

Who's got time to make them from old T-shirts?! Carter's in Waikele is a favorite to get pretty cheap and very cute looking onesies as well as other outfits. Hand-me-downs are absolutely wonderful too! We're so grateful to the W family for all the hand-me-downs bestowed upon us.


BABY MONITOR WITH VIDEO

At home: Gives you reassurance — and a little more freedom. Since you can keep an eye on baby, you can close the nursery door and don't need to sneak peeks (less noise means baby might sleep longer).

Video does enable you to make sure bedding or clothing doesn't hinder baby's breathing - to just visually check on your precious one - but we didn't get one of those. A monitor of some form is a necessity though. We were able to do chores downstairs and take the dog out while baby slept.


DIAPER WIPES

Anytime: Beyond the titular use, handy for sticky toddler fingers and even to rub off Mom's makeup.

What kind: At home, Chan uses Curity, a plain, dry wipe that's a hospital staple, with water. On the go, it's Pampers Sensitive Baby Wipes.

Note: She finds Curity at Dauterman Medical in 'Aiea.

Although I think we used Curity plain, dry wipes with water in the hospital, the Costco diaper wipes route is a way to go. Diapers and diaper wipes are a good shower and/or baby gift.


PLASTIC BAGS

On the go: To wrap up that leaky baby powder, or carry home that stinky diaper.

What kind: Any zipping-top bag; the more smell-blocking, the better.

We actually tie one of the dog's poop bag dispensers on our diaper bag and it's there if needed. Not zip-topped or smell-blocking (I don't think) but there. Most of the time there's a rubbish can around though.


BABY CARRIER

On the go: Allows you to carry the baby hands-free, safely and comfortably.

What kind: Chan and her friends swear by their BabyBjorn. Chan likes the Air carrier, made of a breathable material, for hot weather like Hawai'i's.

We were able to get a hand-me-down older BabyBjorn version. Didn't have the "breathable material," but still invaluable. Definite necessity!


NURSING PADS

Anytime: Keeps leaks at bay.

What kind: Chan and Nii recommend Lansinoh. Chan also has Medela's washable, reusable pads.

I tried different brands and would also recommend the Lansinoh disposable ones. Not too thick, but absorbent enough and good size. I did buy the Medela washable, reusable pads to use at home.


CLOTH DIAPERS

Anytime: Not just for what you think. "After cleaning baby's bottom with wipes, we use these cloth diapers to softly buff away (and fan away) the last traces of moisture before applying diaper ointment," says Nii. "Getting baby's skin really dry before applying ointment helps prevent diaper rash." Nii also used them as burp cloths, nursing aids, wipes for spills, and impromptu changing pads on the go.
What kind: Some like the padded middle, others like the four-ply.

Note: One dad raves about how useful they are for washing the car.

We used these A LOT thanks to my mom. Not as cloth diapers but primarily as burp cloths and wiping baby up. Don't know how good they are for washing a car though. I would think not good as I suspect they would capture too much dirt/dust/particles which would scratch your car. Certain brands of 100% Made in the USA white towels are supposed to be better for your car.


PORTABLE PLAYPEN

Anytime: Provides a place for baby to sleep/play. Some double as a bassinet/diaper change station.

What kind: Chan's a fan of her Graco Pack 'N Play. ("There are many versions, but the Pooh Days of Hunny at Wal-Mart was less than $80," she noted.)

Note: She liked it so much her parents bought one for when granddaughter visits. "The elevated diaper changer makes it easy on parents' backs without having to spend more money for an actual changing station."

Another much needed part of your arsenal. We were lucky to get two hand-me-down Pack 'N Play. One of them took up residence at my mom's house. The other we used at home in the living room and we even took it to New York to use at the hotel instead of utilizing their probably nasty cribs.


A STURDY DIAPER BAG

On the go: Hands-free storage.

What kind: Dads seem to like the messenger-style, according to the latest baby mags. Moms like over-the-shoulder or "big purse" styles.

Note: Unisex backpacks, such as the one below, were our columnists' choice.

I didn't look into getting a backpack type and ended up purchasing the Lands' End Little Tripper Diaper Bag. No insulated bottle pockets and not a very big bag, hence "Little," but reasonable price and it has served its purpose many times over. Backpacks are always useful though.


A REALLY STURDY STROLLER

On the go: Besides the obvious, can double as a grocery cart when you don't want to wake up baby for a trip down the produce aisle; carries luggage through a busy airport and transports nearly a roomful of toys for play dates.

What kind: Test-drive to see.

Note: Choose for distance, rather than appearance.

We went with a Combi model based on advice and it has been great. One gripe is that the basket on the bottom of the one we got doesn't hold very much and can be hard to access. Gee Why seems to know his strollers...Wanna provide some insights?


RECEIVING BLANKET

Anytime: To swaddle, provide shade or warmth, prop up baby's head, provide a clean place on the floor for them to nap, among others, said Chan.

What kind: Take your pick.

Note: These can go from cheap, soft cotton to cashmere, but "washable" should be your keyword.

Once again, Carter's has good stuff. Can you do the swaddle wrap? I remember Neth saying he was somewhat of a champion wrapper. =)

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Okay, now on to some additions of my own that I can think of at this time that helped us as new parents. These are just from experience...You can comment and provide your own.


DIAPER ORGANIZER

Anything to help keep things organized will get a look from most. And the Dresser Top Diaper Depot was one of them for me. The dresser top has space so why not. It does make diaper changing easier and more convenient by providing everything where they're supposed to be. That's if MSO fills the wipes and diapers when he's supposed to. =S We fill the two removable side bins with ointments, lotions, thermometer, etc.


DRYING STATION

The Complete Drying Station might not be a real necessity but it was very helpful in keeping bottles, nipples, etc. organized outside of our old regular full dish rack. Organization, organization!


DISPOSABLE BIBS

Pampers Pocket Bibsters are also not a real necessity but have made outings a little less messy. On our trip we didn't need to worry about cleaning/staining of regular bibs. Might want to stay away if you're really into using green products.


DISPOSABLE SPOONS

The First Years Take & Toss Spoons (Just the spoons, although the picture shows otherwise, as your baby won't be using forks till much later) are as the site says "affordable enough to treat as disposables, and durable enough to use over and over". We have been using these at home, but are also very useful on trips and outings. Probably not a green product either.


BOOSTER SEAT

As an alternative to a high chair at my mom's house, I purchased a Fisher-Price Healthy Care Booster Seat. It has a three-point harness, a feeding tray that's removable to wash, and portable enough that you can fold it and put it away.


ACTIVITY GYM

I had bought the Discover & Play Activity Gym to entertain and stimulate baby while avoiding the wet licks from the dog. (We asked the doctor about the licking and we were told it's okay.)



INFANT-TO-TODDLER ROCKER

Uncle e and Aunty m gifted baby with the Fisher-Price one. Baby loved this one and would smile and laugh when seated in it while avoiding the wet licks from the dog.

Be sure to add your own as this list can actually be a tool for future parents! =)