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Desperately Need Help Choosing Crib & Stroller, Breast Pump: Newbies needing help registering!!
New and experienced Moms, and/or uber-shoppers, please come to our rescue! I am having twins, but all advice is valuable!
We are looking for the safest models with all the pertinent (but not frivolous) features at a reasonable price for strollers car seats, and cribs, as well as breast pumps. Even little things like bibs and bottles are befuddling me ;-(
Any advice or resources would be deeply appreciated!
We are looking for the safest models with all the pertinent (but not frivolous) features at a reasonable price for strollers car seats, and cribs, as well as breast pumps. Even little things like bibs and bottles are befuddling me ;-(
Any advice or resources would be deeply appreciated!
Denise, Sheri--More awesome info. I was going to use DR. Brown's Bottles, but now maybe will sitch to PLaytex drop-ins. And will have all ya'lls info with me when I register for the crib, stroller, car seats, etc.
Thanks!!!!!
P.S--Any advice on high chairs????????
Thanks!!!!!
P.S--Any advice on high chairs????????
Hello!
With my son, I got a Graco crib from Wal Mart that converts 3 ways. It becomes a bed with a rail when he is a toddler, and then a headboard for a twin bed later. I really liked this one and it was very inexpensive, safe, and easy to use.
I got a stroller for him that was pretty expensive, and had tires that you put air in. Don't DO IT! I hated that stroller with a passion. For this baby, I purchased a used Eddie Bauer (Graco) stroller system at a garage sale that looks brand new. $60.00... woo woo! I suppose you're going to need a double duty stoller, but again, Graco is pretty good. Just avoid the tires you have to air up, I'd say.
Playtex drop in bottles rock, with the Ventaire tops. They are pretty convenient! I started with Avent and like someone else said, they leaked. And, the smallest nipple hole also went too fast for my baby. I loved Playtex, but I did switch to the bigger Avent bottle (which didn't seem to leak so much) when he could hold his own bottle.
I purchased a hand pump for the breastfeeding. It was easy to use and handpumping didn't bother me a bit. I think it MIGHT have been Platex. The machines are expensive, even to rent, and they are LOUD, so if you have to pump at work, everyone knows what you are doing. Also, I felt like a milk cow being hooked up to a machine with the electric ones. LOL!
Invest in a baby wipe warmer. It seems silly, but your kids will scream a lot less over having their bottoms wiped and diaper changed if they aren't being subjected to an ice cold wipe.
One other thing I got that I loved was a sterilizer for bottles, nipples, binkies, and various other things that you just pop in the microwave for 4 minutes. You don't have to boil anything. I believe it was Avent? You put a cup of water at the bottom, load it up, put in the lid and ZAP! Four minutes later, you are done with no mess!
Hope that helps!
SHeri
With my son, I got a Graco crib from Wal Mart that converts 3 ways. It becomes a bed with a rail when he is a toddler, and then a headboard for a twin bed later. I really liked this one and it was very inexpensive, safe, and easy to use.
I got a stroller for him that was pretty expensive, and had tires that you put air in. Don't DO IT! I hated that stroller with a passion. For this baby, I purchased a used Eddie Bauer (Graco) stroller system at a garage sale that looks brand new. $60.00... woo woo! I suppose you're going to need a double duty stoller, but again, Graco is pretty good. Just avoid the tires you have to air up, I'd say.
Playtex drop in bottles rock, with the Ventaire tops. They are pretty convenient! I started with Avent and like someone else said, they leaked. And, the smallest nipple hole also went too fast for my baby. I loved Playtex, but I did switch to the bigger Avent bottle (which didn't seem to leak so much) when he could hold his own bottle.
I purchased a hand pump for the breastfeeding. It was easy to use and handpumping didn't bother me a bit. I think it MIGHT have been Platex. The machines are expensive, even to rent, and they are LOUD, so if you have to pump at work, everyone knows what you are doing. Also, I felt like a milk cow being hooked up to a machine with the electric ones. LOL!
Invest in a baby wipe warmer. It seems silly, but your kids will scream a lot less over having their bottoms wiped and diaper changed if they aren't being subjected to an ice cold wipe.
One other thing I got that I loved was a sterilizer for bottles, nipples, binkies, and various other things that you just pop in the microwave for 4 minutes. You don't have to boil anything. I believe it was Avent? You put a cup of water at the bottom, load it up, put in the lid and ZAP! Four minutes later, you are done with no mess!
Hope that helps!
SHeri
I like the simplicity cribs. I've been checking into them and they are pretty good. I saw the one I want from target (its $199). It comes with 3 drawers and a changing table attached. It also converts to a toddle bed and later a full size bed.
Now, I like Graco products. If I remember correctly, Eddie Bauer baby products are actually Graco products. I learned this while working at Babiesrus.
Now, the bottles. While working at Babiesrus us, most mothers prefer Avent bottles. But if you screw the tops to those bottles to tight, they tend to leak. Dr. Browns are one of the better bottles, but it has so many pieces. Playtex drop in bottles (which is what I plan to use again) stands the test of time.
Most bottles nowadays are designed to reduce gas an colic. Also, there are different nipple sizes for ur baby's age. And if you are putting cereal in the bottles, there are nipples for that as well.
Babiesrus has seminars on different products to help new mothers. You will need to go into your local store to find out the seminars they offer and at what time. The car seat seminars are the best. Attending this seminar, I found out I had been installing my child's carseat incorrectly since he was born. Now he is 3 yrs old. I now know how to correctly install my carseat and will be able to install the carseat correctly for this baby.
I am rambling a little bit, but I hope this helps.
Now, I like Graco products. If I remember correctly, Eddie Bauer baby products are actually Graco products. I learned this while working at Babiesrus.
Now, the bottles. While working at Babiesrus us, most mothers prefer Avent bottles. But if you screw the tops to those bottles to tight, they tend to leak. Dr. Browns are one of the better bottles, but it has so many pieces. Playtex drop in bottles (which is what I plan to use again) stands the test of time.
Most bottles nowadays are designed to reduce gas an colic. Also, there are different nipple sizes for ur baby's age. And if you are putting cereal in the bottles, there are nipples for that as well.
Babiesrus has seminars on different products to help new mothers. You will need to go into your local store to find out the seminars they offer and at what time. The car seat seminars are the best. Attending this seminar, I found out I had been installing my child's carseat incorrectly since he was born. Now he is 3 yrs old. I now know how to correctly install my carseat and will be able to install the carseat correctly for this baby.
I am rambling a little bit, but I hope this helps.
thanks Reno!!
I went to babys r us last night checking out car seats...sure are lots of options and prices!!
I went to babys r us last night checking out car seats...sure are lots of options and prices!!
About the strollers: Heather, the stroller I'm using right now resembles what I call a golf cart. It's a universal infant carrier available about everywhere - target, babysrus, etc. It's lightweight (about 10 lbs). It's used w/a infant carseat. The only setback is that it's obselete once the baby outgrows the carseat. It has a basket underneath for hauling items and is smooth and easy to manipulate.
On the carseats: I have both the Graco and Britax. The Britax although much more expensive is nice because it holds the baby's head upright so he won't slump or lean at all. I don't know about comfort - Noah strangely doesn't say much about it. The britax also is complicated to put a child in - it has all of these little quirks that have to be fastened, etc. It's been a while since I've used the Graco so I'll put him in it tomorrow to see about it's particular quirks.
On the bottles: we use the playtex dropins simply because Noah wouldn't take the others including the Dr. Brown's. There are multiple kinds of bottles out there so it's definitely confusing. The good thing about the Playtex bottles is that they're easy to keep clean & sterile. Noah seems to like them & although he had colic, methinks he would've had it w/any bottle but who knows? The little stinker wouldn't give me the chance to find out!!
On the carseats: I have both the Graco and Britax. The Britax although much more expensive is nice because it holds the baby's head upright so he won't slump or lean at all. I don't know about comfort - Noah strangely doesn't say much about it. The britax also is complicated to put a child in - it has all of these little quirks that have to be fastened, etc. It's been a while since I've used the Graco so I'll put him in it tomorrow to see about it's particular quirks.
On the bottles: we use the playtex dropins simply because Noah wouldn't take the others including the Dr. Brown's. There are multiple kinds of bottles out there so it's definitely confusing. The good thing about the Playtex bottles is that they're easy to keep clean & sterile. Noah seems to like them & although he had colic, methinks he would've had it w/any bottle but who knows? The little stinker wouldn't give me the chance to find out!!
responding to carpediemforlife - most car seats have a removable cover - we bought a Graco - cost was about ninety dollars - cover is completely removeable, in fact I had it off this past weekend washing it
It's another site, called twinstuff dot o r g (had to spell it out so it wouldn't get blocked.
Oh how I love, love, LOVE you all!!!!! I will use each and every piece of advice, and will check out the baby products forum!
Babyprayres, kindergal, and Lexima--I found a great starter list on twinstuff ******* in the "Expecting Twins" forum, and I also posted a similar thread to this one there and have recived several replies. My username is the same, so it should be easy to find.
Thanks sooooo much to everyone :-)
Babyprayres, kindergal, and Lexima--I found a great starter list on twinstuff ******* in the "Expecting Twins" forum, and I also posted a similar thread to this one there and have recived several replies. My username is the same, so it should be easy to find.
Thanks sooooo much to everyone :-)
I thought I WAS going to pump the whole time but it is just sitting here and I don't ever use it... only for the first month... rent first
Ok my friend who is a surrogate and mother of 3 highly recommended the Arm's reach co-sleeper. And after some research its true....all cribs and car seat MUST have the same safety standards....other than that its cosmetics. But Ive been told that if possible to find a car seat w/a removable lining in case of accidents (poop, spills, etc) and that they can cost a bit more.
I bought my crib at Target. And Im just going to register for a carseat and stroller I like.
On strollers....Im not there yet....need to test drive what I like at Baby's R US. We are going this weekend w/my 3 mo old niece as the TEST DRIVE BABY lol.
I bought my crib at Target. And Im just going to register for a carseat and stroller I like.
On strollers....Im not there yet....need to test drive what I like at Baby's R US. We are going this weekend w/my 3 mo old niece as the TEST DRIVE BABY lol.
As for strollers it depends whether you're looking for a side by side on or tandem. You might want to check out BabyJogger, Valco, or BumbleRide. All 3 seem very comfortable, but they don't satisfy my requirements for NY winters. I'm looking for something that comes with basinettes and then can be converted into a regular sit down stroller. In general you might want to check out strollers.com
Thanks for initiating this post, I'm looking forward to reading the feedback. Althought I've done enough research on strollers and cribs, I have now clue about the little things of what's needed and how many.
Thanks for initiating this post, I'm looking forward to reading the feedback. Althought I've done enough research on strollers and cribs, I have now clue about the little things of what's needed and how many.
You may also want to check out the Baby Products Community (http://www.medhelp.org/forums/show/262). The mothers in that community discuss these exact questions.
I rented my breast pump from the hospital for $50 a month. It worked great but I only needed it for 3 months. It was a medela.
First Year and Gerber have some waterproof bibs that are really soft. You can get them from target. Target also has the 3 pack of sleepers that has a zipper on the front, a lot faster than snaps, but make sure you pick a brand with a soft zipper and tab at the top to keep the zipper handle in the down position. They also have 4 pack onies that are a lot cheaper than babies r us. I have not had good luck with gerber brand onies. the sizes are way off and the material is too thin. I like carter and first year the best.
Dr Brown has a lot of extra pieces to wash but worth it. They also have new bottles that are glass and BPA free plastic. If you go plastic, make sure you get the BPA free. Not all stores will sell them... you have to look. They are not the real clear rigid plastic, they are softer and kinda cloudy in color.
First Year and Gerber have some waterproof bibs that are really soft. You can get them from target. Target also has the 3 pack of sleepers that has a zipper on the front, a lot faster than snaps, but make sure you pick a brand with a soft zipper and tab at the top to keep the zipper handle in the down position. They also have 4 pack onies that are a lot cheaper than babies r us. I have not had good luck with gerber brand onies. the sizes are way off and the material is too thin. I like carter and first year the best.
Dr Brown has a lot of extra pieces to wash but worth it. They also have new bottles that are glass and BPA free plastic. If you go plastic, make sure you get the BPA free. Not all stores will sell them... you have to look. They are not the real clear rigid plastic, they are softer and kinda cloudy in color.
Hey HeathJo--
I am in the same boat with twins!! I did find one thing that I will probably order. It is the Arm's Reach Co Sleeper which can be used as a Pack N Play. It has a higher weight limit than the others on the market. I knew with twins we would exceed the weight limits in a short amount of time.
I will probably go with the Graco duo glide also. If you go to the Graco website they show you all the ones they have and the stores that carry them. Our Babies R Us only had three to choose from.
Other than that, I am at a loss!!!!!!!!! Keep me informed as you find out good info!!!!
I am in the same boat with twins!! I did find one thing that I will probably order. It is the Arm's Reach Co Sleeper which can be used as a Pack N Play. It has a higher weight limit than the others on the market. I knew with twins we would exceed the weight limits in a short amount of time.
I will probably go with the Graco duo glide also. If you go to the Graco website they show you all the ones they have and the stores that carry them. Our Babies R Us only had three to choose from.
Other than that, I am at a loss!!!!!!!!! Keep me informed as you find out good info!!!!
I am also having twins, For my stroller,I got the graco duo glide, its for 2 babies, the graco infant snuggle car seats fit into it perfectly, I got them at sears. The stroller was 150, and the seats were 95 dollars each
Bottles: after much research I opted for Dr browns, seems to be the major choice based on what I have read/ good luck
Bottles: after much research I opted for Dr browns, seems to be the major choice based on what I have read/ good luck
oops - forgot - for really cute clothes - Babies R Us - can't beat them and they have awesome sales!!!!
ok - I have a friend who installs car seats for our local emergency services - according to her - all car seats have to meet the exact same safety requirements - so basically the $300 Britax tests to the same standards as the $90 Graco - hmmmm- for the money - expecting two - I'd say go for the cheaper seats - just have them installed professionally
stroller - many of the car seats come as a travel system with a stroller that your car seat fits into - not sure how that will work for you with twins - best advice I got on strollers - my sister told me to go to Babies R Us - they have strollers already put together and you can take them off the shelf and "test drive" them around the store - make sure you get one that maneuvers easily!
cribs are also tested to similar safety standards - for value - check out Walmart.com - the have TONS of cribs online - and they have a great feature called Ship to Store - you order it online, they ship it to your local store at no charge - all you have to do is go and pick it up - we paid about three hundred for ours through Walmart and I LOVE it - great quality and beautiful bed
breast pumps - Medela!!!
good luck with your little ones!
stroller - many of the car seats come as a travel system with a stroller that your car seat fits into - not sure how that will work for you with twins - best advice I got on strollers - my sister told me to go to Babies R Us - they have strollers already put together and you can take them off the shelf and "test drive" them around the store - make sure you get one that maneuvers easily!
cribs are also tested to similar safety standards - for value - check out Walmart.com - the have TONS of cribs online - and they have a great feature called Ship to Store - you order it online, they ship it to your local store at no charge - all you have to do is go and pick it up - we paid about three hundred for ours through Walmart and I LOVE it - great quality and beautiful bed
breast pumps - Medela!!!
good luck with your little ones!
Hi there!
Check out simplybabyfurniture.com, babycenter.com, babyrus.com., & of course your target stores. You live in Dallas so there are lots of stores (babysrus) that you can compare merchandise. You sound EXACTLY like me at this time in my pregnancy. I was like a new mommy :-)). There are tons of other sites that have great items! I'll look back in my e-mail at my orders & see if I can see some more. Oh if you need a good swaddling blanket(s), try happiestbabyontheblock.com - that's the best swaddling blanket ever & I have just about every kind out there.
We got our baby furniture (crib, armoire, combo dresser/changing table) at the simplybabyfurniture website. They shipped pretty fast although one of the walls of the armoire had to be replaced. It unfortunately took 4 weeks to receive the replacement. The quality however was first notch & very affordable. Our bassinet we simply got at k-mart believe it or not! Oh yeah check out amazon - you can shop and compare pretty well on this site & I'm sure you're familiar w/it plus there are tons of good customer reviews about EVERY baby item.
Sorry to make this so long - I have to share my knowledge w/someone - hee, hee!
Check out simplybabyfurniture.com, babycenter.com, babyrus.com., & of course your target stores. You live in Dallas so there are lots of stores (babysrus) that you can compare merchandise. You sound EXACTLY like me at this time in my pregnancy. I was like a new mommy :-)). There are tons of other sites that have great items! I'll look back in my e-mail at my orders & see if I can see some more. Oh if you need a good swaddling blanket(s), try happiestbabyontheblock.com - that's the best swaddling blanket ever & I have just about every kind out there.
We got our baby furniture (crib, armoire, combo dresser/changing table) at the simplybabyfurniture website. They shipped pretty fast although one of the walls of the armoire had to be replaced. It unfortunately took 4 weeks to receive the replacement. The quality however was first notch & very affordable. Our bassinet we simply got at k-mart believe it or not! Oh yeah check out amazon - you can shop and compare pretty well on this site & I'm sure you're familiar w/it plus there are tons of good customer reviews about EVERY baby item.
Sorry to make this so long - I have to share my knowledge w/someone - hee, hee!
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