Okay, I have a few questions for you moms out there. I’ve done some research and looked on some message boards (which is completely over whelming!) but I decided there would be no better place to go then to ask my blogger friends. So….
Books:
What books have you read that you feel were beneficial in helping you prepare for baby?
I have the What to Expect While You’re Expecting. I’ve heard positive and negative about Baby Wise, but I want to form my own opinion of it. I’ve also heard good things about Happiest Baby on the Block.
Classes:
Did you go to baby classes?
Breast Feeding? Preparing for Baby? Labor and Delivery
Were they worth it?
Must Haves for Baby?
Have you done a post about your favorite items? If so, I’d love to check it out.
We haven’t registered yet but will be doing so at the end of the month. I’ve been trying to gather a list from some information I’ve seen on blogs. I’m sure I’ll figure out the basics but are there any items out there that may not be on the normal registry checklists that you couldn’t live without?
Any other end of pregnancy/ do before baby comes/ help preparing for baby advice for me? I’m all ears!
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I love following Kit at Life of a Scott (http://www.lifeofascott.com/). She is due any day and has been great posting about all of the gear she has bought to help get ready for her baby. I think it might be a great resource!
Congrats! I would say that What to expect was a bit overwhelming for me. I didn't really read anything, just asked my mommy friends. after Caroline was born, I read the Baby Whisperer and it was so helpful. I would say one of those mats that has "stuff" hanging from it has been a lifesaver. we use the bumbo and her exersaucer a lot. the rock and play has also been awesome as she isn't too fond of the crib… she is little still and you can use it up to 25 pounds. we didnt find out about it until she was around 5 months but it has helped so much. let me know if you have any questions. Good luck
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We just finished our expectant parent/childbirth classes this week and honestly I am glad we went (they were free) but it was all pretty much just common sense and things I already knew from reading blogs, etc. I would say still go just so you have that peace of mind.
You need to check out lucieslist.com Such a great website that outlines EVERYTHING you need for your registry and even breaks things down by baby's age and things you actually need or things that are just nice to have.
Also, you can check out our registry on Target for some ideas. I made a HUGE list from blogs I had read and also from the lucie's list recommendations and then based our registry off of that.
We're going to try to follow the Moms On Call method. I started the book but haven't finished yet.
I read all of the books you mentioned with my first. I used parts of Baby Wise and parts of THBOTB and they both worked well. With the tiwns I am not as rigid becuase I learned from the first time.
My baby must haves are a Bumbo, a boppy (esp. if you are going to try to nurse), mylicon, a good umbrella stroller (love my Chicco) because you will tire of that travel system VERY soon, and I'm sure there are more but I'll stop there.
We took the free classes at our hospital and I am so glad we did. I would also suggest if you are thiking about breastfeeding find out who your hospital lactation specialist is and use them! It is a free service and they helped me so much. I swear they are the reason I am still bf the twins at 7 months.
I am so excited for you!!!
The books I loved to read were the Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy, Baby Bargains, Baby Wise, Happiest Baby on the Block (I got the dvd in child birth class) and Baby Whisperer. We took a bunch of classes and would recommend any if you have the money to spend on them. I would def. do a breast feeding and baby cpr class as essentials. I am getting a post ready for products I'd recommend, but it's not up. Here is a list I jotted down as a draft. FIsher Price Bunny Swing (Plug in kind, we have battery one and we've already replaced it 3 times in 2 months), Pack and Play that comes with the bassinet cuddler (Max sleeps in that by our bed as it's not too flat), wubbanub soothie pacificer, swaddle blankets (aiden and anis muslin blankets and ones that are velcro), boppy, changing pad liners, pampers swaddlers diapers, huggies natural care plus wipes, lightweight stroller/carseat combo (we used aprica brand), sheet savers, lamb sound machine stuffed animal, Medela breast pump and style, breast pump hands free bra, playtex drop-in nurser bottles or tommee tippee, lots of zipper sleepers as you change a lot of diapers and it's so much easier when you're just at home,
activity mat with lights, sounds and mirror, ergo baby carrier, mirror for car.
That's all that I can think of now. Hope that helped
I found What To Expect overwhelming and somewhat alarmist. I preferred Your Pregnancy Week by Week.
Baby Bargains is a great resource when registering. Happiest Baby on the Block {DVD} is a must see for any parent. As for sleep habits, I am a tried and true believer in Dr. Weissbluth's, Healthy Sleep Habits – Happy Child. His two-hour rule {which I followed with all 3 girls} was a Godsend!
If you're breastfeeding I really liked So That's What They're For: Basic Breastfeeding Guide. It adds a bit of humor but is also super informative.
I did not take classes. My husband is a physician/surgeon and from what friends told I wouldn't get too much out of them. It's what you prefer. No wrong answer. I did read Hypnobirthing – which I loved.
My girls all loved the swing. I would invest in a good one. I could make a list as long as my arm for you of tried & true things that we loved. Maybe I will email it you.
Also, a good stroller. I am a self admitted stroller snob. I tried them all out. We ended up with the Bugaboo and BOB. Really worth the extra $ and a good resale value if you ever decide to sell them.
There are almost too many books… What to Expect was the most recommended!! By there are some awesome apps available now on babycenter.com. Good luck!!
I know many people don't like what to expect but I liked it (not the pregnancy one- the one for the first year!) … it tells you what your baby should be doing and answers TONS of common questions that I had myself.
as far as products– here is a list that I made for Birth-three months 🙂 I will be doing another one for 3-6 months soon hopefully 🙂
let me know if you have any specific questions- I promise you I am totally an open book- also if you have any questions/fears about birth or anything Im happy to answer those too… I know I had NO idea what to expect and probably freaked myself out way more than I need to ):
http://livingtheadventures.blogspot.com/2012/01/must-have-items-birth-3-months.html