diapers

Oh, diapers.

I do not use cloth diapers - primarily because I do not love our washing machine situation.  Picture the scariest basement on earth - that is where our washing machine sits.  My laundry routine consists of getting it in the machine and getting out of there.  Our machines are both Craigslist finds meant to get us through 2 years of renting, not sterilizing a bagillion baby diapers.  So, if someday we have beautiful HE machines and a nice little laundry room to keep them in, I might be tempted to do cloth.  

If I did do the cloth diaper scene, I would try gDiapers, which I have seen in action on a couple friends' babies.  They have little inserts so you don't have to wash the whole diaper EVERY time.  Also Kelly says they do a great job of keeping the mess contained.  Point for gDiapers!  I also think the BumGenius all-in-ones look like they deserve a try, because they don't have a liner to mess with, you just take the whole thing off and throw it in the wash.  This is a great post about one family's cloth diaper system. 

But we don't cloth diaper right now.  I used to buy a jumbo box of size 1 Huggies at Target every other week, for $20/box.  They lasted us about 2 weeks, and there was always this 'panic' time where I would be terrified of running out of diapers and make the drive to Target to replenish again.  Then I discovered Amazon subscribe and save.  I got a much larger box of size 1-2, which is a transitional size that worked great for us for a while, and for $20 that box lasted us the entire month!  Awesome.  Now Bo's in size 2, and we pay a little around $23 for less diapers, but he uses much less now and that lasts us a month.  The subscribe-and-save feature is wonderful - it's 30% off the list price, free shipping, automatic delivery, and I can opt out at any time.  I have already changed the subscription once as we upped the diaper size.  I get an email once a month saying they'll be shipping soon, and they arrive on my doorstep a few days later.  The price fluctuates every month a couple dollars either direction, but so far it has still been less expensive than buying at the store.  We bought a giant box of Huggies wipes at Costco the first week of Bo's life and those are still going strong!  So one box of wipes every six months is pretty nice.  We use Huggies diapers just because we like them better than Pampers.  Personal preference.

I also have a diaper pail that someone gave us.  I think the thing does a pretty good job of keeping the smell contained, and I can use regular garbage bags in it.

And that's how we change diapers.  

Baby Savers

It turns out that these little people need kind of a lot of stuff.  We're not swimming in dough here but we've managed not to go bankrupt while still providing for the little guy.  I'm still learning as I go, but I've adapted a few thrifty ways.

Amazon Mom
This membership is free to join and is basically "Amazon Prime" for a few months.  However, you have to order a certain amount from the 'baby' section to continue enjoying the benefit of free shipping.  I didn't quite keep up with that, but it was fun while it lasted.  I do enjoy the "Subscribe and Save" feature for diapers.

Zulily
This site sends me an email every day of the deals they have for that day for baby, kids, and mom stuff.  I haven't bought much, but when I do, it's been 50% off the retail price.  This is great for buying baby gifts.  If you do decide to join, the link above is a referral so I could possibly get some $$ if you buy something . . . share the love!

ThredUP (also a referral link)
I've joined but haven't used this site yet, although it looks fun.  People fill boxes of their (hopefully) gently used baby clothes and toys that you can get for $5 + shipping.  It's also a good way to pass on your baby stuff you are done with and make way for new stuff.

Baby Cheapskate
I'm sure there are tons of websites like this one out there . . . this site outlines baby deals as they come out, whether it be the latest price of diapers in stores or online, or clothing discounts and sales.

Friends and Family
My sister-in-law is our most valuable resource, since she has given Bo 50% of his wardrobe.  Bo's two boy cousins are so sweet to pass on their stuff! :) Since he grows out of his clothes so quickly, this has been really wonderful.  Bo's grandmas love buying him clothes, too.  We have been given several items from friends who's kids have outgrown them and are borrowing some items.  This works for us right now because we don't really have the space to store baby stuff and we know we'll be moving soon, so it's less to take with us.

Thrift stores/garage sales/Craigslist
To be honest, I haven't really used these avenues a ton, but I've seen stuff out there!  A month ago I saw a nice looking exersaucer (nicer than the one we had) for $15 at a thrift store.  Matt wouldn't let me get it because he hates giant plastic stuff (and we already had a free one), but it was in great condition.  I found it at Babies R Us for $90.  So obviously, that would've been a great deal!  Our Craigslist is wild . . . for example, I just found a 3-foot tall blow-up m'n'm . . . for the low price of $30 . . . why in the world would anyone want that?  And a crib for $300.  And a breast pump for $50.  I just can't imagine buying a breast pump from someone on Craigslist . . . however there are some good deals out there.  And it's always hilarious to look.

What are your saving secrets?

baby books

My friend Jenna wrote the bush woman's guide to baby gear . . . just kidding!  She lives in Kenya but in the civilized village of Kijabe.  I love seeing these throwback pictures of the tiny babes . . . 

This is kind of embarrassing.  I know I look a *little* obsessive by actually listing all the books I read.  Yes, there are a few.  But . . . I like to read.  And I was excited about this new little person joining our family.  And then I was a little anxious about taking care of this tiny human.  So I read a few books about it, ok?

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My health insurance company actually sent me this book, which was nice of them, because it was a good one!  It's similar to What to Expect When You're Expecting and it has a new exercise for every week.  Umm, it would've been nice if I'd actually done those exercises . . . 

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I read a couple books on pregnancy nutrition, and I remember that this one was short and sweet.  It also had some pretty yummy recipes.  I had a lot of time on my hands, I guess . . . :)  But really, it's important to eat well.

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I read this one before Bo was born, and it sounded great and easy.  I learned the foundation of the eat, wake, sleep routine from it and that definitely shaped our routine.  But once we started to hit some bumpy patches, I needed more concrete answers.  

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My sister-in-law gave me her well-loved copy of this book.  It is not an easy read and is pretty technical about how babies sleep.  This book is a great reference and answers a lot of "whys" about sleep habits and abilities.  I refer to this quite often these days.  

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I read this one before the baby was born, and she lines up with the Babywise routine, using the acronym EASY: Eat, Activity, Sleep, You (as in mom-time).  She's conversational and quirky.  I liked the charts that interpreted baby cries and actions - like if the baby is crying and turning in to you, it means he's tired, not necessarily hungry (which makes sense, since he just ate).

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I picked up this one after we hit the four-month weird behavior phase.  I like the sample schedules and how it was broken into sections on 'problems.'  I only read the sleep sections of this one but I might refer to it again when other things pop up.  I like a good hands-on answer to an issue.

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I learned from a friend at church that "Ferberize" was a technique named after this guy, Dr. Richard Ferber.  I read part of this book and basically you teach your child to sleep without any props so that he can put himself to sleep on his own.  I am all about this, but I think for Bo he only got to that 'self-soothing' point when he was about 4.5 months old.  So I read it at just the right time.  Ferber employs a cry-it-out method with parents going after a few minutes to calm the child down - first 3 minutes, then 5, then 10 and so on until the child learns to fall asleep himself.  Despite the very discouraging video on BabyCenter, I've heard from others that this technique really does work and it is SO FREEING to the parent!  My friend Kate wrote a passionate review of the book here after a rough few months with her babe.  

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Somebody passed this on to me and I like having a book of answers on hand . . . although I don't read it much anymore because BabyCenter still sends me weekly emails on what my kid is up to.  

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So this one is less informative and more a memoir on one woman's experience of having a baby . . . Less of the cuddles and roses and more of the reality of what adding a small helpless person to your life really means.  

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This was another memoir of one woman's experience, focusing on nursing, that left me convinced I would have trouble breastfeeding (I did not) but with the confidence to ask for help.  Breastfeeding can be extremely difficult, and this woman tells her story with some laughs.  

That covers most of them.  :)  A few of these my sister-in-law passed on to me, and the rest I got from the library or friends.  And what did I learn from all these experts?  That basically the "right" way is whatever works for you.  I've taken bits and pieces of their advice, seen what works for Bo, and adapted those as our method.  For the record, sleep time right now = wrapped in an muslin blanket, pacifier, a story or a song, lights out, fan on, see you later!  Sometimes he needs another hug from me, but if the timing is right, it's off to sleepy land.  If your nighttime ritual is standing on your head, reciting the ABC's backwards, shush-patting your child four times, and singing the Canadian anthem - and your baby sleeps - then congrats, I think you've done it right.  

baby gear part 2

My pal Erin posted her own list of top 10 baby items for the first weeks.  I particularly enjoy "perspective" - that is so true!  I found that if I could surrender myself to the baby's schedule, I was a much happier Mama . . . everyone says you need to be flexible with a baby, and it's so true!  Check out her post!  

So, Bo's not quite to 6 months yet so I have just a short list of what we used for the next stage.  I'd say these are great for the 2-5 month range.  

Activity Mat

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I did not have this on my registry, but I am so thankful my mom brought one out for us.  Bo uses his EVERY day.  I think he was about 2 months when we got it, and even then it interested him.  Ours is different than the one above, but I like the one shown because it folds up easily and can be put away.  Ours is just out in the middle of the floor . . . and has been for four months . . . which is ok!  Remember, surrender to the baby! :)  But the Infantino one would be easy to throw in the car for trips or long visits.  

The Bumbo

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Yes, these are great.  We are actually borrowing one that had a tray, which is perfect.  Once Bo started getting more interested in things around him, it seemed like he would leap over the side of the Bumbo to reach a toy - the tray keeps him better contained.  We also use this as our feeding chair for now.  (But we are looking for a high chair - any suggestions?)  

Car Seat Toy

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This was the best $9.99 I've ever spent.  Bo went through a loud and disturbing "I hate the car seat" phase, and this little toy got us through.  It attaches to the handles of the car seat and the singing, blinking froggy distracted Bo from his perceived agony while I strapped him down.  Now Bo can look around and see out the window a bit, but when he was littler, I think he just felt lonely and suppressed in the back seat.  His froggy buddy helped him out.  We love you, froggy toy!

Exersaucer

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Now, this thing is large, in charge, and impossible to put away.  It does not really add much to the atmosphere of the living room.  BUT . . . if it keeps the baby happy, it's WORTH IT!  Someone gave us their old exersaucer - I think Bo is at least the third kid to use it.  Now I keep it at work and he's always happy playing with the toys and strengthening his legs.  At home we use a bouncer that hangs from the doorway.  Bo is still getting used to it but I think he'll enjoy it - and it's less obtrusive.  

Jesus Storybook Bible

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I had heard of this Bible before I had Bo and was thrilled to get it in the mail as a gift from our special friends we made in Kenya.  I started reading to him before nap time and got tired pretty quickly of the same little books and Toddler Bible that has one sentence per page.  This is a Bible I think we'll read over and over again as our kids grow.  Sally Lloyd-Jones tells stories from the Bible with fresh perspective and incorporates Jesus into each one.  I find myself looking forward seeing how she will weave in the need for a Messiah and show how this or that person was a shadow of the One to come.  It's wonderful!  And it is our greatest hope for Bo that he will grow to love the Lord.   I hope by reading to him now, we establish a pattern that we can continue as he grows in understanding.  

Now Bo is moving into the "independent sitter" stage and will soon be moving around the house and eating solid foods.  I would love to see what you think is most helpful for these next few months.  Help, help! 

Baby Week: BABY-baby gear

It's baby week . . .
In all truthfulness, every week is baby week around here now!  But this week is a LITTLE less Bo-focused and little more generic.  For all those prego friends out there, here's what your life will soon look like!  For all those varsity moms out there, I'd love to know what you couldn't live without!

This is the "Baby-baby" edition . . . things we used immediately.  It seemed like all of our efforts for a few months were focused on getting the baby to sleep and then praying he stayed asleep, so most of these things help with the all-important SLEEP!

Swaddle Wraps

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I only had the Summer Infant/Kiddopotamus brand swaddlers, but we used them for EVERY nap and at night.  We stuffed Bo in the pouch, closed the velcro - instant swaddle.  He really fell asleep so much easier when he was wrapped up in one of those things.  In fact, we used them until he was 4 months old . . . and then he suddenly didn't really need his "Baby Snuggie" any longer.   

Aidan + Anais Muslin Blankets

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These things are great . . . they are HUGE, which is great for getting a good swaddle.  I was a little late in the game getting these; maybe we wouldn't have been so dependent on the baby snuggie.  These are really multipurpose, though - great for covering up the car seat, as a nursing cover, lying on the floor, keeping sun off the stroller, etc.  I still always have one of these with us wherever we go - I think Bo enjoys snuggling up with them to sleep.

Soothie Pacifiers

Available here.

Oh, little Bo!  There are varying opinions on pacifiers but we decided to go for it after I asked the nurse in the hospital how it was possible that this baby could nurse for 45 minutes.  She said, "No, dear, he was done after 20 minutes, he just likes sucking."  I said, "Give me a pacifier."  And this is what they gave me.  We're only 5 months in to this so I don't know if I'm setting Bo up to going to kindergarten with a pacifier in his mouth . . . but I try to use it only when he's tired.  And it certainly helped him relax when he was a tiny little guy.  Something about releasing that 'sucking energy.'  He prefers a different kind now but for a while we had 10 Soothies spread all over the house.

MAM Anti-Colic Bottles

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I started Bo with an occasional bottle of breastmilk pretty early.  I tried 3 other brands but they all seemed to come out too fast and he choked and sputtered.  My sister-in-law recommended these and they have been great.  They aren't expensive, but they just worked for us.  Bo does so well with formula or nursing, which makes it nice when we want to go out.  

Sleep Positioner

For sale here. 
(Baby Bo modeling the sleep positioner, an unwrapped swaddle blanket, and a discarded soothie pacifier.

So this is one of those 'first time parent' things . . . a friend of ours passed on their sleep positioner and I was sure we wouldn't need it.  When we got home from he hospital and put Bo in the middle of his big crib swaddled to his neck, we immediately fished out the sleep positioner to secure him somehow before he fell asleep.  We were afraid he would roll over and not be able to breathe, but this thing helped us sleep better knowing he would stay on his back all night.  I also took it with us when we traveled so he felt snug in the hotel crib or pack-n-play.  

Bouncer

Available Here

Bo was in this thing for 90% of his waking hours until he was 2 months old.  We went for the bouncer instead of the swing because it was smaller and more portable (and less expensive).  This one is battery operated and bounces on its own.  (We haven't had to change the batteries yet!)  We carried it all over the house and outside so he could sit near us and he napped pretty well in it, too.  

iPhone

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This was probably my #1 baby item, believe it or not.  I used it as my flashlight, clock, record keeper, entertainment, and portal to the outside world.  Would you believe I kept track of every single feeding for three months?  In the middle of the night it was impossible to remember if I'd been feeding him for four minutes or twenty . . . and I could never remember the last time I'd fed him, so I just wrote them all down on my phone.  It's amazing what you can do with one hand on this thing - so much easier to read, email, text, etc.  I don't have a Kindle but I imagine it would be similarly nursing-friendly. 


So that's my non-comprehensive list of essential-to-us infant gear.  What did you use?