[ANGWife]

My mom and I will be going to register for baby. I have some questions!

In your experience, is it better to buy an infant car seat and then a booster later or buy the convertible car seat? The snapping base of the infant seat looks convenient. But it only serves until 20 lbs. DH has a 3 passenger truck and baby will not be traveling in his vehicle. We'll probably get him a new car this summer. So my point is except for taking baby out of the car, he'll only be traveling in 1 car most of the time. But are the covertibles more of a pain to use?


Bouncers and swings: Any recommendations? Is this buy mostly based on appearance and ease of set up? Is this something you can get the less expensive versions?


Do you have a glider (rocking chair)? How often do you really use it? They look comfortable, especially the ones that have gliding ottomans.


Breast pumps, manual or battery operated? I'll be home most of the time doing daycare so I don't see myself needing to pump alot. But I want to be able to provide bottles to babysitters and others, including DH, that may want to feed him. What is your experience with pumps?


Thanks

[IamMom]

I would go with the infant seat and base - we used it all the time to just pick the seat out of the car and go - no disburbing the baby - then we got him a convertible seat when he was 1. We are about to get him the creme d'la creme of seats and get a Britax Regent!

We have both a bouncy seat and a swing - he loved sitting in both and we used them alot! the swing we got was the small portable one (less expensive) - it sits very low to the ground - it was perfect for our small condo and he loved being in it - it didn't have any bells and whistles but he was a very content baby and he could just sit and look around. We also got a jumpy jump thing - its like a walker but it doesn't move its stationary and the baby jumps up and down in it - it was great for when he got to be aroudn 4 months old and needed a little more action - and I needed some time to do things!

I do have a glider rocker and its in Harrison's room and we still rock in it everynight and do stories and he's over 2 1/2 - well worth the investment!!!

I'm not a good judge of breast pumps b/c I bought an electric pump and couldn't get it to produce anything. I'm anti-pump. My supply wasn't that great and all I had went straight to DS. I stopped nursing at 6 weeks so it was a complete loss of investment. I wish I would have waited to see how the old boobs did before I put in all that money. So I would say buy the pump after the baby is born (or let the lacation people at the hospital help you decide to rent/lease or whatever) you never know how your body and the baby are going to take to the whole breastfeeding thing. My sister for instance could manually (with her hand only) pump out enough milk to save for a few bottles so you may be lucky enough to do that for the small amount of bottling it sounds like you'll need to do!

Hope that helps a little - I know you'll get lots of good suggestions!!!

[**Jenn**]

I've only used convertable car seats. I never saw the point in the infant seats especially since the baby only uses it for such a short time. The convenience of taking baby in and out of the car was not an issue for me because I always used my sling and the transfer never was an issue for eithe of my kids. Plus, I just don't feel safe with the infant seat. I know they are but it's just my own personal thing about them.

Bouncers and swings are a nice extra if you can afford it or if someone is nice enough to buy you them. Neither of my boys were fans of the swing/bouncer although they would spend more time in the bouncer than the swing. I believe we have the fisher price ones--the ocean wonder bouncer and then the jungle print swing. My only suggestion is if you are going to get a swing don't get the little portable one, get the full size. The portable one doesn't have much swing to it and my tiny little Liam barely swung unless you put it up to full power and then it was too fast. I don't think it really matters what bouncer you get since they're all pretty much the same but some swings have more padding than others and just seemed more comfortable for baby. But I think it's mostly personal preference. Like I said, my boys preferred to be held/worn so they weren't big into the swing/bouncers. What both boys did love was the exersaucer. I wanted to get them a jumperoo too but space is limited. They loved playing in the exersaucer once they hit about 4-5 months old and needed more interaction.

I do have a glider and it's wonderful. I still use it everyday and used it a lot when they were tiny to nurse. Mine does also have the gliding ottoman and it's a nice feature. The ottoman doesn't have to glide but you will need something to put your feet on.

I have both the Medela Pump in Style (double electric) and a Gerber manual pump. Love the PIS, hate the manual. The electric is great because it actually pumps my milk out. I only use the manual if I absolutely have to because after 30 minutes of pumping it still left me very full with hardly any milk coming out, not very efficient. So even though you'll be home, if you want to get a freezer supply for those times you'll be away from baby you might want to invest in a decent pump. Plus a pump is something you can use for any and all kids you have. Even though I'm a SAHM I would get the PIS over a manual any day.

[Resi]

In your experience, is it better to buy an infant car seat and then a booster later or buy the convertible car seat? We bought the infant car seat and I'm happy we did. We got the snap and go to set it in. We will get the bigger Britax car seat when he needs it. We are also going to buy a stroller to use after he grows out of the infant seat.

Bouncers and swings: Any recommendations? LOVE my bouncer. It was a hand me down from my SIL. The reason I love it is because it was about the only thing I could put Oliver in and get stuff done (Shower, eat, clean, etc) when he was a newborn. I also got a swing from my SIL. We never use it much. We didn't start using it until he was maybe 2 months old. We have one that sits more upright. I wouldn't waste a lot of money on the newborns swings. He will grow out of it very fast.


Do you have a glider (rocking chair)? We use ours every day many times. I'm very happy that I got one. It came with the gliding ottoman and I don't use it. If you can save some money and skip the ottoman if it doesn't come with it. We got our set from JC Penney for under $200 and it fine.


Breast pumps, manual or battery operated? I have the Pump In Style but that is because I pump all the time at work. I think a manual or battery operated one would be okay for what you need it for.

Check your local craigslist for good deals! That saved me a lot of money.

[misfitinmn]

infant car seat and then a booster later or buy the convertible car seat? I am happy with our infant seat - we got a Chicco Keyfit 30 which will carry him until he's 30lbs. We're quickly approaching 6 months and still have plenty of room to grow, and this seat is soooo ridiculously easy to use, I love it. It is nice to not have to take him out during the winter here - I can snap a cover over the seat and carry him to warmth without disturbing him.


Bouncers and swings: Any recommendations? We inheritied a bouncy seat from my SIL, it is a Fisher Price Ocean Wonders one (or something similar) and we LOVE it. Ben, for the first few months, would play on that while we ate, and he still likes to sit and kick at the toys on it. As for a swing, we got a large size graco swing (I bought it second hand from a coworker) and I wouldn't have been able to live without it - it was the ONLY place Ben would nap until he was 4 months old. So it was used for a relatively short period of time, but it was used A LOT.


Do you have a glider (rocking chair)? How often do you really use it? They look comfortable, especially the ones that have gliding ottomans.
I have the rocking chair that was in Jon's nursery when he was a baby, and I only ever use it at night when I nurse Ben. I really don't like using it, it's not the easiest place to nurse, but it's in his room and he's a quick eater at night, so I can keep things dark and quiet and just nurse him right there.

Breast pumps, manual or battery operated? Well, like Resi, I have to pump at work so I have a Medela Pump in Style, which is okay. I hate pumping, so I'll never love a pump! But for your purposes, I would definitely say a manual pump would be perfect!

I couldnt live without my infant seat. The ease of snapping it in and out without waking up baby is PRICELESS for me.

I would get both a swing and a bouncer (One in the living room, one in the nursery, etc). Make sure that they both are "pod-like" enough that when baby starts to squirm, they won't squirm out of it. I like the Boppy brand ones personally (portable and affordable too!)
I have these:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=2501253
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index...ductId=2715552

I bought a cool looking chair from Ikea, but have only used it twice I highly reccommend an actual GLIDER even though I don't find them nearly as visually appealing. Reid's daycare has one that I sit in when I go in to nurse him and I love it!

I would NEVER use a manual pump. I've tried it once and HATED it. Even if you have to spend $200 on an electric/battery one, it's probably worth it....I would try to find a used one on Craigslist and then just buy all new parts (less than $40 most likely)

[Mars]

infant car seat and then a booster later or buy the convertible car seat? We got an infant car seat because of the ease of use. Currently we both have 2-door vehicles (SUV and Sports car) and it's easier to maneuver. We got the Chicco Keyfit 30 - Adventure which can carry a baby until 30lbs. I like that you can take out the seat without having to disturb the baby.

Bouncers and swings: Any recommendations? I'm not sure if this will work for baby but we got one since the prices were really reasonable.

Do you have a glider (rocking chair)? How often do you really use it? No. Most persons I talk to who have them say that they are not necessary and they found they hardly ever used them. I've been contemplating getting a rocking chair but they're pretty pricey here so I haven't made a decision on that as yet.

Breast pumps, manual or battery operated? I'll be going back to work after 3-4 months so I will need to pump. I got the Ameda Purely Yours. I'd say that if you're going to be an SAHM or you'll be off work for a bit that the manual pump will probably work for you.

[greeneyes]

Infant car seat and then a booster later or buy the convertible car seat?
I agree that the ease of use factor with the infant carseat is wonderful... and you don't have to worry about waking up baby getting in and out of the car. As an aside, Lily got a bad cold when she was a couple weeks old and she was able to get great sleep in the carseat because of the incline - just a thought! If you do decide to skip the infant seat and get a convertible, be sure and get some kind of newborn insert or head support - those carseats are really built more for bigger/older babies and your teeny guy will be flopping all around without some kind of support.

Bouncers and swings: Any recommendations?
We bought a combo swing/bouncer and I really love that - all the features I need/want and saves space and money! We have the Graco Swing N Bounce (not this print, but you get the idea) and absolutely love it. A friend of mine has the Fisher-Price 3 in 1 and it seems just as nice.

Do you have a glider (rocking chair)? How often do you really use it? We have a glider and gliding ottoman and we used it all the time. In fact, I still use it to read bed time stories to Lily at night. I definitely recommend spending the money on a good, comfortable glider especially if you plan on nursing in it. You'll want to be as comfortable as possible and for me it was the worth the extra money to get something super-comfy.

Breast pumps, manual or battery operated?
I had an electric Medela when I was working and it was a great pump - held up well and did an awesome job. Since I work from home now and will be taking four months of maternity leave with this baby, I'm really only planning on using my Medela manual pump just to do a little supplemental pumping here and there. That way Lee can feed Vivi from time to time and I'll have a little extra on hand if we get a babysitter. Otherwise, if I'm with the baby, I will just nurse her.

[thepinkleprechaun]

Car seats: I personally love having an infant seat. You can get a graco snugride for a really reasonable price and they are great carseats. We also have a snap n go stroller which is awesome and we use it all the time. Regardless of what you decide to do there you will eventually need a convertible seat and I would recommend the Britax marathon, it might be a bit more expensive but you really get what you pay for! You can usually get a good deal on one of those at amazon or albeebaby.com


Bouncers and swings: I can only tell you from my own experience, I have a Graco swing and the seat is a bouncer that pops out. It served us well, the only bad reviews on it were that the music sucked but we never used the music/sounds at all. I would look at the reviews on amazon/BRU website before you buy one though you can usually tell if it sucks or not.

Do you have a glider (rocking chair)? How often do you really use it? We do have a glider (with ottoman) and that is the absolute best thing for breastfeeding, I sit in that and use the boppy pillow and it's super comfortable. Ours is in our bedroom since we co sleep.


Breast pumps, manual or battery operated? If you are staying home you probably won't need an electric pump. I would just get a handheld one at first and then if you decide you need to pump more you can always get a single or double electric.

[Adriana's Mommy]

infant car seat and then a booster later or buy the convertible car seat?

I'd say get a infant car seat, but not the higher wight limit ones.. Adriana was in her infant car seat up to 9 months old and I had the one that went up to 20 lbs and she's a petite baby so I was able to use it longer.. We then went up to a Convertible car seat.. We did buy a high end convertible car seat that goes up to 70 lbs.. I would have put her in it earlier, but I had to go on a waiting list to get the Pink Recaro Signo.. It was worth the wait.. I love her seat..


Bouncers and swings: Any recommendations?Is this buy mostly based on appearance and ease of set up? Is this something you can get the less expensive versions?

Adriana never liked swings, but she loved the bouncer.. I'd say get a less expensive version.. Something that does the job..


Do you have a glider (rocking chair)?]How often do you really use it? They look comfortable, especially the ones that have gliding ottomans.


Never used one..

Breast pumps, manual or battery operated?I'll be home most of the time doing daycare so I don't see myself needing to pump alot. But I want to be able to provide bottles to babysitters and others, including DH, that may want to feed him. What is your experience with pumps?

I would suggest a electric pump.. You should look at the Medela pump in style limited edition. I exclusively pumped and I loved the fact that the pump is in a small case and is easy to keep around the house, verses the pump being inside the bag.. This worked for me.. I had the Chocolate bag, but I don't think it's available anymore.. Also, you may want to store some BM in your deep freezer for ER uses.. You never know what can happen.. You may have to go on medications and you'll have to pump and dump to keep your supply.. If you have a supply in your deep freezer, your baby will still be getting your BM.. Think of it as planning ahead.. Because you never know what might happen..

[Miracle]

infant car seat and then a booster later or buy the convertible car seat? I think the travel system is very convenient, especially when baby is sleeping.. a lot of times when we go out, Gabriella falls asleep on the way and then stays asleep the whole time we're out because we don't have to move her- just snap the seat in and out. The only big disadvantage is it's really hard to carry- especially when you have a chubby baby. It's so hard for me to lift it in and out of our blazer.
I am already considering selling our travel system on craigslist so I can just use a convertible car seat now and Gabriella is only 4 months old.


Bouncers and swings: Any recommendations?I bought one off craigslist- it works great. I think most of them work fine..unless you get the cheapest one or something. bouncers are really nice and convenient. but again these things can be bought off craigslist for a lot less money and most likely will work just as nice.


Do you have a glider (rocking chair)? This is something I really wanted when I was pregnant but I'm glad I didn't spend the money because I most always nurse her on the couch or on my bed. I am almost never in her "room". Her crib is all set up and she's never slept there- she sleeps right next to me in her co-sleeper.

Breast pumps, manual or battery operated? Since you'll be home most of the time, I wouldn't spend the money on an expensive electric one. I have a manual one and it worked(works) fine for when I need to pump every once in awhile. It does take some time, but I rarely have to pump anyways.... I usually just pump when I'm really engorged and then I freeze it so I have some in case I ever want to run out and I'm going to miss a feeding. Normally when I run an errand without Gabriella, it's less than 2 hours or so and whoever is watching her doesn't need to feed her. If I had spent the money on an electric pump, I would've felt bad because I rarely pump. If I was working or something, I would see why.


Thanks

[ANGWife]

You girls rock! Thanks for such great info and opinions!

One more question!

I was looking at the strollers and some of them come with the infant car seat and base already. Did you buy separately or get the stroller combo? How do you know what brand of car seat to buy? I'm a huge Consumer Report follower, but they haven't done a study on the seats since mid 2007

Anyone have a Safety 1st brand?

[IamMom]

I got a travel system (so everything came with it - we only had to buy an additional base for the 2nd car) - we love it, still use the stroller. It was an Evenflo I think. I never checked safety and all that - just picked one I liked the colors of - I know its terrible.

[Resi]

You girls rock! Thanks for such great info and opinions!

One more question!

I was looking at the strollers and some of them come with the infant car seat and base already. Did you buy separately or get the stroller combo? How do you know what brand of car seat to buy? I'm a huge Consumer Report follower, but they haven't done a study on the seats since mid 2007

Anyone have a Safety 1st brand?[/b]

I bought the infant carseat and then a snap and go (you put the carseat into a little base) instead of the combo. I bought a Peg Perego infant seat. From what I remember it's one of the safest. They are pricy though. I would most likely go with a cheaper infant seat if I did it over again.

Also, about the Breatpump. I think the Pump In Style is well worth the investment. I got a brand new one online at http://www.bestbuybaby.com/. It was $200 w/ free S&H! I saved around $80!! I think you would be okay with waiting until after your little one is born to see how the BF goes and if you can pump. I rented one from the hospital at first to see how I would do with pumping.

[misfitinmn]

We looked at pretty much every travel system that was out there - I liked the Chicco Keyfit best and it got great reviews. A good place to look for carseat info is car-seat.org, I spent a LOT of time there researching things when we decided on the Keyfit 30. That said, we opted to not get the travel system (stroller + carseat sold together) and like Resi, we got the Snap n' Go stroller frame to put our infant seat in. The reason we decided to do this is because the travel system strollers were SO HUGE and bulky and for us, it was just easier to get a stroller frame that is light and we can just toss it into the back of our vehicle easily and it doesn't take up a lot of space. Once we are done with the infant seat, we'll probably get a lightweight stroller (Maclaren Volo is what we'll most likely get), because it's been so easy having something small and light to take places with us.

[ShannonMVT]

No BTDT advice, but I'll chime in with what we plan to do.

Carseat: I think we are going to get an infant seat and later, a convertible. I want the Graco Metrolite stroller because it has a lot of the same features as the big strollers but is not as bulky/heavy. It works with the Graco infant carseats, so we will probably just get one of those. Then I want to get a Britax convertible seat later.

Bouncer and swing: We're using hand me downs from my niece. I don't think you need the most expensive one out there.

Glider: Again, I have the one my SIL used with my niece. We actually already use it. It's in our living room and it's very comfy to sit in. I want to buy an ottoman to go with it. But like others said, some end up not using them.

Breast pumps: I have again, hand me down, electric Medela. That sounds a little gross but I wouldn't use it if wasn't my SIL and I know I can replace all the tubing, etc. But I'd say if you won't be using it very much, you could get a cheaper one.

love this thread!

[Mars]

I love the travel systems but didn't buy one because based on my situation, one wouldn't really work for me. Most of them are bulky and I'm not all that big so I think it would be extremely exhausting for me to use one. In addition, Barbados is not very stroller friendly. They have been making improvements for disability access, etc so hopefully later on it'll be more convenient to have one but I see persons with the systems struggling to get about our major town, etc. that I don't think I'd enjoy that very much.

I have one of those umbrella, lightweight strollers from Kolcraft which will work perfectly for me based on my situation. It can be used with newborns in a fully reclined position but I doubt I'll be using it until around 3-6 months.

So after all that, I just want to say that you'll have to consider the environment around you, frequency of use, size, etc and then determine if you want a complete travel system or not.