The last couple weeks that has changed. Showers loom on the horizon, meaning I do actually need to get the registry together (and "No" my family insists, "Amazon doesn't count."). Birthing classes remind me weekly of all the things I DON'T know and need to learn. The homework, though not hard, keeps my mind focused during the week. More frequent midwife appointments let me listen to Baby R more often, and the added discomforts of late pregnancy make me thankful for the recently started bi-monthy chiropractor visits. All of these things added together remind me that this baby is coming, and I've got less than 7 weeks left to prepare.
(in fact, while I expect Baby to come closer to 41 weeks, a 37 week baby isn't considered premature. So... in reality, I've actually got 4 weeks to get ready, just in case.)
So here is a list of my baby needs, and how I'm coming with accumulating them. I've divided it into several parts, in (semi) order of necessity:
Necessities
Carseat~Needs to be new for safety reasons, I registered for one on Amazon.
Diapers/wipes (either cloth or disposable)~I plan to use cloth diapers primarily, but with so many options I have concerns about purchasing a bunch before Baby and I can try them out together. I've registered for a couple different ones on Amazon, and when we find out which cloth diaper works best for us I'll "stock up" on the cloth.
Clothing~I have a few different sets of onsies already from grandparents and friends. I'm focusing on gender neutral colors (yellow, green, etc).
Stroller~Of course.
Diaper Bag~I'm in love with my SIL's diaper bag, which isn't actually a diaper bag. It's a Vera Bradley, so it doesn't have the plastic lining. She's been using it for a year and says that isn't a problem--and it's a lot cuter than most of the diaper bags I've seen in the store!
Sling or carrier~I'm not sure what type, but something that allows me to keep baby close but hands free. When Baby gets bigger my hubby already has a baby backpack for going on walks in.
Receiving blankets/spit up cloths~Probably quite a few of these... :-P
Baby Bath~Yeah, gonna need this. Definitely don't want to be bathing baby in the sink. Registered for it at Babies R Us.
Nice to Have
Swing~Definitely handy to have.
Diaper pail~Yeah.... Definitely a good thing. Even if we are focusing on using cloth. :P
Nursing cover/supplies~These will see a lot of use.
Furniture
Changing table/dresser combo~With storage space being a premium in the apartment, a dresser is very close to an "absolute necessity" need. If I have to get a dresser anyway, it might as well have the changing table top on it.
Crib and mattress~I haven't picked out the crib, but I've narrowed it down to two styles I like. The mattress has to be organic, as regular mattresses have a lot of chemicals and Baby R will be spending a lot of time here. This isn't under "absolute necessities" because Baby R will be with us the first couple months in a bassinet. It would be really nice to have this before delivery, but if we don't we'll get it after. :)
Book Case~In our 2 bdrm apartment, the second bedroom is split between nursery (one half) and office/library (other half). We have three bookcases currently, and enough books piled around them to fill a fourth book case. There won't be space for baby stuff until we get those books put away.
So, yes. Pretty much starting from scratch here as everything I have but the playpen and a box of diapers is pictured. But honestly, I do feel better about making a list. There aren't nearly as many things as I thought there would be. I may be "starting at the very beginning," but we can do this. :-)
I've used cloth on all four kids and have a few different types if you're interested in looking at them/trying them out. Also,we have the "perfect" diaper pail for cloth diapers if you need a suggestion on that too.
ReplyDeleteThat would be perfect! Which diaper pail do you use? I'd also love to hear your diaper recommendations. "Tried in the trenches" reviews are always best. :-)
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