Becky, Jared and Sarah
Baby Advice
So recently I have been looking into what I want to buy for my baby. Yes, I’m aware that I still have months before we will actually need it but I just want to have all the major purchases picked out so I can just buy them when the time comes. So if you are single or have no kids I’m sorry this is a wasted post for you. If you don’t have kids, but have researched baby stuff for some reason (like a baby is on the way) feel free to comment.
On a personal note, when I’m given advice verbally I get very overwhelmed. It is something that I need to work on I admit. But if someone gives me all their advice at once I can’t remember half of it and it is just stresses me. So, I haven’t been actively seeking the advice the way I should. The problem is I need advice! My solution, get advice in comment form, you see it doesn’t overwhelm me to read advice. So please comment!!!
So here is an insight into what I was thinking I would want to get. Remember I haven’t bought anything and don’t plan on buying anything for sometime, I’m just picking out what I want.
Nursery
I have already picked out some of my nursery things. I think we will do the furniture finish in Espresso. I am using my sister-in-laws old bedding. The material is shown below.
I have also picked out my crib. I am very partial to this crib. I realized this when Jared very innocently suggested another less expensive crib and I got really frustrated at him for even suggesting we use a different crib. I blame my pregnancy hormones and emotions. Anyway, I like I said I am very attached to this one. It is a Baby Mod Convertible Crib in Espresso.
We haven’t picked out a dresser yet. We were thinking of getting a standard dresser vs a dresser chest if that makes since to you. That way we could use it for a changing table if we want but if we don’t want or like the changing table option we still have a nice looking piece of furniture. Which brings me to my first set of questions.
1. Did you use a changing table?
2. Name one necessity for a baby’s nursery?
3. Name one thing that was a waste of money for your baby’s nursery?
Jogging Strollers
What I am really stumped on is strollers/car seats. I been thinking I want to get a jogging stroller because I like to run and all that. So, lately I’ve been looking into jogging strollers. Here is what I found that I think is important.
- 12″ wheels are mostly for walking, 16″ wheels are for moderate terrain and jogging, 20″ for serious runners on rough terrain
- Swivel wheels are easier to turn but not good for serious running and are only available in 12″ wheels
- steel frames are less expensive, Aluminum alloy frames are lighter, more resistant to rust and overall better, but are more expensive
- Most strollers are not for children less than 6 months!
- Most jogging strollers do not fold up compactly
If you have more information about jogging strollers that you found was important please let me know. Here is what I plan on doing with my jogging stroller. I plan on doing light to moderate jogging on relatively smooth terrain.
The biggest problem with jogging strollers I really found is that 6 month rule. The only way to get around that is to get a jogging stroller that is compatible with a car seat or one that reclines to a full laying down position. I am more partial to the car seat adapter, because it seems like the baby would be more secure. This predicament is especially important when you consider the month our little baby will be born–Beginning of JUNE. That means if I have to wait 6 months to use the stroller it will be DECEMBER. I’m not a martyr and usually move my exercises to the inside in the winter. However, I don’t want to waste the whole summer.
Anyway, so this is what I think I’m looking for:
- Jogging stroller with car seat adapter
- Preferable an alloy frame but I’m willing to go with steel to save money
- 16″ back wheels at the very least
Participation time–for those who bought a jogging stroller or knows someone who did?
1. If you had a jogging stroller did you like it/use it?
2. What kind of jogging stroller do you recommend?
3. What problems did you have with your jogging stroller?
4. What things did you love about your jogging stroller?
5. Should I get a jogging travel system or just one that has a car seat adapter?
Strollers
So, anyway I think I basically decided I would use a jogging stroller but haven’t decided what kind I should buy, should I wait until next year to buy one, or if I should get it new or used. (Craig’s List and KSL has jogging strollers listed every week). The question remains is should I get another stroller to supplement the jogging stroller. The issue is jogging strollers are bulky and big, so I have considered getting another stroller. So this leaves me to the next set of questions
1. Do/did you use strollers much?
2. What kind of stroller works/worked best for you?
3. What is the most important feature in a stroller for you?
4. What is the least important feature for you?
5. What do you regret in buying a stroller?
6. Do you think it is important to get neutral colors?
Car Seats
I think we will go with an infant car seat for the first year. My reasoning for this is because newborns fit better in infant car seats (from what I read) and so we can have a base for easy car seat removal. However, I still have many questions.
1. What do you think is the most important feature in a car seat? (I know everyone will say safety but the US only sells certified car seats as far as I can say, so if you say safety can you please say what safety feature you are referring to.
2. What is the least important feature in a car seat?
3. What did you dislike about the car seat you had?
4. What did you like about the car seat you had?
5. Do you have any other advice in regard to car seats?
I hope that helps explain a little bit about what I am thinking and where I need to go from here so please comment!!! If all those questions are overwhelming just comment on one section or a couple of questions. I will have other posts on different baby/pregnancy issues but this is what I’m working on right now. Thank You!
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about 7 months ago
First of all, I am so excited for you guys! You’re going to be amazing parents. Second of all, I absolutely hate baby advice. Third of all, every baby is different and if there is one thing that I have learned having Lily and Kaleigh is that no one thing is going to work with every baby. What I DO think is this:
For the baby carrier/carseat, just make sure that it can adjust from the front. Lily’s only adjusted from the back and it was miserable. Kaleigh’s adjusts from the front and I use it all of the time. It makes it so much easier to get those fragile little arms in and out comfortably.
We have never had a changing table, but I have always coveted them. I don’t think it would be a waste of money, but we haven’t “felt the loss” without one. I would have died with both babies without a comfortable bouncy seat for them. One that supports their little newborn heads, but is fun for one they get a little bit older too. Lily was a big swing baby, but Kaleigh doesn’t really care about swings. Both girls have adored their bumbo seats and I really believe that they learned (well, Kaleigh is still in the process of learning) how to sit early because of them.
Strollers: Make sure that it folds easily with one hand, because guaranteed half the time you will have your baby in the other hand
With Lily we used our stroller almost every day. Having a summer baby does that to you. We have only put Kaleigh in a stroller twice in her whole four months of life 
I do not think it is important to get neutral colors because you are going to (probably) want a double stroller when your next one comes anyway. I have never used a jogging stroller. I got a treadmill instead 
Holy mackerel! I’m just so excited for you! I wish that we were closer so we could see the little gal in person. She’ll be a great monopoly player with parents like you two :0)
about 7 months ago
Becky, the most important thing about a carseat is that it fits in your car. Some won’t work in one person’s car and work great in another. I think the removable sits from the base are nice for infants. That way they can sleep without being woken up when you get them out of the car.
Also, some companies make car seat carriers that work with your stroller. That way even your less than 6 month old can fit in your stroller with no problem. Good luck. Have fun.
about 7 months ago
1. Did you use a changing table?
No, I did not use a changing table. I told you the story about Parker…and to be quite honest, they have SO many diaper changes, it seems like a lot of work to go all the way to the room just to change their diaper. I would just throw a blanket down on the floor and change Alyssa. I would have a basket with diapers and wipes in the few major rooms we used the most.
2. Name one necessity for a baby’s nursery?
Good question….tough one. For me, it would probably be that Laz E Boy we have. I used that all the time. And, of course, a baby monitor.
3. Name one thing that was a waste of money for your baby’s nursery?
Didn’t buy anything that was a waste.
1. If you had a jogging stroller did you like it/use it?
We got the jogging stroller my mom had. It’s really nice, but I know it was expensive. It is a Bell jogging stroller. The front wheel does not swivel, the tires are inflatable tires, which is really really nice. Definitely get a jogging stroller that has like small bike tires. It’s amazing! I don’t know what the size of it is, but it folds in half and the wheels come off really easily if you need them to. If you want more information, let me know.
2. What kind of jogging stroller do you recommend?
Since I only know if the Bell one my mom had, I would recommend that one.
3. What problems did you have with your jogging stroller?
With having the front wheel stationary and not swivel, when you go to turn a corner, you have to lift up the front wheel to turn. It can be kind of jerky at times if you are really in a groove. And the fact that they do have to be older to ride in it. I started taking Alyssa in it at like a year and a half and it still seemed like it was drowning her.
4. What things did you love about your jogging stroller?
The bike tire feel. It like glides itself with hardly any pushing on your part.
5. Should I get a jogging travel system or just one that has a car seat adapter?
I have no idea. Haven’t ever seen the different kinds. Just keep in mind the weight. I would go with whatever one is lighter.
1. Do/did you use strollers much?
I did up until Alyssa was like 2.
2. What kind of stroller works/worked best for you?
Becky, I’m telling you. Get the stroller with the frame for your infant seat! That was the BEST thing I did, I swear. It’s so so lightweight, You can open and close it with one hand, or 2, whichever is easiest in the situation, you just open the car, unclick the infant seat from the base of your car seat and plop the infant car seat right on the stroller frame. It’s really compact, lightweight, and I think they are cheaper too. Then, when Sarah outgrows the infant carrier, she will be big enough to use an umbrella stroller, which you’ll want anyway because they are super duper compact and easy. I’m telling you, there is nothing worse than having a bulky and heavy stroller! Oh, and I had both. My mom had a big bulky normal one that I tried out and used maybe once or twice. It was bad! Way too big. Yeah, they could recline and whatever, but it was not worth using at all. We finally just gave it to Goodwill cause it was never being used.
3. What is the most important feature in a stroller for you?
lightweight and compact
4. What is the least important feature for you?
If they can recline backwards.
5. What do you regret in buying a stroller?
No regrets, whatsoever!
6. Do you think it is important to get neutral colors?
Yes. I do. I bought a green and brown infant seat and a neon green umbrella stroller, and the stroller frame was black. It was cute enough for a girl, but boy enough that I’m using it for Logan.
1. What do you think is the most important feature in a car seat? (I know everyone will say safety but the US only sells certified car seats as far as I can say, so if you say safety can you please say what safety feature you are referring to.
Lightweight. Lightweight. Lightweight. Your arms will thank me someday.
2. What is the least important feature in a car seat?
Probably the brand. Like, who makes it.
3. What did you dislike about the car seat you had?
I didn’t have any dislikes.
4. What did you like about the car seat you had?
It was a cute pattern. It came with a lot of stuff. Make sure the car seat you get comes with a base. Some don’t, and they are the same price as ones with a base. So look out for that when shopping. Also, it was nice that mine came with some other little things. Like a boot cover thing for winter, and a newborn head support thing to match. Nice little things like that.
5. Do you have any other advice in regard to car seats?
If you guys ever end up having 2 cars, I would get a base for each car. …but I don’t think you guys have to worry about that. Oh, mine was a Graco Snugride. (I think….) (It’s suppose to be Graco’s most lightweight car seat.) In case you were wondering.
about 7 months ago
Holy crap! That was long. Sorry.
about 7 months ago
Ok so I am just going to write what I know so far
With the changing table i think that if you are going to have to spend more money to have one then to not get it. But if there is really no difference then to go ahead and get it. The only problem is that you can only use that changing table in one room like Nicia said. I usually just have a receiving blanket with me so I can lay her down anywhere and get the job done.
If you end up getting a stroller, other than a jogging stroller, make sure to get one where the car seat can be hooked in. That way when the baby is sleeping you do not have to unbuckle and re- buckle her into a stroller. It is way more convenient that way, and your baby does not wake up.
With the car seat color I think that it just depends on the person. I got a pink one because I know that we are not going to have another kid for 3 or 4 years and by then the car seat will have expired, so it really did not matter if it was neutral. But if you plan on having another kid before 4 years and your worried about the neutral thing, then just get one that is neutral
OH and like Amy said make sure it adjusts from the front, Jocelynns does not, and that is what I regret about the car seat. I mean it is not a huge huge deal, but if you do not have to deal with it then why not?
Well good luck on the advice!
about 7 months ago
Here’s my advice, GO GET THE BOOK BABY BARGAINS!!! Seriously, that book saved my life. They rate essentially every piece of baby equipment you could ever want based on user reviews, price, and features. And they have just about every brand and model of each type of item you could want. Once you get a good idea of what you want from the book you can go look at them at the store. And even if it doesn’t tell you exactly what you want, it gives you a good idea of what features to look for in various things.
PS, i LOVE my chico infant carrier/car seat/travel system, and would willingly pay the money for another one if anything had happened to the last one that we had.
about 7 months ago
I have a jogging stroller with a swivel wheel and although i used it a lot and at the time I would have considered myself a serious runner I liked it because it was versatile and it could be used with a infant car seat. It’s a Bob resolution. I would for sure recommend an infant car seat that is light and easy to take out and put in a stroller. At nine months we still use it with Corban because he often falls asleep in it. It’s a Graco something cheap and easy.
I used a changing table because it was easy to use and we could also store things but with Corban we haven’t used an official changing table, just a contoured mat on a desk, and now we don’t even use that, just the floor because he just wants to roll off anyway.
I didn’t have a rocking chair for the first baby and do for the second and say that it’s a lot nicer on my back and on the late night feedings. That is something that you’ll use for a baby plus for a toddler for stories so I like that.
I have a cheap stroller that we can put our car seat in. I like it a lot because it’s cheap, small, convenient, and easy- a snap and go. It’s perfect for the first 6 months, and then the next 6-12 it’s also convenient but the baby doesn’t like it as much by then.
about 6 months ago
So me being a new parent, (my little gril is 2 weeks now), i can say that I do have a changing table. I use it mostly at night and just use a pad on the couch most of the time. I got mine for free so I’m really not complaining, but I was thinking that I would have been fine with a dresser/chest with a pad on top for the changing table. That way I would’ve had something that will “grow” with her. Also it is great for storage, I’ve gotten baby clothes without hangers and am having a hard time finding a place to keep it all. I have found that I love my glider for feedings, at night. I think having some sort of seating that is comfortable for you is a necessity. When we are downstairs I sit cross-legged on the couch. For your stroller/car seat situation I suggest a travel system, that is what I have. True I haven’t used the stroller yet (snow about 6in right now), but I know that my car seat will fit the stroller when I do use it, and it has a detachable base that we leave in the car which is very nice. The only thing I really dislike about my car seat is the buckling system, I suggest looking at these and messing aroung with them before buying. trying the get a squrming child in a seat that you need two hands to buckle is not nice… I also have a bouncer for my living room not that i’m using it much right now, I hold her most of the time.
well that is what I can tell you