by *knowgirl Jessica
Prepping to be a mom is a crazy daunting task. There are so many unknowns, getting a grasp on something was comforting. My "something" was product research and registry planning. Learning what to look for in each product and what you need (over all the crap they advertise) made me feel more prepared for what's coming up. Am I saying I know all and am going to kick ass? No way. But it was a fun way to learn and move in that direction. Example: you can read about all of the horrors and causes of SIDS by reading WebMd or you can look into bedding and see what they recommend, why, and what they don't suggest anymore because of SIDS. I learned a lot, without reading too much scary stuff.
Some of my biggest take-aways:
Prepping to be a mom is a crazy daunting task. There are so many unknowns, getting a grasp on something was comforting. My "something" was product research and registry planning. Learning what to look for in each product and what you need (over all the crap they advertise) made me feel more prepared for what's coming up. Am I saying I know all and am going to kick ass? No way. But it was a fun way to learn and move in that direction. Example: you can read about all of the horrors and causes of SIDS by reading WebMd or you can look into bedding and see what they recommend, why, and what they don't suggest anymore because of SIDS. I learned a lot, without reading too much scary stuff.
Some of my biggest take-aways:
- Buy "Baby Bargains"!!! This book breaks down everything you need (what you don't), pros/cons, with charts and by price points. It also emphasizes what items are fine to buy pre-loved and which ones aren't (car seat, crib, books, carrier). (note: do not get the kindle version)
- Ask your "mom friends" for advice and find out what they cannot live without. From this, I learned of some great products and that babies choose their bottle type, not you. So don't buy all of one brand in a big starter kit, and then your baby doesn't like it.
- Just because it's the big brand, doesn't mean it's the best. I was looking at baby carriers, and the most popular brand actually has poor reviews for babies as they get larger, and doesn't transition into a back carrier.
And some products I have become obsessed with:
- Ask your "mom friends" for advice and find out what they cannot live without. From this, I learned of some great products and that babies choose their bottle type, not you. So don't buy all of one brand in a big starter kit, and then your baby doesn't like it.
- Just because it's the big brand, doesn't mean it's the best. I was looking at baby carriers, and the most popular brand actually has poor reviews for babies as they get larger, and doesn't transition into a back carrier.
And some products I have become obsessed with:
- Nuroo nursing scarf: This scarf is fashionable, and it is a great replacement for those nursing covers that look like giant bibs. It has 6 different ways you can use/wear it, and comes in several colors and stripe options.
- Keekaroo Peanut Changing Station: It seems expensive, but it actually costs the same as the typical changing pad with a few covers, but doesn't include the laundry, as it is impermeable to fluids. Just wipe it down. It comes in several bright color options!
- Mamas & Papas Armadillo Stroller: Strollers are so personal preference, so I am a bit hesitant to share this one. I like that this one is lightweight, smartly put together, comes in bright colors, and easy to open/close. I also have immense respect for a company that spends so much time doing product research (they did a huge survey before their US release).
- Go Pod: My friend has this bad boy, and it is amazing. It's basically a tailgating chair for babies with clips for toys and is height adjustable
- DadGear Diaper Backpack: I had a really cute shoulder bag picked out, but when my husband started looking at daddy diaper backpacks, I got jealous of the simple, hands free, and balanced way to carry everything. At that, we decided to get a nicer backpack for almost all needs, and a small clutch bag for my short trips.