toddler travel pillow car seat image
pretty in
this is my friends email and she said i could use it. i just need to know some things that my baby cant live without when shes born. i have a tight budget so just the must haves please. and if possible could you put the price and how many of each item i need to buy a month. thank you!
Answer
The necessities for a newborn are these:
Diapers (don't buy a ton of newborn diapers because they grow out of them pretty quick. Start with one pack and if you need more, buy them after.) Pampers are about $20 for a box. I'd say we bought diapers every 1 1/2 - 2 weeks at the newborn age) There are cheaper diapers out there too, but we preferred Pampers.
Wipes (Buy in bulk if you can. Trust me you'll use them for everything.) Big box of wipes cost $7-12 depending on how big the box is and the brand name. They will last you a good while and the cheap ones are just as good as Pampers or Huggies.
Onsies and Sleepers. All the cute clothes can wait until later on. Trust me, the baby will spend more time in onsies than anything else.
If you will be nursing, get a Boppy/Nursing Pillow and at least a manual pump. They are a life saver. If you go back to work you'll need bottles and an electric pump. Make sure the pump is for woman who pump regularly. Some are only for occasional pumping and are not as good at keeping up a supply. Medela is great, but also expensive ($250 approx. for a double electric pump, but is worth the price). You can find them used for much cheaper, but you will want to buy all new bottles and pump parts. Replacement parts are not very expensive.
If you are formula feeding and when feeding pumped breastmilk, bottles are a must have. Make sure they are slow flow nipples for a newborn. I suggest buying some decent ones and don't go too cheap. You want some that reduce the amount of air your baby gets, so he/she wont be too uncomfortable after each feeding. It will also reduce spitting up.
You'll want a crib and mattress for sure, unless you will be co-sleeping. A changing table is nice, but definately not a necessity. We will just be using a changing table pad on one of our lower dressers. Crib Sheets, Mattress Pad. No need to buy an expensive bedding set. You aren't even supposed to use the comforter when they are a newborn either. It can cause SIDS, so you really don't get too much use out of it before they want a character bedding set. We bought a toddler bedding set at Walmart for $35 once our son was a bit older. Until then we just used some thin blankets we got from our baby shower.
You'll want a car seat. The hospital will not let you leave without one. The travel systems are a bit pricey, but well worth it. Once that baby is asleep, you will not want to wake him by lifting him out of a car seat.
That's all I can think of right now. Buying things used can save you a ton of money. Try Craigslist.org, but make sure things are not recalled and are not more than 3-4 years old. Many items have more safety standards and what not these days. Also, be careful when buying a car seat used. Make sure it has not been in any accidents. I really do suggest buying a new one. Sign up on websites for coupons and offers. Huggies sends out tons of coupons. Pampers kinds sucks with the coupons. If you'll be using formula you'll want to sign up and many will send you checks you can use at the store.
The necessities for a newborn are these:
Diapers (don't buy a ton of newborn diapers because they grow out of them pretty quick. Start with one pack and if you need more, buy them after.) Pampers are about $20 for a box. I'd say we bought diapers every 1 1/2 - 2 weeks at the newborn age) There are cheaper diapers out there too, but we preferred Pampers.
Wipes (Buy in bulk if you can. Trust me you'll use them for everything.) Big box of wipes cost $7-12 depending on how big the box is and the brand name. They will last you a good while and the cheap ones are just as good as Pampers or Huggies.
Onsies and Sleepers. All the cute clothes can wait until later on. Trust me, the baby will spend more time in onsies than anything else.
If you will be nursing, get a Boppy/Nursing Pillow and at least a manual pump. They are a life saver. If you go back to work you'll need bottles and an electric pump. Make sure the pump is for woman who pump regularly. Some are only for occasional pumping and are not as good at keeping up a supply. Medela is great, but also expensive ($250 approx. for a double electric pump, but is worth the price). You can find them used for much cheaper, but you will want to buy all new bottles and pump parts. Replacement parts are not very expensive.
If you are formula feeding and when feeding pumped breastmilk, bottles are a must have. Make sure they are slow flow nipples for a newborn. I suggest buying some decent ones and don't go too cheap. You want some that reduce the amount of air your baby gets, so he/she wont be too uncomfortable after each feeding. It will also reduce spitting up.
You'll want a crib and mattress for sure, unless you will be co-sleeping. A changing table is nice, but definately not a necessity. We will just be using a changing table pad on one of our lower dressers. Crib Sheets, Mattress Pad. No need to buy an expensive bedding set. You aren't even supposed to use the comforter when they are a newborn either. It can cause SIDS, so you really don't get too much use out of it before they want a character bedding set. We bought a toddler bedding set at Walmart for $35 once our son was a bit older. Until then we just used some thin blankets we got from our baby shower.
You'll want a car seat. The hospital will not let you leave without one. The travel systems are a bit pricey, but well worth it. Once that baby is asleep, you will not want to wake him by lifting him out of a car seat.
That's all I can think of right now. Buying things used can save you a ton of money. Try Craigslist.org, but make sure things are not recalled and are not more than 3-4 years old. Many items have more safety standards and what not these days. Also, be careful when buying a car seat used. Make sure it has not been in any accidents. I really do suggest buying a new one. Sign up on websites for coupons and offers. Huggies sends out tons of coupons. Pampers kinds sucks with the coupons. If you'll be using formula you'll want to sign up and many will send you checks you can use at the store.
Moms-what do you carry in your car?
Singthing
Well, I am a fairly new mom. My son is now 18 months old. I am also single and without family. I am alright with that.... it's actually taught me to be quite self sufficient and my son is a very happy and much loved boy. However, it's hard not having my own parents around to guide me.
So, I was just curious to know what other moms carry in thier cars? I am looking for good recommendations on snack foods (that aren't too messy), toys and interactive items, cleaning supplies for mess ups, etc. Really, anything that you "more experienced moms" out there could share with me, would be great!!
He does alright in the car, but sometimes does get fussy. I've given him several types of snacks, but spend too much time having to clean up the mess afterwards.
Lastly, does anyone have a good recommendation of a travel DVD player that hooks to the back of the passenger seat (in front of his carseat) that doesn' t cost too much?
Thanks to all for your answers!
Answer
We have three girls (ages 7, 9, and 11) from day one we took them on all our long trips. I also have a husband who was working 96 hours a week, so I know how it is to be on your own a lot. Lots of blessings sent your way to give you energy!!
Always have a small first aid kit for boo boos. The ones you get for a dollar at walmart are great (bandaids, alcohol wipes, some gauze)
Always have some music for the kid(s) to listen too. We found the music was much more calming than other things (We also have a lot of motion sickness in the middle child - so watching a movie is right out.) You can find some great stuff that isn't obnoxious for you. My girls like jazz a lot and love celtic music.
(If you can get a copy of the Seal Maiden -- its a great story told with music and cool for the grown ups as much as the kids)
When they were in the 18 mos age they really liked the soft squashy books made for toddlers. I also made a small photo album of fav things/people with one of those dollar albums with the plastic pages and 4x6 pics.
A small toy phone was also a big hit -- The noise and lights were a bit much, but they loved them. I also would put a piece of heavy duct tape over the speaker holes to help cut down the volumn (A lot of toys are loud enough to damage small ears)
A sippy cup with a lock valve helps. It is also good to use only cold water while traveling -- It's easier to clean up and will sit easy on the tummy. Milk is just nasty in the car when it spills (Can we say "home made cheese?") and juice is super sticky and smelly too.
It will also help your little one get used to drinking water, which is heathier and less expensive than sodas or koolaid.
I found that dry cereal is a good snack -- just only give them a little bit in a small rubber made bowl -- They have the ones that hold a half cup. That way if it spills it isn't as much to clean. Dry pretzels also work. Both of these snacks are not only less messy, but also healthier than sugery stuff (assuming you are using healthy cereal).
Once He gets a little older - Crayons and paper will be great. So will pipe cleaners -- They love crafting with them. Just wait until you don't have to worry bout him eating them while you are driving. They also help teach eye/hand motor skills. (Don't tell him he's learning-let him think he's just coloring pretty pictures).
He may also still enjoy a good chewy teether ring. They cut teeth until about three, so sometimes at this age they still like to just chew on something, because their teeth ache.
A soft lovey goes a long way on trips. Either a small blanket or stuffed animal is very comforting. (Also makes a nice pillow for naps)
If you are going to be driving for more than a couple of hours, have the pharmacist figure out the right dose of tylenol for his weight and age. Then dose him right before you leave. Riding for a long time makes little people ache a lot (I do this for the big people too!)
When you get there after a long trip, be sure and give him a warm bath and a dose of tylenol when it is next due -- This will help with sore muscles from sitting still in the car seat for soooo long.
I hope these will help out. Best of wishes.
PS -- always have
baby wipes for cleaning him.
clorox wipes for cleaning up the seat
trash bags (trust me!)
spare change of clothes for your little person.
If you've ever changed a kid on the side of a mountain while tractor trailers are swooshing by at 90mph, and scooped throw up out of the car seat, you'll understand where I've been!!)
We have three girls (ages 7, 9, and 11) from day one we took them on all our long trips. I also have a husband who was working 96 hours a week, so I know how it is to be on your own a lot. Lots of blessings sent your way to give you energy!!
Always have a small first aid kit for boo boos. The ones you get for a dollar at walmart are great (bandaids, alcohol wipes, some gauze)
Always have some music for the kid(s) to listen too. We found the music was much more calming than other things (We also have a lot of motion sickness in the middle child - so watching a movie is right out.) You can find some great stuff that isn't obnoxious for you. My girls like jazz a lot and love celtic music.
(If you can get a copy of the Seal Maiden -- its a great story told with music and cool for the grown ups as much as the kids)
When they were in the 18 mos age they really liked the soft squashy books made for toddlers. I also made a small photo album of fav things/people with one of those dollar albums with the plastic pages and 4x6 pics.
A small toy phone was also a big hit -- The noise and lights were a bit much, but they loved them. I also would put a piece of heavy duct tape over the speaker holes to help cut down the volumn (A lot of toys are loud enough to damage small ears)
A sippy cup with a lock valve helps. It is also good to use only cold water while traveling -- It's easier to clean up and will sit easy on the tummy. Milk is just nasty in the car when it spills (Can we say "home made cheese?") and juice is super sticky and smelly too.
It will also help your little one get used to drinking water, which is heathier and less expensive than sodas or koolaid.
I found that dry cereal is a good snack -- just only give them a little bit in a small rubber made bowl -- They have the ones that hold a half cup. That way if it spills it isn't as much to clean. Dry pretzels also work. Both of these snacks are not only less messy, but also healthier than sugery stuff (assuming you are using healthy cereal).
Once He gets a little older - Crayons and paper will be great. So will pipe cleaners -- They love crafting with them. Just wait until you don't have to worry bout him eating them while you are driving. They also help teach eye/hand motor skills. (Don't tell him he's learning-let him think he's just coloring pretty pictures).
He may also still enjoy a good chewy teether ring. They cut teeth until about three, so sometimes at this age they still like to just chew on something, because their teeth ache.
A soft lovey goes a long way on trips. Either a small blanket or stuffed animal is very comforting. (Also makes a nice pillow for naps)
If you are going to be driving for more than a couple of hours, have the pharmacist figure out the right dose of tylenol for his weight and age. Then dose him right before you leave. Riding for a long time makes little people ache a lot (I do this for the big people too!)
When you get there after a long trip, be sure and give him a warm bath and a dose of tylenol when it is next due -- This will help with sore muscles from sitting still in the car seat for soooo long.
I hope these will help out. Best of wishes.
PS -- always have
baby wipes for cleaning him.
clorox wipes for cleaning up the seat
trash bags (trust me!)
spare change of clothes for your little person.
If you've ever changed a kid on the side of a mountain while tractor trailers are swooshing by at 90mph, and scooped throw up out of the car seat, you'll understand where I've been!!)
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