Thanks for all the tips! For clarification, here is an example of what I mean by "Pooh-ass diaper bags." (Pooh-ass is my own adjective, which is basically the opposite of bad-ass, I think.) I have so many freaking tote bags’backpacks/etc as it is, that I liked the idea of the diaper bag kit that includes everything but the bag, the changing pad and dirty clothes bags and stuff. Plus, I already have the Enfamil-branded "breastfeeding support no, really!" tote diaper bag from my first OB appointment last time. (I was going to post a link, but they’ve changed the bag since April. I’m sure I’ll get at least one more in this process, though.) If I were going to buy a diaper bag, I’d probably go all elitist and go for a Skip*Hop or something. But, I don’t plan on buying one.
And really, anyone with a baby and any large tote in tow, it can be assumed that the large tote is a diaper bag. Why must it be infantilized with POOH? Also, I’m big on stuff like the diaper bag being MY accessory, not the kids, so it should align with my preferences and not just be baby-fied for the sake of baby-fication. I doubt the babe will have much of a signature style when it’s a newborn, as well. When it’s older and needs a backpack, then it gets more say. No pooh-ass for now!
On the tub — I don’t plan on using the big bathtub for baths until the widget is older and sits more reliably. We have a large single-tub sink, and that’s where pre-sitting baths will be, unless I get in the tub with the widg for some reason. It might squick some people out, but I was bathed in the kitchen sink, and plenty of friends who’ve had babies in shower-only apartments have done the same. If anything, I’m lucky that I have the single big basin. I do plan on getting one of those bath sling-seat things to help with bathing. Our kitchen is more conducive to post-bath drying and dressing and such, too, with the big peninsula right there. Also, because we’ve had to bathe the cat a few times in the last week (on account of one of her paws getting way gummed up with litter, to the point it seemed really painful) and the cat is petrified of the kitchen sink, in any condition, we’ve had the experience of it being somewhat of a pain in the ass to be on our knees at the tub. Standing at the sink will be so much easier.
Bottles — I already have one (thanks Muse!) Avent, and I plan on registering for an Avent manual pump, which comes with two. I’m hesitant to commit to one kind of bottle, invest in them, and find out that the widget won’t use that brand. With my luck, the kid will only take those novelty bottles that look like soda bottles. *shudder*
I’m feeling better today, and have yoga at 1, so YAY. There’s definitely a whole lot more nose breathing today, which is a good thing. And it’s snowing!
Then there’s always this, literal pooh ass:
http://img.epinions.com/images/opti/b2/82/pr-Toys-Avon_Winnie_The_Pooh_Diaper_Cover_Set-resized200.gif
That exact Pooh-ass bag was requested by a friend – in fact, I think by 2 friends. If I liked Pooh, that would be a great bag. But I don’t like Pooh (as a “Brand”, I mean – Pooh as a bear in a book is great and all, but I don’t want him on *my* bag!) I’m on your side – the diaper tote is what the *mama* totes – it doesn’t have to be baby-fied.
best thing for bathing babe. . .
Your arm 🙂 Football style. (maybe pick up a 5lb weight to prep.
Then, when sitting, They have really cool suctioncup seats that allow the mto sit, without being HELD, while you wash hair, body, etc. . when they are sitting of course.
I never had a plastic tub. . . used a metal basin in my sink. . . it just felt so cool, and old fashioned. . I loved it. Put all the bath stuff in there when not in use, and it looked very cool wherever it was. . (and that basket you bought me. . . my diaper storage) . . . .Awww. . I cannot frigging WAIT to buy your babay bath stuff, and, and, and. . .give her a bath! Baths are the BEST time to spend with your baby. . . and the little body rubs after. . . .I miss that time the most. Now I have to chase them around the house while they are dripping and refusing to put on the jammies. . . .
I still can’t believe you are pregnant! YEY!
Diaper Bags: I don’t understand adults who want to carry around Pooh-ass bags, or why companies make them. They for ADULTS, not babies. Although yeah, now that I think of I guess I do see plenty of adult women walking around with infantile decorations on their clothing. We had so many freaking diaper bags it was ridiculous. Free one from the hospital, free one from the doctor, several gifts. We ended up with a back-pack style one that we used most often. It had a changing pad that sat in the front pocket, plus many small pockets inside for the various things. Otherwise I went the route you described and used a regular big ol’ bag with a portable pack that had all the diapering stuff. All the small extra pockets do make it easier to find stuff in there, but with one of those portable packs they’re not necessary. I would make sure to get a nice cushy padded changing pad and plenty of disposable pad covers… A lot of times you find yourself needed to change a diaper and there is no where clean to lay the pad, that’s where the disposable pads come in. Plus if there is a really messy explosion, they are handy for that.
Baths: Also great to use… your lap. I just took a bath with Flynn, keeping him on my lap (with my knees up when he was really small). It was so much easier that way, and (after the cord came off) I could dip him in the water for a little “swim” which he LOVED. Then Adam would take him out for me while I finished my bath.
Bottles: I agree on the bottles that trial and error is the best way. I think we started out with a ton of Gerber ones and ended up getting rid of them in favor of Avent because Flynn was having trouble drinking from them. But I’ve known other people who love Gerber bottles. Find the ones your baby has the easiest time with. And then buy more of them.
Also, I never had trouble making exchanges at either Target or Babies R Us. Target will give you in-store credit if you don’t have a receipt, and I think they actually have a policy of no exchanges w/o one, but I was always able to do it. Maybe they are more lenient with registry stuff. Just start it out with, “Hi, I had my baby registry here and I received blah-blah without a gift receipt…”
I think you are on the right track with your registry. I think all told I ended up seven diaper bags, free and gifted. The one I use is similiar to this one: http://www.landsend.com/cd/fp/prod/0,,1_2_1943_47583_120488_98935_5:view=-1,00.html?sid=8320115866368117910&CM_MERCH=SRCH
It has a HUGE, separate pocket with a fully closeable pouch for dirty diapers and clothes plus a seperate/detachable bag for my stuff. I love that its a backpack too. It is so wonderful for cloth diapers.
We also use a Lands End diaper bag. They are very nice and well made. It doesn’t look like a diaper bag at all. I can see using it as a carry-on bag for travel for many years.
Kitchen sink baths are great…and since you are having a spring/summer baby, you are all set. Our kitchen gets cold and drafty in the winter, that’s why we had to find another method when she was a newborn in Dec., Jan. and Feb. By the time it’s winter for your baby, he/she will be big!