Splurge or Save? Baby Registry Advice - The Splurges

I did a lot of research for my baby registry, but it was really hard to find good info. So now I'm kind of obsessed with telling people about the products I love. I think of lists in my head practically every day.

I've definitely got my own opinions, but I thought this would be an excellent time to team up with all of the awesome mama bloggers (all IFers) whom I have come to know over the past couple of years.

You will find information from myself (MGG), Her Royal Fabulousness (HRF) at Waiting for Little Feet, Alicia at Queen of the Slip Stream, TheRedHead at Musings by a Redhead, and Karaleen from CA (a reader).

Rachel at A Sarti Party posted her own version here.

If you read this and think "but they forgot x!"  Write it up and send it to me and I'll do another list in the future.

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The Splurges!

Let's start with the fun stuff first, shall we?  I'll post the Saves next week.

Some of these are true splurges - things that are not essential, but are nice to have.  Others are expensive items that are worth the extra price.  Whereas a few are simply "must haves" according to the contributors, but are in the average price range.

Digital Video Monitor

This is the only item recommended by every single contributor!  This one is nearly $200, but a great one to look for on Cyber Monday.

HRF: 
We got the Motorola video monitor because we like to watch Max before we go in to him. This way we can decide when he really needs us or when we should let him self-soothe. Much better than audio alone. We didn't dig the ones that have a heart rate alarm - they freak me out.

TheReadHead: 
We got the Summer Infant Secure Sight™ Handheld Color Video Monitor.  The digital technology doesn't interfere w/ our WIFI like most non-digital types would. The video quality is great - even in the dark. And the video + audio is great for being able to check on the little guy without going into his room and risking waking him up with our creaky door :) It also has great range - we will be able to take it in the yard when it is finally gardening time. Pricey but definitely worth the splurge!

Karaleen: 
Don’t be cheap…get the really, really good one with the two way communication, night vision and a big monitor screen.  My oldest is 5 and my youngest is 2 ½.  I would never have slept without this (especially since I am not one to co-sleep and I usually kick my babies out of my room by 6-8 weeks because they make too much noise at night).  Anyway….It was awesome when we first moved baby because I could just open my eyes…look to see baby was in a good position and listen for breathing.  No need to go in and check and wake them or get out of bed.  Then…when baby did wake…I could watch and listen to see if he/she (I have one of each) was just having a restless moment or really did need a feeding.  I could watch and ensure he/she was fine in there, no legs stuck in crib bars or blankets on faces.  It allowed me to just let baby work it out and learn to put himself back to sleep.

As they got even older and we had a 2^nd baby…we bought a 2^nd camera for the same monitor and I could still monitor Mr. 2-year-old who liked to get out of bed and play when he should be in bed sleeping.  That is when the two-way communication really comes in handy…I just press the button and speak into the monitor and it transmits thru his camera.  It makes him jump a bit…but he gets back in bed.  Seriously…he is 5 now and I am still using it….and also still use it for 2 ½ year old daughter who has just NEVER been a good sleeper.  She is still in a crib but very tall….so I can watch and see if she is attempting to climb out or just rolling around in there protesting.  Seriously…best invention EVER!!!!  I would have been a worrying, up all night mess if it had not been for this thing (and sadly….I am on number three because I did not know this and did not take my own advise the first time…seriously…just fork over the money and buy one)!!!

MGG:
I also have the Motorola.  I did tons of research and it was consistently the highest rated.  Dylan is still sleeping in our room, but I put him down for naps in his crib occasionally and I’m fixed to his monitor (it’s still new people!).  The battery life of the device itself is also great.

Stroller: Baby Jogger City Mini GT

MGG:
No surprise here that a stroller is a splurge, but I still want to tell you how much I love mine.  I did TONS of research and I narrowed down strollers to the BOB and the City Mini GT (the front single swivel wheel is essential).  I could not decide.  All of my friends had the City Mini...but the BOB was “the BOB” and everyone talked about how awesome it was.  So I went to BRU and tried to fold each one and lift it up.  I seriously could not lift the BOB (well I could if my life depended on it, but I'm trying not to curse in front of the baby).  The City Mini folds so easily (one hand) and I can get it into the back of my car (a RAV4) without too much trouble (definitely needs two hands).  I also like that it's narrower than the BOB.  That being said, I will probably look for a used BOB when I can start jogging.  I'll just leave it open in the garage.  The City Mini is not designed for actual jogging, but is all-terrain and is pretty smooth.

When I was researching, I watched this video review by Baby Gizmodo.  I believe there is one for every stroller.  Watch it!  They are excellent and go through every feature as well as how it compares to other models and other years.

Remember that you'll need an adapter if you want to use it with your infant seat.

HRF: 
We got the City Mini GT by Baby Jogger - it's super popular and has an AWESOME one pull fold feature which means I can fold it with 1 hand - I love it. Some people do Travel Systems but I find them too bulky. A Snap and Go is also an option while you use an infant car seat.

Car Seat: Chicco KeyFit (Magic)

MGG: 
The key is "Magic."  I have not tried any other car seats but there are a couple big differences between the regular KeyFit and the Magic.  1) The shade.  The shade on the Magic has a zipper that opens to allow the shade to expand forward, almost touching the actual seat.  The regular doesn't move much at all.   The fabric inside the zipper is mesh so it creates nice airflow.  2) The infant padding is also mesh and a better shape to cradle baby's head.  It’s also rated for babies as small as 4 pounds which is great for preemie moms.  It's also one of the lighter seats on the market which was essential for me.  I do not have great upper body strength.

Did I mention that Dylan threw up on his the very first time he sat in it? Ha. 

HRF:
We love the Chicco Keyfit because it slides into the base so easily and releases so easily. Trust me, this is key. Get an extra base for hubby's car. KEY splurge!

Fisher Price Rock and Play

HRF: 
This is THE MOST IMPORTANT thing we own: The Fisher Price Rock and Play. Max sleeps in it constantly because he has reflux but even if he didn't, it's awesome. You can fold it for travel, move it from room to room easily, and it is the perfect height to rock from bed or the couch.

TheRedHead: 
A rock 'n play sleeper is great for use instead of a bassinet when they are really little. The design keeps them at a slight angle, which is more comfortable for some newborns, and it keeps them held nice and cozy. It's portable and lightweight, so you can move from room to room easily throughout the day/night. 

MGG:
Dylan sleeps in this every night.  He has severe reflux and must sleep at an incline.  There have been some safety concerns raised about this product, but I feel comfortable using it under supervision.  There is nothing like it that is small and at an incline that I know of (except the Nap Nanny maybe, but that also has some safety issues.)

Swing

Alicia: 
I recommend that every new mama have a baby swing.  We bought a Fisher Price one that swings side to side and front to back from Wal-Mart.  It was a $200 purchase as well, but this novel invention allows me to put baby down and indulge in such luxuries as a shower and a quick meal for myself!  Our baby loves the swing both when she is awake and when she is sleeping.

HRF: 
We got the Snugabunny ones from Fisher Price. LOVE them and use them every single day. I thought we wouldn't need both but we do because Max needs lots of options.

Boppy/My Brest Friend

MGG:
People have strong feelings about the Boppy. I love it so much that I wish I had another one so I didn't have to carry it up and down the stairs. D loves to lay in the Boppy.

I frequently feed him in this position because it gives him enough incline that his reflux doesn't bother him too much. I also use it when I'm holding him on my chest so that my arms can rest. In the morning we put him in it in the bed...during that time when we are awake and he is awake, but we aren't quite awake enough to get up yet. He sleeps in it too, usually on his tummy (kind of hanging over the side), but always under supervision since Boppy is not safe for sleep. We pretty much use it all the time.

The splurgiest part for me is the cover I registered for. It's plush, has a cool design and has a toy attached. We don't use the toy much...but I'm so glad I got the cover I really love since I look at it for hours on end every day.

HRF:
Get both a Boppy and a Brest Friend pillow - I liked having both for different places to nurse (couch, bed, chairs)…

Wubbanub

MGG:
How cute is he?  This is the one thing you really need to know about and it’s definitely a splurge at $13-$15.  But it's definitely one of my favorites! Pacifiers are such a pain since they never stay in the baby’s mouth! (Well…my baby at least.) Dylan still can’t completely hold onto objects, but I can lay his arm over his Wubbanub and it’ll stay a little bit better.  When he’s older, it’s going to be even more awesome.  And it’s totally machine-washable. Our giraffe has been puked on multiple times.  Stella ate the puppy : (. Also it's a Soothie paci which is what my hospital uses. One piece pacis are safest.

Swaddles

HALO Sleepsack 

TheRedHead: 

This adds a layer of warmth for winter months, and the design lets you "swaddle" their arms in or out. Works great if your baby doesn't do a blanket swaddle very well, but you still want to wrap them to minimize the chance of them waking up due to the startle reflex. 

MGG: 
The HALO Sleepsack is the one recommended by my hospital and that means a lot to me.  It’s a lot of material and you have to wrap it really tightly to avoid having it come up and potentially over baby’s chin, but I still like it.  I suggest getting two of each size, one in the microfiber and one in the thinner material (or just the thinner material if LO will be in that size only during warm months).  I personally do not like the SwaddleMe.  It’s too easy to get hands down underneath the wrap.

When baby is older, you can buy a version that has armholes, but no "blanket."

The Miracle Blanket 

HRF: 
THIS IS CRUCIAL. Get The Miracle Blanket. Max was a ninja and got his little hands out of every receiving blanket swaddle fold we tried. So we went for the big guns.

Aden & Anais 
Swaddle

MGG:
Every mom I know has and recommends these blankets.  I have a ton, but I think 4 would be plenty.  *Hint* The Swaddle Plus is thicker than the other version.  I think Target only sells the thinner one which is why it's cheaper.  The thin is nice too, especially for summer, but makes sure you know that they are different! So maybe you need 4 thin and 4 thick.

HRF: 
These blankets are also very popular, versatile, and soft.

MGG:
I also really recommend their Burpy Bibs (now called Dribble I think).  They are super soft and absorbent, are shaped to fit on your shoulder and have a snap to attach it around baby's neck. They aren't cheap, so definitely a splurge.  Put it on your registry!

(I think you can skip the towel and washcloth, but I'll write about that next time.)

Carriers

HRF:
This is an extremely necessary thing, but one you'll have to try a bunch of different ones to decide: For me, I love the Moby (all stretchy fabric that Max LOVES because it's so soft and cuddly - plus I can sit in it), K'Tan (very Moby-like but much easier), and the Beco (for when I need more security to be hands free). I hated the ring sling types (some people love them). Sometimes the ones you'll THINK you'll like the baby won't - so try them out in the store, once the baby is here? Or keep receipts?

Alicia:
My favourite item that I splurged on was our Ergo Baby Carrier - it was $220 with the infant insert, but so far I've been able to leave the house with a content baby who is snuggled up right next to me and kept warm.  She loves the motions of me walking.  I bought one in an army green colour so my husband can wear it as well and he also loves it.  We wear it both in the home (to free our hands) and when we're out and about.

MGG:
I like the K’tan for home and short times out.  It's pretty easy to use since it just has two loops that you pull up over your shoulders.  I especially like that I can sit in it. I can’t sit in the Ergo (unless I’m doing something wrong).  It’s really easy to put on, but it’s not for long stretches.  I’m 5’4, 130ish and have an extra small.

Diaper Bag

HRF:
Get the Petunia Picklebottom diaper bag (I got another first and regretted it).

MGG:
I also have a PPB Boxy Bag and I like it.  I’m not sure if it’s love though.  The Velcro that holds the flap down is super thick which makes it hard to open and potentially baby-waking.  The shape is great though for fitting on the floor of the car between the car seat and front seat and it hangs on the stroller nicely. (Just be careful about tipping when you hang a diaper bag from a stroller.)

Mine is vinyl which is awesome for spills, but they also have other fabrics and velcro-free options.

*Helpful Hint: Buy yours at Nordstrom Rack or during the Anniversary Sale and you'll save up to $50!

Skip Hop Bag

MGG:

An insulated bag for storing bottles in your diaper bag is an absolute must.  This adorable Skip Hop bag is not.  I first used a Lansinoh bag that came free with a box of milk freezer bags, but the zipper broke and I finally got my dream bag. Just kidding, but only a little bit.  I'd been eyeing these bags since I started my registry and the only reason I didn't already have one is that every single one is so freaking adorable that I literally could not make up my mind which one I wanted!  First world problems, right?  I finally decided on the hippo and I love it.  It fits three 6 ounce bottles easily, but is still rather small so it fits in the diaper bag nicely.  And every time I see it I smile : ).

Bottles

Alicia:
As a bottle feeding mama, I would also highly recommend investing in good quality bottles that minimize gassiness and have a nice flow.  We purchased Dr. Brown's bottles (which are more pricey than the Playtex ones we also bought), but we have actually ditched the cheaper ones (even though they are more convenient) b/c they have resulted in some pretty gassy nights (not fun for any of us!).

MGG:  
I also use Dr. Brown's.  I can't say they are definitely better because I haven't use much else, but when Dylan was having feeding issues, I went out and bought these to try.  Since they worked, I didn't switch.  The main knock on them is that they have lots of parts to clean.  Honestly, with pumping and having bottles...there are parts and parts and parts anyway so it doesn't bother me.  The idea is that the air goes through that blue tube in the middle up to the top of the bottle.  I like that they start out with a "preemie" flow nipple and that they have 2 ounce bottles.  That made it seem less weird when Dylan was eating less than 60 mls per feeding.

NoseFrida

HRF: 
NoseFrida (trust me, you'll need it)

MGG: 
I’ll admit that I registered for Nose Frida because it was kind of trendy.  Everyone online was talking about it.  Then…I found out you have to use your mouth to suction. Ew!  So I didn’t use it.  But the bulb syringes are opaque and can only suction whatever air it can hold.  With the Nose Frida you can see whether you’ve sucked up the booger and you can keep sucking until that happens which means less total time on the nose which is good since Dylan HATES being suctioned.  The tube is really long so you’ll never suck up a booger…it’s just weird.  The best thing is that the tube detaches and you can clean it when you clean bottles and you can see that it is clean.  I have a hang-up that boogers will stay stuck inside the bulb even though that’s probably crazy.

Nursing Cover

HRF: 
You'll also want a nursing cover (I like the Bebe Au Lait ones) for public nursing

MGG:
I’ve already written about the Bebe Au Lait.  Think of this as clothing.  You want it to be something you actually want to wear.  I have never worn it in “public” since I pump.  But often you have to pump with people around and this cover is great.

Gel Pads

TheRedhead: 
Some kind of gel pad with witch hazel for the early days of breastfeeding. Our nurse gave us some hospital grade ones, and then I bought Soothies by Lansinoh when we got home. They're a little expensive, but they really helped soothe my sore, cracked nipples. And you only need them for the first couple of weeks, so it isn't an on-going expense. They're especially great if you store them in the fridge and put them on right after nursing.

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To attest to the usefulness of some of these products, I am currently pumping (as in right this moment) using the Medela PISA, Medela parts and Medela Hands-free pumping bra.  Dylan is laying in his Boppy and I am feeding him with my left hand with a Dr. Brown's 4 ounce bottle as I type with my right hand.  Dylan has an Aden and Anais Dribble bib around his neck and I have an Aden and Anais Swaddle blanket over my lap because I'm kind of cold.

I hope you found this post helpful!

Next up are the items to Save money on.

You might also be interested in Must Have Items for the NICU.