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You are here: Home / Mom Life / Baby: Nesting 2.0.

May 17, 2018

Baby: Nesting 2.0.

this !

Mama started making a nest.

Sarah is throwing us a co-ed baby sprinkle later this summer and wants me to do a registry for anything we might need. (Just like getting married for a second time, I find it a little embarrassing to do a registry, but there are things we need. I just want to emphasize to guests that gifts are 100% not necessary! But just like the wedding, this is Thomas’s first newborn, so I know he wants to experience all parts of the fun of having a baby.) Anyways, before I knew what we might need, I had to take inventory of what we had. I gave away a lot of the baby stuff I didn’t think I’d use again, so I honestly didn’t remember what was pushed in the back of the downstairs closet or the attic. I was pleased with how much I found!

After taking inventory, I though “Gosh, I don’t need anything!” And then I made some lists, and it turns out my need/want list is actually kind of long. BUT it includes a lot of inexpensive/easy to get items and most of the big ticket things we already have.

Don’t need

  • Newborn or 0-3 clothing
  • Blankets (thick ones)
  • Sleep sacks/swaddlers
  • Wipe warmer
  • Bath towels/washclothes
  • Baby bath tub
  • Boppy and My Breast Friend
  • Carrier and wrap (have both)
  • Car seat covers (have two)
  • Baby seat
  • Crib, bumpers, mattress, sheets
  • Changing pad and covers
  • Dresser/changing table
  • Baby toys
  • Baby books (have a million)
  • Pack and play
  • Baby bath tub
  • Diaper genie
  • High chair (Sarah borrowed mine and it’s beyond use at this point so she’s getting me a new one as a gift!)
  • Paci clips
  • Monitor
  • Running stroller
  • Umbrella stroller
  • Cloth diaper collection (we’re hoping to use these after the first month or so)
  • Baby food maker (Emily just gave me hers!) and storage containers/pouches/etc.
  • Pack n play
  • Nursing tanks and bras
  • Breast pump (I have my old one and a new one on the way too plus my old hand-held!)
  • Bottles (I have 2-3, might need a few more)
  • Convertible car seat (my Clef Foonf has a 9 year lifetime.)
  • Toys – we have soooo many!
  • Nose Frida (Google it!)

Need

  • Burp cloths (Surprisingly! My stash seems small and the ones I had were grossly stained.)
  • Muslin swaddle blankets (Because Mazen still plays with his!)
  • Baby socks (Remember when I got in trouble on the internet for not having those?!)
  • Diapers + wipes (Hoping to cloth diaper, but not right away)
  • Bibs (I could only find plastic ones that were for catching food and no drool catching ones)
  • Infant car seat
  • Pacifiers
  • Thermometer (Always hated the ear one I had with Mazen – recs?)
  • Boogie Wipes

Want

  • Halo Bassinet (I gave away my rock n play and really want something that swivels over the bed verses using the pack n play)
  • A second nursing cover
  • Pajamas (I never feel like I have enough!)
  • A second changing pad (Since we’re doing upstairs/downstairs.)
  • A second wipe warmer (For upstairs.)
  • Dock a Tot (Or similar nest for naps. They make a marble one!! Total want, not need.)
  • Everyday stroller
  • New diaper bag (My old one is no where to be found! I love the Skip Hop ones.)

Not Worrying About

  • A swing. Mazen only liked his for a short period and they are so darn big. But if someone gifted or loaned me one I’d be very appreciative.
  • Multiple bouncy seats for different rooms
  • Play mats (I can just use blankets with toys)
  • A glider. Overrated.

In the process of taking inventory, I cleaned out the office closet (moved everything to the spare room downstairs that will become the office again sometime this year) and then put the baby stuff in the nursery closet.

I LOVE THE SHELVES that Thomas built! The big baskets have blankets, towels, and crib bedding and the tub on the floor is all of our 3-12 month clothing easily accessible when we need it.

Lastly, I put all of the newborn clothing and nursing attire for me up in the empty dresser in the master bedroom.

I’m imagining this dresser being our upstairs/nighttime baby storage and station for the first 3-6 months. And the nursery on the main level being the daytime diaper/clothing/nap area.

Even though I’m not even halfway there yet, I feel super organized already. It’s so nice already having so much of this stuff!

I’ve been reading some of Baby KERF and came across this to-do list post that I wrote about the same weeks last time – must be something about 17/18 weeks when the reality sets in. I was able to mentally cross of SO many things the second time around. I’m not planning on doing childbirth or baby care classes or reading a bunch of books this time. I have a crib, furniture, pediatrician, and nursing bras. I definitely feel more relaxed that I’ve done this once before and babies don’t really need much stuff. I also know that every baby is different, so we might take a different path this time around!

As far as the old to-do list is concerned, buying an infant car seat, pack a hospital bag, and take a nap are the only important things we have to do in the next 20-something weeks!

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Comments

  1. Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says

    May 17, 2018 at 7:03 am

    It’s awesome that you have a lot of stuff already, Kath! The preparation stage will be much easier now. 🙂

    Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
    http://charmainenyw.com

    Reply
  2. Jillian says

    May 17, 2018 at 8:41 am

    Hi! Long time blog reader – congrats on the baby!!! Game changers with baby #2:

    Dockatot!! Fits perfectly in the halo bassinet 🙂
    Hatch Rest- nightlight and sound machine. The sound machine can be controlled from your phone, this is ESSENTIAL when you have another child in the house! The nightlight can be any color, I prefer red for middle of the night feeds. It’s supposed to be less stimulating to allow mom and baby to fall back asleep more easily.
    A good baby carrier (I prefer my Lillebaby).

    Looking forward to following the baby posts!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 9:20 am

      Thank you!

      Reply
  3. Sara says

    May 17, 2018 at 8:42 am

    We bought a forehead thermometer off of Amazon and it works pretty well. I also hated our ear one!

    Reply
  4. Margaret says

    May 17, 2018 at 9:09 am

    With our boy, we found there were never too many burp cloths or Muslim swaddle blankets! Hope you end up with loads of them! ? For your thermometer, our ped suggested a Safety 1st Thermometer that has 3 interchangeable tips when we had our first baby. The tip for doing a rectal temp is the best bc (when they are little it’s the only real accurate temp) it is shaped so it can only be used safely, you never have to worry about inserting too far and hurting them. It also has a mouth tip and underarm. We have used it for all of our kids and love it! I always influx’s it in baby shower gifts now. I know you can order it on Amazon, BB&B, Buy Buy Baby, etc. Good luck!!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 9:19 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
  5. Pam says

    May 17, 2018 at 9:15 am

    What are boogie wipes? Never heard of those! How are they different from a regular baby wipe?

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 9:22 am

      They are saline based (and smell really good!)

      Reply
  6. Jordyn says

    May 17, 2018 at 9:19 am

    Hi Kath! Many congrats to you, Thomas and Mazen on baby boy #2! I too am expecting another boy ( my 4th child and 2nd boy). I wanted to shoot out a suggestion for the infant seat carrier: Nuna Pipa Lite. This thing is a godsend!! Also not forget to put the adapters for the seat you choose down on your registry. The only bummer about the Pipa is that it doesn’t adapt to too many other strollers out there. Congrats and good luck!!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 9:22 am

      Thanks!

      Reply
  7. yasmara says

    May 17, 2018 at 9:21 am

    I’m sitting at my airport gate in Raleigh trying to place why this couple looks so familiar. Friends of my parents? Teacher at school? I just realized they are YOUR parents! (Not a stalker, I promise.)

    I have 2 boys and it’s great! Neither of them wore socks that often. They survived.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 9:28 am

      Hahaha!!! On their way to Brooklyn!! Say hi!

      Reply
  8. Caitlin says

    May 17, 2018 at 9:24 am

    Yay i am so excited! I can’t wait to see you in October!!!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 9:27 am

      🙂

      Reply
  9. KathEats says

    May 17, 2018 at 9:25 am

    So is this a milk catcher and hand pump in one? I had a milk catcher last time that was great (although I haven’t found it yet…hmmm…) and I also rarely pumped because I could catch the let down on the opposite side, but since I can’t find that one I might need a new one. This one looks nice!

    Reply
    • Renee says

      May 17, 2018 at 9:33 am

      Yes this will pump and catch all the milk from your other side when you have a let down. Which I had bought it with William. If we have another we will have it. Helps you store 2ozz or more each feeding

      Reply
      • Autumn says

        May 17, 2018 at 11:34 am

        These are the best, I was going to recommend it to you! Haaka is the brand I used, but this kind looks identical.

        I also LOVE freemie cups. They are an easier way to pump and you can get them to connect to your pump. If you plan on pumping often they are really, really amazing! https://freemie.com/

        Also, for your diaper changing pad, I am really loving the rubber/plastic type versions now. There are more expensive ones with a scale, but the bumbo type works well and is cheaper. So easy if there is stuff to clean up while changing! And no laundry yay: https://www.target.com/p/bumbo-changing-pad-gray/-/A-52206109

        Reply
        • KathEats says

          May 17, 2018 at 1:35 pm

          I haven’t seen that kind of changing pad but sure makes messes easier. I always put one of those disposable pads on top of my pretty cover and had to change it once a week or so, so it wasn’t too bad.

          Reply
  10. Colleen says

    May 17, 2018 at 9:28 am

    I’m sure you feel very confident about childbirth and baby care at this point, but I’m wondering if it might be helpful for Thomas to attend a childbirth class with you, since this is his first baby.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 9:29 am

      You mean so I can make him squeeze and ice cube to simulate getting through a contraction? 🙂 🙂 Yes, we haven’t ruled it out. I’m thinking a one-on-one meeting with our doula might be just as helpful.

      Reply
      • Emily says

        May 17, 2018 at 9:55 am

        Hey Kath,

        I love seeing how you’re preparing for baby number 2! Are you going to plan on another unmedicated hospital birth? I love hearing about births (The Birth Hour podcast is my jam!), so I’m curious about whether you’ll go the same route you did with Mazen.

        Reply
        • KathEats says

          May 17, 2018 at 10:30 am

          That is the plan! I know I came out of Mazen’s birth saying I was 50/50 epidural next time, but I’m 100% hoping for natural again now. (Ahhhh how we forget the pain!) I will write a post on our birth plan hopes and dreams a little closer to the time : )

          Reply
      • Colleen says

        May 17, 2018 at 2:25 pm

        Are you planning to hire the same doula?

        Reply
        • KathEats says

          May 17, 2018 at 2:54 pm

          I hope to but it’s still TBD if she’s available. I have a second one I’d love to use too.

          Reply
  11. Nikki says

    May 17, 2018 at 9:44 am

    I’m not sure you asked for suggestions, but I can’t help myself. There are a couple of things I just LOVE to pass on to other moms.

    We have the Braun forehead thermometer. It’s really convenient if you just need to confirm that baby is warm. But, I would definitely encourage you to have an old-fashioned rectal thermometer (and some Vasoline) handy, too. Our son got RSV at 2 months old and the forehead thermometer was consistently 1 or 2* off, which is a big difference when you’re talking about a newborn/infant, since 1-2* can make the difference of being hospitalized or not.

    With my daughter we had a Baby Delight Snugglenest bassinet that we kept in the bed between us for a few months. When we transitioned her to her crib, we just transitioned her in that for a while. My son, however, wanted no part of that. Everyone raved about the Dock-A-Tot, but I just couldn’t justify the price and I never had success with a Pack-n-Play, so I broke all my safe sleep rules and bought an auto rocking Rock’n’Play. I’d buy 100 of those, if I could. I would say it was the single greatest investment we made with him. He slept sooooo much longer in it and I felt really OK about it.

    Also, not sure if you’re doing a white noise machine, but I’d recommend that, too. We have Dohms and they’re amazing.

    Lastly – we bought a glider with my daughter and it’s fine. We still use it (she just turned two), because we need somewhere to sit when we read before bed. But, we’ve never rocked a ton in it – it’s just not super comfortable. With my son we went a different route and got an old-school gliding rocking chair. I don’t know what the difference is, but that thing is amazing. I could rock for hours in it. I’m already counting down the days when I can claim it from him room and put it somewhere relaxing just for me! 🙂

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 10:36 am

      Thank you! Recs always welcome : )

      Reply
  12. Bethany says

    May 17, 2018 at 10:06 am

    I love this post! One of my favorite parts of pregnancy. So, i splurged and got the dock-a-tot for my second and i would move that sucker into the “NEED” catagory. The thing was a complete life saver. My baby slept SO well from day 5 (when we got home from the hospital). When she just recently outgrew it (at 10ish months), we ended up getting the grand. I could go on and on! Another thing i LOVED my second time is a ring sling. I had the boba wrap for my first, but ended up borrowing a Sollybaby wrap and loved it much more. it was lightweight and not as much material. But the ring sling was easy and beautiful and great. I ended up buying a My Wildbird sling. So excited for you! <3.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 10:28 am

      Great to hear! I figured the Dock a Tot was just a fancy luxury item (although I have seen others write great things about it) so I’m glad to hear others swear by it!

      Reply
      • Bethany says

        May 17, 2018 at 10:43 am

        I initially thought the same, but it was so great. We actually didn’t end up using the rock n play at all the second time around, because of this. And it was nice to just pack it up to bring on an overnight, we could just put it on the bed we were staying at without bringing the pack n play (until she started rolling :))

        Reply
        • Autumn says

          May 17, 2018 at 11:38 am

          The Dock a Tot grand has also been awesome with teaching my son how to sleep in his toddler bed. Highly recommend both!

          Reply
  13. Jen says

    May 17, 2018 at 10:40 am

    My babies are 5 years apart and I definitely needed a few new items in between, especially burp cloths and some new fun things that weren’t “a thing” yet with my first. I was wondering, do you plan to encapsulate your placenta again? Do you have some left from Mazen? Just curious as to how that works. Thanks!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 10:44 am

      I have some capsules leftover in my freezer so I plan to take those. I would do it again if it were an easier process, but it was kind of an ordeal to get it home and coordinate everything so I’m probably going to skip it this time to save logistics planning and because I have some left. If it was something the hospital did for you as an optional add on – now that would be convenient!

      Reply
  14. Sarah says

    May 17, 2018 at 10:57 am

    First-time commenter, but I have to chime in about the Halo bassinet. We got one for my second son, and he would not sleep in it at all. Because the post is not stationary and centered, there is a little sideways pitch to the mattress, and when he was really small he would slide to the side and end up against the mesh, which he didn’t like. He also had reflux, and because of the odd shape of the mattress, there are not any wedges that fit. The base is also really heavy, and you can’t prop it up to even out the mattress or raise the head. It’s pretty expensive, and we were just disappointed that it ended up being just a changing station and place to toss clothes. All babies are different though, and I know lots of people love it.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 11:21 am

      This is the first negative review I’ve heard but those things all make sense.

      Reply
      • Lucy says

        May 17, 2018 at 1:04 pm

        I had pretty much the same experience as the previous comment. I got one for my second baby and was convinced this would be such a nice luxury sleeping experience for both of us – nope! He probably slept in here 3 nights total. He was always falling to the side and not comfortable. He slept much better in a regular crib and sometimes in the rock n play for reflux. If I had to do it over again, I would definitely have borrowed it or found one on Craigslist (there are TONS)

        Reply
        • KathEats says

          May 17, 2018 at 1:32 pm

          I will def. check our mom swap groups

          Reply
          • Anne says

            May 17, 2018 at 5:21 pm

            My daughter hated the Halo. It ended up being a very expensive laundry basket until we finally put it away.

            Reply
            • Joey says

              May 17, 2018 at 11:44 pm

              Just to chime in on the other side, I used the bassinest with my second and loved it! I know everyone one/baby is different but it’s one of my fav baby items. So nice as a nervous mom (even with my second) to have baby high enough and visible enough to see her sleeping and breathing without sitting up. I was the third user of ours and two other moms have used it since us. I know they are expensive but they definitely last!

              Reply
  15. Mary Ann says

    May 17, 2018 at 11:02 am

    I know people love to judge, but I think it is so sad that people feel like they can’t celebrate second or third marriages or babies like the first! With marriages, sometimes they don’t work, or sometimes a spouse is lost; why not celebrate new found happiness? Good grief. And with babies, they are a gift and a blessing, and each one deserves the roof to be raised. Go celebrate!

    Reply
    • Kimberly says

      May 17, 2018 at 11:57 am

      I think this why people do “sprinkles” for second babies/marriages. Just as much celebrating, without as much pressure to spend money and buy lots of things.

      Reply
      • KathEats says

        May 17, 2018 at 1:34 pm

        Yes, and I’m emphasizing that gifts are totally not expected

        Reply
  16. Jenny says

    May 17, 2018 at 11:03 am

    We love the temporal artery thermometer. You just scan the want across the forward to the temple. So easy and accurate. We all use it. I love that you can take their temps over and over with no grumping ;). You can get it at Costco, Amazon or Target, etc. We have had great luck with the Exergen one. It broke once (my oldest is 12) and they replaced it for free. Highly rec!

    Reply
  17. Jenny says

    May 17, 2018 at 11:03 am

    *wand, not want 😉

    Reply
  18. Cindy DuBose says

    May 17, 2018 at 11:05 am

    Hey Kath, Where is that cute little chest from?

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 1:39 pm

      The dresser is from World Market!

      Reply
  19. Angie says

    May 17, 2018 at 11:19 am

    All babies are different when it comes to liking/not caring about the swing. My youngest WOULD NOT nap anywhere but the swing for several months. Try to borrow one if you can in the event your new one is a fan. We loved the cradle-style that swung side to side.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 11:22 am

      I would love to borrow one 🙂 Going to ask around!

      Reply
  20. Liz says

    May 17, 2018 at 11:24 am

    I always find it so interesting to see what other moms consider must haves and what they can live without. Everyone is so different! Like, I find it unfathomable that you’d want a second wipes warmer but not a swing, whereas I’ve never had a wipes warmer and feel like I couldn’t live without TWO swings (one upstairs and one down)! I suppose a lot of it depends on the personality of your first baby and what worked for them. I just think it’s so interesting how much variation there is in people’s preferences! On another note, I HATE baby socks and my babies almost never wear them (or shoes for that matter, haha) so I guess it’s a good thing my life is not on the internet or I’d definitely be in trouble 🙂 People get so crazy about the strangest things…
    Anyway, I am in awe of how organized you are even this early in the pregnancy! I felt like I was way less organized the second time around, although the whole pregnancy experience was definitely less nerve wracking! Excited to read more baby posts!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 1:37 pm

      LOL about socks. Maybe I will run out and impulse by a swing at the two month mark! I think it’s also the fact that it’s such a big item to having in your living room that has me thinking I might try to go without.

      And I think the only reason I am organized this time is because I had lists and gear leftover from the first time! The first time was so much more overwhelming to me.

      Reply
  21. Ashley says

    May 17, 2018 at 12:49 pm

    My first son hated the baby swing but my second loved it. The only way I could get him to sleep sometimes. Every baby is different. I wouldn’t get rid of anything you had based on whether Mazen liked it or not. Second baby mIght!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 1:33 pm

      Well the swing is long gone. I just don’t want to spend the money on another because they are so hit or miss. If someone has one to borrow I totally will though.

      Reply
      • Petra says

        May 17, 2018 at 5:41 pm

        Why do you think they’re hit or miss? Because Mazen didn’t like it?

        Reply
        • KathEats says

          May 17, 2018 at 5:53 pm

          Yeah, it’s clear from my comments today that lots of stuff is hit or miss : )

          Reply
  22. Linda @ the Fitty says

    May 17, 2018 at 12:56 pm

    During times like birthdays and Christmas, do you appreciate being told exactly what the other person wants as a gift, or not? On one hand, come off as maybe, but on the other hand, it could be for me for the other person because then the giver knows exactly what to give to make the other person happy.

    Reply
  23. Jane C. says

    May 17, 2018 at 1:13 pm

    Are you planning to deliver at Martha Jefferson again? (I’m local and expecting and trying to decide between hospitals.)

    I read back to the post you linked back to and was wondering what you decided about cord blood banking and placenta encapsulation? Are you planning to do again?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 1:32 pm

      Yes, had a great experience at Martha Jeff last time. Not doing cord banking, and I wrote an answer above about placenta but going to skip that this time and use my frozen pills up!

      Reply
  24. Susan says

    May 17, 2018 at 1:27 pm

    Also look at the Nose Freda. It sounds gross but was a great tool with my first! I also bought a Snuggle Me Organic for my second baby, currently 28 weeks. It’s very similar to the Dock a Tot but less expensive and I like it’s a small business founded by a mom and available in organic materials.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 1:31 pm

      I have a Nose Freda! It’s so gross but so necessary : )

      Reply
  25. Katie says

    May 17, 2018 at 1:31 pm

    My two cents: don’t bother getting drool bins until you know if you need them! Our girl never drooled, so they felt like a waste.

    Reply
    • Katie says

      May 17, 2018 at 1:32 pm

      *drool bibs

      Reply
  26. KathEats says

    May 17, 2018 at 1:38 pm

    I have heard good things about the merlin!

    Reply
  27. Erin says

    May 17, 2018 at 2:00 pm

    I am on my 3rd baby, and every single time I attend a baby shower/sprinkle I gift the same 2 items: Zutano booties and The Shusher. And every single time I get a thank you note about how they didn’t know the Shusher existed but they cant imagine their life without it!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 2:14 pm

      I haven’t heard of either!

      Reply
    • Ashley says

      May 17, 2018 at 2:16 pm

      Oh man, our shusher was a LIFESAVER the first few weeks!

      Reply
    • Laura says

      May 19, 2018 at 12:02 am

      The zutano booties are amazing! Those are the ONLY thing that will actually stay on a newborn’s foot. I had a few hand-me-down booties with my second and they were so great. I would highly recommend them!

      Reply
  28. KathEats says

    May 17, 2018 at 2:13 pm

    I saw this in a newspaper recently! I can’t get over the price tag, but I love Dr. Karp so I bet it works – whatever it does! All 5 s’s at once?!

    Reply
    • Anna says

      May 20, 2018 at 10:00 pm

      Just had my 3rd (colicky) baby boy. I was THISCLOSE to getting the Snoo. My pediatrician husband just wasn’t convinced. But, I have heard it is a miracle worker. I second Zutano booties (my babies get those or no socks at all)!

      Reply
  29. Ashley says

    May 17, 2018 at 2:15 pm

    I’m surprised you said a glider is overrated! My little guy will be 12 weeks tomorrow and we use our glider SO much! Like multiple times a day! We have a two story house and it’s upstairs in the nursery but I still go up there to feed/rock him for a change of scenery/less stimulation.

    We don’t use a wipe warmer, but I love our oxo wipe box – it’s weighted to hold the wipes down. Don’t forget to stock up on baby medicine cabinet stuff – gripe water, gas drops, baby Tylenol, etc.

    Oh, and the nose frida people make the most awesome baby nail clipper! It’s angled so you can’t nick the baby- it’s the best! We just use the digital themometer the hospital gave us, although we did buy one before, too. They recommended armpit temping only so as long as it’s fast, you’re good!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 2:55 pm

      I knew the glider comment would be controversial : ) We prefer to have a bed in the nursery so I just can’t fit both, but if I had a huge room I would totally do both!

      Reply
      • KathEats says

        May 17, 2018 at 2:55 pm

        OH and I had that OXO box too and loved it but it’s MIA!

        Reply
      • Erin says

        May 17, 2018 at 4:46 pm

        I crammed both a full size bed and a smallish La-Z-Boy recliner in my daughter’s room for the first year. I slept in that bed a LOT, and we rocked in the chair multiple times a day. Once she got big enough to start playing in her room the bed had to go. Now she’s four and still wakes me up in the night to come snuggle….together….in her twin bed. <3

        Reply
      • Elizabeth says

        May 18, 2018 at 8:48 am

        I did a twin bed in the nursery after you suggested and I loved it with all 3 of my babies! I slept in there until I sleep trained at 6 Months. Luckily, there was also room for a glider (and I upgraded to a rocker recliner with Baby 2) and I used it multiple times a day (and night!)

        Reply
        • KathEats says

          May 18, 2018 at 9:02 am

          Yay! I loved a bed for nursing (I did a ton of lying down nursing), changing clothes, and reading books.

          Reply
  30. Sarah says

    May 17, 2018 at 2:52 pm

    My parents bought us a Halo bassinet for our first. I liked it well enough, although our daughter was SUCH a loud sleeper we transitioned her to her own room (right across the hall from ours) earlier than I intended. I am now facing a medically necessary c-section in a couple weeks with my second and I’ve heard the Halo is even better for c-sections, so I’m extra glad we have it. I’ve seen some wedges advertised as fitting the Halo for reflux babies and they also have a couple new accessories, like an infant insert to make it cozier for tiny babies (it gets mixed reviews, but could be OK).

    A couple questions – How many “newborn” size outfits are you planning on? We’ll be delivering early and I’m struggling with whether we have enough from #1. Second – what brand breast pump(s) do you have? I have my Madela PISA from #1, but I think my insurance will cover a new one and I’m wondering if I should switch it up or not.

    Congrats on #2 (or #1? or #1.5? since it’s Thomas’s first??)!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 6:10 pm

      I have a drawer full. I think if you have 14 outfits – enough for 2 per day – you’re probably set to do laundry once a week (but probably more!)

      Reply
  31. Molly says

    May 17, 2018 at 3:29 pm

    The Halo bassinet was pretty much the only new thing I bought for my second baby and I did really like it, but I have to say the Rock N’ Play was more valuable! I’d try to borrow or buy a replacement – it was the single most useful thing for me in the infant months I think.

    And I second the recommendation for Zutano booties-they don’t go anywhere!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 5:53 pm

      What I didn’t like about the rock n play was how low it was. I had to get out of bed to see/touch Mazen. I really want something that is bed height and ideally can swivel over the bed. I’d prefer not to have the baby IN the bed because it might get a bit too crowded.

      Reply
  32. India says

    May 17, 2018 at 3:47 pm

    I’m so curious which stroller/car seat your readers would recommend. Love how you organized these lists.

    Reply
  33. Rachael says

    May 17, 2018 at 3:48 pm

    Just as an FYI, you might want to look into the safety of crib bumpers before using them this time around. I am one of those super paranoid moms who follows everything AAP says, so take this with my paranoia in account.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 5:52 pm

      These are breathable mesh…

      Reply
      • Anne says

        May 18, 2018 at 9:31 am

        The AAP actually says no to the breathable mesh ones as well. https://childrensmd.org/browse-by-age-group/pregnancy-childbirth/are-crib-bumpers-safe/ Not trying to be critical just want you to be informed.

        Reply
  34. valerie says

    May 17, 2018 at 4:10 pm

    I know you have a million reccos, but I just want to pipe in with a diaper bag recco. HIGHLY recommend a diaper bag backpack. Serious game changer, makes everything easier. Skip Hop is the brand I have, it’s super cute and my husband loves it too: https://bit.ly/2Lctwzw (Skip Hop Duo Diaper Backpack– I actually have the older version, but this is updated and super cute.)

    ALSO congrats from one boy mama to another!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 6:10 pm

      I love the look of that!! I generally love back packs, but like that the regular Duo can be messenger so you can swing it around and grab something. I might end up with both kinds eventually. The backpack doesn’t seem to have quite as many pockets – do you find it to be spacious enough?

      Reply
  35. Jenny says

    May 17, 2018 at 8:01 pm

    I love our uppababy vista for an everyday stroller and the travel system was amazing. The halo bassinest is incredible – I resisted, but my mom got it for me, and it was my favorite thing. I also disagree on the glider/rocker as I feed my almost ten-month old in it daily before bed. Hopefully you’ll have a good sleeper, but a good reclining rocker is the best.

    Reply
  36. Ella says

    May 17, 2018 at 8:14 pm

    GIRL! Skip Hop is soooo 2012 (I know because I had my first in 2012 too lol, and I’m totally joking, I’m sure Skip Hop is still great). Get yourself a bag that is both diaper bag AND cute modern bag. I have had ones by Timi & Leslie over the years and there are other cute ones out there – it has been nice carrying something that looks basically like a big purse but with all the benefits of diaper bag pockets/cleanability etc.

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 17, 2018 at 8:34 pm

      haha. they have nice looking ones though! I just remember loving the outer pockets so much. Please send recommendations with lots of pockets!

      Reply
  37. Anna says

    May 18, 2018 at 8:55 am

    So I don’t have a problem with this because I’m a veterinarian but I used a regular digital thermometer rectally for as long as possible – it’s the most accurate way to temp a baby!

    Otherwise we’ve been pretty pleased with one of the forehead thermometers, sorry, can’t remember brand. I hate ear thermometers!

    Reply
  38. Milli says

    May 18, 2018 at 9:13 am

    We are pregnant with our baby number 2, also! It’s so funny to me how much stuff I thought I HAD TO HAVE for baby 1 and how much more chill I am this time around.

    Thermometers: our doctors have always recommended to good ole’ fashioned regular digital thermometer. The most accurate temperature reading for babies is a rectal read. I know it isn’t fun, but it is the most accurate.

    Reply
  39. Lauren says

    May 18, 2018 at 9:37 am

    Skip the baby socks and get a couple pairs of Zutano booties. They snap around the ankle so they stay on when baby would normally kick socks off. Plus not sure about your dog but mine would have the sock in their mouth before I even realized it fell. They’re a little pricey but they hold up great!

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 18, 2018 at 11:19 am

      Perfect thanks!! Gus doesn’t seem to be into socks but he loves his evening rawhide treat! 🙂

      Reply
  40. Liz B says

    May 19, 2018 at 1:12 pm

    Hi Kath! Long-time reader (and RVA-neighbor and fellow mama blogger). Just wanted to comment that I LOVE our Dock-A-Tot. I had a hard time with the (ridiculous) price but I have found it’s worth it. My 6-month-old sleeps in the crib in it (he slept in the Rock n Play the first 4ish months and the Dock a Tot made the crib transition a lot easier). Also, I’m a Peds RN, and definitely just get a plain old rectal thermometer. They’re the cheapest, most accurate, and any time a little one has a potential temperature your pediatrician is going to request a rectal temp anyways. Good luck with everything! Getting ready for babies is the MOST fun 🙂

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 19, 2018 at 1:46 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  41. C says

    May 21, 2018 at 2:46 am

    We really appreciated doing a second time around birth refresher. Also really got a lot out of the bringing baby home workshop based on the John gotten book – baby makes three. Really worth reading and the workshop was awesome – all about how to prepare your relationship for a kid and havin parents. Found it super valuable to prepare for our second, you know the real deal when you are already parents.

    Reply
    • C says

      May 21, 2018 at 2:46 am

      *John Gottman

      Reply
      • C says

        May 21, 2018 at 2:47 am

        *being parents

        Reply
  42. Allison says

    May 21, 2018 at 5:12 pm

    Ok,’ I didn’t take the time to read all of the comments, so I apologize if this has already been said, but apparently spit up stains get worse with time. When I got my old burp cloths out I couldn’t believe how stained there were! Laying them out in the sun gets rid of the stains!

    Reply
  43. Rebecca says

    May 21, 2018 at 11:50 pm

    To keep in your back pocket in case you swaddle… for my escape artist nephews the Woombie was a life saver and kept them sleeping for hours longer than any other swaddle!

    Reply
  44. Lisa Campbell says

    June 20, 2018 at 2:50 am

    I just love your well organized list. And i really appreciate it. I am going for apply it with my baby hope so it will work for me. Thanks for the sharing such a informative article.

    Reply

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    hi! Im Kath.

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