For those of you that are interested in the baby stuff, I figured I’d compile my list of baby gear basics a la Bluebird Vintage. I found her list so helpful and I especially liked her explanations behind why she wanted each of the products she listed. Fair warning though, this is baby gear and not pretty nursery decor. That will come later 😉 Here’s my list so far hopefully some of you will find it useful or at least entertaining 😉
1. The classic Jenny Lind Baby Crib
*I’ve heard all the hoopla about using vintage cribs, I appreciate your concern!*
2. The iconic Bugaboo Cameleon. I’ve pretty much always had it in the back of my mind that I would have a Bugaboo when the day came. I’ve always loved the simple yet fantastic styling of these strollers. The Bugaboo is one of the few strollers that is made to last from infant-hood and onto toddler-hood. I’m hoping to be a one-stroller Mom, we’ll see 😉 I bought this stroller and the matching footmuff (below) from Craiglist for $400. Unfortunately my offer to “review” the new Bugaboo Donkey hasn’t generated any response yet from the folks over at Bugaboo 😉
3. I got this great neutral diaper bag a few months ago off of One Kings Lane for only $60. You can find it here now: Liv+Co Avery Diaper Bag in Natural/Brown. Love it! It’s perfect because it’s a bag I would totally use everyday and even after its diaper days are over. I wanted something that wasn’t to obviously “baby”. I was hoping it was gender neutral enough that the Mr. would use it, but he put the kabosh on that. So we’ll probably have to get him his own special man bag 😉 Anyone have any good suggestions for a manly-looking diaper bag?
4. The Maxi-Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat in Phantom
. I loved this carseat from the very first moment I spotted it for the same reason that I loved the Bugaboo. Clean styling and not to “baby” 🙂 It’s also one of the few car seats that work well with the Bugaboo. I got mine “very gently” used off Craigslist for only $70 and it came with two bases. Score!
. I loved this carseat from the very first moment I spotted it for the same reason that I loved the Bugaboo. Clean styling and not to “baby” 🙂 It’s also one of the few car seats that work well with the Bugaboo. I got mine “very gently” used off Craigslist for only $70 and it came with two bases. Score!
5. The Maxi-Cosi Mico Footmuff in Phantom
. I scored this matching infant footmuff, this morning from the Foundry. It was my very first purchase from Hayneedle’s Foundry website and so far so good! I just love these kind of deal-sites and the Foundry is the newest one 🙂 All said and done, the footmuff was only $48.
. I scored this matching infant footmuff, this morning from the Foundry. It was my very first purchase from Hayneedle’s Foundry website and so far so good! I just love these kind of deal-sites and the Foundry is the newest one 🙂 All said and done, the footmuff was only $48.
6. The Bugaboo Cameleon Footmuff. Find it here
for $130. The matching off-white footmuff is just so adorable. It’s a lot larger than the Maxi-Cosi Mico Footmuff so it will be perfect for Baby B when she’s too big for her carseat & it’s smaller foot muff.
for $130. The matching off-white footmuff is just so adorable. It’s a lot larger than the Maxi-Cosi Mico Footmuff so it will be perfect for Baby B when she’s too big for her carseat & it’s smaller foot muff.
7. The Serena and Lily Prague Market Sling originally $129. I got it for only $89 from Rue La La (another favorite!). It was hard decision between the Prague or the Peacock. Can you see the dilemma? 😉 I figured the Prague would go with my outfits more, since I tend to veer towards neutrals 😉
8. The Ergo Baby Carrier Black with Camel Lining
. The Mr. really wanted a pack-style carrier 🙂 No sling for him! The Ergo is supposed to be very comfy for both parent & baby. This one is on the baby registery, we haven’t gotten it yet. Or hey, you never know, maybe I’ll spot it on one of my deal sites 😉
. The Mr. really wanted a pack-style carrier 🙂 No sling for him! The Ergo is supposed to be very comfy for both parent & baby. This one is on the baby registery, we haven’t gotten it yet. Or hey, you never know, maybe I’ll spot it on one of my deal sites 😉
9. Cashmere Newborn Baby Sleeper from TSE. I got this brand new with tags off of eBay for only $20 including shipping! It’s adorable and ooooh so soft. I thought this would be a nice “Take Home” outfit for Baby B.
10. A vintage high chair a local steal for only $20. It definitely has some wear, but like the crib…it’s just waiting for a nice fresh coat of paint to make it sparkle like new!
11. Bumbo Baby Seat
$35 from Amazon
, but I actually snagged mine for $8 from the Goodwill. It was brand new and still all sealed up in the box. Mine is actually an aqua color, but I’m not sure they still sell that particular color. I hope Baby B likes her Bumbo, babies are so cute when they’re sitting in these mini chairs. I love it!
$35 from Amazon, but I actually snagged mine for $8 from the Goodwill. It was brand new and still all sealed up in the box. Mine is actually an aqua color, but I’m not sure they still sell that particular color. I hope Baby B likes her Bumbo, babies are so cute when they’re sitting in these mini chairs. I love it!
12. Puj Tub – The Soft, Foldable Baby Bath Tub in white
for $37. Yet another thing waiting on the registry. This seems like the perfect small space solution for bathtime. And the plus? It’s so chic looking!
for $37. Yet another thing waiting on the registry. This seems like the perfect small space solution for bathtime. And the plus? It’s so chic looking!
13. 4Moms Mamaroo Infant Seat
for $182. We haven’t bought this yet either, hopefully someone’s feeling generous while looking at our registry 😉 The features of this little guy seem pretty amazing. I love the fact you can plug your iPod into it and hat it has a “car ride” motion setting? How cool is that? This is definitely not your average bounce seat! 😉
for $182. We haven’t bought this yet either, hopefully someone’s feeling generous while looking at our registry 😉 The features of this little guy seem pretty amazing. I love the fact you can plug your iPod into it and hat it has a “car ride” motion setting? How cool is that? This is definitely not your average bounce seat! 😉
14. Gizmine’s Ultrasonic Humidifier in white for $120. This is definitely a splurge item. We haven’t bought this yet and I’m not quite sure we will since it’s so expensive. BUT I just can’t help it. It’s so cute, no?
clarkie says
You should also check out a Beco baby carrier if you haven't already. It's very similar to an Ergo, but a little less bulky and more convenient for a newborn. And they come in cool prints!
CRICKET says
My child tested positive for lead and we believe it to be from something vintage that was repainted but she had bitten.
Beth Hollenbeck says
I have that exact Ergo carrier and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! So versatile and easy to use! All of these are great 🙂
copycatchic@gmail.com says
@clarkie – We did! The Mr. is pretty set on the Ergo though, he's not a big fan of prints 😉
@Cricket – WOW, I'm so sorry! That sounds so awful!
@Beth – GREAT to hear! And I think the Mr. will look so cute with it on 😉 hahaha
C-Note says
The Ergo is fab. I saw it recently on babysteals.com for 50% off, so you should sign up for their emails if you haven't already. It may come up again.
Michele says
Great list and what fun shopping for baby items. I'm just past the baby phase, but you have a great list for new parents or parents-to-be. I also recommend babysteals or mama bargains, for good deals. Enjoy this fun time!
Sara Mueller says
What a wonderful list! I have 7, 8, & 11 and love them. If I have another baby will have to get 12 & 13. They sound pretty good. Thanks for this post.
Dina says
Great list! With a 4 week old in the home, I can tell you there will soon be enough stuff in your life to make 4 more of these lists…it's nuts! But so fun. I'm working on my "9 things that have kept me sane during the first month" type post as we speak. I think these things are so helpful for moms to be, love the Internet!
On the manly diaper bag front, we had the same issue. Mr. H+F wanted no part in my bag so he got himself a SkipHop bag and loves it.
Good luck! Liv the blog and can't wait to see all the fun unfold.
Trish says
A lot of people love their Ergos. If your heart is set on that brand, try craigslist, TheBabyWearer.com, or diaperswappers.com for gently used. Ebay has a lot of questionable knock-offs so be careful there.
However, there are a lot of great carriers out there. Action Baby carriers are good (and cheap).I like my Beco, which is taller in the body than the Ergo (my son leans like crazy in a carrier and practically back-flips out of an Ergo). TheBabyWearer.com has great info on baby carriers.
lcsmom says
You will love your Bugaboo. I got mine with my son 4 years ago and now am using with my 8 month old daughter. Love it! It has been worth every penny. So glad you got a car seat that works with it – that is a must.
Kristen says
I'd be wary of buying a used car seat.
Even if it was gently used, if the car was ever in an accident the seat cannot be used.
Becky says
We are having our first baby girl due one week from today. We also got the puj tub and I LOVE it!
Beehive says
We have a lot of the same stuff on our lists. I love the crib. My mom has the same one that was mine when I was a baby, but she wants to keep it at her house for when I visit (or stay forever 'cause I need her help!) so we're going to have to find a new one. I'm selling personalized baby hats that I've made for dozens of friends over the years in my Etsy shop. I'd love for you to check them out:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/61599147/hand-knit-baby-hat-with-babys-name
The copy kitten posts are my favorite 🙂
Shirley Dela Cruz says
<3 all your choices! Baby B is certainly lucky!
Susan says
re the comment about lead in vintage things… you can buy at home lead test kits – they are pretty cheap and totally worth it just to be sure.
I love the new blog design — but the four buttons on the left for facebook, twitter, etc. make it hard to read the blog!
Love your blog and the baby posts!
jesst says
cute take home outfit, but if you plan on driving home – that style won't work with the carseat seatbelt that goes between her legs. i know b/c we had the same problem – i picked a similar sleeper, so we ended up taking our 'coming home' pictures in her cute sleeper, and then changed her into pajamas with legs for the car ride. just giving you a heads up if you hadn't thought of that. love all the other stuff! very stylish!
jo says
We aren't parents yet or anything but as I contemplate becoming pregnant I've kept my eye out for design conscious baby items and they are surprisingly hard to find. Thanks for compiling this list! Keep it coming!
Julie says
Cute stuff! Eh…make your own decisions about baby gear. Some people are alarmist. I'm trying to be frugal too, as I buy baby gear (I'm 6 months). I found a Bugaboo Bee on EBay and my Mia Bossi, too (which I would never pay full pricedor. I totally believe that if you're patient, everything will pop up on CL or eBay! Oh, and I'm getting a Jenny Lind, too.
michael says
omg, (big duh), babies take a lot of STUFF!
Maria says
bugaboo cameleon…cool!
http://design-elements-blog.com/
hush says
Everyone in LLL 'round here loves the Ergo carrier. My children loved their Bumbo seats (also scored from Goodwill) – but walked before 12 mos, so didn't use it very long.
Too bad Bugaboo didn't hook you up w/ the Donkey (hate that name, BTW!). Five years ago, I would have scoffed at the idea of anyone spending more than $300 on a stroller… now that is kind of the norm in many circles even for middle income families. Ah, America!
The Mom says
Don't bother buying the EXPENSIVE humidifier when you can buy an all-purpose one at Walgreen's for twenty bucks. It will not be room decor, trust me. You will use it when the little one has colds or bronchitis. I would spend the money on something else you really want in terms of decor!
gili says
Don't get the Puj tub. it SUCKS. my baby isn't big, and at 6 weeks, he'd already outgrown it. Now, at 3 months, if i use it, it makes the biggest mess. Save your money and get a fisher price tub.
Ditto for the mamaroo swing. it looks nice, but my kid has fallen asleep in it only once.
Angela says
Great post! As for a masculine diaper bag, you might look at army surplus stores (brick-and-mortar or online). They have a ton of different shapes and a couple of colors of bags, many with plenty of interior and exterior pockets. Can't get much more masculine than that, and as an added bonus, they're inexpensive!!
Gab says
Great list!
RE: The used car seat. Not sure if you know, but car seats actually expire (I had no idea)! Check the bottom of the seat for it's manufacture date – if it's older than 5 years, it's likely expired.
I had a bugaboo and LOVED it – great choice, you wont regret it. I had a graco seat I think that fit into mine – it was awesome. Make sure you try it out a whole bunch (folding and unfolding) so you get used to it.
One other item I would suggest is a temporal thermometer. A quick swipe across the forehead and you get the baby's temp. So much better than taking it the other way, which always seemed so invasive to me.
And absolutely invest in a lead kit – they sell them at toys r us. It's like a qtip you wipe across the object and it tells you right away if it has lead paint.
Therese Jacinto says
Great stuff Reichel!! One thing about the car seat- they have expiration dates. I am guessing because they are constantly updating their designs and their standards get more strict each year. Make sure you check the booklet that came with it and for any safety recalls. Also have it checked at the fire station/police department when you have the based installed. They are trained and can instruct you on how to make sure it's good to go!
Carissa says
I have the ergo (for 2 years now!) and I love it. if you aren't picky on color, babysteals.com carries the ergo occasionally for really great prices.