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Laura Thieme

Bizresearch President – 10 years - 2007

Fisher College of Business Lecturer on Search Marketing

OSU Russian Studies Grad – 1993

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25th June 2008

Baby Registry Recommendations? 5 replies

By the way, I’m looking for baby registry recommendations, as well as your must-have and don’t need to have lists, what worked, what didn’t. 

Please submit your comments, by clicking on the title of this blog heading - it’ll take you to the page you can comment - thanks a million in advance.

 The more organic, chemical, lead-free solutions you have, the better - but I’ll review everything you suggest.

5 Responses to “Baby Registry Recommendations?”

  1. Susan Shepherd says:
    June 25th, 2008 at 10:33 pm

    Hey Laura,

    One of the best things you can do for you and your baby when he/she arrives is try to simulate life in the womb as much as possible. Some say you should try to create a 4th trimester for your baby. One book to look at that talks about this is called the Best Baby on the Block. (I know, stupid title, but it offers sound advice).

    For example, 9 months plus your baby will have been in a confined tight space. Suddenly he/she is thrust into a bright open world. Babies will startle alot if placed on thier backs. They don’t feel comortable in all this openess, it’s almost like free falling to them. They love to be swaddled and held close. My kids loved to be wrapped up like little tortillas with thier heads sticking out.

    Keeping your baby swaddled close to your heart beat on your chest is very soothing to a little one. Slings are good for that. Find one that is comfortable for you and the baby. It will keep your hands free to work and keep your baby feeling warm and secure.

    Find a good sling or carrier that is soft and secure for the baby. Baby Bjorns are good as are the simple slings you see Moms use all over. You will use it for almost the whole year or sometimes even with a toddler.
    These are a must for a busy Mom and keeps your hands free to do other things. You can’t begin to imagine how tired your arms can get from holding a baby all day. For me personally, this was a must have.

    Also white noise calms babies. Radio on off station for instance. This is great for when the baby needs to sleep. This simulates the loud slushing noies of your blood being pumped all around him/her while inside you. Don’t need to buy an expensive sound machine for sleep. White noise or wjen older soothing music.

    Rocking or swaying the baby helps because it simulates the rocking the baby experieced when carried in your womb. Nothing sweeter than a sleeping baby on your breast when your rocking him/her and the smell of his/her scalp. Invest in a nice comfy rocker chair. You might find your self napping in it with your little one at your breast. Get ready for the Oxytocin high - pure heaven.

    Also, check out the Dunstan baby language dvd.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DUxSLrgPQQ

    Some other must haves:

    Tylenol extra strength for Mom, and

    Oxyclean and stain stick remover pens. You’ll need these for years to come. ;)

    I’m sure whatever you get or do will be perfect for YOUR baby.

    Lots of love,

    Susan

  2. Laura Thieme says:
    June 26th, 2008 at 8:13 am

    Thanks Susan for the great recommendations. One friend of mine indicated that Baby Bjorn can be tough on baby hips. I know I see a lot of people with these and assumed I’d put it on the baby registry. However, what about baby slings as an alternative? Here is one kind of mama baby sling .

    Let me know your thoughts. I do love the concept of the baby noise machine - I already have a Bose sound machine - will that suffice? There is one that sounds like a radio off station noise - it’s a rainstorm - but it sounds like near static to me… ;-)

    Where did you register for your children? Do you try to do organic now?

  3. Laura Thieme says:
    June 26th, 2008 at 8:23 am

    Here’s the ERGO baby carrier ERGO baby carrier

  4. Susan Shepherd says:
    June 26th, 2008 at 10:41 am

    Hey Laura,

    Yes the Maya wrap is great for babies and so is the ERGO carrier. I did used a Maya wrap with my kids, but it takes a while to get used to. As far as the Baby Bjorn, I’ve never heard of that before. I used a different brand of similiar soft type carrier but can’t remember the name of it. It’s been a while since my little ones were so young.

    If you plan on breast feeding try to find a nice breastfeeding pillow that supports your arms as well as your baby. I never did like the Boppy pillows. They seemed so floppy to me. I had one (but can’t remember the name of it (sorry, once again - been awhile) that was very firm and had a velcro strap in the back. It really supported the back. It also had a little pocket in the front to put things in.

    If you have questions about breastfeeding, I’ll be happy to help. It’s not as easy as all those Madonna and baby pictures make it out to be. The first 4-6 weeks can be rough on your nipples and there can be other worries. It’s a major adjustment.
    I breastfed both my kids. Kellyn for about 2 years. Evan for 3. Yes, I was one of those crazy ones. When they are toddlers like that it’s just maybe once or twice a day - comfort nursing before naps or bedtime. But you can’t get much more organic than that.

    Don’t worry, I’m not one of those La Leche nazis or anything. I don’t make any judgements on those who choose not to nurse. But I will say it’s an amazing experience.

    As far as organics go, yes I tried to keep thier diets organic for the most part, but many times I slipped.

    You know, I never did register for my kids or my wedding for that matter. Can’t help you there. Let me know where your registered though.

    And if you have friends with little ones and they have outgrown stuff and are willing to part with it. Take them up on the offer. All that stuff gets expensive. Hand me down clothing is great because they grow through it so quickly anyway, mot to mention all the stains they get on thier little onesies. And it’s fun for your friends when they come for a visit, “Oh I remember when little “Johnny” wore that…” Of course it’s nice to have new outfits too. But recycling is great here. Benefits friends trying to clear out thier homes and helps your pocket book.

    There are so many things to worry about with having a new one. Do I have the right equipment, am I feeding him/her the right things…? I’m telling you a first time Mom can drive herself crazy with worry. God knows I did. I read every book out there trying to know what was best. I had a bout of post-partum depression with my first one and it was exacerbated by all my worrying. Second time around I was much more relaxed.

    Believe me there is so much pressure on parents and moms to be to do the right thing that it can drive you crazy with worry and guilt. Enjoy it all and let and worry and guilt go. Easier said than done I know, but you’ll find it never stops even when your little one person becomes an adult.

    Just remember you have the most important thing of all for your baby already - yourself and your love. Milliions of Moms have gone before you with much less.

    Sorry if this sounds preachy. I’m such a bore. Just so excited for you and can’t wait to see pictures.

  5. Nicole says:
    July 29th, 2008 at 1:21 pm

    Okay, I looked at the baby bottles. The brand I’ve heard recommended by lots of nursing moms, since the nipple is more similar to a mother’s nipple, is Dr. Brown’s bottles. While on Babies R Us website, I think you might want to check out 2 brands; Adiri and Born Free. I really can’t offer too much help here since Jax never took a bottle…it was from breast to sippee cup for us!!

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